Let’s Make Saving a Habit - Chapter 68

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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 68
Of course, I still possessed a modicum of conscience.
“But honestly, I think things worked out for the best. It seems the Emperor will be increasing grain imports this year….”
“Yes. To minimize the Empire’s losses, importing from other nations is the most effective approach.”
“Right. We’ll prioritize purchasing grains that the state imports in lower volumes. The nobility will buy them regardless of price.”
The common people’s livelihoods stabilize, and we continue selling what we’ve always sold.
It was the perfect situation—preserving my conscience while securing profits.
I hummed a little tune and took a sip of Earl Grey tea.
“Oh! I’m thinking of investing the profits from grain sales into the Magic Tower next year.”
“The Magic Tower…?”
“Yes. I need to grow that capital too. This Magic Tower project is going to be huge.”
The Merchant Leader quickly grasped what I was driving at.
“Ah, you don’t mean that new initiative the Magic Tower recently introduced…?”
“Bingo. You’re sharp.”
“I’ve already had preliminary discussions with the Magic Tower. I’ve put down five thousand gold as an advance investment.”
When I casually mentioned depositing five thousand gold, his eyes widened to the size of lanterns.
“F-five thousand gold? Where did such an enormous sum come from? Did the Duchess provide it?”
“Money? I made a killing on a single venture. That’s why I can’t go to the Horse Racing Track anymore.”
“My goodness.”
I gave the astonished Old Gentleman a fresh wink.
To be precise, it wasn’t from making a killing—it was because my ability had been publicly revealed.
“Anyway, I thought it would be better for someone like you, a negotiation specialist, to handle the Magic Tower matter rather than me. So I’ve arranged to send a representative.”
“Haha, understood. That’s precisely my specialty.”
The corners of the Merchant Leader’s mouth curved upward in a subtle smile.
“With the Magic Tower, there’s no need for pleasantries. I’ll do my best to drive a hard bargain.”
“Yes. I’m counting on you.”
We were both smiling, but it was the kind of devilish grin that would make anyone witnessing it flee in terror.
After sharing the major points, I discussed the details with him.
After a long conversation, I finished my discussion with the Merchant Leader and drained the now-cold Earl Grey tea in one gulp.
With the satisfying feeling of having cleared my backlog of tasks, I left the Reception Room….
Ron, who hadn’t been visible earlier, came into view on the first floor.
Ron watched me descend the stairs with those characteristically provocative eyes.
What’s this. I thought he’d gone to his room and was hiding, but when did he come back out.
I narrowed my eyes into slits and greeted him first.
“Well, well, pretty boy. Long time no see.”
True to form, Ron’s body stiffened at the nickname, and he spoke with a determined expression.
“You, talk to me for a moment.”
At his casual tone, the Old Gentleman who had been following me expressed astonishment and scolded him.
“Ron! Is that how you speak to the New Maid? Can’t you show proper respect?”
“It’s fine. I suddenly rose in status, so it’s understandable he hasn’t adjusted yet.”
“New Maid, but….”
I patted his arm a couple of times to assure him I was truly fine, then beckoned Ron with a finger.
“Come up. The Reception Room is right here.”
I turned and settled onto the sofa inside the Reception Room, and it wasn’t long before Ron slipped into the room.
“Should we talk with the door open?”
“Just a moment.”
Ron quickly secured the door with meticulous care, then strode toward me with long, determined steps. His gait was remarkably solemn.
Unlike him, I lifted the corners of my lips with ease and asked.
“So, what did you want to tell me, pretty boy?”
“I’ve been thinking about it.”
“Mm.”
“You seem rather special. Unlike ordinary people, I can’t predict where you’ll go, and you always exceed expectations.”
“Mm…?”
“At first, you just annoyed me, but gradually I found myself waiting to see when you’d come.”
Ron’s earlobes flushed crimson as he spoke with evident tension.
“My heart races whenever I see you. Eventually, I even wanted to seek you out first.”
The remarkably familiar preamble sent a chill down my spine.
…What is this.
Locking the door so carefully and speaking with such a serious expression—surely this isn’t a confession?
“Every night I dream of how you change each time I see you. I realized if I let this slip away, I’d regret it, so I’m laying it bare.”
I was about to hastily voice my rejection when—
“Ron, I’m sorry, but I….”
“Hire me.”
Eh…?
As I stood bewildered by this sudden employment inquiry, Ron seized the moment and continued rapidly.
“I remember clearly the day I first saw you. Pathetically gaunt, possessing nothing, yet with eyes that burned so brightly.”
Ah, no, that’s rather harsh.
Though not entirely untrue, it’s not something one should say to someone’s face….
“Tania, I don’t think I’d fail if I worked under you.”
For such an elaborate preamble, the reason was disappointingly thin.
He doesn’t even seem aware that he likes me.
Isn’t this just his desire to be with me manifesting incorrectly?
I narrowed my eyes to slits.
“You’ll inherit a Trading Caravan from the Old Gentleman, so why do you insist on coming under me?”
“Management does suit my temperament. I’ve been learning it since childhood. But I don’t want to simply inherit my father’s Trading Caravan as is.”
“…Why?”
“That’s far too ordinary a life.”
Ron was twelve years old, wasn’t he.
It seemed his adolescent crisis had arrived somewhat precociously.
Come to think of it, Ron had always sprawled listlessly on the sofa until I intervened.
With an expression of utter world-weariness.
This was the first time I’d seen him blink so earnestly while yearning for something.
The peace I’d desperately sought seemed to be nothing more than a monotonous repetition of days for Ron—meaningless and hollow.
A life spinning like a hamster wheel. He craved change.
“Hmm….”
Truth be told, there was a position that suited him perfectly.
He was still too young to entrust with it, and my conscience wouldn’t allow me to propose it outright just yet.
I blinked slowly.
“Bring me an acceptance certificate from the Papiope Talent Development Institute, and I’ll consider it.”
But seeing him desire something so intensely, offering him this opportunity didn’t seem like a bad idea at all.

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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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