The Top-Tier Butler of the Marquis Family

Chapter 091

○ Eluna

Rank: ★★★★★

Level: 21 (+1)

Trait: Archery S, Instrument Performance A, Agility A, Wisdom A, Affinity with Nature A, Bow Mastery A, Magical Power B, Blessing of the World Tree C, Magic Resistance C, Healing C, ???

Status: Admiration

[Not Unlocked]

[Not Unlocked]

......

Nothing else had changed, but her Status had become Admiration. Before this, it had been Captivated, so had it improved even further?

A thought suddenly occurred to me: Eluna’s Status seemed to be progressing down a different route from Arwen’s or Sapiela’s. By now, I had thought some modifier like spring breeze’s ought to have appeared, but instead entirely different expressions were showing up.

Of course, there could be many other modifiers that symbolized affection, but so far that was the only one I had discovered.

There were limits to expressing the human heart in words, so it was difficult to draw conclusions too quickly. Still, I could tell that her situation was somehow different from the others.

Perhaps it was because our relationship included not only something personal, but also something professional.

For now, that was the only conclusion I could draw.

The noteworthy change was not limited to her Status. Among her Traits, Healing had risen from D-rank to C-rank.

Not long ago, after I defeated the Butcher of the Black Pig Gang, she had treated me. At the time, I told her to study healing arts, and it seemed she had actually been following that order with diligence.

This was exactly why the Status Window was so useful.

It let me tell indirectly whether my orders were being carried out properly.

“How is healing arts coming along? Have you made any progress?”

“As you instructed, Master, I’ve obtained medical books and have been reading them. I’ve also been practicing by treating injured subordinates.”

“You’ve been doing well.”

Smiling in satisfaction, I leaned back into the sofa placed inside the room. It was soft and comfortable.

By contrast, Eluna stood upright with her hands folded neatly in front of her, looking perfectly proper, but to my eyes she still seemed uncomfortable.

“You sit too. Stop standing there.”

“Yes.”

“Where’s Kalmond?”

“I sent word, so he should be here soon.”

“When he arrives, let’s hold a meeting. There are things I need to convey.”

We passed the time with light conversation until Kalmond arrived. Eluna quietly told me the things she had originally meant to report at the tavern.

There were no particular issues. So this time, I asked what I wanted to know.

“Any word from Spinel’s side?”

Spinel was the gifted technician I had recently appointed Head of Manufacturing. A man talented enough that even I could learn from him.

“There is. It seems the technicians are having a bit of a hard time. Spinel said earlier that it might take a little longer to secure suitable materials.”

Securing the right material was the key. If they got lucky and found it quickly, the timeline could be shortened dramatically. The design was not especially large or complex.

“Well, it was never going to be easy. But I promised them sufficient compensation, so they’ll manage to produce results somehow.”

“If any other news comes in, I’ll report it immediately. Now that I’ve shown my face at the mansion once, it should be easier from the second time onward.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing what sort of concept you come up with next.”

As we were talking, a knock sounded, and I gave permission for the person to enter. The door opened, and Kalmond appeared.

“Boss. My apologies for being late.”

“No, it was my fault for showing up without warning. Come and sit.”

At last, the leadership of our organization had all gathered in one place. Elegantly, we each drank a cup of tea while exchanging updates. Then, little by little, we moved on to the main issue.

“I’ve decided that our company will be called Metis. There’s no need to keep using the name Avengers anymore, so spread the word to everyone.”

“Understood.”

“But whose idea was it?”

“Mine.”

As expected, it was Eluna. It would not be easy to come up with a fitting word while also considering the meaning behind it.

“You’ve worked hard. I’ll give you a reward before long.”

“Thank you. I won’t refuse.”

Part of me expected, and part of me worried, that she might use the prize money to buy yet another beautiful dress and appear in it.

“Since we’re converting into a company structure from this point on, we need to reorganize our titles as well. Stop using terms like Boss or Leader. I’ll be Master, Kalmond, you’ll be Vice Master, and Eluna will be Chief Secretary. Understood?”

“I will obey, Master.”

I had originally thought of bringing over the corporate ranking system from the world I used to live in, but I felt that would sound too alien to the people hearing it, so instead I simply adopted the rank structure used in the guilds of this world. In truth, there was not much difference here between a guild and a company anyway.

“When will the company establishment process be finished?”

“Now that the name is decided, all that remains is to go to the government office and receive approval. At the quickest, one day. At the slowest, perhaps three.”

“Get it done as fast as possible. Spend money if you have to.”

“All right.”

And so the first meeting of Metis continued. The next thing I raised was the matter of my trip to the Royal Capital.

“And because of personal circumstances, I’ll be leaving this place for a while. I’ll likely depart sometime next week.”

“You’re leaving? For how long?”

“About three months. If things drag on, it could take four.”

As expected, the reactions of my subordinates were not ordinary. Kalmond voiced his concern and asked,

“May I ask what this is about?”

“No. You may not.”

It was not yet time to reveal my true identity officially. It would be better to put that off until Metis had settled completely into place.

“You seem to have far too many secrets. Leaving aside everything else, I don’t think it’s good for you to be away at a time like this, Boss...... no, Master.”

“I’m not worried at all. Because you’re here, Kalmond. Honestly, I believe you’ll manage things well even without me. You’re someone with a clear head.”

“Master......”

Smiling, I gave him a single nod. There is a saying that praise can make even a whale dance. Kalmond swallowed his dissatisfaction back down and quietly received the order.

Then I continued.

“I do feel sorry that I can’t tell you the details. But I’ll make sure there’s a reliable means of contact in place, so don’t worry too much.”

“Could we perhaps use Messenger Pigeons?”

“Of course.”

Our organization possessed more than enough funds now. Not only did I intend to create a channel through which Messenger Pigeons could travel, I also planned to set things up so that letters could be sent back and forth by courier as well.

“Still, if you’re leaving next week, then even if the fountain pen is developed, you won’t be able to see the prototype.”

“I think it’ll be developed before then.”

“From what I’ve heard, it seems rather difficult.”

“Spinel isn’t an ordinary man. I’m sure he’ll shave off a few days and show up sooner than expected, so let’s look forward to it.”

This time, Eluna asked,

“Assuming a prototype comes out quickly, how do you intend to sell the mass-produced versions?”

“It’ll need a little time at first. I plan to gift the prototype to the key figures of the Territory and let word of mouth spread. Once additional demand appears, we can set the price then. Of course, we’ll have to prepare production of the lower-compatible version, the ballpoint pen, at the same time.”

“What about taking it to the Royal Capital and spreading the word there?”

“I fully intend to.”

That was why I was extremely grateful to Young Lady Sapiela. Things had become a little tangled, but in the end, it meant that a channel had opened that would bring enormous benefit to both me and my subordinates.

Even if it was only a temporary post, I still held the qualification of Attending Secretary, so there would be no issue with entering the salons of the Royal Capital. I need only win people over there, slip them the gift, and be done with it. After that, like a fisherman who has cast his bait, I can simply wait patiently.

Once someone experiences the convenience of the fountain pen and ballpoint pen even once, it will not be easy to walk away from them. After all, they will no longer need to carry an ink bottle around everywhere.

The thought alone delighted me.

I had once been nothing more than a single component, yet after reincarnation I now had the chance to directly change society and culture.

“And today, I met Young Master Hamel.”

“How was it?”

“Very good. He liked it. I think we’ll be able to receive his help when difficult matters arise in the future. There’s also a chance that Young Master Hamel may make difficult requests of us, so act while keeping all possibilities in mind.”

“So he accepted our sponsorship offer?”

“Of course. There was no reason for him to refuse.”

That meant one of the three peaks had now been crossed. Even so, Kalmond and Eluna were openly pleased.

“Understood. He wouldn’t happen to ask that we remove his rivals...... something like that, would he?”

“That won’t happen.”

Young Master Hamel was no true wastrel. There was always a reason behind his outrageous behavior.

“Eluna. Before I leave for the Royal Capital, I’m planning to meet the other two Young Masters as well. Draft a formal letter saying we wish to meet them.”

“Yes. I’ll write it today.”

“The writing was excellent. From now on, all official documents of our company will be written by Eluna.”

“Thank you.”

“I don’t know how to say how much easier the two of you make my mind. I hope you’ll continue helping me just as you have so far.”

Both subordinates smiled with loyal warmth. Our organization, now transformed into Metis, continued its smooth course today as well.

***

By the time I returned to the mansion, it was deep into the night. That was how long the meeting had gone on. There had been plenty of productive discussion, but just as much private conversation too.

That meant only one thing: my relationship with Kalmond and Eluna had grown closer.

Just as I was curious about them, they had quite a few things they wanted to know about me as well. That was how the time slipped by so quickly.

“First, I should change clothes.”

I took off the robe and weapons and put them all into the wardrobe, stretched my body once, and then headed for Young Lady Sapiela’s residence. As expected, Sir Lancelot and Arwen were still standing there.

“There’s still been no word from the Young Lady?”

“Still nothing. I’m worried because she hasn’t eaten anything. Even when His Excellency came earlier, she just sent him away.”

“Really?”

If she had even refused a visit from Marquis Chronos, then her feelings must have been badly hurt. The whole thing left me with a strange feeling. Still, she ought to eat something.

“She hasn’t eaten a single meal?”

“No. It’s serious. Everyone’s worried.”

I gathered Mana into my hearing. I could sense someone moving inside. The Young Lady was still awake.

“All right. I’ll go down and make something.”

“Do you want help?”

Shaking my head, I went straight down to Rosetta. Inside, they were in the middle of cleaning up.

Chef Ramsay had already gone home. I explained the situation to one of the staff members whose face I knew well. My reputation there was excellent, and the moment they heard the food was for Young Lady Sapiela, they immediately yielded the space to me.

The staff member asked with concern,

“Are you really sure you don’t need help?”

“It’s all right. I’ve done a bit of cooking before.”

“Well now, there really is nothing you can’t do. I even heard you’ve got yourself a beautiful lover.”

“That isn’t true.”

“There’s no need to be shy. Having a beautiful lover is something worth bragging about. I’m envious.”

Rohan...... I really need to deal with that bastard.

If I leave him alone like this and a single day passes, the rumors will have Eluna promoted from lover to wife. And if a week goes by, they’ll be saying I have a hidden child.

Letting out a sigh, I picked up the cooking tools.

For now, I needed to focus on the food.

I had lived alone for many years, so I often had to cook for myself. And since I knew very well what the Young Lady liked, making something suitable was not difficult.

She had gone all day without eating, and likely had no appetite either, so I prepared something full of flavor that would also stimulate her appetite.

The theme was sweet-and-salty.

I had yet to meet anyone who disliked that combination. First, I blanched the vegetables, then began making a sauce with sugar, salt, and various other ingredients.

Ssssizzle!

A pleasing hiss rang out, and I used a snap of my wrist to stir-fry the ingredients. Before long, a delicious aroma began filling the kitchen.