For Farza and Ryu, just like any other noble strangers in red, they could have ignored Viscount Bunarn’s request for a loan. However, since the children were friends with Tauro, there was a high possibility of deepening their connection in the future.
“If we reply with our usual content, maybe they’ll hesitate and refrain from reckless borrowing?”
Upon Ryu’s proposal, Farza decided to reply with a message conveying the atmosphere of not being able to borrow easily, mentioning things like joint guarantors and collateral.
Ten days later…
Viscount Bunarn and his companion, Viscountess Mamire, arrived at the Landmark estate with beaming smiles.
(Ryu! They’ve really come!)
Farza whispered to Ryu as they escorted the two into the VIP room.
Even Ryu was inwardly surprised by this.
It took eight days round trip to Viscount Bunarn’s territory.
In other words, he had arrived with Viscountess Mamire, a joint guarantor, just two days after receiving the reply letter.
Ryu knew that Viscountess Mamire was a neighboring noble to Viscount Bunarn.
According to Sebastian, the butler, Viscountess Mamire was one of the long-established nobles in the south, apparently owning a vast estate for a viscount.
However, apart from that, Sebastian’s information network had reached its limit.
In Ryu’s previous life, honed observational skills led him to believe that Viscountess Mamire, the companion, had no money at all.
Her flashy clothes, upon closer inspection, had outdated designs, seemingly pulled out from the depths of a wardrobe.
While there might have been a period of glory in the past, now she gave off an impression of mediocrity. Ryu feared that lending money to her might result in unrecoverable debt.
On the other hand, Viscount Bunarn’s attire seemed relatively new, but it was equally flashy and tasteless, with unnecessary frills adorning the collars and sleeves.
While the shoes seemed decent, there were several scuffed marks indicating lack of proper care.
Based on Ryu’s past experiences, he gave them the lowest rating.
Even if they were old, well-maintained shoes might have conveyed sincerity, but there was none to be found here.
Ryu believed that one’s character could be judged by their shoes. He didn’t even need to inspect Viscountess Mamire…
Viscount Bunarn seemed lacking in sincerity to repay, and Viscountess Mamire lacked the financial capability to repay.
However, if Tauro’s words about Viscount Bunarn’s son were true, then lending might be worth considering due to his potential to become a respectable individual in the future.
As for Viscountess Mamire, there might be a chance of lending if she could offer her name and vast estate as collateral.
Once the two were seated in the VIP room, they began praising Lord Landmark’s recent achievements, seemingly to butter him up for borrowing.
However, Farza, being most uncomfortable with such approaches, started to feel irritable.
Viscount Bunarn and his companion paid no attention to the child sitting next to Farza, but noticing Farza’s change in demeanor, they turned their conversation towards Ryu.
“Is this your son? He seems clever. Is he here to assist you today?”
Viscount Bunarn asked jokingly.
“Yes, I’m here to evaluate both of you.”
Upon hearing this unexpected response, the two exchanged startled glances.
“…Evaluate?”
Viscount Bunarn questioned, sending a fleeting glance to Farza to confirm his intentions.
“…I’ve entrusted this matter to my son. What do you think, Ryu?”
Farza said, and Viscount Bunarn and Viscountess Mamire exchanged another glance, looking puzzled.
“If both of you intend to become joint guarantors, I find it insufficient. I also deem collateral necessary, so I suggest evaluating and determining collateral within your territories.”
“If Ryu says so, then let’s do that.”
“Eh? Are you really letting your child make the decision, Baron Landmark!?”
Viscount Bunarn exclaimed in surprise.
“Do you have any dissatisfaction with my son, Viscount Bunarn?”
“N-No…”
“In that case, we’ll send our people to accompany you. Once the collateral is decided, we’ll lend you the desired amount.”
“U-Understood. So, as long as we provide collateral, you’ll lend us the money, correct?”
Viscount Bunarn confirmed, and Ryu nodded on behalf of Farza, leaving the two in a state of bewilderment.
