Chapter 227: Heading for the Fertio County

Inside the newly completed luxury carriage, the Cullinan, I enjoyed the feeling of the spacious interior and the sight of the road outside the window. The reddish-toned wood paneling, the sofas upholstered in magical beast leather, and the beautifully gilded window frames and oil lamps all contributed to an extravagant atmosphere.

“Honestly, you really should moderate yourself, boy.”

Panamera, who was seated across from me, muttered those words, her face twitching slightly. For some reason, I was being scolded.

“Huh? You don’t like the carriage?”

When I looked up in surprise, Panamera narrowed her eyes in a reproving way and spoke.

“It’s not about liking it or disliking it. This kind of luxurious, oversized carriage isn’t even owned by royalty. What will people say about a newly rising Baron possessing such a thing?”

She said this with an exasperated expression, and I nodded with a wry smile.

“Of course, I won’t be the only one monopolizing this carriage,” I explained, before looking at Till. “Could you prepare some tea and sweets?”

“Yes, Lord Van! I’ll get them ready right away!”

At my request, Till immediately stood up, retrieved a double-walled vacuum flask from a wall-mounted shelf, arranged teacups on the table, and poured the tea. Two hours had passed since our departure, but a faint wisp of steam still rose from the cups. She then carefully placed a basket containing an assortment of baked goods, wrapped in wood-based paper, in the center of the table.

I watched her work, then offered Till a cheerful thank you.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome! Ah, by the way, may I have one too…?”

“Go ahead, eat up.”

With that exchange, a cheerful-looking Till was the first to pick up a paper-wrapped pastry. I offered Panamera the basket with a wry smile and a gesture. Panamera took a cup, though her expression was stern for some reason, and brought it to her lips.

She sipped the tea, slowly savoring the aroma and flavor as she swallowed. Her manner was graceful, utterly unlike her usual self. Though, I won’t say that out loud, or she’d probably get angry.

“It’s delicious, isn’t it?” I said, offering a neutral comment instead.

Panamera elegantly returned the cup to the saucer, but immediately furrowed her brow again.

“It is delicious, but that’s not the point! No, for that matter, what is that magic tool-like container!? How can we still enjoy tea that is practically freshly brewed!?”

Panamera shouted. Why can she get angry while drinking delicious tea? No, she will definitely feel better once she eats a sweet. Because they are delicious.

“…Would you like a sweet, too?” I asked tentatively.

Panamera maintained her grumpy expression as she peeled the paper wrapping from one of the individually packaged baked goods. It was about half the size of her palm, but Panamera tore it in half and delicately brought it to her mouth.

“…Hmm, it’s good,” she admitted, then took another sip of tea. Huh? I don’t feel like her mood has recovered much.

I was wondering what to say next when Panamera glanced at me, her eyes narrowed. She then let out a sigh.

“…I understand what you mean. The boy is trying to solidify his position… is that it?” Panamera crossed her arms, her face serious.

“The astonishing weapons and armaments the boy has created up until now are only understood if one sees them directly. Thus, they failed to capture the interest of nobles who do not prioritize military strength. However, this extravagant carriage and those mysterious containers will clearly resonate with those very nobles. After all, even I, who am a social climber, can sense the potential for profit.”

Panamera spoke in a tone that suggested, Good grief. Hearing this, I couldn’t stop myself from grinning.

What? It can make that much money? Hurray! I should set up a mass-production system right away. This carriage is only slightly more durable and maneuverable than a normal one; it wouldn’t pose a threat if used by an enemy. If that’s the case, I have no hesitation about selling it for profit.

As I was thinking this, Panamera tilted her head slightly and scoffed.

“Truly, you are frightening. I can’t believe you are barely ten years old… Lady Arte. Your husband might become the king of a nation someday. May I become his concubine then?”

“E-excuse me!? L-Lord Panamera!? I-I-I mean, t-that’s not something I have the authority to permit…” Arte waved her hands in intense agitation. Panamera wore a mischievous smile.

“Oh? Lady Arte, you didn’t say anything about me calling the boy your husband, did you? What, are you already married and not just engaged? When did you spend your first night together?”

Panamera teased her with the look of a mischievous schoolyard bully. Arte blinked in momentary confusion, but immediately turned bright red up to her ears and let out a strange noise.

“Pyeh!? W-w-w-what…”

At Arte’s unexpected squeak, not only Panamera but I, too, burst into laughter.

“Hahahaha! It was a joke, Lady Arte. No, I apologize. Did I tease you too much?” Panamera said.

“Please don’t bully Arte so much,” I added.

“No, I am sorry, I am sorry,” Panamera replied.

We exchanged banter while Arte, still opening and closing her mouth like a koi waiting for food, stood beside us. Till smiled warmly, already enjoying her second baked good.

And so, our journey continued, surprisingly peaceful and entertaining.