After hearing Perdes' advice, Nicole Tesis thought for a moment and then nodded.
“I trust Young Lady Leopold and will accept your offer.”
I think you trust Perdes, not me.
It was a little shaky, but I didn't feel bad.
It didn't matter who she believed.
“Then let’s write up a contract.”
The important thing was that we secured the warehouse that was absolutely necessary for this plan.
The warehouse that Nicole Tesis took charge of was not only the right size but also the right location.
The trifecta was so perfect that I began to suspect that perhaps Count Tesis had entrusted the warehouse to Nicole Tesis to help me.
After writing up a contract and repeatedly asking for secrecy, I sent Nicole Tesis away.
And as I was smiling happily while looking at the important contract, Perdes asked me.
“Now tell me, okay?”
What do you want me to say?
I looked at Perdes.
Perdes asked, tilting his head.
“That’s a good offer for me too.”
"Yes?"
“I told you at the beginning. You said you would make me a good offer too.”
Oh, I told you so.
“This is a good suggestion for you too, Perdes.”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“Nicole Tesis is Lord Perdes’ business partner.”
Perdes' eyebrows twitched slightly.
“...Where on earth did you overhear our conversation?”
“Well, I don’t know when Perdes started talking to Nicole Tesis, so it’s hard to answer.”
“Anyway, you speak well.”
Perdes washed his face dry.
“So, why are Nicole and I partners?”
“I will later entrust the transportation rights for the magical items and Pura that I have been storing in the warehouse to you, Lord Perdes.”
Judging from his partnership with Nicole Tesis, Perdes' business was most likely related to transportation.
It didn't really matter though.
By then, Nicole Tesis will be the successor to Count Tesis, so he can use the Tesis Transport Group through her.
With that level of position, he'll probably be able to move a ship secretly.
“That’s not a suggestion, it’s an assignment.”
“What if we paid her twice the average?”
“...”
When the topic of conservatives came up, Perdes' mouth, which had been chattering like a bird, closed.
“If things go well, I’ll give you extra money.”
After all the contracts were over, Perdes needed a lot of money to travel the continent freely.
Of course, as I said before, I was willing to pay for his travel expenses as well as his disguise, but given Perdes' personality, there was no way he would accept it.
So, he must be trying to make money by doing business even now.
For him, paying twice the average shipping cost and even an additional fee was very attractive...
“I refuse.”
"Yes?"
...It must be a condition, but you’re rejecting it?
I looked at him, slightly bewildered by Perdes' reaction, which was completely different from what I had expected.
Perdes looked straight into my eyes and spoke again.
“I will decline Young Lady’s offer.”
Somehow I feel like I've been confirmed dead.
“So, try making another suggestion.”
Another suggestion.
What should I do?
I was flustered because I had assumed that Perdes would accept the offer, so I didn't think of a second option.
“If you don’t have one, can I suggest one instead?”
"Ah."
That's what happened.
I realized Perdes' intentions too late and returned the question with a smile.
“Is there anything else you would like to suggest to me?”
"Yes."
“What is it?”
“I’ll grant you everything you asked me just now, including the one you asked me to, so please grant me one favor later.”
It's not a proposal, it's a deal.
And since he didn't say right away what he wanted to ask, I guess it's something he can't do right now.
Or maybe he doesn't have anything in mind yet, but he wants to make a promise in advance in case something comes up in the future.
“I will ask you to do something within the bounds of common sense that the Young Lady can fully understand, so don’t worry about me asking you something strange.”
“I don’t worry about that.”
If someone else had said something like that, I would have thought he was just trying to dazzle me with his eloquence, but when Perdes said it, I didn't think that at all.
That means I trust him that much.
I was surprised once again that I trusted Perdes this much.
“Yes, but I think we should set an expiration date instead.”
"Until when?"
“Let’s do it for one year.”
Perdes frowned as if he didn't like it.
“It’s too short.”
“Not at all. It’s better than asking you to tell me what you want to do right now.”
“That’s true, but...”
Perdes stroked his chin, thought for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes. Let’s do it then.”
At that moment, Perdes' eyes sparkled with determination, like someone who had made a firm decision.
With the warehouse secured and Nicole Tesis accepting the offer, all that remained was to put the plan into motion.
That's how it should be... What is all this?
I sighed as I looked at the boxes stacked high up to the ceiling.
They were all birthday presents for me from nobles.
Even though I didn't have a birthday party due to various reasons including the New Year's holiday, I still received a lot of birthday presents.
They were sent by nobles who were close to my father or nobles who ruled the northern territories of the empire, such as Count Martina.
Of course, the imperial family also sent gifts.
My birthday is in January, but my birthday present arrived in December.
In January, trains stop running due to heavy snow and roads in the northern part of the country are paralyzed, making it difficult to send birthday gifts, so they are sent a month in advance.
But this birthday present rarely came, as the nobles thought I was at the Academy and did not send it.
...My father’s death also played a part.
If my father were alive, he would have sent me presents even though I was in the academy.
I laughed at their duplicity, but I didn't feel sad or anything.
Rather, I was glad that I didn't have to reply to each and every one of the ceremonial congratulatory letters that didn't contain a single grain of sincerity.
Anyway, I thought this birthday would pass quietly without any fuss, but guess what?
Two days before my birthday, birthday gifts from nobles began to arrive like a swarm of locusts.
From gifts sent by lower-ranking nobles whose names and faces I don't even know, to gifts sent by the imperial family.
It poured in so many times that it was scary to even count how many people sent it.
It seemed like it had come more often than when my father was alive.
Since I was in the capital, it was easy to send a gift, so they think they just sent it...
“This is driving me crazy.”
Don't think about the person who has to clean up after it. What are you going to do if you just send it like this?
I chuckled and shook my head.
The thought of replying to all these people one by one made my eyes dizzy.
Even though I already had a lot of work to do, I was annoyed by the nobles who, instead of helping, added to the burden.
“If I had known this would happen, I would have returned to the spirit world.”
I had plans to execute and the capital's ducal residence to sort out, but it was a mistake.
With belated regret, I picked up the shiniest golden box.
It was a gift from the royal family.
It was okay to reply a little late for other things, but I had to reply to the royal family right away.
“What did you hear?”
The box looks quite heavy, so I don't think it's an accessory like a ring or necklace.
Surely it's not a bomb?
Just then, as I was about to open the box, I had a slightly funny imagination.
Knock knock.
There was a knock.
Surely no one sent me a birthday present again?
“Do you have a minute?”
Oh, fortunately, that's not the case.
I answered, setting the golden box down beside me.
“Come in.”
Permission was granted, and Perdes came in hesitantly.
His slightly stiff face showed a look of tension.
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh? No. Nothing happened.”
Nothing happened.
The expression on his face says it all.
“If you’re here because you’re worried about Nicole Tesis, don’t worry, things are going well.”
“No, that’s not it...”
Perdes scratched his cheek awkwardly, then stretched out his right hand, which he had been hiding behind his back since he entered my room.
“Today is Young Lady’s birthday.”
In his hand was a box carefully wrapped with a red ribbon.
"Happy birthday."
This isn't the first time you've said happy birthday, so why are you so shy?
I smiled slightly and accepted the gift.
“Thank you. Can I try to open it?”
“Oh, no!”
Perdes raised his voice and waved his hands vigorously.
“Take it off after I leave. I’m going out now, so you can take it off right away! Oh, and just in case, don’t think anything of it! It’s just, it’s just a birthday present!”
And then he started spewing out words at a rapid pace and left the room so quickly that I couldn't even catch him.
What the heck...
I was somewhat shaken by Perdes' absurd behavior, and as I followed his footsteps, I looked down at the birthday present he had left behind.
I wonder what on earth was inside to make him react like that.
I was curious, so I opened the box right away.
Then a music box made of crystal appeared.
It looks like it's a magic music box because it has a Pura in it.
I heard that magic music boxes that record your own voice are popular these days. Is that really it?
[Hmm, hmm. Happy birthday, Young Lady.]
I had a hunch, but it was correct.
In addition, a gentle song sung by Perdes himself flowed out behind this.
It was also surprising that Perdes recorded his songs.
What was even more surprising was that he sang very well.
Even I, a layman in this field, could tell that it was an excellent skill.
The low, husky voice and the music box's unique, calm, clear melody blended well together like harmony.
I didn't know Perdes had this talent.
I closed my eyes tightly and enjoyed Perdes' song.
Maybe it was because the song was so sweet.
Or maybe it's because I haven't been able to sleep well these past few days due to one thing or another.
My consciousness gradually became blurred, and at one moment, I was sucked into a deep abyss along with his singing voice.
“I trust Young Lady Leopold and will accept your offer.”
I think you trust Perdes, not me.
It was a little shaky, but I didn't feel bad.
It didn't matter who she believed.
“Then let’s write up a contract.”
The important thing was that we secured the warehouse that was absolutely necessary for this plan.
The warehouse that Nicole Tesis took charge of was not only the right size but also the right location.
The trifecta was so perfect that I began to suspect that perhaps Count Tesis had entrusted the warehouse to Nicole Tesis to help me.
After writing up a contract and repeatedly asking for secrecy, I sent Nicole Tesis away.
And as I was smiling happily while looking at the important contract, Perdes asked me.
“Now tell me, okay?”
What do you want me to say?
I looked at Perdes.
Perdes asked, tilting his head.
“That’s a good offer for me too.”
"Yes?"
“I told you at the beginning. You said you would make me a good offer too.”
Oh, I told you so.
“This is a good suggestion for you too, Perdes.”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“Nicole Tesis is Lord Perdes’ business partner.”
Perdes' eyebrows twitched slightly.
“...Where on earth did you overhear our conversation?”
“Well, I don’t know when Perdes started talking to Nicole Tesis, so it’s hard to answer.”
“Anyway, you speak well.”
Perdes washed his face dry.
“So, why are Nicole and I partners?”
“I will later entrust the transportation rights for the magical items and Pura that I have been storing in the warehouse to you, Lord Perdes.”
Judging from his partnership with Nicole Tesis, Perdes' business was most likely related to transportation.
It didn't really matter though.
By then, Nicole Tesis will be the successor to Count Tesis, so he can use the Tesis Transport Group through her.
With that level of position, he'll probably be able to move a ship secretly.
“That’s not a suggestion, it’s an assignment.”
“What if we paid her twice the average?”
“...”
When the topic of conservatives came up, Perdes' mouth, which had been chattering like a bird, closed.
“If things go well, I’ll give you extra money.”
After all the contracts were over, Perdes needed a lot of money to travel the continent freely.
Of course, as I said before, I was willing to pay for his travel expenses as well as his disguise, but given Perdes' personality, there was no way he would accept it.
So, he must be trying to make money by doing business even now.
For him, paying twice the average shipping cost and even an additional fee was very attractive...
“I refuse.”
"Yes?"
...It must be a condition, but you’re rejecting it?
I looked at him, slightly bewildered by Perdes' reaction, which was completely different from what I had expected.
Perdes looked straight into my eyes and spoke again.
“I will decline Young Lady’s offer.”
Somehow I feel like I've been confirmed dead.
“So, try making another suggestion.”
Another suggestion.
What should I do?
I was flustered because I had assumed that Perdes would accept the offer, so I didn't think of a second option.
“If you don’t have one, can I suggest one instead?”
"Ah."
That's what happened.
I realized Perdes' intentions too late and returned the question with a smile.
“Is there anything else you would like to suggest to me?”
"Yes."
“What is it?”
“I’ll grant you everything you asked me just now, including the one you asked me to, so please grant me one favor later.”
It's not a proposal, it's a deal.
And since he didn't say right away what he wanted to ask, I guess it's something he can't do right now.
Or maybe he doesn't have anything in mind yet, but he wants to make a promise in advance in case something comes up in the future.
“I will ask you to do something within the bounds of common sense that the Young Lady can fully understand, so don’t worry about me asking you something strange.”
“I don’t worry about that.”
If someone else had said something like that, I would have thought he was just trying to dazzle me with his eloquence, but when Perdes said it, I didn't think that at all.
That means I trust him that much.
I was surprised once again that I trusted Perdes this much.
“Yes, but I think we should set an expiration date instead.”
"Until when?"
“Let’s do it for one year.”
Perdes frowned as if he didn't like it.
“It’s too short.”
“Not at all. It’s better than asking you to tell me what you want to do right now.”
“That’s true, but...”
Perdes stroked his chin, thought for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes. Let’s do it then.”
At that moment, Perdes' eyes sparkled with determination, like someone who had made a firm decision.
***
With the warehouse secured and Nicole Tesis accepting the offer, all that remained was to put the plan into motion.
That's how it should be... What is all this?
I sighed as I looked at the boxes stacked high up to the ceiling.
They were all birthday presents for me from nobles.
Even though I didn't have a birthday party due to various reasons including the New Year's holiday, I still received a lot of birthday presents.
They were sent by nobles who were close to my father or nobles who ruled the northern territories of the empire, such as Count Martina.
Of course, the imperial family also sent gifts.
My birthday is in January, but my birthday present arrived in December.
In January, trains stop running due to heavy snow and roads in the northern part of the country are paralyzed, making it difficult to send birthday gifts, so they are sent a month in advance.
But this birthday present rarely came, as the nobles thought I was at the Academy and did not send it.
...My father’s death also played a part.
If my father were alive, he would have sent me presents even though I was in the academy.
I laughed at their duplicity, but I didn't feel sad or anything.
Rather, I was glad that I didn't have to reply to each and every one of the ceremonial congratulatory letters that didn't contain a single grain of sincerity.
Anyway, I thought this birthday would pass quietly without any fuss, but guess what?
Two days before my birthday, birthday gifts from nobles began to arrive like a swarm of locusts.
From gifts sent by lower-ranking nobles whose names and faces I don't even know, to gifts sent by the imperial family.
It poured in so many times that it was scary to even count how many people sent it.
It seemed like it had come more often than when my father was alive.
Since I was in the capital, it was easy to send a gift, so they think they just sent it...
“This is driving me crazy.”
Don't think about the person who has to clean up after it. What are you going to do if you just send it like this?
I chuckled and shook my head.
The thought of replying to all these people one by one made my eyes dizzy.
Even though I already had a lot of work to do, I was annoyed by the nobles who, instead of helping, added to the burden.
“If I had known this would happen, I would have returned to the spirit world.”
I had plans to execute and the capital's ducal residence to sort out, but it was a mistake.
With belated regret, I picked up the shiniest golden box.
It was a gift from the royal family.
It was okay to reply a little late for other things, but I had to reply to the royal family right away.
“What did you hear?”
The box looks quite heavy, so I don't think it's an accessory like a ring or necklace.
Surely it's not a bomb?
Just then, as I was about to open the box, I had a slightly funny imagination.
Knock knock.
There was a knock.
Surely no one sent me a birthday present again?
“Do you have a minute?”
Oh, fortunately, that's not the case.
I answered, setting the golden box down beside me.
“Come in.”
Permission was granted, and Perdes came in hesitantly.
His slightly stiff face showed a look of tension.
“What’s wrong?”
“Huh? No. Nothing happened.”
Nothing happened.
The expression on his face says it all.
“If you’re here because you’re worried about Nicole Tesis, don’t worry, things are going well.”
“No, that’s not it...”
Perdes scratched his cheek awkwardly, then stretched out his right hand, which he had been hiding behind his back since he entered my room.
“Today is Young Lady’s birthday.”
In his hand was a box carefully wrapped with a red ribbon.
"Happy birthday."
This isn't the first time you've said happy birthday, so why are you so shy?
I smiled slightly and accepted the gift.
“Thank you. Can I try to open it?”
“Oh, no!”
Perdes raised his voice and waved his hands vigorously.
“Take it off after I leave. I’m going out now, so you can take it off right away! Oh, and just in case, don’t think anything of it! It’s just, it’s just a birthday present!”
And then he started spewing out words at a rapid pace and left the room so quickly that I couldn't even catch him.
What the heck...
I was somewhat shaken by Perdes' absurd behavior, and as I followed his footsteps, I looked down at the birthday present he had left behind.
I wonder what on earth was inside to make him react like that.
I was curious, so I opened the box right away.
Then a music box made of crystal appeared.
It looks like it's a magic music box because it has a Pura in it.
I heard that magic music boxes that record your own voice are popular these days. Is that really it?
[Hmm, hmm. Happy birthday, Young Lady.]
I had a hunch, but it was correct.
In addition, a gentle song sung by Perdes himself flowed out behind this.
It was also surprising that Perdes recorded his songs.
What was even more surprising was that he sang very well.
Even I, a layman in this field, could tell that it was an excellent skill.
The low, husky voice and the music box's unique, calm, clear melody blended well together like harmony.
I didn't know Perdes had this talent.
I closed my eyes tightly and enjoyed Perdes' song.
Maybe it was because the song was so sweet.
Or maybe it's because I haven't been able to sleep well these past few days due to one thing or another.
My consciousness gradually became blurred, and at one moment, I was sucked into a deep abyss along with his singing voice.
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