Let’s Make Saving a Habit - Chapter 67

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 67
After completing the necessary preparations, I arrived at the Ageratum Merchant Company.
A few days prior, I had sent word by letter that I would visit today, so the Merchant Leader was already waiting in front of the building.
“Merchant Leader! It’s been so long.”
“Tania! Or rather, I should call you New Maid now. I sincerely congratulate you on joining Papiope.”
The Merchant Leader bore dark circles beneath his eyes, evidence of the busy days he had endured.
Yet his face never lost its smile, buoyed by the prospect of handling substantial sums of money.
He marveled at how completely I had transformed.
It was not merely the expensive dresses and jewelry I now wore.
My once gaunt frame, so thin it made one wince, had filled out considerably, and above all, my face—now free of shadows—had transformed my entire presence.
“It’s hard to believe that we first met only a few months ago. You’ve changed so much.”
“I find it strange hearing you speak formally to me too.”
“I actually find formal speech more comfortable now. It feels as though I’ve finally found my proper place.”
“Yes. I’ve discovered that nobility suits me quite well.”
The good-natured Merchant Leader, who had been smiling warmly, blinked upon noticing Aiden standing beside me.
“Oh? And who might this be?”
“It has been a long time, Merchant Leader.”
The Merchant Leader laughed heartily. “Ah! So your guardian has also entered Papiope alongside you. That must have been quite the undertaking—truly impressive.”
“Yes. I now serve as the young lady’s escort knight.”
The Merchant Leader and Aiden exchanged a light handshake.
“When you left the Golden Silver Mercenary Company, I was quite shocked. But I never imagined it was to become the New Maid’s escort knight.”
I shook my head.
“No. Aiden left the Golden Silver Mercenary Company first. He only became my escort knight after I became the New Maid, and that was my suggestion.”
“Is that so? Then truly…”
“He intended to raise me as his daughter. Things simply ended up this way.”
The Merchant Leader scratched his head apologetically. “To think he was prepared to take responsibility for you until the end… I feel ashamed for ever doubting Aiden’s intentions back then.”
The Merchant Leader rubbed his head in embarrassment.
“But more importantly, I came to hear about the progress of the business venture we contracted.”
“Ah! Here I am, keeping you standing and talking. Let me show you to the reception room.”
The Merchant Leader led me inside the building.
The staff, having already heard the news and been waiting, immediately turned their attention toward us.
They marveled that I had truly become the New Maid of Papiope and offered their congratulations.
Delighted by their warmth, I waved my hands in return and smiled.
“By the way, where is Ron?”
Every time I visited the company, I enjoyed teasing Ron, so I felt somewhat disappointed not to see him.
The Merchant Leader explained Ron’s absence with an embarrassed expression.
“Ah, Ron heard that you were coming to the company today and has locked himself in his room, refusing to come out. It seems he’s trying to avoid you…”
“Really?”
Just as I was about to reflect on whether I had teased him too much, he lowered his brows apologetically and continued.
“He’s probably recalling the rudeness he showed you. He’s quite a prickly child, after all. Though I must say, you handled Ron quite well.”
“That doesn’t seem right.”
Given Ron’s nature, I doubted he would simply sprawl out upon finding a place to sleep.
I suppose I teased him too much after all.
I climbed to the second-floor Reception Room, resolving to be kinder the next time we met.
Only after dismissing Lena and Aiden could I finally converse comfortably with the Merchant Leader.
As I nodded while nibbling on a cookie offered as refreshment, the Merchant Leader opened his mouth.
“I’ve successfully purchased the land where the mana stones you mentioned are buried in large quantities.”
“Did you get it at a reasonable price?”
“The moment I mentioned wanting to venture into monster-related business, he practically jumped at the chance to sell immediately. Thanks to that, I acquired it at a bargain.”
“That’s fortunate. Have you verified the mana stone deposits? Since harvest season is approaching, it would be wise to convert it to cash quickly.”
The Merchant Leader nodded reassuringly.
“Yes. Since it would take far too long for us to subjugate the monsters ourselves, I’m preparing an auction.”
“Well, if you’re putting it up for auction, you’ll need to promote it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Get the wealthy nobles interested.”
“Do you have a method in mind?”
“Yes. I know a simple and effective approach.”
“What would that be?”
“Sell my name.”
“…I beg your pardon?”
The Merchant Leader looked bewildered, as though he couldn’t comprehend what I was saying.
“What’s the hottest topic in the Empire right now?”
“Why, the New Maid, of course?”
“Exactly. The moment everyone learned I’m a Precognition Ability User, invitations came pouring in.”
I smiled mischievously, my voice low.
“Think about it—our story isn’t bad, is it?”
“What story do you mean?”
“‘A girl on the brink of death is saved, and in gratitude, she reveals the location of land rich with mana stones. That girl is none other than the Precognition Ability User, the New Maid of Papiope!'”
A swallow repaying kindness.
It was the sort of tale one might find in a classic fairy tale. And that’s precisely why people would be captivated.
“People will hope that you sell that land for the highest possible price, won’t they?”
“Might they not grow jealous?”
“Of course, some will. But most will wish for your success.”
Do you know why such predictable clichés remain perpetually popular?
Because people enjoy them.
It was the simple logic of supply and demand in the market.
Without demand, there is no supply.
Though people complain of tedium, the moment events deviate from their expectations, consumers grow disappointed and abandon the tale.
Consider this: if the swallow’s seeds had yielded nothing for the kind farmer, would the story have been entertaining?
Most people would have wished for the kind farmer’s prosperity.
The Merchant Leader opened his mouth, his expression troubled with concern.
“But isn’t this somewhat different from the truth? While it’s true I helped the New Maid, you didn’t reveal that prime land to me as compensation…”
“It’s fine. The most effective deception is mixing one percent lies with ninety-nine percent truth.”
When it comes to fraud, that is.
I swallowed the rest of my words and brazenly curved my lips into a smile.
After all, I couldn’t very well announce to everyone that a poor harvest was coming and food supplies would dwindle.
“Oh, and the Emperor and Duchess Papiope already know about next year’s poor harvest. Make sure your preparations don’t draw too much attention.”
“Ah…! Understood. It seems you mentioned it for the stability of the nation.”
As if.
I wound an innocent strand of my hair around my finger absently.
“No. Actually, I only told the Duchess in secret. It seems she reported it to the Emperor.”
“That wasn’t your intention?”
“Right. Unlike the Duchess, I’m not a philanthropist.”
At my candid admission, the Merchant Leader’s expression became one of uncertainty—unsure whether to be pleased or dismayed.
Why is that?
I’ve clawed my way through a world devoid of human compassion, so such things are possible, aren’t they?

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