Chapter 307: Marquis Porto Fino Rosso

Upon entering the castle, a guard gave us a tour that felt just like visiting a historical landmark.

“This area has been maintained so that guests can relax. We have prepared not only a hall and dining room but also offices and bedrooms. Also, although it is a bit small, there is a bathroom with a view of the sea, which has been very well received by our guests…”

Curious about the guard who was explaining things so fluently, I inadvertently asked him in the middle of his commentary.

“Umm, do you explain things politely like this to guests every time?”

When I asked that, the guard hurriedly turned toward me.

“Ah, my apologies! Was it too long…?”

“No, that’s not it. It’s just that you are explaining things so politely.”

I followed up with a smile to reassure the apologetic older guard. At that, the guard cleared his throat and nodded lightly.

“Th-Then that is good. Originally, the Master lives in the Fortress City Tielind along the border, not in Tribute. However, during peacetime, there are simply too many visitors in Tribute, so it has become common practice for him to stay here to make it easier to attend to them. We guards also deal with people seeking an audience with the Master every day, so…”

“I-I see…”

Listening to the guard’s explanation, which seemed somewhat proud, I sighed inwardly, thinking this was trouble.

So far, since coming to Tribute, I haven’t seen any special industries being conducted locally. Normally, when one speaks of a port town, it is taken for granted that there are many industries such as transporting goods by ship or fishing. However, in this world, the open sea is apparently teeming with large magical beasts, so industries using ships have developed almost non-existently.

There are boats on small rivers and lakes, but basically, one does not see ships on the sea.

The main source of income for such a territory is likely trade and tolls from peddlers. As if confirming that guess, Marquis Rosso himself seems to deal with many visitors.

This is bad. If my concerns are correct, the Marquis Rosso territory will eventually dry up economically. If that happens, I might not be able to build a friendly relationship with Rosso. The cause lies with the Kingdom of Yelenetta, which attacked Scudetto, but regardless of the process, the result is that peddlers who were supposed to pass through Tribute will flow to Seatoh Village. If anyone’s annual income were cut in half, they would naturally want to resent the person taking the profits that were supposed to be theirs.

If a Marquis family with a long history were to go bankrupt because of that…

“…Alright, let’s just give it a shot and see what happens.”

Tired from thinking about serious matters, I switched my mindset cleanly. I decided I would judge based on seeing Rosso’s personality.

Thinking that way made me feel easier. While enjoying the castle tour from the guard, we moved to the audience chamber.

“It is here.”

Saying that, the guard knocked on the door of the audience chamber. Then, the imposing steel double doors were opened from the inside. A large hall immediately appeared before my eyes. It wasn’t that spacious, and the number of people inside seemed small. A man sitting in a chair with a large backrest was at the far end, with two knights wearing luxurious armor on his left and right. There also appeared to be several people who looked like mages by the walls.

“You may enter.”

Told so by a man’s low voice, I stepped into the audience chamber with Panamera. Walking toward the back of the hall while feeling a little nervous, the man sitting in the chair raised his face.

He is a man with dark silver hair. His age is probably in his forties. His almond-shaped eyes are distinctive. I cannot read emotions from his expression, but I braced myself, thinking he might be angry.

The man stood up from the chair and looked at Panamera and me.

“Welcome, Count Panamera Carrera Cayenne. And Viscount Van Nei Fertio… I am Marquis Porto Fino Rosso, who governs this Rosso Marquis territory.”

The man greeted us with a slightly husky, astringent voice. I feel a sense of calm dandyism that reminds me of Esparda.

As I looked at the mature man’s appearance with admiration, Panamera bowed lightly and returned the greeting.

“It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Lord Marquis Rosso. Please call me Panamera.”

“Ah, I am Van Nei Fertio! Please call me Van!”

Hearing Panamera’s greeting, I hurriedly matched mine to hers. After saying it, I became anxious about whether I should have been more formal, but Rosso raised the corner of his mouth slightly and nodded.

“…I see. I can feel the momentum of those who have risen up through military power. It is truly reliable. Furthermore, Viscount Van is even more youthful than I imagined. I have been wanting to talk to the two of you.”

Perhaps interpreting our greetings favorably, Rosso said this with a smile.

“Now, please sit there.”

It seems that formal greetings are over. Rosso said that in a casual tone, quickly sat on a single-seater sofa, and waited for us to sit down.