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Atelier Tanaka (Web Novel) - Book 6: Chapter 1 (11)
Book 6: Chapter 1 (11)
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
Lolita and Bitch
I spent the night at Edita Sensei’s house and now it was morning.
We immediately left to go back to the FitzClarence mansion. As I promised yesterday, I was returning to check on the preparations for my departure. A maid greeted us at the front gate and guided me to a grand courtyard.
Richard was waiting there for me.
“Good morning, Tanaka-san.”
“Good morning, Richard-san.”
An airship was docked in the courtyard and I couldn’t help but stare at it.
“Excuse me, that is…?”
“This is my family’s airship. I was hoping you’d be fine using it for your journey. I’ve been getting it ready for travel and loading everything you may need. It’s not as advanced as Lord Fahren’s, but I can at least guarantee you a comfortable journey.”
“Is that so? I’ve heard they cost a large sum of gold.”
I wonder if he has insurance.
If I were to cause the airship to crash, I’ll be sold to the slave market to make up some of the costs.
“That is true. Now, please, get on board.”
“…yes, sir.”
I’m sure he decided to use this as a necessity. This grand airship will show nobles both at home and in Academy City that this soy sauce face is a true member of the FitzClarence faction.
Basically, I have no choice but to accept.
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“Of course, enjoy your journey.”
I gave him a nod of approval.
While Edita Sensei was left taken aback.
“W-We’re travelling by airship? And in such a splendid ship too….”
Her mouth was hanging agape and her eyes were wide with astonishment. My blonde, thick thighed, loli Sensei is the same rank of commoner as Sophia-chan. As a noble, I could do whatever I wanted to her. I had a sudden urge to shove my son into her wide open mouth.
“Tanaka-san, is she your guest…?”
“Yes, that’s right. I was hoping that Edita-san could accompany me.”
“That’s no problem. One or two additional people makes no difference.”
“Thank you. That’s a big help.”
“No need for thanks. Having a High Elf as a member of the delegation benefits me as well. The Penny Empire doesn’t place much weight on it, but I personally believe it is beneficial to show off our positive foreign relations.”
“I feel the same, Richard-san.”
“Thank you. I’m pleased to hear that, Tanaka-san.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“Speaking of additional guests, are you sure you don’t wish to bring her with?”
I suppose the ‘she’ in question is the idol bitch. Richard acted nonchalant as he asked this. It was an obvious act, but the aloof aura he emitted combined with his ikemen looks made for a great visual. His handsomeness makes me hate him.
“I was told she would be busy with her duties as a member of the Magic Knights.”
“Is that so.”
I doubt he’ll look into every one of my small lies.
But I also don’t want to get in trouble if my lie is exposed, so I should give him a reason to not want her to come either.
“And, Richard-san, bringing her along for such a trip doesn’t seem very wise. I think it is more important for a new baron like me to focus on his mission and getting my first foothold in establishing myself as a member of the FitzClarence faction.”
“I’m not looking forward to telling Earl Bitch the news, but I do have to agree with you. However, in terms of ‘footholds’ there are many other ways for you to do exactly that. You are a person capable of doing whatever you wish, with or without my help. The word untouchable has never more aptly described a human being.”
“I would still like to establish myself quickly as to remove any lingering doubts that may be on the minds of the other faction members.”
“Ah, the seeds of doubt that can so quickly take root. That is nothing you need to worry about. I’ll take care of everything.”
“Thank you.”
Richard’s original desire to marry Sophie-chan and I was fueled entirely by his wish to put as many barriers between his daughter and me. That desire is gone now that his daughter has lost all memories of me. She doesn’t want anything to do with me, so he sees no value in our marriage.
Ester-chan’s father is probably overjoyed while Sophie-chan’s father is devastated. Sophie-chan is probably even worse off. She was being used as a pawn in a nobleman’s game and had her lack of a hymen revealed in the process. She gained nothing and lost so much. That public embarrassment and shame is suiting of someone like Sophie-chan and she wins even more points from me because of it.
She’s gaining so much unique experience as a princess bitch.
I look forward to the day she evolves into a queen bitch.
“I’ve loaded the ship with everything you may need for your journey, but you are free to bring anything else you may want. With the speed of this airship, you will arrive at your destination with plenty of time to spare, even if you are forced to take a few detours.”
He held out a few sheets of paper.
I grabbed the paper and read through them. It was a list of supplies that I assumed to be our cargo.
“His Majesty said he would provide a ‘modest sum,’ but this seems like quite a bit more.”
“This is a list of items not from the Penny Empire but directly from myself and the FitzClarence family. When you get to the meeting, you can use this list to sell or trade whatever you like. I’ll leave the negotiations up to you.”
“Thank you, Richard-san. I’ll do my best.”
And yet another troublesome task has been added to my quest log. Just quickly glancing over the list, I can tell that it’s nothing but expensive items and luxury gifts worth close to two hundred gold. This must be Richard’s version of on-the-job training.
“I’ve also set aside funds for your personal expenses.”
“I know you must be busy, so thank you for taking the time to help me.”
“No, don’t mention it. This is more my way of apologizing.”
“Even so, a private airship is more than just an apology.”
“Have you decided when to leave? The ship is loaded and ready for you whenever you need it.”
“I think we’ll leave now. It would be troublesome for me to stay here any longer and that way you can get your courtyard back.”
“I’m happy to hear it.”
I don’t know how to feel.
Despite what Richard said, this airship is larger and more extravagant than the one the noble mage provided. As I climbed the long staircase, I could see the sailors lined up awaiting my arrival. There was about a 50/50 split between men dressed as sailors and women as maids.
One of the latter, a cute loli, was our guide on deck.
Richard has great taste. Or maybe he understands mine.
Edita Sensei, Goggoru-chan, and I listened to her instructions and followed after her as we walked through the airship. Here’s the cabin, this is the bridge, this area is for reception, here are the restrooms, and so on. A tour and also explaining safety guidelines while on board.
While we were on our tour, I suppose the rest of the sailors were getting us ready for take off.
After a long tour, we were led back up to the deck. I looked over the edge and spotted Richard still on the ground.
I guess he’s staying to see off his guests.
“I’ll be off, Richard-san.”
“I’m looking forward to your results, Tanaka-san.”
We exchanged a few words before the ship took to the skies.
***
[Sophia-chan’s point of view]
Yet another day spent in the office sitting at my desk with a pen inside.
However, today something is off and I haven’t been able to get any work done.
I can’t get those two girls off my mind. They left for the capital before Tanaka-san. I wonder if they managed to make it to Kalis safely. I wonder if they’re eating properly.
A myriad of thoughts ran through my mind as my hand lethargically moved my pen across the ledger.
As always, even though I was preoccupied with my own problems, I was interrupted by an unexpected guest.
[I’m going to make the town even bigger!]
“…eh?”
Dragon-san burst into my office and started saying this. Gonzalez-san and Neumann-san were on either side of her. The two of them are popular among the women of Dragon City. I’m a little, no, I’m incredibly envious of you, Dragon-san.
And she was beaming with confidence.
Her small nostrils were puffing in and out. I almost expected smoke to come out.
[That human said I could do whatever I want as long as you nod.]
“S-Sorry, but, by ‘that human’ who exactly do you mean…?”
“Tanaka left a message behind with the mayor. He told her that if she could get myself, Neumann, and you, jou-chan, to agree on it, she could do whatever she likes with the town. He and I have already agreed so now it’s just down to you.”
Gonzalez-san pointed with his eyes to Neumann-san.
[Are you trying to say no, human?]
“N-No! It’s no problem at all! Do whatever you want!”
I could only nod my head to the Dragon-san.
Why would you trust me with such a scary responsibility, Tanaka-san?
[That’s right! Aah, I was thinking grand. Something that will catch the eye, wouldn’t you agree, human?]
“N-N-N-Nothing you could make would be too extravagant.”
As soon as I nodded, a broad smile appeared on the Dragon-san’s face.
I have a feeling that she loves building things. I had this image of dragons as creatures that enjoy destroying, but it turns out to be the opposite. It’s quite different than what I imagined.
“Even so, you say ‘bigger’ but how do you plan on accomplishing that? After opening the east and west districts, the territory given to Tanaka should now be fully covered. If you mess with the borders, you’ll cause that guy a lot of trouble.”
You’re completely right, Neumann-san.
[…what does that mean?]
“Tanaka is a nobleman with the rank of baron. It is one of the lowest ranks you can achieve and, likewise, the land given to him is little more than pittance. The town you two have built so far has already fully covered the land given to him. There is no room to expand to the east or west.”
[That’s only a matter concerning your human countries. We can just take it from that other bakappoi (stupid) human.]
The ‘bakappoi human’ she’s referring to is probably Drill-sama.
She’s been spending a lot of her time here at the hot springs in the northern district as well as the one in the commoners’ district to the south. She’s more at home here than anyone else in the city. That servant of hers returned a few days ago and she’s been going out more frequently because of it.
Despite what her actions may suggest, she is not a member of the Penny Empire.
Shouldn’t she just go back to her own territory?
“T-This isn’t something that involves other countries. Doing that would be a problem….”
[You don’t agree? But all three of you already nodded….]
The Dragon’s intimidating gaze fell on the pair of handsome men.
Neumann-san is strong-minded and used to dealing with the rigors of noble life, and yet, there was a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead.
Gonzalez-san noticed this and spoke up to offer a helping hand.
“If your goal is to grow the city, couldn’t you try to expand vertically?”
[Vertically?]
“Exactly. We’ll build the tallest building in the Empire.”
[…hou, the tallest building in the empire, you say.]
“It would offer a great view of everything you’ve created here as well as the land surrounding us.”
Gonzalez actually used the word ‘we.’ I have a feeling he’s of a similar mind to the Dragon-san. When did the Twilight Company, known as one of the leading adventurer groups in the country, turn to construction?
I don’t like this.
At this rate, I’m likely to get caught up in this.
[That doesn’t sound so bad.]
“Right?”
[But, you’re still wrong about one thing, human.]
“Hou? What could that be, Mayor?”
[You’re setting your goal too low saying it will be the tallest in the empire. My goal is to be the tallest in the world.]
“I see. Do you mind if I follow you to the top, Dragon jou-chan?”
[Of course! If you can keep up, let’s go!]
The Dragon-san walked away with a big smile on her face.
Her puffed up cheeks are adorable.
Gonzalez-san and Neumann-san followed after her.
I was left sitting at my desk watching them leave.
Tanaka-san, even if you’ve given me the responsibility, it’s impossible for me to do anything on my own. I can only sit here quietly and watch the world go by. First of all, this is your job anyway. Putting them off on me is just another way of neglecting your duties.
“Oh, sorry for bothering you, jou-chan!”
“Yes, we’re sorry for interrupting your work, Sophia-kun.”
“Y-Yesh!”
They closed the door behind them and my office returned to the original silence it held before.
As a simple maid, I can only hope this peace and quiet will last.
***
The last time I was on an airship, it was owned and operated by the noble mage. He only had one thought on his mind: getting to the dragon as quickly as possible so he could learn more about its magic.
This time was completely different. We were treated like royalty and offered a suite that would have cost tens of thousands in my original world. Luxurious didn’t even begin to describe these rooms. We were also served three meals a day and each meal consisted of several courses.
The main surprise on the journey so far was Edita Sensei.
“O-Oi, I don’t have much spending money….”
It had only been half a day since we left the capital and Edita Sensei was already worrying about her wallet.
The High Elf doctor is quickly losing the prestige that surrounds her job title and race. She’s carefully counting the coins she took out from an old leather pouch. I wanted to hold her to reassure her. I want to give her a tight hug.
“You don’t need to worry about anything. Richard-san is handling all of the expenses.”
“But h-he’s a duke of the Penny empire.”
“That’s exactly why he’s fit to cover it all.”
She anxiously looked back and forth between her pouch and my soy sauce face.
We were on the deck of the airship. After departing the capital, I quickly realized there was little for me to do, so I came out to the deck to enjoy the scenery with my Sensei. Goggoru-chan is walking through the airship reading the minds of the crew.
It may not be necessary, but it’s best to make sure everyone here is safe.
The payment for this important job is an all-nighter.
I promised the chocololi that I’d spend an entire night talking with her.
She originally asked for two all-nighters.
I always think this, but how much does she love talking?
“Still, not paying for anything doesn’t feel right….”
“It’s a part of being a nobleman or even his guest. If I don’t show Richard-san that I know how to live as a noble, my reputation could take a hit.”
“I-Is that how it works!?”
“Yes, it’s all a part of it.”
I can’t act like my usual reserved self on this trip.
This entire trip is causing me a lot of trouble.
The best thing I can do is spend the money given to me as best I can.
“…m-maybe it was a mistake getting involved with your noble friends.”
“Sometimes I feel the same way, but I’m not going to lose now.”
“What’s that supposed to mean…?”
“I’m not sure myself. Should we head back to our cabins for now?”
“S-sure.”
I desperately wanted to hug Edita to reassure her, but I wasn’t brave enough to do it. I settled for reassuring her verbally as we walked back to our rooms. If I did something to make her hate me, the rest of the trip would be a disaster. I have to avoid that at all costs.
Now that I think about it, I’ve never confessed my feelings to a girl in my entire life.
I want to do that at least once before I die.
How can a few trivial words be so difficult to say?
End of Chapter 1
