Nick Told Me About What Was Happening
“Of course, I regret all of that now. But never mind that. It was when I was at that store…”
“Hah… You better not do something like that ever again… And then?”
“Yes, I know! …And then these armored soldiers came out from the back of the store in order to suppress us. …Just like that one…”
Nick said as he pointed at Nicholas.
He was wearing iron armor, had a sword on his belt, and also wore a helmet. It was very obvious that he was a soldier.
If these men looked the same, then they were likely soldiers as well.
“And then what did you do?”
“Me and the others tried to fight them, but then this man, who I assumed was the owner, came out as well… And then he said this. ‘We’re here doing business with the approval of a noble house. What you are doing is a bold attack on their house.”
“Hmm… In other words, he was threatening you, saying that there would be retribution from the nobles?”
“Yes. We didn’t want to get caught when we heard that, so we ran from the place.”
I see. That was quite similar to what just happened here…
However, was it really true that they were backed by a noble house…?
I didn’t know if noble houses would involve themselves in such lowly business practices, so I could not say.
I would have to talk about it with Sebastian later.
“Thank you for telling me. And you must never do that again.”
“Of course, I won’t do it. I’m going to do my best to be useful to you!”
Nick was already acting like he was my sworn younger brother, but to me he was just a subordinate.
It would be best if he was monitored continually.
Though, I did hope that he would work hard.
“Mr. Takumi. What were you talking about?”
“Ah, Ms. Claire. The thing is, Nick…”
I had gone back over to Leo after I finished talking with Nick, and Ms. Claire wanted to know what we had been talking about. But just as I was answering, Sebastian ended his conversation with Mr. Kalis and started walking this way.
That was good. I wanted him to hear this as well.
“Hmm…nobles involved with the sales of inferior herbs…”
“Mmm…this might get very complicated…”
Upon hearing what I had said, Sebastian and Ms. Claire groaned and were deep in thought.
If this involved other nobles, then merely punishing the sellers would not be enough to put the matter to rest.
I didn’t know much about the world of aristocrats, but when it came to the relationships of powerful people, they would usually develop into complex problems.
“In any case, I will have to report this to His Grace.”
“Yes… Sebastian. Father wouldn’t have arrived at the house yet, would he?”
“Indeed. From the mansion to the main house…he has probably not even reached the halfway point yet.”
“Would it be possible to catch him if you sent a messenger?”
Ms. Claire wanted to send a messenger to Mr. Ekenhart right away.
“…While it won’t be easy…it must be done. His Grace will be able to plan our course of action after hearing the news.”
“Yes. And then he’ll be able to act as soon as he reaches the house. Unless, of course, he decides to return here instead.”
“Indeed… In any case, it would be best to get this news to him as quickly as possible. Nicholas?”
Once they had come to this conclusion, Sebastian shouted Nicholas’s name.
“Go and investigate the facts of the matter at once. And when that is done, make preparation and pursue His Grace. And, of course, do not forget to send someone to contact the mansion as well.”
After hearing this order, Nicholas immediately made to leave.
So it was Nicholas who was going to have to go after Mr. Ekenhart…as he was chasing someone on horseback, he would have to ride hard with very little rest… I know…
“Nicholas. Wait a minute.”
“What is it, Mr. Takumi?”
I stopped Nicholas and then searched inside of my bag.
Oh, there. This is it.
“Take this with you. It’s a herb to heal any muscle fatigue. And this one will get rid of tiredness.”
“Yes. I’m afraid it will be a very taxing journey.”
I said as I handed the two types of herbs to him.
I had made them for my training, but I was sure they would be useful here…
It was just too bad that I didn’t have more.
“I accept them…gratefully.”
“Yes. Please stay safe.”
Nicholas accepted the herbs carefully and then nodded once towards Sebastian before running off into the town.
It will be tough, but good luck.
“Lady Claire, Mr. Takumi. Lunch is ready, so please come this way.”
“Thank you, Mr. Kalis.”
After seeing Nicholas off, we all ate lunch, which Mr. Kalis provided for us.
And since Leo could not enter the store, we decided to eat outside at Tilura’s suggestion.
Sebastian, Johana, and Mr. Kalis joined us.
And while Mr. Kalis’s food was no match Ms. Helena’s cooking, it was adequately delicious.
Apparently, it had been bought on the streets by the other store clerks.
If we ever had time, it might be nice to go sightseeing and buy food there.
“Mr. Takumi. About your schedule after this…”
We were almost finished eating when Ms. Claire brought up my plans for the rest of the day.
“If you don’t mind, I was hoping you would accompany me for a while?”
“I don’t mind. Where are you going?”
“There is an orphanage in this town. You see, this talk of plagues and bad quality herbs has made me anxious…”
An orphanage, huh…? They had such facilities in Japan. Fortunately, I had never been in one.
I didn’t know what they were like in this world, but Ms. Claire seemed to be worried about the children there.
And since I had no plans in particular, it might be a good idea to go and see it.
If it turned out that they were also affected by these bad herbs, then I might have to use Weed Cultivation. Thinking this, I answered Ms. Claire.