On their way to Viscount Bunarn’s territory, Ryu stopped the carriage by the side of the forest and used the “Dimension Corridor” to return to the Landmark Manor once.
He did this to report to Farza and to store the gem entrusted to him by Viscountess Mamire as collateral in the underground treasure vault of the Landmark.
Although he could have kept them in his own magic storage, he felt obligated to fulfill his promise properly in this matter.
Having returned in an instant to his room via the “Dimension Corridor”, Ryu headed straight for the underground, only to bump into a maid on the stairs by chance.
“Welcome back, Master Ryu… Huh!? Master Ryu!?”
The maid double-checked Ryu’s unexpected presence and nearly stumbled in astonishment.
Ryu extended his hand to steady her and asked casually.
“Oh, is Father in his study?”
“Ah, I’m sorry, young master! The lord is currently working in his study!”
The maid straightened her posture and answered, bowing.
“Got it, thanks!”
Ryu expressed his gratitude and hurried downstairs. Upon reaching the treasure vault’s entrance, he opened the door, carefully placed the gems on the pedestal inside, closed the door, and securely locked it.
“Finally, the day to use the treasure vault I made has come, but who would’ve thought the first item would be the gems held as collateral…”
Ryu chuckled to himself and immediately made his way to Farza’s study.
Knock, knock
As Ryu knocked on the door, Farza’s voice came from inside.
“Come in.”
Without looking up, Farza, still immersed in paperwork.
“Prepare a light meal for me later, please.”
While saying this, he continued to write on a document.
“Oh, Father. I’ve brought the contract for the financial transaction with Viscountess Mamire. Please review it later.”
“Ah, Ryu, you’re back… Ryu!?”
Farza was genuinely surprised to see Ryu in the room, having left just a week ago.
“Come on, Dad, get used to it.”
“Oh, right, it was the ‘Dimension Corridor’… It’s quite surprising to suddenly appear after being gone for a week. So, did everything go smoothly with Viscountess Mamire?”
“Yes, I stored the gem bestowed by the royal family as collateral in the treasure vault, so please check it later.”
“Understood, also, please convey my regards to Viscount Bunarn.”
Farza said as he received the documents from Ryu, sending off his reliable son.
“Yeah, I’ll be off then!”
Ryu dashed back to his room, and from the entrance of the “Dimension Corridor” he installed, he returned in an instant to the exit near the carriage where Leanne and the others were waiting.
Half a day later, Ryu and his party arrived at Viscount Bunarn’s territory.
Viscount Bunarn awaited their arrival in front of his mansion.
“You’ve had quite a rough time being delayed by Viscountess Mamire. Did she hesitate to use that gem as collateral after all?”
Viscount Bunarn seemed anxious, as Ryu and his party were delayed more than expected.
“…Well, Viscountess Mamire kindly offered the gem as collateral, so we managed to secure the loan as planned.”
“Hmm… I see. Even Viscountess Mamire? She seemed hesitant to even show it to me, let alone offer it as collateral. What kind of magic did you use?”
“That’s a trade secret, I’ll just leave it at that.”
“I see… The third son of the Landmark family seems to be secretive… Let’s not delve any further into that. Hahaha.”
Viscount Bunarn seemed quite curious, but he restrained himself.
“…By the way, would it be possible for me to have a look at that gem?”
“I’m sorry, but please understand that it’s a contractual item between Viscountess Mamire and us. Showing it off to others would raise trust issues.”
“Not even a glimpse?”
“…I apologize.”
Viscount Bunarn seemed very interested in the gem owned by Viscountess Mamire.
He might even ask to buy it eventually.
“Well then, there’s no helping it… Oh, I’ve been rude not to guide you inside. Please, come in.”
Viscount Bunarn’s mansion boasted a size and scale that rivaled Viscountess Mamire’s.
While the exterior was impressive, indicating a substantial investment, upon entering, instead of being directed to a guest room, Ryu had to request to be shown to the study. At first, Viscount Bunarn hesitated, but Ryu conveyed that they were not mere visitors, prompting him to relent and guide them.
At the back of the mansion was the study, and it was evident that the maintenance along the way was somewhat lacking. It seemed that money was primarily spent on areas visible to outsiders.
It appeared that the individual was one who spent money to maintain appearances.
By the time Ryu reached the study, he had gleaned some understanding of Viscount Bunarn’s character.
