Magic Gems Gourmet

Side Story

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ED: LonelyMatter

[Volume 1 Release Commemoration Side Story] How August Trading Company was Established

In the finest guest quarters of White Knight Castle, the two of them were present.

“It’s about time we stood on our own two feet, don’t you think?”

Several months had gone by since they arrived in Ishtalika.

Graff Augusto spoke with a mature, sharp gaze and a hint of resolve on his lips. However, calling him Augusto was no longer fitting. Now, simply Graff was the correct way to address him.

“Yes. Clinging to dependence forever won’t improve anything, after all.”

It was Krone who answered.

Her grace had deepened since her days in Heim, forged by Ishtalika’s environment.

Of course, the presence of the one she cherished nearby was also a significant reason.

“But Grandfather? Where should we begin?”

“The house first. Without a place to live, nothing else can be done.”

“Quite right.”

“Without a foundation for daily life, work cannot proceed. That is precisely why securing food, clothing, and shelter is the first step. Now then, what should we do?”

“Well, I hear there’s more than enough money. I’m truly indebted to you, Grandfather, but what exactly do you mean by ‘what should we do’?

“Should we build a mansion? Or should we buy one? You see, this area involves negotiations with the nobility.”

He’s worried that buying a mansion might be frowned upon, seeing that it would make him a nouveau riche. So maybe a commoner’s house—but unfortunately, that’s slightly different.

Krone will be coming and going from the castle, which is precisely why he doesn’t want her seen entering a commoner’s home.

“I hear Warren-dono arranged the jewelry sales. After deducting brokerage fees and such.”

“…I’m truly indebted.”

“Hmm. Continuing to rely on others doesn’t suit my nature. I must find new work, but given my age, the options are limited. Now then, what should I do?”

Then—

Knock, knock. The door to the room was knocked on.

“Grandfather, let me…”

Krone rose from the sofa and headed for the door.

When she opened it, she found Warren standing there with one of the civil officials.

“Hello, Miss Krone. If Graff-dono doesn’t mind, might we have a moment of your time?”

“Oh, of course. Please, come in, Warren-sama.”

“Hahaha… Apologies for the sudden visit. Ah, you there, place what you brought before Graff-dono.”

“Understood, Your Excellency.”

The civil official followed the instructions and left the two wondering what this was about. He carried a decorated tray and placed it before Graff as directed. Soon after, the official bowed and left the room.

On the tray were several bundles of paper and a single leather envelope.

“Warren-dono? What exactly is this?”

“Nothing particularly significant, but would you mind taking a look? Come, Miss Krone, you too.”

“E-eh… Understood…”

Though he wore a kind face, the man named Warren harbored a monster within.

He claimed the material wasn’t important, but Graff had no idea what it was, and his expression darkened. However, the moment he saw the bundle of papers on the tray, his face twisted into a forced smile.

“Where did you obtain this information?”

“I took the liberty of investigating. What do you think? I don’t believe there are any errors.”

“—I see. So Heim wasn’t even in the game to begin with.”

“Grandfather…? Could you explain it to me in a way that I can understand?”

“This, Krone. It’s the trade map of Heim’s continent that I’ve compiled over the past few years.”

“Is such information compiled in such detail?”

This information bordered on national strategy.

Gold, people, materials—how all these flows relate to Graff and how he manipulated them was clear at a glance.

In other words, even this small stack of papers could fetch an enormous fortune if sold to another nation.

“My apologies. It is truly worthy of the title ‘Trade Overlord.’”

“To dig up that nostalgic nickname—I’m the one who’s surprised.”

So, what exactly does he want by suddenly showing this to me?

Graff shot Warren a probing look, and he gestured toward the tray.

“It’s the contract. Frankly, His Majesty is delighted that Graff-dono has arrived.”

“…A-a contract?”

“Yes, please. First, review the contents. Miss Krone, you too, please.”

Prompted, he opened the leather envelope. Inside was high-quality parchment.

Glancing over it, he saw Warren’s name and the heavy seal of the Ishtalika royal family stamped on some weighty-looking documents.

“Hmmm.”

Graff scanned the documents from top to bottom, gradually grasping the meaning of the contract. Krone, seated beside him, followed the text with equal surprise.

Eventually, the implication that Sylvird was pleased became clear.

“Before the contract itself, this explanation here troubles me somewhat.”

“You mean the matter of the royal merchants? I’m ashamed to admit it’s true. The continent of Ishtar is vast, boasting numerous cities and a substantial population. Therefore, one can make a profit without doing business specifically with the royal family.”

That was why there was no trading company that could truly be called a royal supplier. There were many trading companies with whom the royal family did business. However, if you were to ask whether they could unconditionally trust those companies, the answer was no. Warren wanted a company like that.

That was why the choice fell on him.

“If you were to grow into a great trading company someday, it would bring me great joy as prime minister. Between you and me, it would also make business negotiations much smoother, which would be a relief.”

But Krone remained unconvinced.

“Warren-sama, please tell me your true intentions. This contract is strange.”

“Hm? What exactly are you questioning, Miss Krone?”

“Whether you can trust me, someone from Heim. There’s no guarantee that my grandfather, the Grand Duke, won’t betray you.”

Krone doubted that a trusting relationship could be established, and she felt suspicious.

“Oh? Might you have feelings for Ain-sama, Miss Krone?”

“H-huh?! That…! I do like him, but that’s separate from this matter!”

“This matter is purely a transaction. As prime minister, I—and His Majesty, the king—recognize Graff-dono’s value. What we offer Graff-dono is not primarily this kind of aid, but Miss Krone’s future.”

It was everything necessary to stand beside Ain. Warren had bundled all of that into the future and presented it as bargaining chips.

“To be more practical, if Graff-dono becomes the head of a large trading company, arranging a marriage will eventually become easier. Depending on the circumstances, we may also grant a title. The more connections we have, the more I can educate Miss Krone. What do you think?”

“But if it’s merely a matter of romantic feelings, that’s all it is. Can you truly trust me with this?”

“Very well. One more thing: I uncovered this information through my connections with Elena-dono, who works at the castle.”

“…From Krone’s mother? So that means—”

The astute Krone must have understood. Graff swallowed his words, but implied that if he betrayed Ishtalika, his family members in Heim could easily be harmed.

He couldn’t say he didn’t care—after all, he had abandoned his country—but he still loved his family in Heim.

He had no intention of betraying them in the first place. In fact, having conditions laid out like this made things easier, and Graff could agree to Warren’s proposal.

“Miss Krone, I know those were unpleasant words. Please forgive me.”

“No, what you are doing, Warren-sama, is correct. Therefore…”

Then, she smiled and continued.

“Grandfather, I would like to accept this favor. What do you think? Would you like to test your strength here on the continent of Ishtar?”

“It’s embarrassing to admit, but a fiery competitive spirit still burns within me. A true test of strength, you say? Not bad. This is not bad at all.”

“But are you certain? Warren-sama? Even if it’s a deal, giving Grandfather such preferential treatment…”

“My concern is the nation’s benefit. If His Majesty is satisfied, that’s enough for me. Besides, since you’ll be by the Crown Prince’s side, preferential treatment is only natural. Hahaha!”

It was blunt, but her courage in crossing the sea to pursue Ain was undoubtedly recognized.

Krone narrowed her eyes and exhaled softly.

“I shall select the company’s residence. The new mansion should be near Lloyd-dono’s mansion. It’s close to the residences of nobles connected to the castle, which is convenient for security. Plus, there won’t be any troublesome neighborhood relations.”

“My apologies. I am indebted to you.”

“Not at all. Now, you have to consider a new family name, but we’ll discuss that later.”

As they spoke, Graff signed the contract.

Like a magical artifact, it emitted a faint glow for an instant after the writing was finished.

When Warren confirmed it, Graff was satisfied and returned it to the envelope.

“The contract is sealed. From this day forward, Graff-dono, you shall lend your strength to Ishtalika.”

Thus, in name and deed, the two became citizens of Ishtalika from that day onward.

Warren would likely handle the official registration, but Graff was exhilarated by the challenge. He wanted to test just how far he could push things.

“Graff-dono, we have prepared new guest quarters for you, effective today.”

“Hmm, what exactly—”

“I’m afraid this particular guest room was prepared as a gift. Therefore, it presents some issues for a gentleman to stay in…”

What on earth was he talking about now? As the two looked bewildered, he continued.

“Miss Krone, this room is a gift from His Majesty. However, since it also serves as a guest room, we will make some adjustments tomorrow to make it more suitable.”

“Ah, well…a gift, you say?”

Being told that this magnificent room, which was incomparable to the Grand Duke Augusto residence, was simply a gift left them bewildered.

“Since you’ll be spending more time at the castle, this room will become Miss Krone’s personal property starting today. There are no taxes on the possessions of those residing within the castle grounds, so please don’t worry.”

“Surprisingly quick to fill in the outer moat, Warren-dono.”

“Indeed. His Majesty has long expressed a desire to meet Ain-sama. He’s what you might call a doting old fool. If significant national benefit can be expected from it, then—though it may sound crude—I have no intention of letting Graff-dono and Miss Krone slip away either.”

“Generous indeed,” Graff murmured, the corners of his mouth lifting.

But it was clear that this wasn’t a hostage situation. They genuinely viewed Krone as something akin to a betrothed. Graff, too, felt a surge of delight at this development.

“But is this truly acceptable? Even if I were to surpass the existing great trading companies?”

“Quite acceptable. It would reduce the number of shady companies, so it’s all good. Our investigations confirm that you are an honest man who has never committed any wrongdoing, so we trust you as well.”

“I’m impressed by your intelligence methods. But I must admit, being valued so highly isn’t unpleasant.”

Warren was certain. Graff’s trading company would undoubtedly grow significantly within a few years.

This deal held nothing but mutual benefit for both parties, and the fact that the Crown Prince’s love had matured to this extent made things much easier.

“By the way, I forgot to mention—His Majesty also holds Miss Krone in high regard. You possess the qualifications to stand beside His Highness Ain: courage, intellect, resourcefulness, and stature. Your sincere feelings are truly refreshing.”

“His Majesty said that…?”

“I should add, so does Queen Laralua. Therefore, there are no obstacles. I would be most grateful if you would simply focus on your own advancement, without concern.”

This meant that she was being considered as a betrothed.

Indeed, the exceptional treatment she received, including being granted a room, made that clear.

Krone stroked the Star Crystal on her right hand and fixed her dignified eyes on Warren.

“To HIs Highness, I swear by this rose I received from Ain. I will stake everything I have and strive.”

“Hahaha, there is no greater oath than that.”

It was the sole connection during their time apart.

Krone sensed the promise of a new life, and her persuasiveness reached even Warren.

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