Chapter 58
We were shown into the parlor of Radick's mansion and looked around as we took our seats in the upholstered chairs.
White vases, large colorful platters painted with flowers, curved daggers, golden goblets, and other items were displayed on the shelves.
"Romelia-sama, are these items from the Reitzberg Empire as well?"
Ray turned his attention to the various furnishings in the parlor.
"No, the items here are not from the Imperial era. They are foreign goods brought here through trade."
I pointed to the white vases and painted plates.
"Those vases and plates are probably from a country said to lie at the eastern edge of the world. The curved daggers and the carpet are likely from somewhere in the Middle East. And perhaps the golden goblets were brought here from a continent in the south?"
I answered as I pointed to the daggers, carpet, and golden goblets. Borel and Jini exclaimed in admiration.
"They are proof that goods from all over the world have passed through Merka Island. Once the harbor we are building flourishes, these wares will no longer be rare."
"Ah, I'm looking forward to it."
"Building a harbor is really such a big deal...?"
Gatt and Paula exclaimed in admiration at my words. I, too, wanted to see a harbor filled with goods from foreign lands as soon as possible. To do that, however, we had to secure Merka Island's cooperation.
Just as I was renewing my resolve, someone knocked on the door. Rebecca-san's voice came from outside, announcing that she had brought tea. When I answered, Rebecca-san entered, pushing a cart loaded with a tea service.
With practiced skill, Rebecca-san put tea leaves into the pot, poured in hot water, and let the leaves steep. As she measured the time with an hourglass, the room gradually filled with the tea's gentle fragrance.
The pleasant aroma naturally brought a smile to my lips.
The leaves were of high quality. Merely inhaling their fragrance seemed to dispel my fatigue.
Rebecca-san poured the tea into ceramic cups with gold ornamentation around their rims. She arranged them before us together with their saucers.
Everyone's tea was set out on the low, knee-high table.
I nodded to Rebecca-san in thanks. Holding the saucer in my left hand, I pinched the cup's small handle with my right and lifted them together. I held the saucer at chest height, then brought only the cup to my lips and tilted it.
As I took a sip, the sweetness beneath the bitterness stimulated my taste buds.
Delicious. The temperature was perfect too. It went smoothly down my throat.
"This is excellent. Are these Camor tea leaves?"
"Yes. To show our guests proper hospitality, we have prepared only the finest tea ware."
Rebecca-san answered without softening her distinctive stare. At her words, I relaxed my mouth into another smile. The tea ware in use was ceramic, after all, a specialty of House Graham.
To praise goods from my country as first-rate so casually was quite flattering. She certainly knew how to please me.
As I watched the expressionless Rebecca-san, I heard the uncouth sound of someone slurping tea. I frowned and turned toward the source. Al was there, gripping his cup in one hand and drinking from it.
The others were no better, hooking their fingers through the cups' tiny handles or failing to use their saucers. Paula-san was the only one drinking her tea properly, using her saucer and following proper etiquette.
"Honestly, you people..."
I furrowed my brow, but Al and the others exchanged confused looks, unable to understand what had made me angry.
Their manners were terribly poor, but that was understandable. Every member of the Romelia Squad was a farmer. There was no way they could know tea etiquette. In fact, it was more surprising that Paula-san, who also came from a farming village, knew proper manners.
I made a mental note to gather the Romelia Squad and drill tea etiquette into them. One might think that manners were unnecessary for soldiers, but the members of the Romelia Squad were beginning to possess strength beyond that of ordinary soldiers. Before long, it would not be strange for them to distinguish themselves through military service and be knighted. They would likely appear at official functions, and in some cases, they might even become sons-in-law to noble families.
Considering their future advancement, they had nothing to lose by learning the manners and conduct expected of nobles.
I resolved to start by drilling the proper way to drink tea into them, then drank my own.
Once we had finished our tea, Rebecca-san returned after having left the room.
"Radick-sama will see you now."
Rebecca-san announced it without so much as a smile in her eyes. Captain Maurice had not returned, but the negotiations must have been concluded successfully.
I signaled the members of the Romelia Squad with a glance, and we rose from our seats. Guided by Rebecca-san, we headed to meet the lord of Merka Island.
We were shown into a spacious room. It appeared to be a dining room, with a large table running lengthwise through it. Silver candlesticks stood in a row on the tabletop, and numerous chairs were arranged around it.
At the far end of the room, a tapestry depicting a map of the Mebyum Inland Sea covered the entire wall. A man sat in the seat of honor.
He appeared to be in his thirties, with neatly styled black hair and a slightly dusky complexion. He wore a well-tailored navy jacket and looked every inch a man of distinction. However, the slight droop of his eyes gave him a somewhat timid air. Captain Maurice stood to the man's right.
"W-welcome, and thank you for coming. I am Babo Radick, lord of Merka Island."
The man who had introduced himself as Babo rose to his feet and spread both hands. His face was slightly contorted with nerves.
"Pleased to meet you, Radick-sama. I am Romelia of House Graham in the Kingdom of Lionel."
I bowed lightly. I was a noble of a great power, but Merka Island was an independent nation that maintained its own self-government. Though Babo was only the lord of a small island, he was someone I needed to treat with due respect.
Babo-san was taken aback when he saw me bow. Then he turned an inquiring look toward Captain Maurice, who stood to his right.
Captain Maurice must have noticed the look, but he ignored it without meeting Babo-san's gaze. Babo-san swallowed and turned his gaze back to me.
"I-I am deeply grateful for such a courteous greeting, Romelia-sama. Please, call me Babo."
"Then, Babo-sama, thank you for meeting with me today despite my sudden visit."
"On the contrary, we're the ones who kept you waiting. My apologies. Please, have a seat."
Babo-san gestured toward a chair with his left hand. Rebecca-san, who had escorted me in, stepped forward and pulled out the chair to Babo-san's left. I left Al and the others waiting at the entrance, then walked to the chair and took my seat.