Chapter 49: Oliver's View of Will's Inner Circle

(The narrator is Oliver.)

I convinced Father to let me step down from inheriting the Alex Trading Company and came to the West to work for Lord William, my life’s benefactor. I was a little surprised by the Workshop‘s situation, where there wasn’t even an accountant, but in turn, I was glad I could be useful. Mother told me to make sure I don’t trouble anyone, so I must be careful. I am an eccentric and naturally tend to cause a commotion around me.

Now, although I will work as a staff member at the Workshop, I will concurrently serve as the Branch Manager of the Levant Trading Company‘s Northernford Branch for the time being. Therefore, I went around offering greetings as the Branch Manager. Of course, I offered my greetings to the lord, Marquis Fairchild, first.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Oliver Levant, Branch Manager of the Levant Trading Company‘s Northernford Branch.”

“Hello. I think this is the second time, as you came to our Summer Solstice Festival the other day.”

“You remembered me even though I didn’t greet you at that time? I am very happy.”

His Excellency the Marquis held his head for some reason.

“No, to be honest, I am confused when you smile at me like that. Will told me, but you truly look like a beautiful girl.”

“I love beautiful things. When I decided I wanted to be as beautiful as possible myself, this is how I ended up looking.”

“I see… Well, everyone is different. Welcome to Northernford. It is appreciated that a large trading company would open a branch here. I look forward to working with you.”

From there, we had a brief meeting about the branch’s activities. Just talking for a little while, I realized that His Excellency the Marquis was quick to understand, made no unreasonable demands, and was a good lord. When I brought up the topic of Lord William and Sophie-chan, it was clear that he is a person with abundant love for his children.

Furthermore, when I brought up the Workshop, it was evident that he was sincerely happy about Lord William‘s activities and intended to support him. He really is a good father.

Next, I offered my greetings to Lady Mary, the Marquis‘s wife. She is a person so popular with the populace that she is called the Sun of Northernford. She returned a smile to my greeting, but my tension wouldn’t ease.

“So, what did you come here to do?”

Is it possible I am being viewed with caution? Even though her eyes are gentle, I felt they weren’t smiling in the depths, which was terrifying.

I couldn’t quite grasp what she was wary of, but I decided I had no choice but to be honest.

“When I was near death from the infectious disease, my life was saved by Lord William‘s medicine. I came to this land because I wish to repay that debt of gratitude.”

“You say you wish to repay a debt of gratitude, but what exactly do you intend to do?”

“Yes, for the time being, I will concurrently serve as Branch Manager of the Levant Trading Company, but I hope to assist with the administrative aspects of Lord William‘s Workshop, such as accounting.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes. Lord William has a natural talent for manufacturing, but I perceived that he is not proficient in administrative work, so I believe I can be of service in that area.”

“I believe you are correct. It is a help that you will assist William. You said you would be serving concurrently for the time being, but what do you intend to do in the future?”

It seemed the interrogation was not over yet.

“Yes, I heard that Lord William will be granted the rank of Baron. At that time, I hope to become his vassal and contribute to the prosperity of his territory. While I feel a desire to repay my debt of gratitude, I also believe that participating in the territorial management of Lord William, who possesses an exceptional Production Skill, will be more rewarding than managing the trading company.”

This is my honest feeling. I believe being near Lord William seems more interesting than simply doing business, and I suspect exciting things will happen. I feel that Father saw through this aspect of me too.

“Is that so? I worried about what you intended to do to William because you are such a beautiful boy. Thank you for letting me hear your honest feelings.”

Finally, the pressure from Lady Mary subsided.

“Please do support Will-chan.”

Lady Mary showed me a gentle smile for the first time. It seems I have been acknowledged. I was truly nervous. I must make sure never to anger this person.

Going around greeting people in the territory and hearing various stories, I learned that Lord William is loved not only by his family but also by the people around him. And there is a relationship of trust among the people in Lord William‘s inner circle, building a surprisingly excellent network of relationships.

For example, Theodore-san, who can be called Lord William‘s right-hand man in manufacturing, respects Lord William as his Master and is deeply grateful for his help to the Dwarves who fled the Sea of Trees. He also seems to feel indebted to the Fairchild Margraviate, especially Lady Mary, who accepted him like family after he lost his parents.

Lady Mabel, who came to learn Lord William‘s Production Skill, respects Lord William for pioneering the future of Production Skill and seems to regard Lady Sophie as a precious friend. She is a serious, kind, and good person, not noble-like in a positive sense.

Carpenter-san, the coordinator of the craftsmen, is an elder, but he deeply reveres Lord William as his Master. He doesn’t treat Theodore-san or Lady Mabel like children and accurately assesses their respective abilities.

And Lord William also cares deeply for the people around him. After all, the first consultation I received as a Workshop staff member was about how to get the Elves and Dwarves to accept his thanks.

When I tentatively suggested an assortment of Tree Nuts for the Elves and a Spice Set for grilling meat for the Dwarves, Lord William‘s face broke into a full smile as they happily accepted them.

What beautiful human relationships. They acknowledge each other, care deeply for one another, and wish the best for each other. I have always believed that when it comes to Art and people, outward beauty is what matters. But perhaps the true beauty of the world lies in something other than appearance.