Though we woke with a lingering heaviness in our hearts, what awaited us only made it worse.
“Um… there’s a messenger here from the baron.”
The innkeeper’s wife informed us of the visitor, her expression apologetic. Sue and I exchanged a glance, both of us letting out a weary sigh before making our way to the entrance.
We had a bad experience before in another barony—when the lord there had gone out of control. Remembering that, even Shiro and the others seemed visibly deflated.
“His lordship has sent word, expressing his apologies for last night. He wishes to offer them to you in person, and humbly asks that you come to the estate.”
Oh… this time, the response was surprisingly reasonable.
The man, who looked very much like a butler, spoke to me with a sincere, apologetic tone.
Seeing no immediate cause for concern, we accepted and climbed into the carriage sent to fetch us.
“My people have committed a grave discourtesy within my domain.”
By the time we arrived at the estate and were shown into a reception room, a refined, dignified baron was already waiting.
The moment we entered, he bowed his head and apologized.
Caught off guard, we could only listen as he began to explain the situation.
“To tell you the truth, that establishment is, in name, directly managed by my baronial house. I had heard some time ago that its operations had become questionable. Then, last night, one of my domain’s soldiers happened to be present and reported the matter to me immediately.”
Right. For a baron’s own establishment to behave like that—there was no way it could be overlooked. Perhaps he understood that better than anyone, because the baron’s expression was deeply troubled.
“I have ordered the shop to be closed for one week. During that time, it will undergo a complete review from the ground up—cleaning, equipment maintenance, everything. As for the head of the kitchen who was responsible for the dishonest cooking, and the owner who condoned it, they have both been arrested. Upon investigation, we also uncovered collusion with merchants, including evidence of bribery.”
Whoa. Not only had they been serving terrible food to first-time customers, but there had been bribery involved as well.
At that point, there was really nothing left for us to say.
“I bear responsibility as well, for failing to uncover the corruption in my own establishment until now. I offer you my sincerest apologies.”
“My lord, I accept your apology—so please, raise your head. We’re truly fine now.”
“Thank you.”
With the matter of the baron’s apology settled, we turned to a more relaxed conversation.
“I’ve heard that it’s currently the harvest season for summer vegetables in your domain, my lord.”
“Indeed. Agriculture is the backbone of my lands, and we are right in the peak of harvest. We also grow some autumn crops as well.”
So they even supply vegetables to neighboring territories—essentially a major center of food production.
“Ah, yes. This may not fully make up for my earlier apology, but please, allow me to offer you some of our produce. They are quite delicious, even eaten raw.”
“““Yay!”””
Thanks to the baron’s generosity, we ended up receiving a large quantity of fresh vegetables.
Even without going into town, we now had more than enough produce, and Shiro and the others were absolutely delighted.
And just like that, the trouble in the baron’s domain was peacefully resolved.
That evening, I prepared a summer vegetable curry, making full use of the ingredients we’d been given.Of course, everyone ate their fill—and then some—leaving nothing behind.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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