Cultivation of coffee beans, syrup, hand carts, new models of carriages, and chocolate, the fame of the Landmark Baron has greatly increased in the southwest of the kingdom.
Despite this, they weren’t particularly aware of it, but recently they’ve been receiving letters and messengers from unfamiliar nobles requesting meetings.
The contents varied: invitations to existing factions, requests for loans, sob stories aiming for sympathy, pleas for friendship, pressure from higher-ranking nobles, demands for patent sales, invitations for joint production, etc. However, most of them clearly aimed to exploit the Landmark family for personal gain.
“…They’ve increased all at once.”
Farza sighed, looking at Ryu amidst the pile of letters.
“It’s only temporary, Dad. If we emphasize our affiliation with the Marquis of Sugoella and brush off unreasonable demands from higher-ranking nobles, and if we say we’ll provide a guarantor for loan requests and secure collateral properly documented in contracts, most of them will be too intimidated to borrow. Those who try to evoke sympathy usually pose a danger, characterized by putting their own interests first without regard for others’ losses, so it’s best to ignore them. And patent sales requests are out of the question.”
“Is that so? But this count’s letter… he seems so unfortunate…”
“Dad, letters from strangers aiming to evoke sympathy are usually just scams. It’s a common tactic, so be careful, okay?”
“Come to think of it, I have no reason to sympathize with complete strangers.”
As always, the father is too kind…
Worrying, Ryu offered advice.
“Since most of them can be ignored, I think once you’ve glanced through them, there’s no need to read them again.”
It’s like spam emails or direct mails from a past life.
The kind of stuff the lower echelons of the former organization used to handle.
It’s endless if you engage with them.
“But don’t you think the invitation is a good offer?”
Farza, concerned about the production situation in his domain, remarked.
“That’s true, but there’s someone among the new nobles who seems trustworthy and profitable, just like us.”
“Oh! That’s great! Who is it?”
“Count Bridge. Since Tauro-chan and Ellis are on good terms, it seems like we’ll have a long-term relationship, and most importantly, he seems trustworthy.”
“…Indeed. As a count, he must be struggling financially as well, and strengthening ties for the future might be beneficial…”
“…If our families are closely connected, it might also lead to progress in their relationship.”
“Exactly. If it leads to Tauro’s happiness, that’s the most important thing. Alright, let’s write a letter from our side and ask.”
Immediately, Farza sent a letter to Count Bridge proposing a “joint production invitation”.
Since he’s of higher status, it’s more of a request.
A response came back promptly.
The content was affirmative, expressing gratitude as well.
Later, a trusted aide entrusted with authority by Count Bridge visited the Landmark family to negotiate details.
While coffee bean cultivation was put on hold due to its lengthy process, an agreement was reached for joint production of new model carriages, hand carts, and rickshaws, which the current production couldn’t keep up with.
Through this alliance, the Bridge family secured job opportunities and profits for their subjects, while the Landmark family strengthened their weak production capacity and gained a brighter outlook for the future of their eldest son, Tauro.
Visiting the office, Ryu noticed an intriguing addressee among the usual letters received by Farza.
Viscount Bunarn… Sounds familiar…
“Oh, Dad, is Viscount Bunarn one of the nobles from the south?”
“Hmm? Oh, yeah. Come to think of it, there’s a noble like that in the south, but I don’t remember why I know about them…”
While answering Ryu, Farza couldn’t recall why he knew of a noble with whom he had no connections.
Ryu also had the same feeling, but upon recalling, he remembered that the son of Viscount Bunarn was a schoolmate and rival of Tauro. (Refer to Chapter 22)
“Perhaps he was friends with Tauro…”
“…Hmm? …Ah! I think I remember his name from Tauro’s letter!”
Upon Ryu’s reminder, Farza also recalled.
“Can I read this letter?”
After confirming with Farza, Ryu examined its contents.
While it started with a preamble about their sons being friends at school, ultimately, it was a request for a loan.
It seemed they were planning to use their children’s friendship to borrow money.
According to Tauro’s accounts, Viscount Bunarn’s son was competitive yet honorable, possessing a refreshing character.
Judging from the content of the letter, it seemed the son was unaware, indicating that the parent might not be as admirable as their child.
Farza and Ryu exchanged glances, pondering on what to do next.
