Chapter 33: Father Returns

Two days after we completed the deep cleaning of the brewery, Father returned.

"So, that’s what happened. Not having guards posted was my mistake. I’m sorry, Toma."

"No, it’s alright. We hadn’t anticipated anything like this happening, so it couldn’t be helped."

In a small village where everyone knows each other, we never expected something like this. In a way, we had grown complacent due to the peace. I’m reflecting on that myself.

Jin had noticed three men hanging around the brewery who looked like explorers, but we didn’t pay it much mind due to the recent increase in population and explorers in the area.

Those three disappeared from the territory the same day as the break-in. It’s likely that they were the culprits, so we created sketches and began a search.

"I ordered the soldiers to track the intruders, but it seems they have already left the territory, and we lost their trail."

"It can’t be helped. The best we can do is distribute their sketches to nearby territories and list them as wanted."

Father mentioned that if those three were merely hired hands, there’s a high chance the main culprit behind the theft might have eliminated them by now.

"Let’s tighten security around the brewery from now on."

"Not just the brewery; I think we should be cautious with the cheese production as well."

"What do you mean? Weren’t they only after the koji?"

"This isn’t widely known, but when the intruders stole the koji, they also left poison behind."

"What?! Are you serious?"

"Yes. Thanks to Lord Deuro’s blessing, we discovered it."

"Poison…"

It’s true that Deuro’s blessing helped me, but Father is taking my words at face value… which fills me with a bit of guilt.

One day, I’ll tell Father and Mother the whole truth. But for now, I need time to prepare myself.

"We burned all the malt stored in the brewery. We also cleaned the barrels, tools, and the entire facility thoroughly. No traces of poison remain."

"Well done. I’m glad you managed everything so well while I was away, Toma."

"No, the fact that this happened while you were gone shows my own shortcomings."

"Not at all. Even if I’d been here, they would have likely still broken in. From the use of poison, it’s clear that someone wanted to disrupt Horse King’s production and tarnish its reputation."

Father and I discussed not only security for the brewery but also how to bolster the overall security of the territory.

"With the population increasing, maybe it’s time to expand the territorial army."

That sounds wise. There’s strength in numbers.

"We should also increase the staff at the brewery."

"May I ask why?"

"Several nobles gathered at Duke Bayerlein’s house have complained that there isn’t enough Horse King. Currently, it’s only spreading in the southern regions, but soon it will be in demand nationwide. We should prepare for increased production now."

"I see… How many additional people are you thinking of?"

"At least ten, enough to boost production fivefold."

Father’s foresight is impressive, and I agree wholeheartedly. To spread Lord Deuro’s name, I want Horse King not only across the nation but also beyond its borders. Hiring more people is a necessary step.

Then came a visit from an important delegation. High-ranking clergy from the central temple arrived.

Father, Mother, I, and Daigo, the priest in charge of Ashud’s local temple, went to welcome them.

The leader was Cardinal Lady Michelle Dardell, a white-haired elderly woman nearing seventy. She leaned on a staff, giving an impression of frailty, but something about her presence warned against underestimating her.

The entourage included twenty temple knights, three attendants for Lady Dardell, and a few drivers and servants.

"Greetings, everyone. I am Michelle Dardell, a cardinal in the Nilgneed faith. I look forward to making your acquaintance."

"Thank you for the warm introduction. I am Rob Ashud Roxfall, the Knightly Baron of Ashud."

Technically, as a noble, Father outranked her, but since Lady Dardell is a high-ranking official in Nilgneed, the state religion of the Kurdia Kingdom, etiquette dictates we welcome her with due respect.

After Daigo and Mother introduced themselves, it was my turn.

"I am Toma, son of Rob Ashud Roxfall."

I placed my right hand over my chest, bowed at a forty-five-degree angle, and offered the most formal greeting a noble can give.

"We’re not able to offer much, but please come this way."

Father guided Lady Dardell to the reception room, followed by one attendant and four temple knights.

The mansion, which usually feels spacious, seemed much smaller with Lady Dardell and her entourage present.

Father, Daigo, and I sat across from Lady Dardell, while Mother took charge of preparing the evening banquet, enlisting the village women’s help to create a feast.

Seated across from Father, Lady Dardell sipped the herbal tea served by our butler, Johnson.

This herbal tea is made from “Umyah,” a medicinal herb that only grows locally. It has a restorative effect, perfect for an elderly woman who has just completed a long journey.

"My, this tea is delightful."

"It’s made from Umyah, a medicinal herb unique to this region. I’m glad you like it."

It seems we’ve made a good first impression.