An Unwanted Guest

The amount written on the contract we'd signed was larger than my own shop's usual revenue.

The scale was entirely different between a personally-run shop and a trading company with multiple branches that supported the capital's food supply.

I should have known that, but seeing it in person, I was amazed I'd managed to stay composed throughout the meeting.

Did Elza do something to help?

When I glanced at Elza's profile, her gaze was fixed on some sweets.

Noticing my stare, she turned to face me.

"Oh, did you need something?"

"No. Shall we buy some souvenirs?"

"That sounds nice. Everyone will be happy."

Thinking it would be tactless to ask, I changed the subject.

I had the shopkeeper select some popular standard sweets, then used the portal to return to my shop.

The contract was complete, so first I needed to use my available funds to buy products from the people of Luido to sell.

I thought there was enough, but I should update the ledger and check the cash flow.

With such thoughts in mind, I entered through the back.

There, I found Azu waiting at the entrance, looking flustered.

"W-welcome back, Master. Um…"

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

It had been a while since I'd seen Azu this agitated.

With both Alexia and Finn here, they should be able to handle most situations.

Azu seemed to be struggling to find the words.

Or rather, she didn't know where to begin.

Unable to watch any longer, Finn pushed Azu aside and appeared.

"A guest, a guest. For you. Alexia shoved them into the reception room for now, but you probably shouldn't keep them waiting."

"… I didn't have any appointments, though."

"You'll understand when you see them. It's not the kind of guest who cares about that sort of thing."

Saying that, Finn practically snatched the souvenir sweets, then dragged off the still-flustered Azu.

Elza and I exchanged glances, neither of us understanding what was going on.

For now, I left my belongings with Elza, removed just my outer coat, grabbed one bag of sweets, and headed to the reception room.

Alexia was standing at the entrance, looking somewhat tired.

"Welcome back. That was quick."

"Yeah. I heard a guest came?"

"Yes. Someone you probably need to prioritize. It's the princess and her attendant."

"You're kidding. A princess came to a place like this?"

Members of royalty don't just casually drop by.

It's normal to summon people to you since you never know what dangers might arise.

But I could also see Princess Tianis being light on her feet like this.

I couldn't keep her waiting too long. I had Alexia stay on standby and entered the reception room.

The reception room was modest and small compared to Carnevale.

Having one at all was something to be grateful for.

In such a modest space, a single girl radiated an out-of-place aura.

She was sipping from a cup that Alexia must have prepared, relaxing.

"Yohane-san, judging by your appearance, it seems things went well."

"… I apologize for the wait. Your Royal Highness, Princess Tianis."

"You're late. To make a member of the royal family wait…"

Her attendant Kanon was with her as well.

Beautiful as ever, but still leaving a bad impression.

"If you had at least sent word, I would have returned immediately."

"That's right, Kanon. We came unannounced, so it can't be helped."

"So she says. Be grateful for the generous heart of Her Royal Highness Princess Tianis."

This was an obvious act.

Make Kanon look worse to make Princess Tianis look better by comparison.

But it was far too clumsy.

Neither of them must be very skilled at winning hearts.

Perhaps they'd never needed to be.

"So, what brings you here?"

I spread out the souvenir sweets and offered them to the two.

I expected them to not even touch them, but Princess Tianis surprisingly reached out eagerly.

Kanon hurriedly volunteered to taste-test and practically snatched one to eat first.

"You worry too much. If anything happened to me, this man would be the one in trouble."

"Your person is of noble standing. I always tell you to refrain from reckless actions."

"Really, Kanon is so stiff. Don't you think so?"

"I couldn't say."

All I could think about was how much I wished they would leave soon.

Even if the princess was a beautiful girl and easy on the eyes, the mental strain far outweighed any benefit.

Especially with Kanon here.

"News of Luido has reached my ears. It seems you've been busy, and I'm impressed. Merchants really do move quickly. Unlike government officials who never seem to move at all."

"Well, profits are on the line, and I'm spending money from my own pocket for necessary expenses. The longer you wait, the more business opportunities slip away."

"I agree with that sentiment. The sooner, the better with everything."

I felt sympathy for her subordinates, whom I'd never even met.

Royal officials can't afford mistakes.

It's understandable that they only move after deliberating thoroughly and coordinating interests.

That must seem tedious to her.

But their roles and purposes were different, so it wasn't fair to lump them together. Not that I was in any position to say so.

I nodded ambiguously.

"So, how is it going? Do you think you can manage?"

"Yes. There seemed to be quite a bit of inefficiency and waste due to inadequate staffing, so we'll be making improvements."

"I see. That's good. Then it should be fine if we increase the quota?"

Princess Tianis proclaimed with sparkling eyes.

For a moment, I couldn't comprehend what she had just said.

"Food will be needed soon. This is certain. Don't worry, I promise in my name that the increased amount will definitely be purchased."

"That… by how much?"

"Increase it by roughly thirty percent."

The option to refuse didn't exist.

That much was clear from Kanon's piercing gaze.

Princess Tianis wore a smile that showed she didn't expect to be refused at all.

According to my calculations, it should be enough.

It should be.

"Understood. However, please refrain from sudden increases in the future."

"It's your role to prepare whatever Her Royal Highness Princess Tianis desires."

How easy it would be if I could just say that was unreasonable.

This wasn't something that sprouted from the ground.

At the very least, you need to tell me when I'm setting up the business plan, or there's nothing I can do.

At worst, I'll need to purchase the shortfall elsewhere.

I pray it doesn't come to that.

"Oh good. That's all I came for. I'll take my leave now."

"I see."

My mental exhaustion had reached its peak.

"This is delicious. May I take the whole bag?"

"Please do. You can buy them in the capital."

"Really? Maybe I'll have Kanon buy some next time."

Saying such carefree things, Princess Tianis left the room.

I remained seated for a while, pressing my right hand to my forehead.

I was truly exhausted.