In This Life, I Will Be The Lord - Chapter 20

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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This Life, I Will Become the Clan Head Episode 20

In the guild master’s office of the Lombardi Guild located within the Imperial Domain, a thoroughly nervous Gallahan sat waiting.

His two hands were clasped so tightly that his knuckles showed white, trembling from time to time.

“Huu…”

A heavy, long sigh escaped him.

Though he tried somehow to calm his impatience, as time passed, his nervousness only grew worse.

Finally, just as Gallahan couldn’t stand it anymore and shot up from his seat.

The guild master’s office door burst open, and Durak Caravan Leader came rushing in.

“It, it worked!”

Whether from running, Durak Caravan Leader was breathless, his face beaming with smiles as he raised both hands high.

“As soon as sales started, an enormous volume of orders came pouring in! Enormous amounts!”

His highly excited voice trembled, unable to hide his elation.

Though Durak Caravan Leader approached as if he might embrace Gallahan in his joy, Gallahan couldn’t respond in kind.

“Haah…”

Letting out a sigh of relief as he collapsed onto the sofa, Gallahan rubbed his haggard face with dry hands.

“Thank goodness…”

His exhausted voice had no strength left in it.

“Haha! Looking at you now, you’re quite the worrier!”

Durak Caravan Leader burst into loud laughter seeing Gallahan like this.

“If you’re going to keep doing big things in the future, you need to build up some courage!”

The address that had started as ‘Young Lord Lombardi’ had somehow become casual ‘friend’ or ‘you’.

Though Durak Caravan Leader was much older, when Gallahan had repeatedly asked him to speak more comfortably, he had acted like he would maintain formality to the end.

It seemed Durak Caravan Leader’s tension had also been released.

Only then did Gallahan nod weakly with a smile.

Tia’s idea had been a great success.

Since the day he had left work early and rushed out of the Patriarch’s Office, he had been unable to return home several times, frantically focused on creating prototypes.

As a result, he had been able to create not only the handkerchiefs he had first thought of, but also petticoats for women and simple-designed pillowcases in time.

It was thanks to the help of craftsmen who had worked day and night as if it were their own business.

And the Lombardi Guild and Durak Guild mobilized all their connections to gift those prototypes to nobles in the Imperial Domain and adjacent territories.

For the past several days until today when official sales of the Koroi-silk fabric began, Gallahan hadn’t slept a wink from worry.

Creating the prototypes had cost more money than expected.

It was fortunate that the main material of the fabric was Koroi grass that could be easily obtained anywhere with just labor, or he might have gone bankrupt before even starting sales.

After spending those days holding his breath, today.

He had finally confirmed the results.

“Come, have a drink.”

Durak Caravan Leader opened a bottle of alcohol he had brought even in that urgent situation and offered a congratulatory drink.

Though Gallahan usually didn’t drink much, today he smiled and accepted the glass.

“To a successful start!”

Durak Caravan Leader shouted loudly and downed the rather strong liquor in one gulp.

Gallahan also drank about half in one go and grimaced at the bitter aftertaste that came up late.

“This is something to say now, but why did you change the plan midway? Just making handkerchiefs would have been enough to draw a good response.”

When Gallahan had first told Durak Caravan Leader about the strategy of ‘making handkerchiefs and gifting them to nobles’, the caravan leader had cheered that Gallahan was a genius.

However, Gallahan hadn’t stopped there.

He had separately brought his own money to hire additional craftsmen and began creating other prototypes as well.

It was a bold and daring attempt that didn’t match Gallahan’s usual personality.

“Well…”

At Durak Caravan Leader’s question, Gallahan answered with an embarrassed smile.

“The more you invest, the more fruit you bear, isn’t that right?”

While watching the handkerchiefs being made smoothly and steadily, Gallahan discovered himself habitually settling for less again.

“Abandon the foolish thought that you can avoid the storm by lowering your body and lying still.”

Shannet’s voice rang vividly in his ears.

So he pushed forward as if half-possessed.

Several times he caught himself wanting to give up, thinking ‘Isn’t this too excessive?’, ‘Won’t I regret this?’

‘I need to build strength for Tia’s sake.’

That was his only thought.

While creating the prototypes, Gallahan became an official investor in this business, and naturally gained a personal share in the future profits.

Through this business plan, not only the Lombardi Guild and bank, but Gallahan’s personal assets would also grow.

“Indeed, you’re truly a person of the Lombardi Family.”

Durak Caravan Leader patted Gallahan’s shoulder and said.

“Though we’ve raised our glasses in celebration, this is just the beginning. We need to ensure the fabric is supplied without any problems.”

“Actually, I have something to tell you about that.”

“What is it?”

Gallahan said while tracing the curve of his wine glass.

“Once fabric production stabilizes, I plan to withdraw from this business.”

“What! Why!”

Durak Caravan Leader asked in considerable surprise.

“Now that all the hard work is done, shouldn’t you enjoy the results!”

He was right.

After all the anxious suffering, explosive orders had come in, so only enjoying the sweet fruits remained, yet suddenly withdrawing was generally incomprehensible.

But Gallahan shook his head with a smile.

“I have a business I want to pursue.”

“A business you want to pursue?”

“Yes, and I plan to pursue this business with my own funds, not through the Lombardi Guild.”

Using his money for the prototypes had actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

As the Koroi-silk fabric business continued to flourish, the money returning to Gallahan would also increase.

He had something he wanted to do by combining that money with the funds he had saved in the Lombardi Bank.

“Well now. Is it because you’re young? You’re quite vigorous. I understand. When things take shape, tell me what kind of business it is. If it’s something you’re pursuing, I’d like to invest too.”

Durak Caravan Leader looked at Gallahan with eyes full of trust.

They said all of Rulak’s sons were incompetent, but that was wrong.

Working together this time and watching closely from right beside him, Gallahan was perhaps a bit too cautious, but ultimately had inherited his father Rulak’s bold decisiveness.

This man would probably accomplish great things someday.

Durak Caravan Leader thought this as he refilled his empty glass with more alcohol.

* * *

“Hello, Estira!”

“You’ve come, Young Lady.”

As I opened the clinic door and entered, Estira welcomed me with a gentle smile.

Though it was a bit awkward to speak informally to the adult Estira, that was supposedly how to treat employees, so what could I do?

Of course, there were exceptions like my teacher Cleribane, and older employees like Doctor Omari and librarian Broshul.

As Estira had taken charge of treating my wrist instead of Doctor Omari, we had become quite close.

“Today I brought fruit cake!”

No, it would be more accurate to say I had made an effort to become close with Estira.

Estira, who looked like she would prefer bitter teas over sweet foods based on appearance alone, was surprisingly a sweet food maniac.

But with Estira’s meager salary, luxury desserts were a luxury she couldn’t afford to eat freely.

And I had exploited that point.

“Thank you, Young Lady.”

When I took out the cake from the picnic bag, a bright smile spread across Estira’s delicate face.

“I brought the whole thing, so take it back to your lodging and eat it there too!”

At times like this, it’s really convenient being the granddaughter of Lombardy with nearly infinite assets and resources.

For Estira to buy a whole cake like this, she’d have to go to a dessert shop and grit her teeth before making the purchase, but for me, it was just a matter of grabbing any passing servant and asking them to put a whole cake in a picnic bag I could carry.

“If you have time, would you like to have some cake and tea before you go, Young Lady?”

What welcome words to hear.

I needed an excuse to have a conversation with Estira anyway.

When I nodded enthusiastically, Estira put the kettle on the stove.

“Then while the water boils, shall I take a look at your wrist?”

“Sure, here.”

Estira carefully examined my wrist, which now looked perfectly fine, as if she were touching fragile autumn leaves that might crumble.

“It seems to be completely healed now.”

“I told you from the beginning. It’s perfectly fine now.”

“You shouldn’t let your guard down and get hurt worse later.”

Though I was happy because it allowed me to become friends with Estira.

So I received a clean bill of health and enjoyed a leisurely tea time, cutting the cake slice by slice.

After some time had passed and I thought Estira had sufficiently enjoyed the taste of the cake, I asked what seemed like a casual question.

“What’s your dream, Estira?”

The word ‘dream’ might have sounded like a childish question from a young kid, but Estira didn’t show any such reaction.

Instead, she thought it over carefully and answered right away.

“My goal is to go to the Academy and study herbalism.”

“Ah. Herbalism.”

As expected.

So Estira was already making such plans at this time.

I tilted my head as if I didn’t understand and said,

“But isn’t the Academy expensive?”

The Academy, built by the first Emperor Lambrew with donations from the Lombardy Family, allowed anyone who passed the entrance exam to enroll regardless of social status, but it was notoriously expensive.

Moreover, when most commoners couldn’t even read, the Academy was practically an educational institution for nobles.

“Yes, that’s right. So I’m working hard to save money. If I can save enough for about one year’s tuition, I might be able to aim for a scholarship after that.”

“How much have you saved so far?”

“About half so far…”

Estira trailed off.

After all, even when you gather dust, it’s still just dust.

Still, saving even half was truly remarkable.

“Then what after that? What do you want to do after studying herbalism at the Academy?”

Was this question a bit unexpected?

Estira looked at me with curious eyes.

“I really can’t believe you’re seven years old, Young Lady.”

“I’ll be eight in just a few days!”

Honestly, seven or eight years old, it was all the same.

I said brazenly, lifting my chin.

“I… want to systematically study herbalism and someday create a clinic where even people without money can come.”

Estira said carefully.

“This is truly a ‘dream.'”

Though Estira spoke as if embarrassed, I had no intention of mocking her.

Dreams were the privilege of those who hadn’t achieved them yet.

Instead, I asked in a subtle voice.

“Should I help you with that?”

“…Pardon?”

“I mean Estira’s dream. I think I could help you.”

Estira’s long-lashed eyes blinked slowly.

As if she was trying her best to understand my words somehow.

“Are you perhaps talking about a Lombardy scholarship?”

As expected, Estira was quick-witted.

She had already grasped the meaning of my casually thrown words.

“No. I’m talking about Estira’s ‘dream.’ Not your goal.”

Estira had called studying herbalism at the Academy her goal.

And she had expressed building a hospital for the poor someday as her dream.

“Th-that’s really just something I’m dreaming about…”

“Right, that means it’s what Estira really wants. I can help you with that.”

I said with a bright smile.

“Well, you’d have to go to the Academy first, of course.”

As she said, I’m just a kid who’s about to turn eight.

But I’m also someone who knows how Estira can achieve her dream, and I’m also a person of Lombardy.

And for Lombardy, the money to send one person to the Imperial Academy couldn’t even be called money.

Even right now, it’s something that could be solved with just a few months’ worth of my allowance that’s steadily accumulating in the Lombardi Bank.

“How about it?”

Because Estira knows this, she’s not laughing off what I just said.

Estira’s eyes, which had been shaking as if there was an earthquake, suddenly became clear.

After taking a deep breath, Estira asked me.

“Then what should I do for you?”

She’s really quick-witted.

That’s exactly why she’s more trustworthy.

I shrugged once and said,

“It’s nothing much, but could you make me some Melcon medicine?”

“Melcon medicine… you said?”

“Yes! Would that be difficult?”

“No, it’s not a difficult medicine to make, but…”

Melcon medicine was commonly prescribed by combining various herbs, working like a nutritional supplement for growing children and like a tonic for tired adults.

“But you need to make it as a concentrated solution. The stronger the better, and in a bottle about this size with enough for daily use for about a month.”

“…It’s not for you to take, Young Lady.”

If it were for me, there would be no need to make a month’s worth in advance.

I could just have a servant make it and deliver it to my room daily as it’s prepared.

“…Since it’s Melcon medicine, I’ll make it for you.”

She probably means she’ll help since there’s no worry of serious consequences no matter who takes it.

“Don’t worry, Estira.”

This medicine won’t be used to harm anyone, but to save them.

“Thank you! I’ll think of it as my birthday present!”

I spoke so it wouldn’t feel like we were making a transaction.

I need to become someone Estira can trust, not someone she makes deals with.

Fortunately, Estira finally smiled more comfortably and nodded.

“When would it be possible?”

“About a week should be enough.”

“Great! That’ll work!”

Melcon medicine was a tonic that could be used by anyone regardless of age or gender, but it had one more lesser-known effect.

“Please make it as concentrated as possible.”

Though not powerful, when taken long-term, it acts as an antidote effective against most commonly used poisons.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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