Chapter 53: Clash

Shortly after noon, Mary burst into the cottage, looking pale.

“Young Master, it’s bad!”

Mary’s face is very pale, and her body trembles slightly.

What happened?

Even if a robber comes, I think we’ll be fine because Upa is here, but…….

“What’s wrong?”

“We have a guest, Alexei-sama is at the auberge.”

“Alexei-oniisan!?”

“Yes. Sebastian, the head butler, and some knights are with him. What should we do?”

I calmed down Mary, who was so anxious.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure big brother just stopped by for something. Or maybe he is here to make sure I’m doing my job properly.”

I know.

I am well aware that he wasn’t that kind of big brother but I said so for Mary’s sake.

Anyway, we can’t just leave him there and wait. After all, the other party is my elder brother, Earl Dantes.

I quickly get dressed and then we headed to the auberge.

Without even much of a greeting, Alexei-oniisan, whom I met at the auberge, made a shocking proposal.

“…..So basically, you want me to sell this island for 10 million crown coins?”

“Don’t make me repeat myself. With that much, it would be enough to get you to school and not worry about the future, right?”

You’re kidding.

The transaction over those jar bottles and the operation of the auberge alone generate a net profit of more than 200,000 crowns a month.

There’s no way I can sell it for only 10 million crown coins.

Above all, Gandalcia is our island. My friends live here.

“No thanks. I’m the Lord of this place.”

“I’ll take care of the islanders. They can continue to work here as they have always done. You can just live in the Capital. Will all those money, shouldn’t you just live there happily? Anyways, enough talking. I’m saying this for your own good.”

Yeah, right.

Then why did you kick me out of the mansion that day?

Isn’t it just because this island is generating money now so you are trying to take it away by offering money?

I didn’t nod my head, so my brother raised the price.

“Alright then, I’ll give you 11 million crown coins, and with that much, you can rent an apartment in a convenient place in the Capital. What about the Crenton area? It’s a stylish place.”

Did he really think I’ll be deceived by such sweet words?

I want him to stop treating me like a child.

“Even if it’s 100 million, I won’t give it away. Please take your leave.”

When I said it clearly, my brother’s temples began to twitch.

“Cedie…… are you going to go against me?”

Even if Alexei-oniisan is the opponent, I can’t give in to this.

“I’m the Lord of Gandalcia, and that’s what is registered the country, right? Paul-oniisan told me. I also have the certificate in my hand.”

“Hmmph, I don’t care about that……”

He raised his hand, and the ten knights behind him took a step forward. However, in response, our manager also stepped forward to protect me.

“Whoa, whoa. What are you going to do? If you are really planning on laying your hands on our Lord, then……”

The knights are frightened by Upa’s pressure as he cracks his knuckles.

“That man is General Upa……”

Sebastian whispers in Alexei-oniisan’s ear.

“Why is the Grim Reaper of the Battlefield on an island like this…? Tch, never mind. Since you’re being stubborn, do as you like then. But from now on, you’re prohibited from doing any business within the Dantes territory. Doing business with the Londo Company is also forbidden!”

Even with Emma!?

“How tyrannical!”

“If you want to make a deal, go ahead and do it. In return, I’ll have Emma Londo go to jail.”

“….…”

It’s like holding Emma hostage.

I have no choice but to give up wholesaling bottled goods to Londo Company then.

“If you change your mind, let me know. See you later.”

Alexei-oniisan went home with his shoulders hunched in anger.

The auberge was full of islanders who had heard the commotion. Everyone has an anxious look on their faces.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you guys. It’s okay, I’m not going to sell this place.”

“That’s right. Young Master Cedie would never do that!”

Dawsill speaks up.

“You’re right. There’s no way Cedie would do that.”

Lulu’s smile returned on her face.

Everyone was satisfied and went back to their respective homes.

The only one who remained standing in front of me was Mio-san. She looked so pale.

“I’m sorry, I’m very sorry. I had no idea this was going to happen.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve always thought that Alexei-sama was worried about you, Cedie-sama.”

Mio-san then told me everything she had done so far.

“So, Mio-san was reporting the things going on this island on Alexei’s orders. Is that right?”

“That’s right. I…… he told me that he was worried about his brother.”

“In that case, don’t worry about it anymore. After all, Mio-san was also deceived by my older brother.”

Mio-san seems to feel responsible for this incident.

But even if Mio-san doesn’t report it, Alexei-oniisan will still manage to find out the secret of Gandalcia sooner or later.

“Hey, don’t cry anymore.”

“But you can’t do business with Emma anymore, right? What are you going to do now?”

“I’ll try to find a merchant in Lebon that will buy the bottled goods. It’s at Simpson’s territory so it won’t be a problem.”

I don’t think I’ll be able to sell a ton of bottled goods all at once, but it’s better than nothing.

Developing the island requires not only points, but also cash.

If I have time to whine, it’s more constructive to show up at Sambabano and ask for advice. Bigma is kind, so she may be able to help.

Oh my gosh, my happiness is frighteningly low!

In any case, the road ahead for me and Gandalcia seemed to be difficult.

　　　✲✲✲

Alexei was rocking in the carriage with a sullen face. But he doesn’t seem to be throwing tantrums as much as Sebastian, the head butler, worries about.

“It’s a pity.”

“What is?”

“Master was not able to buy Gandalcia, right?”

“Well, that’s okay. It’s not going to make much money anyway. And Cedie will probably come to me soon. Anyway, how’s the winery we bought?”

“It’s going well. This month’s sales have exceeded 3 million crown coins.”

At Sebastian’s reply, Alexei smiled contentedly.

“Good. We are going to focus on making wine for a while. Let’s increase the production from this year.”

“I understand.”

Alexei was delighted to have a new source of funding.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

---

Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next

---