The Extra’s Academy Survival Guide - Chapter 266

“Brother, I know it’s normal for you to head off on business all the time, but the fact that you’re bringing Bell with you makes me more worried than usual. Is it because this is too dangerous to handle on your own?”

“It’s not that dangerous. It’s just… I’m being considerate toward Lortel… It seems she’s still uncomfortable when it’s just the two of us…”

“…Really? It doesn’t seem that uncomfortable from my point of view…”

“I’m not sure about that…”

Two days later, the servants of Rothstaylor Mansion lined up at the front gate to bid me farewell as I embarked on my journey to Oldek.

I always told Tanya not to make it a big deal every time I left the mansion, but she always made sure that they gave an official farewell to me every time, as was the procedure.

I would be going to Oldek on official business, inspecting the merchants who supplied the various daily necessities of the Rothstaylor household.

It would also serve as a proper excuse to bring the Head Maid, Bell. Bell was a far more capable person than most would assume. Since she was one of the key people responsible for the mansion’s operations, her schedule was always packed with things to manage.

Lortel hid behind Bell, holding onto her sleeve. Just yesterday the two of us were rather close, but after she found out I took and read the notebook she was holding onto so dearly, she suddenly moved away from me.

Yesterday, when Lortel was sleeping—or to be specific, when I made her sleep—I checked what was written inside. I couldn’t help but be surprised.

What Lortel had written in her notebook before losing her memory… there were so many embarrassing, yet strangely flattering, things about me in it.

Lortel exaggerated and glorified me quite a bit… In fact, she spoke so highly of me that I could not help but feel embarrassed for her as I read it.

“So, can I ask exactly what was written in it?”

While the other maids loaded the carriage with the luggage, Bell watched Lortel run around as she cautiously asked me about the notebook. She wasn’t the type to ask more questions than necessary, but this time, it seemed that there was an answer she was determined to hear.

“Just some embarrassing things, such as fantasized drawings of me… Lortel is a surprisingly good artist…”

“…”

“And before she had lost her memory, Lortel had written out her plans in a rather easy-to-understand way. I think I know why she cherishes that notebook so much.”

Lortel’s notes detailed the goals for the company and the direction of future business operations—if they fell into the hands of a rival to the company, the Elte Company would surely suffer a massive loss.

Because it was too much information to keep in her head, she had no choice but to write it down in her notebook and guard it carefully.

“After securing the deal with the Holy Father Building, it seemed that she was planning to reorganize the internal manpower of the company.”

“Reorganizing the manpower of a company as soon as she claims the seat as the head… It’s obvious what would happen.”

“Which is why she was trying to use the deal with the Holy Father Building as a means to gain control of the company.”

As if she hadn’t expected to hear what I said, Bell tilted her head.

“The surest way to hold down a merchant is to gain control of the money, tying them up,” I said, after checking that all the luggage was loaded onto the carriage. “Since she was able to attract a major company to do business with her, she became an important connection and resource. Because of that, fellow merchants in her company will have a hard time doing anything against her.”

Even though Lortel had proven her authority and skills, she needed to showcase her influence once more to fulfill the final step of becoming the head of the company. The fact that Lortel was the previous head’s adopted daughter alone wasn’t enough to control those greedy merchants.

“Alright, I understand. The deal with the Holy Father Building was so large that it would be enough justification for her to be the new head… If they can maintain their relationship with the Holy Father Building, it will lead to astronomical profits, after all.”

“Correct. And getting in personal contact with the Saint would be difficult for the Elte Company without Lortel, as I can help her.”

She was creating an important deal that the other merchants were unable to be involved in. A market that only she could use.

That would be the final decision that would help her claim her seat as the head of the Elte Company.

The heart of the Holy Capital Karpea—the Holy Father Building.

If the Elte Company could personally manage all the supplies necessary for religious ceremonies, daily necessitates, the construction and maintenance of the massive temple… The profits would be incalculable.

The sheer size of the Telos Religious Group, and even the Holy Father Building.

The three buildings that made up the Holy Father Building, where both the Holy Father and the Saint resided, were more than twice the size of Silvenia Academy—and Silvenia Academy was quite massive.

A priest didn’t always live a life far away from luxury and extravagance. Rather, it required a large amount of gold to maintain such holiness and elegance, and the place that gold would flow into was none other than the chambers of the Elte Company.

That plan began with me, Ed Rothstaylor, connecting Lortel with Saint Clarice.

Given how much that deal meant to the Elte Company, Lortel was aware of how much I was willing to do for her the moment I offered to introduce her to Clarice for free.

In other words, the moment she stared at me, startled, wasn’t acting—rather, it was how she truly felt. Though, at that point, I didn’t think we were in a relationship where we had to act in front of each other.

“Slogg definitely wouldn’t be happy with that,” Bell said.

“Correct. That’s why he’s moving now.”

If Lortel succeeded in signing a deal with Saint Clarice, Lortel’s position within the Elte Company would become extraordinary—far beyond anyone else’s reach.

Because of that, he had to attack Lortel. If he didn’t do something before her plans came to fruition, it would be too late.

“Older brother, as you know… Lortel is always drawing a massive picture that is extremely difficult to do.”

Suddenly, Tanya jumped out of the carriage’s luggage compartment, brushing off her skirt.

The servants who were putting the luggage into the carriage before departure were surprised. They never imagined that Tanya would be inside the carriage’s luggage compartment from the moment they stood by the front gates to say farewell to me.

“You’re always popping out of the most unusual places.”

“Unfortunately, the compartment in the carriage wasn’t my style. It didn’t quite feel right…”

I didn’t reply.

“Whatever the case, after listening to what you said, I’m starting to understand.”

Tanya landed on the ground, playing with her shiny blonde hair.

The servants who had been putting the luggage inside the carriage kneeled in front of her, still in shock. Tanya shook her hands, ordering the servants to not pay any mind to her and to finish their jobs.

“Starting to understand?”

“Didn’t you notice it as well, brother? Slogg is an old and sneaky merchant, yet, even in front of us, he acted so boldly. As if there were someone else behind him.”

“That’s true… But I can’t imagine who he has standing behind him with such power…”

“That’s true… It’s hard to believe they have enough power to subdue Lortel so abruptly. Even giving Slogg enough certainty that he could come all the way to the Rothstaylor Estate to check for himself… Though, whoever they might be, they would still certainly have a hard time if we stepped in…”

Tanya tilted her head and scratched her chin.

“Is there really someone behind him?”

“I’m sure there is. As for how powerful they are, I’m not certain…”

House Rothstaylor was being protected by both the Kroel Royal Family and the Holy Father Building. No one on the continent could hastily mess with House Rothstaylor.

Lucy Mayreel, House Rothstaylor’s key force, was recovering at the moment. Their strength may be limited as the family hierarchy hadn’t been completely restored yet, but no one could match their authority.

“I think it would be best to move carefully, but… I’m sure you have no intention of doing that, brother.”

“Well…”

“I know you’re just acting as if you don’t know any better for the sake of your little sister, who is busy out of her mind. However, behind me, I already see the box of spears… As well as the bow you cherish so much.”

Tanya sat on a wooden box with a nonchalant expression.

“It just seems that you’re going to use force this time. From the moment you told me you would be taking Bell, I knew this wasn’t going to be like the other times. After all, you’re not the type to bring your bow with you like this. Though, I worry about the aftermath.”

“Well, it’s not that I’m not thinking about the aftermath either. I can justify my use of force…”

“Still… For some reason, this doesn’t seem like something you would normally do.”

“Well, there are times you need to be aggressive. Sometimes you have no choice but to attack,” I responded without a change in expression. “After all, they messed with Lortel.”

Lortel Kehelland and I had already promised to be on each other’s side forever. I’d said as much many times before, but it wasn’t a promise I made lightly.

Tanya was about to say something, but suddenly stopped and smiled brightly for some reason. Perhaps because she was satisfied with my answer, she had a particularly bright expression on her face. From my point of view, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

“But I still need to ask you this as the head of House. If you do break into the Elte Company and attack Slogg, what are your plans afterward? Lortel said it as well. If there’s no reasonable justification… A simple plan of action won’t have any meaning.”

Despite the title of our House, intruding into the Elte Company and attacking one of the most veteran and famous merchants there was, all because of an internal struggle for the position of head of the company, would certainly cause a mess.

“You know the nature of merchants as well, Tanya. They’re the type to sell their own souls for money, and those who don’t make money are discarded without hesitation.”

“…I understand what you are trying to say.”

Tanya brushed the dirt off her skirt. A nearby servant came over to hand her some outerwear, which she accepted and put on.

“If the deal with the Holy Father Building falls through because of an internal political battle, Slogg’s position will also be in jeopardy. I think that would be the case as well. It would be hard for the employees to support him if he ruins such a valuable deal for the Elte Company over his own greed…”

Tanya was born with a natural talent for understanding public opinion and how to weigh it in one’s favor. She scratched at her nose, contemplating the matter for some time. She had a rather concerned expression on her face…

“Well, there’s no way that Slogg isn’t aware of that. So, he surely has something planned, but… Ahh…”

Tanya suddenly had a thought. A wide smile began to form on her face as she walked back to the gate, where everyone else was standing, sending me off.

“Well, you best be on your way, brother. Be careful not to get hurt.”

“Yes. I’ll be back soon. Take good care of the house while Bell and Lortel are away.”

“That’s what I always do.”

And like that, Lortel, Bell, and myself all left the Rothstaylor Mansion in the carriage. It was going to be a long journey, so it was best to get some sleep while we could.

* * *

“The wind is getting chilly. It would be best for us to head inside now.”

The old vassal bowed his head. Tanya stood at the gate, watching the carriage disappear further and further in the distance. She then looked sideways at the kneeling vassal.

Said vassal was facing Tanya Rothstaylor, a duchess who held one of the highest authorities on the entire continent. The vassal seemed afraid of making even the smallest mistake in front of her.

“…He seems to be angrier than I thought.”

“…Pardon?”

“Never mind. Let’s head in.”

To anyone else, Ed’s appearance in the carriage would have looked calm and collected. His tone was the same as always, but… Tanya has been the head of House Rothstaylor for some time now and knew him better than others. To some extent, she could understand how he felt and what he was thinking.

At the very least, it seemed that there was more than what he said was written in Lortel’s notebook. Tanya was certain of that.

That was because Ed Rothstaylor, heading to Oldek seemingly unbothered, looked rather furious in Tanya’s eyes.

* * *

Looking at the back of the large carriage, I watched Lortel fall asleep, cuddled close to Bell. As we continued to travel, it seemed she was getting more exhausted. After all, she was at the age where children ran around energetically from the early morning, only to fall asleep shortly after.

I laid back as I put my forearms on the window frame, carefully organizing my thoughts as my body shook with the swaying carriage. I read quite a bit of Lortel’s notes. Thinking back on what she had written about the Elte Company, I started to feel upset.

– Re-checking the meat market of Kwellenhelt.

– Recounting the inventory inside the company that doesn’t add up.

– Looking into why Countess Rasen’s orders have been held up.

– It’s been so long since I last visited House Rothstaylor…

At times, she would suddenly sketch me in the corner of her notebook. She even wrote down ideas for what gift she should buy me the next time she stopped by the mansion. Looking at that, I could not help but laugh.

– Creating a new route with the Holy Father Building. Will that old man get in my way?

– It would be best if I don’t tell Ed about it as much as possible. I should continue to tell him that everything is fine.

I stood still with my head lowered. The carriage continued to sway.

In fact, Lortel had an easier way to deal with all of this. She could have simply come to House Rothstaylor and bowed her head, asking for a favor. There was no shame for a merchant to lean on those who held power.

Yes. It would have been easier for her to rely on the authority and power of House Rothstaylor while dealing with Slogg.

Nevertheless, Lortel had planned to deal with him herself, with her influence as a merchant. She didn’t talk much about the internal politics of the Elte Company in front of me. She only brought up her business plan with the Holy Father Building.

Why?

Righteousness. Faith. Justification. Those incredible words might come to mind, but they were far from Lortel.

In front of me, she simply wanted to act like a regular girl. However, in the world of business, she was known as a terrible and cruel woman who even made contracts with the devil to guarantee her victory.

However, I was aware of that fact. That was why I could be understanding of her.

– Even if he wants to help me with it, I need to tell him that everything is fine until the very end.

A quarrel between merchants was a filthy and cruel battle. When they fought, all sorts of resentment, hatred, and evil thoughts and desires were involved.

House Rothstaylor had only started to regain its former status after the tragedy that occurred in the past… She didn’t want to harm them.

Lortel was a ridiculously smart woman, but at the same time, she could be a hopeless fool.

I stared at the floor of the swaying carriage. Even though summer was only starting to end, there was a frightening cold chill going down my back.