NOVEL NEXT Chapter 235 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Goes to Forte
Chapter 235: Divine Cat Mii-chan Goes to Forte
Let’s start small, gradually building up. I mentioned that I’d like to be introduced to a carpenter to build a new structure next to my mansion and to renovate the mansion’s bath.
“If that’s the case, arrangements can be made right away.”
Now, for the direct hit and the finishing blow. I explained that I want to open the main branch of the Divine Cat Trading Company in the royal capital and need help finding a property. As for the main topic, this isn’t a request from the trading company but as Baron Brocken—I’d like to be introduced to talented individuals.
“Finding a property won’t be an issue… but, people?”
Of course, they didn’t respond immediately, but I caught the sparkle in their eyes. When they asked how many people I needed, I said ten. I also planned to reach out to Wilhelm’s Commercial Guild and possibly hire from my current staff. I wasn’t counting on it, but I also considered selecting from noble families’ children. If they’re recommended by the guild, they should be suitable for the Divine Cat Trading Company.
“I understand. We would like to maintain a good relationship with the Divine Cat Trading Company in the future. We’ll do what we can.”
Though they said it with a bit of an air of superiority, I didn’t mind. As long as they gather the personnel, everything else is in my favor. I intend to get along with the Commercial Guild, but I have no intention of letting them control me. On the contrary, I aim to use them. A win-win relationship is ideal, but interests can be fleeting.
After that, I flew to Wilhelm and visited its Commercial Guild. I was surprised to find that they knew I had become a noble. I’d been told that Baron Brocken was recognized as a noble by both the Kingdom of Lumière and the Grand Duchy of Hildenburg, but I didn’t expect word to spread among the commoners in Hildenburg.
“You can leave it to us. After all, it’s a request from the Divine Cat Trading Company! We’ll gather talented individuals!”
“Mii~”
Unlike the royal capital’s guild, which took a more businesslike approach, Wilhelm’s Commercial Guild pleasantly accepted the request. This country doesn’t place much emphasis on showing respect to nobles, so I was glad they treated us as the Divine Cat Trading Company, not just as nobility. Mii-chan was happy too.
I also inquired about purchasing the vacant house behind the Wilhelm branch. Apparently, the previous residents recently moved out.
“You can, but it’s not really suitable for a store.”
“I’m not planning to make it a shop; I intend to use it as lodging for our trade caravan members.”
“I see. Then, how about also buying the old building next door?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s actually owned by the same seller. Both properties are quite old, and the landlord has been trying to sell them off, but due to the large size of the land, no one’s been interested. If you demolish the buildings, it would make an ideal space for both a new building and the caravan’s wagons.”
“I see. How much would it cost?”
“Since it’s the Divine Cat Trading Company… how about chome-chome?”
“Hmm, that’s a bit steep. What about chome-chome instead?”
“No, no, that would be a huge loss for us. Couldn’t you meet us at chome-chome?”
“Well, if you cover the demolition costs, I’m fine with chome-chome.”
“Wow, as expected of the Divine Cat Trading Company, masters of negotiation. Let’s go with that!”
“Mii~”
By acquiring the property behind the Wilhelm branch, the entire corner lot now belongs to the Divine Cat Trading Company. However, the guild attached a condition that we use their designated contractor for any construction, which I was planning to do anyway, so it worked out perfectly. I gladly agreed. We decided to take care of the detailed arrangements after the demolition, paid the money, and promised to return later.
After that, I spent busy days running around here and there. One day, I took a boy, who had won the top prize at a festival—a ride on Sumire—on a tour around the town, even letting him experience Sumire’s full sprint. After dropping him off at his home, I returned to find a letter from the king. A royal messenger had come, instructing me to visit my domain at once.
By the way, no one won the all-you-can-eat pass for the Divine Cat Café. However, Yan-kun won the Mii-chan plushie and gave it to his little sister Kaya-chan as a present. The plushie is now standing in for Mii-chan at the café’s stall, greeting customers with a smile.
Back to the letter from the king—it said the administrator of Forte had been dismissed and, as there’s no current administrator, I must go quickly and complete the transition.
But, what am I supposed to do? Help me, Lucasemon!
“If it’s just for a short while, there shouldn’t be any issues. If Nero-san shows up and orders business as usual, that should suffice. You can also mention that a new administrator will be dispatched later.”
Got it. Then I’d better head over as soon as possible. I already have the seal of Baron Brocken from the king. The associated paperwork can wait. Although I’ve been instructed to create a crest, I’m still working on it. For now, my identification will just be the seal. That’s fine, right?
“Mii~”