CH 228

Words : 1015 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

We Made Arrangements At Mr. Kalis’s Store “Well, well. Your Grace. You do us great honor with your presence.” “Indeed. And things seem to be going well here.” “Yes. It is all thanks to Mr. Takumi’s herbs. Have you heard about the Ramogi discounts?” “Sebastian and Mr. Takumi have informed me.” “I see. Thanks to that, the store is filled with customers every day, which keeps our staff very busy… But we can hardly complain about that.” When we arrived at Mr. Kalis’s store, there was a line of customers waiting to get in. It had definitely not been like this the last time we were here. Was this because of the Ramogi discount? One of the clerks saw us, and went inside to call Mr. Kalis, who then came out to greet us. “We cannot talk out here. Please come inside. Though, it is not a very large store.” “Mmm.” And so we followed Mr. Kalis into the store. …Except for Leo. She waited outside. As some of the customers brought their children, Leo could play with them. And since the clerks had learned from the last time we were here, they were able to smoothly create a line for Leo as well. “This way.” Unlike last time we were here, Mr. Kalis guided us to the second floor of the building. As there were too many customers on the first floor, he probably thought that we wouldn’t be able to relax. Well, there wasn’t enough space to put out chairs. The second floor looked like an office, and so everyone except the guards and Sebastian sat down at the table. “Now, Mr. Takumi and I will go and pay the rival store a little visit.” “I’m counting on you.” “Yes. Mr. Takumi. Once we arrive there…” “Yes…” Sebastian then told me about how things would play out once we were there. And all I could do was nod in agreement. It seemed like Sebastian could handle everything himself, but he said that he wanted me there, so that I could pretend to be a merchant who could appraise the medicine. Sebastian was already known as the duke’s butler, and Ms. Claire and Phillip were also known as well. Besides, they didn’t look at all like merchants. And Mr. Ekenhart’s guards had to stay with him, just in case something happened. …Though, Leo would stay here. But I suppose it was their job, and could not be helped. “Ah, it’s you! What brings you here today? Of course, I did hear that I didn’t need to go…” “Hey, Nick.” After Sebastian’s explanation was finished, and we were about to leave… Nick came up to the second floor. Apparently, he had been dealing with customers, and had now come up to rest. “Ah, so this is Nick…I’ve heard of him from Sebastian.” “…Who is that old man?” “Hey, stop that. This man is…” “Hahaha! So that is your reaction upon seeing me… Well, it cannot be helped if you do not know. It has been a while, but I am amused!” “Now he’s laughing…” So Mr. Ekenhart had heard about it from Sebastian. Well, he seemed to report everything to him…and this store was owned by the duke. And now Nick was being quite rude. But when I frantically tried to correct him, Mr. Ekenhart began to laugh loudly. In fact, he was slapping the table… Was it really that funny? “Father is used to people paying him the utmost respect…and so such unusual reactions are amusing to him.” “I see…” “Ah, hello Lady Claire!” “Hello, Nick. …This is my father, you know?” “Oh…your father… Wouldn’t that mean…” “The duke.” Ms. Claire looked at her laughing father with a hint of annoyance. And then Nick went to greet her. As he visited the mansion often, he knew Ms. Claire well enough. Ms. Claire then introduced her father, and as Nick looked confused, I answered him bluntly. …It was my duty, as the one paying him. “…The d-d-d-d-d-d-d-du-duu…” “Doo-doo?” “Hi-his Grace the Du-duke!?” “Hahaha! Indeed, that is I. Ekenhart Liebert.” “Fo-forgive me! I did not know, and have been very rude! Please don’t chop off my head! Anything but my head!” After sputtering like some bird, Nick was finally able to spit it out. That was how nervous he was. But Mr. Ekenhart still seemed to be enjoying the situation. “I won’t cut off your head. You have hired quite the clown, Mr. Takumi.” “Uh…” “I think I will have him entertain us while you two visit the other store.” “Hahaha…! If-if-if you insist!” “…Well, good luck, Nick…” Apparently, Mr. Ekenhart had taken a liking to Nick. Sebastian and I then left Mr. Kalis’s store, but Nick was left on the second floor. He looked a little like an abandoned puppy, pleading for help… But I pushed all thoughts of it from my head. Well, it was good that Mr. Ekenhart was enjoying himself. As long as he didn’t go too far, I suppose. It was with such thoughts that I headed to the rival store. Leo looked like she wanted to come with me, but as she would draw too much attention, I had her stay with the children who wanted to play with her. Well, it was a safe enough town. But just as a precaution, Phillip and Johanna followed us from a distance. “Ah, that’s right. Sebastian.” “What is it?” We talked while walking to the store. “Take this, just in case…” “This is… The body strengthening herb? And the sense enhancing one…” “Yes. I thought it might be useful.” While walking, I took out the herbs from my bag and handed them to Sebastian. We had used the same herbs in the forest before. The one that enhanced your senses, and the body strengthening one, which I had made by accident. I had made them yesterday, along with the herbs for Mr. Kalis.

CH 228

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