Exiled Young Girl’s Territory Development Record: The Result of the Villainous Young Lady Who Was Exiled Before the Scenario Began and Did Whatever She Wanted for the People.

Three days later, Tom left for Bitterley. I hadn’t heard any news of him purchasing anything from Simon, so I imagine he went back empty-handed.

Or perhaps, the reason they sent a lackey like Tom was just to gauge how I felt about the Skeleton rental business? After all, if the head of the Sumner Company came himself and angered me, it would be the end of the line for him. But who knows.

Either way, it would be troublesome if more people like him started showing up, so it’s probably a good idea to think of some countermeasures.

In situations like this… I should probably consult Marie.

With that in mind, I headed to my office. Marie was already there, working through paperwork. She noticed me coming in and stood up.

“Oh, Marie, you can stay seated.”

“As you wish. My lady, how can I assist you today?”

“I’d like to discuss something with you.”

“Of course.”

“It’s about Skeleton rentals. I’m thinking more people like Tom will come seeking them in the future.”

“Yes, that’s certainly a possibility.”

“But dealing with every single one of them is going to be a hassle, right?”

“Indeed. However, I believe you could simply turn them away at the gate.”

“Yeah, but Tom came across as just a regular merchant at first. It wasn’t until later that he tried to plead his case to me and ask for the rental. I don’t want to deal with that kind of thing all the time.”

“Then perhaps you could be more direct when they first arrive and shut them down from the start?”

“Hmm, but wouldn’t that come across as too desperate? I’ve heard that nobles are expected to always maintain a certain level of composure, or their dignity could be called into question.”

“That is… true.”

“So, I’m looking for a way to avoid such requests while still maintaining the poise expected of a noble.”

“…In that case, why not establish a trading company?”

“A trading company?”

“Yes. For now, you would need to delegate it to the Chapmans, but the company could act as the intermediary for non-noble inquiries. That way, any such requests would be directed there, and with clear guidelines in place, you wouldn’t be bothered with them anymore.”

“Ah, I see. That’s a good idea.”

“However, just as you did with Will and his group, you must ensure that the Chapmans swear an oath. An oath of loyalty to you, ensuring they won’t betray you and will carry out their duties faithfully.”

“Wait, what do you mean by that?”

“The most common issue when a noble establishes a trading company is embezzlement.”

“Embezzlement? How so?”

“There have been many cases where a trading company is established, equipped with funds, wagons, and goods for trade, only for the merchants to vanish without a trace. If they move to another territory, the local lord or the king may be able to intervene, but if they flee to another country, there’s no recourse.”

“What? But Simon and Anna wouldn’t do that—”

“Right now, they may be grateful to you. But there’s no guarantee they won’t betray you when faced with large sums of money.”

“Hmm, I see. Alright, I’ll make sure to do that.”

“I believe that would be the wise course of action.”

“Thank you, as always.”

“It’s my duty.”

“Right.”

And so, I made my way to Simon and Anna’s home to discuss establishing the trading company.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of Ludinham, a group of affluent ladies were once again enjoying a tea party on a terrace.

“Ladies, may I have your attention?”

“Oh? What’s the matter?”

“I asked my husband about that rumor while we were in bed the other night.”

“Oh my! What did he say!? So, that girl is—”

“Well, it turns out he didn’t know anything about it.”

“What!?”

“Nothing at all?”

“Nothing.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. He had never even heard of the Earl of Southbury having a daughter.”

“How is that possible?”

“With all the rumors flying around?”

“It’s strange, isn’t it?”

The women exchanged puzzled glances.

“But did he truly not know? Could he be hiding something?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, there are even more outrageous rumors going around in the town, you know?”

“Are there?”

“Yes. Some say the reason the daughter was killed was to cover up the fact that her father had abused her.”

“Good heavens!”

“How unpleasant!”

“If that’s true, why hasn’t the Church said anything? How could anyone turn a blind eye to such a thing, especially involving one’s own child!”

The women didn’t even try to hide their disgust as they began condemning the Earl of Southbury.

Of course, this was to be expected. The nation’s religion, the Church of the Radiant God, strictly forbade incest, and it was grounds for excommunication and even inquisition.

“I’m going to ask my husband about it again. If it’s true that he assaulted his own daughter, I simply cannot let it go.”

“Please do. I’ll speak with the priest at the church I regularly donate to and see if he knows anything.”

“Then I’ll write to a friend in the neighboring town. Her husband’s company, I believe, has ties with a company in Southbury.”

“Oh my! That could be a valuable lead.”

“We’re counting on you.”

“Of course! Leave it to me.”

With that, the women continued to indulge in their gossip.