Chapter 123: Western Traditional Sweets and the Reunion with the Princess

For dinner, the head chef of the mansion in the Royal Capital showed off his skills, preparing a luxurious meal featuring roast beef and grilled sea bass as the main dishes. For dessert, Bara Brith was served.

Bara Brith is a traditional sweet from the western part of the Albion Kingdom. It is made by soaking dried fruits like raisins and walnuts in tea, mixing them generously into the dough, and baking it with cinnamon flavor. It’s a subtle item that is neither quite cake nor bread, but it is my favorite.

By the way, according to the knowledge Oliver obtained from the Akashic Records, Bara Brith seems to be a traditional Welsh confectionery in the world I came from. Although accessing the Akashic Records puts a heavy burden on the brain, it seems he is gradually learning to master it. Oliver said that although finding blueprints for the Magic Gun seems difficult, he has started to find fragmentary information.

Towards the end of the meal, the head chef came to greet us. When I told him that the meal was delicious and the dessert was excellent, the head chef smiled, saying, “I am glad it suited your tastes.”

“I considered making a new sweet that is popular in the Royal Capital, but since our guest Lady Scarlett is a Count’s daughter from the West, and I heard it is Lord William‘s favorite, I decided on Bara Brith.” I see, he thought of a menu that suited the guests.

The next morning, we rode the carriage to Linkstar Castle. Arriving at the entrance of the elegant castle, nicknamed the Swan Castle, we stated our business to the guards. Since the arrangements had been made, a maid appeared immediately and guided us.

As we walked through the castle, I felt like I recognized the path somewhat. When I asked the maid, it seemed we were indeed heading to the gazebo where I first met Her Highness Flora.

When we arrived at the courtyard, Her Highness Flora stood up from her chair and trotted over. “It has been a long time, Letty-san, Sophie-san.” “It has been a long time, Your Highness Flora.”

The three of them held each other’s hands, rejoicing in their reunion. As I watched, thinking “That’s nice,” Her Highness turned to face me. Huh, I feel like she’s in a slightly bad mood.

“It has been a long time for you too, William-san.” “It has been a while, Your Highness Flora.” “It really has. Since you can use Teleportation Magic, I think you could show your face a little more often.” For some reason, I was scolded by Her Highness. After that, Her Highness greeted Oliver with a smile, so why only me?

After rejoicing in our reunion, we all sat down on the chairs in the gazebo and talked about recent events. “My, so both Letty-san and Sophie-san are participating in the exploration of the undeveloped lands?” As the two nodded, Her Highness showed a worried face.

“I wish I could go with you, but I am not good at combat, so I would just be a burden.” No, it’s not really about that; I don’t think His Majesty would permit Her Highness to go to a dangerous place. But feeling that saying so might put Her Highness in a bad mood again, I kept quiet.

“Now, I shall tell you about my recent activities. Compared to everyone’s adventures, my activities are plain, but I am trying to utilize the Merchant Skill in domestic affairs.” “I have heard from fellow merchants that Your Highness is working very hard. I believe that even if it is plain, it leads to the path of enriching the people.”

“Ah, it is just as Oliver-sensei says. I should not have humbled myself by calling it plain. I am having those with the Merchant Skill, whom the Prime Minister found for me, receive training from merchants acting as teachers to improve their skills.”

“However, there are those who resist being taught by merchants, and overturning the stereotype that the Merchant Skill is useless is quite an effort.” “There are many who cling to swords and magic, after all.” “It is just as Letty-san says. There are many stubborn people.” Her Highness sighed.

“However, just as William-san said, by improving the Merchant Skill, work efficiency has improved remarkably.” “I am glad the merits of the Merchant Skill are being demonstrated.”

“Yes. We are beginning to be able to grasp the vast amount of data reported from all over the Kingdom.” Oh, that is a significant achievement. The Albion Kingdom is divided into many territories, large and small. To put it nicely, it is governed in a decentralized manner by each lord; to put it poorly, it is governed disjointedly. Until now, it seemed the situation of the entire Kingdom hadn’t been grasped properly.

“Thanks to Oliver-sensei teaching us how to improve the Merchant Skill, we were able to greatly improve the skills of those in charge of domestic affairs. I am grateful.” “Those are wasted words on me. I have also received excessive remuneration from the Royal Family.” “Since you are teaching us valuable know-how, it is not excessive but a deserved reward.”

“By the way, have you all done any sightseeing in the Royal Capital?” “Yes, we went to an accessory shop I wanted to visit yesterday!” “That is good, Sophie-san. Since it is an accessory shop, I assume there were many noble daughters there as well, but did they not approach William-san?”

“No one approached me. Though, I did feel some pitying gazes.” “Good grief, to distance themselves as soon as they hear Will is receiving the southern undeveloped lands as territory. Aren’t they ashamed?” Letty gets angry for me, but personally, I’m grateful.