Chapter 57 Part 1

Casual Conversation: Discussion with Christoph (Richard's Perspective)

I returned to the Duke's mansion in the capital and immediately had a discussion with Christoph.

The proposal from Lord Leon regarding the use of shells that was presented yesterday could potentially sell well if vegetables indeed thrive. Your knowledge is truly remarkable; what was once a pile of rubbish might become a treasure trove. We should try it out soon.

"Father, what urgent matter do you wish to discuss? Is it about the dish that Lord Leon prepared? I've already heard countless times from Lucian how delicious it was."

Christoph's slightly weary expression might be due to that. Indeed, the dish was exquisite.

Nasel mentioned that there were many unfamiliar cooking techniques. To possess such culinary knowledge is truly an enigma.

"That dish was indeed delicious. I would love to have it again sometime."

"Father, are you really discussing food that can't be eaten? It's quite disappointing."

"I apologize. My conversation is about something else."

"And what might that be?"

"This."

I said that and placed the wooden box my attendant had placed beside me on the table and opened it.

Christoph's face turned quite puzzled.

"Isn't this scallop shells? Why have you brought such waste back?"

"I learned from Lord Leon that if you bake and finely crush these shells, they can become fertilizer."

"This is fertilizer!?"

Christoph seems quite astonished. Understandable, considering these were once considered trash.

"This white powder is what Lord Leon baked and crushed to make."

I said, showing the bag of powder.

"It seems a lot of effort is needed to make it this fine."

"According to Lord Leon, coarseness is not good. Since we don't know the optimal level of fineness, he wants us to experiment and figure it out. Also, he mentioned trying soaking them in fresh water for a few days before baking or even just crushing them without baking."

"Understood. Let's create different patterns of the powder and test them on next summer's crops. We'll investigate which fertilizer yields better growth and tastier vegetables. To ensure no information leaks, we should do this in the mansion's garden."

"That would be best. And once we confirm its effectiveness, the Duke's household should buy the shells, making it a lord-led initiative."

After all, this is a project granted by the Apostle. It would be a grave matter if left to commoners and it fails. The Duke's family should take the lead.

Lord Leon is truly a remarkable individual, sharing knowledge for our benefit. He claims he owes the Duke's family an unrepayable debt, but it's only natural to offer wholehearted assistance and treat the Apostle well.

I hope the day comes soon when Lord Leon can reveal his Apostle identity openly. Until then, we must treat him as an exceptional commoner, as we've done so far.

"I understand. If it's a project from Lord Leon, it's only natural for the Duke's household to take the lead. I will handle it responsibly."

"Christoph, I'm counting on you."

Christoph has truly become a dependable lord. Lucian is also growing strong. The Townsend Ducal Family is in good hands.

Just as I was about to conclude the discussion with Christoph and feel relieved, he mentioned he had another matter to discuss.

"Father, it's about Morgan..."

The topic of Morgan. I was genuinely surprised when I heard from Lord Leon. Morgan has been serving me since the time I was the lord. However, embezzling funds from the ducal family is an unforgivable act. Money must be reinvested into the town; otherwise, the town will eventually decline. How could he not understand that?

But that's not all. Morgan's gravest offense was driving Lord Leon to live in the servants' quarters. And the reason his room became unusable was that he sold the furniture for money. This cannot be forgiven under any circumstances.

Luckily, Lord Leon never complained about being allocated to the servants' quarters. It's almost a relief. If he had been angered, it would have been chilling.

I wanted to offer my room, but it would be unreasonable for a commoner like Lord Leon to stay in a guest room, while I, the former duke, stay in the servants' quarters.

I thought my life might shorten that day. But I was supposed to stay in that town on my way back. I must arrange things properly by then.

"What happened to Morgan?"

"He's being taken care of. We've already arranged for the furniture to be moved from the ducal mansion to set up Lord Leon and Lucian's guest rooms. I've instructed some of the mansion's staff to assist with the arrangements, so it should be done smoothly. Additionally, a few of the ducal family's knights and soldiers have been sent. We've captured Morgan for now and he's being held at the town's guard station. Morgan is of semi-noble status, so I considered being more cautious, but it seems he's estranged from his family, so we need not be overly concerned."

"That's good. For now, this should suffice. The real challenge is if no evidence emerges..."

There's a possibility that evidence could be expertly disposed of. If that happens, how will we proceed...

But this time, we'll likely get testimony from the staff, and the fact that the furniture is missing is undeniable.

" This time, it seems easy to find evidence. It should be simple to locate the dealer who bought the furniture. Since they wouldn't have sold it to a legitimate merchant, they must have sold it to shady characters like black market traders. However, since furniture is difficult to transport, it shouldn't have been sold to individuals who are far away. It's likely to be found either within that town or in nearby towns and villages. Once we apprehend Morgan, I've instructed them to find the evidence."

"I agree. Once the evidence is found, send it to the capital city, and I will handle the rest."

"Thank you."

"In the unlikely event that no evidence is found, dismiss them. You can cite their disrespectful behavior towards the Duke's guests as the reason."

"Indeed, that would work. We don't need anyone who treats the Duke's guests with disrespect just because they're commoners."

"Even if one is a commoner, they should show proper respect to the Duke's guests. Furthermore, since I personally communicated this, Leon is a guest and should be treated with courtesy."

"Yet, Morgan's attitude suggests they look down on commoners. Such an individual is not needed in the Duke's household."

"I initially thought they might be a spy from a hostile faction, but that wouldn't explain such an overt attitude. Moreover, Morgan's family should have a neutral stance. They seem to have already severed ties with their family, so there's no need for consideration in that regard."

"While it's fortunate that this doesn't lead to larger issues, we should be more cautious when hiring nobles in the future."

"It's essential to reduce any potential danger to Leon."

"Then, I leave it to you."

"Understood."

"With some uncertainty about the future, I left Christoph's office."

-Morgan's Perspective-

"They finally left, that insufferable commoner! How dare a commoner act so arrogant, even as a guest of the Duke's household!"

I couldn't conceal my irritation and made my way to the office, making a loud commotion.

"Hey! Come here quickly!"

As soon as I entered the office, I summoned a servant.

"What happened, Morgan-sama?"

"We need two more guest rooms. Prepare them immediately!"

"But, um... we don't have the furniture to set up guest rooms. You see... you sold them, Morgan-sama..."

"What? Are you blaming me for this?"

Honestly, commoners are such a nuisance. I've kept this incompetent fool around out of kindness, yet they blame me for every mistake. They're beyond useless.

"I assure you, that's not the case."

"If we don't have furniture, why don't you buy some?"

"But... I don't have the money for that..."

"Then commission the workshop to make them at a reasonable price! Nobles would be delighted to receive a request from you. After all, it's a request from me, so they should be honored. It's truly lamentable that someone so incompetent can't even think of such a solution."

"But... there's the issue of the time it would take..."

"If necessary, make them work through the night! Hurry and make the arrangements!"

"Yes... understood."

Finally, they're gone. They're utterly inept. It might be time to consider firing them.

Well, with the guest rooms prepared, everything should be perfect.

For the next few days, I enjoyed peaceful days as usual. It's such a relief not to have that annoying commoner around.

More importantly, when will the harvest season come? Without the harvest, I won't earn much money.

Selling more furniture is out of the question, so I need to come up with a better solution.

...Clatter, clatter...

What's with the noise? I was just about to come up with a brilliant idea!

As I was about to reprimand the noisy servant, the door to the office swung open.

"Hey! Can't you be quieter when you move around?"

"M-Morgan-sama, the Duke's knights and soldiers have arrived!"

What? The Duke's knights are here for what?

Before I could react, the office door opened, and the knights and soldiers entered.

"You're Morgan, right? We've received orders from the Duke to apprehend you. Surrender!"

"Yes!"

Two soldiers approached me and tied my hands with rope.

"You... Do you think you can get away with this? Treating me like this for no reason!"

"This is the Duke's decision."

The Duke's decision? Why has this happened?

"Hurry up and walk! Move it!"

"I'm a noble, you know! Listen to me!"

"We'll have plenty of time to listen to you in the interrogation room."

Why is this happening? I'm a noble, damn it!