Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 149

 As I watched Seriana’s meeting out of the corner of my eye, I lay back on the sofa my father had given me, covered with the blanket given to me by Jighart and the others, reading a book that a merchant had given to Seriana.

Although I don't need to join the meeting, I still wonder if this is really okay... Well, I suppose this is part of my job too.

...It's a tough assignment.

"Well then, if you'll excuse me."

The man who was meeting with Seriana said this as he stood up and left the room, giving me a nod as he did.

"Those who are late are so desperate," Seriana said with a smirk as she watched him leave.

Why does our young lady always seem like such a villain?

"It's understandable that those further away would be delayed in their greetings," Elena said, trying to be diplomatic.

"Oh? There are those who came earlier despite being further away," Seriana retorted, not seriously.

Nobles and merchants within the domain had long since paid their respects, but those from neighboring territories, based further away, arrived later. The further one is from the capital, the larger the domains, and the longer the travel time. They likely anticipated this, but our choice to return via the mountain route instead of the usual path threw off their plans.

Nevertheless, some from other territories arrived around the same time as those from Zelkis. Seriana isn't bothered by this, but those who were late probably feel guilty and are trying hard to make up for it.

…That aside...

"My heart aches," I said.

"You don't have one," Elena shot back.

Fair enough.

◇

Seriana, Elena, and Alec.

These three are well-known not only within the domain but across the country.

Seriana is the eldest daughter of the Müller family, officially recognized as a diligent and highly capable princess who cares deeply for her people. During her time at the academy, she became engaged to the prince, making her the envy of girls nationwide. ...Regardless of the reality.

Elena, if her family status had been higher, would have joined the royal guard. Alec is a renowned mercenary.

But what about me?

I am relatively known in the capital and the domain's main city, but beyond that, I am still an obscure figure among the nobility. Considering my age, it's a bit of a status drop. Personally, I don't mind, but Seriana and the others saw this as an opportunity to take some action.

This is where my laid-back mode comes in.

I adjust my behavior depending on the person I'm dealing with, but I maintain proper decorum with those I can't afford to be informal with. Though usually, this just means nodding and bowing without speaking.

Still, I maintain a respectable attitude around those I'm less familiar with, except when ordered to be more casual.

There is something called a commercial guild used by merchants. I don't know the details, but they seem to arrange escorts, share local market prices, and exchange information. In a world with limited means of communication, such organizations are probably necessary.

They also handle horizontal connections, such as with farmers, hunters, and adventurers' guilds.

The adventurers' guild informed me that my information was passed to the commercial guild. The report said I could explore mid-level dungeons alone and sometimes ignored orders from the lord or the adventurers' guild branch manager. Basically, I only listen to Seriana.

Well... that's not incorrect. I recently refused a patrol and an upper-level dungeon exploration.

So, when those from other territories learn this before their meeting with Seriana, they see me lounging in the room and assume such behavior is permissible. Additionally, they understand that Seriana can command someone like me.

When they return to their local commercial guilds, they report on me, and the information spreads. Seriana, my producer, is successfully managing my branding.

However, she also skillfully boosts her own reputation in the process, showing just how shrewd she is.