Translator: Nox

Chapter 50

50

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About a month had passed since Rorokomo's visit.

The Bleka Clan stood out because of their appearance and were often ostracized, so their sense of ethnic identity was strong.

They always adhered to traditional clothing, but Rorokomo was wearing proper imperial attire.

The Bleka Clan's unique brown skin was the first thing that caught the eye.

Then, his heterochromatic eyes, one purple and one violet, stood out, and finally, his light sky-blue hair.

"The merchant Rorokomo has come at your summons."

Perfect imperial diction and manners. Nina thought he might be more polite than she was.

'I should learn the etiquette for dealing with high-ranking nobles.'

Nina thought so and said, "Rise," offering him a seat after he had greeted her on both knees.

Rorokomo sat carefully at the edge of the seat, being careful not to look directly at her, and said,

"I worry that I, a mere peddler, dare present a gift to the Roubaenue Dukedom, a great noble family."

"It's not a gift I want."

Nina said, feeling strange. He was speaking with the utmost courtesy and aristocratic refinement, but she herself didn't know how to speak that way.

'This won't do.'

"Rorokomo."

Nina waved her hand as if to dismiss the others and said,

"I don't know if you know, but I'm from a commoner background, so I'm not used to aristocratic etiquette. So, would you please look me in the eye and speak plainly, if possible?"

At her words, Rorokomo carefully raised his head.

Would it be a compliment or an insult to say that he had the face of someone who, like a merchant, was quick to calculate?

He was a young man in his mid to late twenties.

"I can't know what you're thinking if you don't look me in the eye."

Nina smiled brightly. He smiled back.

'His eyes aren't smiling at all.'

Nina thought it wouldn't be easy and looked at him, saying,

"The reason I called you here is that I have a favor to ask. You may have guessed, but The Roubaenue Dukedom wants to invest in your trading company."

"Invest? Such words are too much for a peddler like us."

"Even if it's an investment, it's about entrusting you with the sale of exclusive goods. You may be the owner of the trading company, but in reality, the Dukedom would be holding the reins. Ah... saying it like this makes me sound like a wicked noble."

Nina chuckled as she spoke and said after thinking for a moment,

"I greatly value your abilities. That's why I'm inviting you to join hands with us. We have amazing items, and I guarantee that if you join hands with the Dukedom, things will never go wrong."

"When you say good items..."

Nina first handed him a Seed Crystal. Hair loss medicine was still premature.

She couldn't just hand it over without deciding whether he would join her or not.

He said, "Excuse me," and held the crystal, taking out a loupe.

"What on earth is this gem?"

"It's a crystal that comes from the Violet Forest. As you can see with the loupe, it glows in the dark. The Archsage of Bluestone Island guaranteed that it would shine for three months."

At those words, he cupped the Seed Crystal in his hand and looked inside.

Anyone could see with the naked eye that the crystal was shining brightly and beautifully.

"The Archsage's guarantee, you say."

"Yes, Archsage Randel is currently researching the Violet Forest with us. Let's just say this gem is a very small part of it."

Rorokomo stared intently at the crystal, then placed it back on the table and bowed.

"I'm sorry. I and my trading company seem too small to handle this great task."

Nina looked at him in bewilderment and then lowered her gaze.

"I see."

What else should I say to persuade him?

"I have no intention of oppressing you or using you. I just need someone I can trust."

"I am sorry for my inadequacy. I will gladly accept any punishment. I dare not take on this task."

His tone was so firm that Nina's shoulders slumped.

What could she say when he didn't want to?

"Come back anytime if you change your mind. I've taken up your time. I'm sorry."

At Nina's honest apology, Rorokomo raised his head to look at Nina.

"...It's nothing."

He said softly and bowed his head. Nina said, "You may leave," and he stepped back and withdrew.

As Rorokomo came out of the castle, a woman who had been waiting anxiously rushed up to him.

Her wavy auburn hair was very long, and she stood out even more because she was wearing traditional Bleka clothing.

"How did it go? What did she say?"

"Miminaga, let's go somewhere far away to talk."

Miminaga nodded. After pulling the cart, crossing the drawbridge, and leaving the castle, Rorokomo said,

"It was an incredible opportunity and story."

Miminaga's eyes widened and she said,

"What story? So?"

"I don't think I should tell you. I wasn't exactly told to keep it a secret, but..."

"Then will you do it?"

"No, I refused."

At Rorokomo's words, Miminaga asked with a puzzled expression.

"Why?"

"Because it's too big of a deal. We can steadily take things one step at a time. It's best not to get involved in the affairs of nobles."

Miminaga frowned as if dissatisfied, then sighed.

"If that's what Rorokomo says, then that's how it must be."

Rorokomo smiled.

"Herbs and furs are cheap here, so let's buy some herbs and go down to the next territory."

"Okay."

Miminaga nodded.

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"I failed..."

Louis smiled at Nina's slumped figure.

"You were rejected by the merchant?"

"Yes, I didn't expect him to refuse. I thought he would come over with just one Seed Crystal."

"I thought that might happen."

"Why?"

Nina asked gloomily, and Louis said without stopping his pen,

"Because it's too big of a deal. Even if he's an ambitious young man, he's cautious. Besides, he's a member of the Bleka Clan. He must have caution ingrained in him."

"Ah."

Nina sighed deeply.

"I didn't think of that."

"There are plenty of other candidates, so don't worry too much."

"Yes, but I like his caution."

"You seem to like him quite a bit. Even though he's a member of the Bleka Clan."

"Is there a problem with his appearance? As long as he's not sociable."

Louis simply smiled at her straightforward answer.

"By the way, I think I need some aristocratic refinement. I'm a Baron, you know."

She only had a territory, but no territory people or produce.

Still, after experiencing it today, she definitely needed etiquette.

Louis nodded.

"I understand. I'll look for a teacher. I should teach Jin at the same time."

Louis took out a new piece of paper and began to write. He sighed softly with a dissatisfied expression.

"What's wrong?"

"The nib is worn out. It's an expensive item, but it wears out quickly."

"Are all the nibs imported?"

"Yes, they're imported from the Rengsi Kingdom."

One of the tributes that the Rengsi Kingdom paid to the Empire every year was pen nibs.

Nina 'hmm' and fell into thought.

"Can't we ask Poco to make pen nibs with Clairon?"

"Wouldn't that be too much of a luxury item?"

Nina shrugged at Louis's words.

"So what? The material is free. And there are no tariffs."

"I'll have to think about it."

Nina nodded at Louis's words and fell into a daze.

She had only thought about making weapons with Clairon, but wouldn't it be lucrative to make everyday items?

Then Louis said,

"Don't worry too much. There are other people."

Nina came to her senses and nodded.

"Yes, I will."

She got up from her seat and left the office.