Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 14 — An Unexpected Proposal
I was tempted by the benefits of working with a marquis’ house, but I also already had ties with the military, the court magicians, and Shuri-kun.
Before anything else, I needed to explain my current position clearly.
“Just so you’re aware, I already have dealings with the military, and I’m also in contact with the court magicians.
…
Given that, how much meaning is there in adding a relationship with the Marquis’ house on top of that?”
“Hm. Yes, that is worth considering.”
Roosevelt stroked his chin, then answered.
“First, there are certain goods in this kingdom that cannot be handled without noble status. For example, transactions involving high-grade magic tools from dungeons are restricted to nobles or those formally delegated by one.
…
Such trades are a nest of vested interests. Normally, new entrants are all but shut out. With my authority, I can clear those hurdles.”
From that explanation alone, I could infer the reverse: meaning the military and the court magicians still couldn’t reach into that domain.
In my plan to create the strongest transport company, there would be times when I’d need to handle troublesome, tightly regulated items.
Having authorization from a marquis’ house could make the difference between smooth business and constant obstruction.
Whether I would actually deal in dungeon goods was another matter, but having that option was valuable.
“Secondly, you would gain access to noble clientele. Being under my banner would allow you to build ties with other noble houses connected to mine. Your commercial prospects would expand considerably.”
In other words, nobles were an insular class. Without internal guarantees, they rarely opened their doors to outsiders.
I, however, already had a reputation from my military contracts. Even if I didn’t join his faction, dealings with nobles wouldn’t become impossible.
Still, having the Waynesvale backing would make everything faster and broader.
But there were pitfalls.
“On the other hand, wouldn’t it become more difficult to trade with noble houses aligned under different banners?”
Exactly. Being under the Marquis’ protection naturally meant being avoided by factions hostile to him.
“That is indeed a possibility. But not all factions are enemies. In fact, our house maintains friendly relations with many of them.
…
If you aim to expand your noble clientele, joining my banner is without doubt the most advantageous choice.”
If that were true, then the drawbacks would be minimal. Hostile factions tended to come with their own political baggage anyway. Avoiding them could be a blessing.
“I see. So by joining the Waynesvale house, I’d gain access to business domains restricted to nobles, as well as financial support and preferential treatment within your territory.”
“Correct.”
“And in return, what you want is priority rights to any new magic tools I develop.”
“Indeed. That is my only major request.”
The merits and downsides were now clear.
But considering my long-term goal, getting too deeply entangled with this country’s ruling class wasn’t ideal. Still, the benefits were undeniably large.
Before choosing anything, I needed to research exactly what position the Waynesvale house held among the nobility.
Even if my final answer would come later, I had to provide some kind of stance now. Leaving things vague invited suspicion — the last thing I wanted.
As I weighed my options, the Marquis added something else.
“Ah, one more thing. It isn’t quite a ‘benefit,’ but I intend to grant you guest status within my house.”
Guest status — not a formal retainer, but an acknowledged associate.
It wasn’t a major advantage, but useful enough.
What followed, however, went far beyond anything I had anticipated.
“And as for your niece — Arisa-dono, was it? — I am considering welcoming her as a concubine of the Waynesvale house.”
That proposal was so far outside my expectations that for a moment, my mind simply stopped.
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E/N:
HAH?! Wtf did ya say?! This Marquis needs a jittery leg kick, bruh! Stay tuned!
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