CH 237

Words : 974 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

There Wine Had Been Tampered With Mr. Ekenhart laughed happily, as if he was imagining the scene with Wood. While he was not the person who attacked Range village, or the one who used the wine to spread the disease, he still knew about it. He had followed Barsler’s orders for his own profit. And so the idea of him panicking was a very pleasing picture for Mr. Ekenhart. “But Mr. Takumi…” “Yes?” As I watched Mr. Ekenhart laugh, Ms. Claire suddenly called me with a worried expression. “According to the plan, you were to drink the wine as well. Was everything fine?” “Ah, there is no need to worry about that.” Ms. Claire was concerned that I had accidentally drunk the infected wine. “The wine that Sebastian and I drank was the one that had been boiled already, so we should be fine.” “I see… That is good.” Ms. Claire looked relieved. It seemed like she was worried that we might have accidentally drunk the wine that was supposed to be given to Wood. But even if that did happen, I could just make some Ramogi and drink it. Still, it showed how kind she was. “However, I am quite surprised. That you would think of doing that right before…” “Haha. Well, it would look more natural, wouldn’t it? We had to drink if we wanted him to as well…” It had no taste of alcohol, and was just a sweet and delicious drink. I had drained the cup. Of course, the stuff we gavet to Wood was the wine from Range village that hadn’t been processed yet. That’s why Sebastian had taken out two bottles. He checked which is which when pouring them into the glasses. “Are you used to doing such things, Mr. Takumi?” “No, not at all. But I did experience something similar, I suppose. When you want someone to do something, you will be more convincing if you try it yourself.” In sales, when introducing a product, it’s easier if you tell them of the merits you experienced yourself. …Of course, there were people who didn’t need to do such things to get contracts. “Wood only drank a few drops of it… But his reaction was enough. He didn’t even want to drink the wine at first, in spite of being a known drinker… Anyone would think it was odd.” “Indeed. I don’t really care about such things… But most nobles would be offended if a gift of theirs was rejected.” I didn’t know much about the rules and manners of nobles, but it was like that whenever I went drinking with my company. If my boss or clients told me to drink, it was difficult to refuse, even if I didn’t want to drink it. There were probably plenty of people who wouldn’t even be offended…but it was hard to tell. And the pressure always weighed down during such moments. “What is it, Mr. Takumi?” “Nothing…I was just reminded of something… But it’s not important.” “…I see.” I had been scowling, as the bitter memories of running to the bathroom, only to come back and see my cup full again…returned. Ms. Claire looked worried, but I smiled and assured her that I was fine. …Such things would not happen now… I was living here happily, and need not think about the past like this. “So, what will happen to Wood now? Since he drank the wine?” “As it wasn’t much, he probably will not become ill. And even if he does…” “He deserves it.” “Yes. …And we can always give him Ramogi.” Wood really had just licked it. It was hard to imagine that he could get sick from just that, but even if he did, he could be healed easily. The only thing to worry about is that he could infect the nearby guards… If that happened, Sebastian and I would have to apologize to them and give them some Ramogi. We talked about such things and headed to the west gate. “Your Grace, thank you for everything.” “Mmm. Well, I doubt it was something that you could have handled.” Once we had returned to the town’s entrance, we saw that the guards were standing in a line to greet Mr. Ekenhart. A representative then stepped forward and bowed to him. It was because the duke and their lord had come out all of this way to deal with the problem. “Now…to the carriage…” “Father, over here.” “…Oh?” “Wuff. Wuff-wuff.” As Mr. Ekenhart was about to get into the carriage, Ms. Claire pulled him away and pointed to Leo. Upon seeing this, Leo began to bark enthusiastically. …Was this supposed to be like a punishment for Mr. Ekenhart? “No…surely Mr. Takumi will ride her? And so I must…” “Mr. Takumi will ride with us in the carriage. You will ride on Leo. Won’t you?” “…Very well.” He was weak when it came to his daughter. Ms. Claire’s anger had not subsided yet, and so she escorted Mr. Ekenhart over to Leo. “Good Leo. Will you be so kind?” “Wuff!” Leo nodded reassuringly. She was looking forward to this… “…Leo. Hold back a little, okay?” “Wuff.” I was too scared to ask Ms. Claire, and so I told Leo to go easy on him. But her answer was not very promising. Perhaps it was because Leo was still angry at Mr. Ekenhart as well… I was happy that she was angry that he put me in danger in the name of training…but now I was starting to feel bad for him. …Yes, when we returned to the mansion, I would ask Ms. Helena to give him some of that delicious grape juice

CH 237

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