Chapter 9: The Elder Brother's Departure and the Great Merchant's Visit

A wintry blast blew, and autumn departed as winter arrived. My breath was white, and the people in the town were walking hunched over. I worried whether the Dwarves‘ houses were warm, so I went to check on them. My memory from my previous life is vague, but I feel like there were times when the cold was painful. Perhaps I saved on heating costs and endured it.

“It’s gotten cold, but are the fireplaces working without issue? Are there any drafts?”

“No, we’re fine. This house is truly well-made.” I was relieved that they seemed well.

On the contrary, the Dwarves had already begun constructing a forge despite the cold. Father had provided food assistance for the time being and conveyed that he wanted them to rest first, along with a tax exemption. “They built houses for us, gave us food, and exempted us from taxes.”

“We wouldn’t be worthy of the Dwarf name if we didn’t repay this debt of gratitude.”

The Dwarves seemed eager to contribute quickly through blacksmithing to repay their debt. They had already started creating finework pieces and had apparently presented some to the Margrave family. Dwarves are a loyal people.

This winter passed quietly, without any special events. I was happy that as winter fully set in, exchanges with various regions decreased, giving Father and Mother more time to spend with the family.

Talking and laughing with the family in front of the fireplace while drinking warm tea warmed even my heart. I was also happy that I didn’t have to wake up early and could sleep plenty every day. The cook always makes delicious food, so I am truly happy.

Eventually, the snow on the mountains melted, and the trees began to bud. It will be spring soon. Spring is also the season for leaving the nest. Brother Edward turns fifteen this year and will enroll in the Royal Academy in the Royal Capital, Winchester.

The Royal Academy gathers children of nobles from various parts of the Kingdom of Albion. It is fully residential, and even children of nobles whose territory is near the Royal Capital stay in the dorms and live together for three years. This is apparently to allow the next generation of nobles to build relationships.

All the preparations were complete, and the day for Brother Edward‘s departure arrived. “Big Brother, are you really leaving?” My sister Sophie‘s face clouded over. “I’ll be back for summer vacation. And I’ll write letters too.” Brother Edward patted Sophie‘s head.

“Ha-ha, Sophie is lonely. But it’s the rule for all noble heirs to go to the Royal Academy.” Father, who said this, also looked a little lonely. “Edward, take care of yourself.” “Understood, Mother.”

“Edward, in the Royal Capital, you must judge what you should do yourself. Be firm.”

“I understand, Father. I will do my best not to bring shame to the Fairchild family as the eldest son.” The family watched the carriage carrying Brother Edward heading toward the Royal Capital until it disappeared from sight.

Some time after Brother Edward departed for the Royal Capital, an unusual guest arrived. “Pleased to meet you, I am Alex Levant. I run a trading company.” The Levant Trading Company is one of the largest firms in the Kingdom. Furthermore, Mr. Alex Levant is its President.

It is unusual for a great merchant to come to the western frontier. And why was I summoned, not just Father? “Pleased to meet you, Mister Levant. I am William Fairchild.”

“Actually, this child is the creator.”

“What! The one who created those marvelous goods is Your Excellency‘s child?” Upon hearing the story, it seems Mr. Levant deliberately traveled all the way from the Royal Capital after hearing that there was a highly skilled Production Master in the Fairchild Margraviate.

“Ah, I was defeated. I was shown some wonderful wooden furniture and leather bags by a noble in the Royal Capital, and I wanted to handle them in our shop. But the creator is Your Excellency‘s son.” It seems Father gifted the furniture and bags I made to a noble in the Royal Capital, and that noble showed them to Mr. Levant, with whom he was acquainted.

Mr. Levant seemed to have liked them at first sight. When he asked who made them, the noble wouldn’t answer, so Mr. Levant begged him to only tell him where he acquired them. After hearing they came from the Fairchild Margrave family, he decided to travel out here immediately. Amazing drive.

“Hmm, we cannot sell items created by a noble’s son in our merchants’ guild. It is truly regrettable.” Mr. Levant left with a disappointed expression. I was surprised, but having a great merchant evaluate my work gave me confidence. Also, I had a strange premonition that I would meet this person again.