“Isn’t the fact that they are selling medicine of low quality enough of a reason?”
“While these are dirty methods, that is not enough on its own. It would be if it were an ordinary store, but not when they are backed by a noble house… After all, they might say that we were just criticizing them as rivals.”
“If only there was something else…”
“…I see.”
After that, it was decided that they should wait until Mr. Ekenhart received the reports, and we all went on our way.
Everyone seemed to be in a dark mood as they left the dining hall.
Tilura and I went to the back garden with Leo in order to practice our swings.
While Tilura was able to do it as usual, it was not the case for me.
“Wuff…wuff!”
“Ah…sorry. Thanks, Leo.”
A store that made profits through hurting the people… Now that I was also someone who made herbs and medicine, I had strong feelings of anger towards the store.
However, there was no point in swinging when your emotions were so turbulent.
I realized this when Leo pushed her head close to mine with a worried expression.
After thanking her with some pets, I went back to swinging.
“Wuff.”
Leo seemed relieved as she saw that I was able to concentrate this time, and she nodded.
She was starting to feel like my guardian…
In any case, while I was still mad at the store, I had to concentrate on my training now.
I would trust that Mr. Ekenhart would know how to deal with the issue.
“Good night, Tilura.”
“Yes. Good night, Mr. Takumi.”
“Wuff!”
When I was done swinging, I said goodnight to Tilura and we parted ways.
I then took a bath to wash away the sweat, and then got into bed.
I had a lot to think about, but there was still little that I could do… And so I would rest.
———————
A few uneventful days passed after that.
Sebastian had still not found any solid evidence, and we were still waiting for Mr. Ekenhart’s reply.
Tilura and I continued to train every day.
Well, Tilura also had her studies.
“I suppose I should study as well…”
I didn’t know much about this world, so I thought that perhaps I should study with her. But my training and making herbs kept me busy.
…Though, I would have to start studying eventually.
Between training hours, I would grow herbs to be sold in Mr. Kalis’s store.
Apparently, the Ramogi was still selling very well, and it made up most of the order.
And surprisingly, Nick was a hard worker.
I had asked about him once, when a different clerk came with him to the mansion.
“Is Nick working properly?”
“Yes. There is still a lot that he needs to learn, but he does work hard. He says that he doesn’t want to disgrace the reputation of his brother.”
The clerk said with a laugh.
I still wasn’t used to being called that, but I was glad that he was working hard.
If he worked hard, and Ramogi sold well at Mr. Kalis’s store, then that would lead to less success for the malicious store.
Other than that, Ms. Claire had Sebastian spread the instructions on how to prevent getting ill in the first place.
Well, it was mostly just posting notices in the plaza, but even if only a few people followed it, it was still better than nothing.
“Mr. Takumi. You’re going to the orphanage today, remember?”
“Ah… That’s right.”
During breakfast, as I was thinking back on the past few days, Ms. Claire reminded me of something that was very important.
Yes, we were supposed to pick up Milina.
As she would have her personal belongings, we thought it best to pick her up.
It would be very difficult for her to carry them and come here alone.
“I have matters to discuss with Sebastian, and will not be able to go…”
“I understand. Leave it to me. I’ll send Ms. Anna your regards.”
“Thank you.”
Ms. Claire had something to discuss with Sebastian regarding the store.
While they hadn’t heard from Mr. Ekenhart yet, they wanted to do what they could as they waited.
“Kyau.”
“Are you coming too, Sherry?”
As we were about to leave from the entrance hall, Sherry jumped onto Leo’s back.
She spent a lot of time there these days.
“Kyau. Kyau.”
“Wuff. Wuff.”
I still could not understand what Sherry was saying, but Leo would sometimes translate…
She said that Sherry wanted to go so she could get used to humans…
“Well, I suppose it can be educational. But don’t you want to stay with Ms. Claire and Tilura?”
“Kyau! Kyau!”
“Wuff. Wuff-wuff.”
Uhhh. They are talking about boring things. This seems more fun.
But we’re not going to play…. Well, I suppose it was more interesting than being with Tilura as she studied, or listening to Sebastian and Ms. Claire talk.
“All right. Then you can come. But you better behave.”
“Kyau.”
“Wuff.”
After seeing them nod, I left the mansion.
Outside, a carriage was waiting, along with a butler and Ms. Lyra.
“Mr. Takumi. We will be accompanying you.”
“Thank you.”
The butler went to the driver’s seat, and Ms. Lyra and I went into the carriage.
I suppose Ms. Lyra was coming because of Milina’s belongings…it was best to have a woman accompany us.
“Now, we will depart.”
The butler said, and the carriage moved forward.
“Wuff.”
“Kyau!”
Leo ran happily alongside the carriage.
Sherry seemed like she was having fun as well.
“Ah.”
“What is it?”
“Uh, I just remembered that I didn’t give Nick today’s herbs…”
He usually came just before lunch.
It took him longer to travel from Ractos, as he wasn’t riding a horse…
However, as we had left shortly after breakfast, I was not able to give the herbs to him. Even though I had made them last night.