In This Life I Will Be The Lord Novel - Episode 20

Gallahan sat in the office of the Lombardi Trading Group’s head merchant, located in the Emperor’s direct domain, filled with tension. His clasped hands, clenched so tightly that his knuckles were white, trembled occasionally.
“Hoo…”
A heavy, long sigh escaped him. He tried to suppress his anxiety, but as time passed, the tension only intensified. Finally, just as Gallahan couldn’t bear it any longer and sprang to his feet, the door to the head merchant’s office burst open, and Head Merchant Dyurak rushed in.
“It’s…it’s done!”
Head Merchant Dyurak, out of breath as if he’d been running, beamed from ear to ear, raising both hands.
“They say that as soon as sales began, an enormous volume of orders poured in! Absolutely enormous!”
His voice, highly elated, trembled with uncontainable excitement. Head Merchant Dyurak approached Gallahan as if he might hug him in joy, but Gallahan couldn’t respond.
“Haa…”
Gallahan let out a sigh of relief and slumped onto the sofa, running a dry hand over his parched face.
“Thank goodness…”
His exhausted voice held no strength.
“Haha! This fellow is quite the drama queen, I see!”
Head Merchant Dyurak burst into laughter, looking at Gallahan.
“If you want to keep doing big things, you’ll need to grow a thicker skin!”
The way he addressed Gallahan, which started as “Young Master Lombardi,” had now become more casual, like “friend” or “you.” When Gallahan had repeatedly asked the much older Head Merchant Dyurak to speak informally, he had acted as if he would maintain boundaries. But it seemed Head Merchant Dyurak was just as relieved as Gallahan.
Gallahan finally gave a weak smile and nodded. Tia’s idea was a huge success. After rushing out of the family head’s office early that day, he hadn’t been home a single time, throwing himself into making prototypes like a madman. As a result, in addition to the handkerchiefs he initially thought of, he managed to produce petticoats for women and simple pillowcases in time. This was thanks to the help of the technicians who toiled day and night as if it were their own work.
The Lombardi Trading Group and the Dyurak Trading Group then mobilized all their connections to present these prototypes as gifts to nobles in the Emperor’s direct domain and neighboring territories. For the past few days, leading up to today, the official sales launch of the Coroi fabric, Gallahan hadn’t slept a wink due to worry. Making prototypes turned out to be more expensive than he had anticipated. It was a good thing that the main ingredient of the fabric, Coroi grass, was easily obtainable anywhere if labor was provided; otherwise, they would have gone bankrupt before even starting sales.
After spending several days holding his breath, today, they finally saw the results.
“Come on, let’s have a drink.”
Head Merchant Dyurak opened the bottle of alcohol he had managed to bring even in his haste, offering a celebratory drink. Gallahan wasn’t much of a drinker, but today, he accepted the glass with a smile.
“To a successful start!”
Head Merchant Dyurak shouted in a loud voice and gulped down the rather strong liquor in one go. Gallahan also drank about half of his in one go, wincing at the bitter taste that came belatedly.
“Now that I think about it, why did you change the plan midway? Making only handkerchiefs seemed like it would have been enough to get a good response.”
When Gallahan first told Head Merchant Dyurak his initial plan – to “make handkerchiefs and gift them to nobles” – the head merchant had cheered, calling Gallahan a genius. However, Gallahan didn’t stop there. He used his personal funds to hire additional technicians and began producing other prototypes. It was a bold and daring attempt, unlike Gallahan’s usual cautious personality.
“Well…”
Gallahan answered with an awkward smile to Head Merchant Dyurak’s question.
“Isn’t it true that the more you invest, the greater the returns?”
As he watched the handkerchiefs being steadily produced, Gallahan found himself settling into his old habits again.
“Get rid of the foolish notion that you can avoid a storm by lying low.”
Shananet’s voice echoed vividly in his ears. So, half-possessed, he pushed forward with the work. Several times, he caught himself wanting to give up, thinking, ‘Am I doing too much?’ or ‘Will I regret this?’
‘I need to gain power for Tia.’ That was his only thought.
By creating the prototypes, Gallahan became an official investor in this venture, and naturally, he would receive a personal share of the future profits. With this business proposal, not only the Lombardi Trading Group and the bank, but also Gallahan’s personal assets began to grow.
“As expected, you’re a true Lombardi.”
Head Merchant Dyurak patted Gallahan on the shoulder and said,
“Actually, though we’ve raised a toast, this is just the beginning. We’ll need to pay close attention to ensuring a smooth supply of the fabric.”
“Actually, there’s something I need to tell you about that.”
“What is it?”
Gallahan traced the curve of his glass as he spoke.
“Once the fabric production stabilizes, I intend to withdraw from this venture.”
“What! Why!”
Head Merchant Dyurak asked, quite surprised.
“Now that all the hard work is done, shouldn’t you enjoy the fruits of your labor?”
It was a valid point. After all the anxious efforts, explosive orders were pouring in, leaving only the enjoyment of the sweet rewards. To suddenly pull out was generally incomprehensible. But Gallahan smiled and shook his head.
“I have a business I want to pursue.”
“A business you want to pursue?”
“Yes. And I plan to pursue this business with my personal funds, not through the Lombardi Trading Group.”
Using his own money for the prototypes had ironically turned into a blessing in disguise. As the Coroi fabric business flourished, more and more money would flow to Gallahan. He now had something he wanted to do by combining that money with the funds accumulated in the Lombardi Bank.
“My, my. Perhaps it’s because you’re young, but you’re quite ambitious. Alright. Once you have a clearer idea, tell me what kind of business it is. If you’re pursuing it, I’d like to invest as well.”
Head Merchant Dyurak looked at Gallahan with eyes full of trust. They said Rulac’s sons were all half-wits, but that was wrong. Working with Gallahan and observing him closely, Head Merchant Dyurak saw that while he was a bit overly cautious, he had inherited his father Rulac’s decisive spirit. This man would surely achieve great things someday.
Head Merchant Dyurak thought so and refilled his empty glass.
***
“Hello, Estira!”
“Welcome, Young Lady.”
As I opened the infirmary door and stepped inside, Estira greeted me with a gentle smile. It felt a little awkward speaking informally to the adult Estira, but that’s how you treated employees, so what could I do? Of course, employees like my teacher Clerivan, the elderly Dr. O’Malley, and the librarian Broshul were exceptions.
Since Estira had taken over my wrist treatment from Dr. O’Malley, we had become quite close.
“I brought fruit cake today!”
No, it would be more accurate to say that I put in the effort to get close to Estira. Estira, who looked like she’d prefer bitter teas over sweets, was surprisingly a huge fan of sweet treats. However, with her meager salary, expensive desserts were a luxury she couldn’t afford to eat to her heart’s content. And I exploited that point.
“Thank you, Young Lady.”
As I took out the cake from my picnic basket, a faint smile spread across Estira’s delicate face.
“I brought the whole thing, so take it back to your room and eat it there too!”
It was certainly convenient to be the granddaughter of Lombardi, with nearly infinite assets and resources, at times like these. For Estira to buy a cake of this size, she’d have to go to a dessert shop and buy it with her eyes closed, but all I had to do was grab any passing employee and ask them to carry a whole cake in a picnic basket that I could lift.
“If you have time, Young Lady, would you like to have some cake and tea with me?”
That was music to my ears. I needed an excuse to talk with Estira anyway. When I nodded enthusiastically, Estira placed the kettle on the brazier.
“Then, while the water boils, let’s take a look at your wrist.”
“Okay, here.”
Estira carefully examined my wrist, which now looked perfectly fine, as if touching a fragile autumn leaf that might crumble at any moment.
“It seems to be fully healed now.”
“I told you before, it’s completely fine now.”
“We can’t be careless and get hurt worse later, can we?”
Thanks to that, I was able to get close to Estira, which was nice.
And so, after being declared fully healed, I cut a slice of cake and enjoyed a leisurely tea time. After a little while, when I thought Estira had enjoyed the cake enough, I asked, pretending it was a casual question:
“Estira, what’s your dream?”
The word “dream” might have sounded like a childish question, but Estira showed no such sentiment. Instead, she thought deeply for a moment before answering immediately.
“My goal is to go to the Academy and study herbal medicine.”
“Ah, herbal medicine.”
It was as I expected. Estira had already made such plans around this time. I feigned incomprehension, tilting my head and saying,
“But isn’t the Academy expensive?”
The Academy, built with donations from the Lombardi family by the first Emperor Lambru, allowed anyone who passed the entrance exam to enroll regardless of their social status, but it was notoriously expensive. Moreover, with most commoners being illiterate, the Academy was practically an educational institution for nobles.
“Yes, it is. That’s why I’m diligently saving money. If I can save enough for about a year’s tuition, I can aim for a scholarship after that.”
“How much have you saved so far?”
“Well, about half…”
Estira’s voice trailed off. A drop in the ocean is still a drop. Still, saving half was truly remarkable.
“Then what after that? What do you want to do after studying herbal medicine at the Academy?”
Was this question a bit unexpected? Estira looked at me with a strange gaze.
“I truly can’t believe you’re only seven, Young Lady.”
“I’ll be eight in a few days!”
Honestly, seven or eight, it was all the same. I brazenly lifted my chin and said,
“I… I want to systematically research herbal medicine and someday create an infirmary where even poor people can come.”
Estira spoke cautiously.
“This is truly a ‘dream.'”
Estira spoke as if embarrassed, but I had no intention of ridiculing her. A dream was the privilege of those who hadn’t yet achieved it. Instead, I asked in a subtle voice,
“Should I help you with that?”
“?”
“Pardon?”
“Your dream, Estira. I think I can help you with it.”
Estira’s long-lashed eyes blinked slowly. It was as if she was trying her best to understand my words.
“Are you perhaps referring to the Lombardi scholarship?”
As expected, Estira was quick-witted. She had already grasped the meaning of my casual remark.
“No. I’m talking about Estira’s ‘dream,’ not just a goal.”
Estira had called studying herbal medicine at the Academy her goal. And she described building a hospital for the poor someday as her dream.
“Th-that’s really just something I dream of…”
“Yes. It means it’s what you truly want, doesn’t it? I can help you.”
I smiled brightly and said,
“Well, you’ll have to go to the Academy first, of course.”
As she said, I’m just a kid who’s about to turn eight. But I’m also someone who knows how Estira can achieve her dream, and I’m a Lombardi. And for a Lombardi, the money to send one person to the Imperial Academy isn’t even considered money. It could even be covered by a few months’ worth of my allowance, which is steadily accumulating in the Lombardi Bank right now.
“How about it?”
Estira knew this, which is why she wasn’t laughing off what I just said. Estira’s eyes, which had been shaking as if there was an earthquake, suddenly became clear. After taking a deep breath, Estira asked me,
“Then what would you like me to do for you?”
She’s really quick-witted. But that’s precisely why she’s more trustworthy. I shrugged my shoulders and said,
“Nothing much, could you make me some Melkon medicine?”
“Melkon medicine… you mean?”
“Yes! Is it difficult?”
“No. It’s not difficult to make, but…”
Melkon medicine was a blend of various herbs, commonly prescribed as a nutritional supplement for growing children and a tonic for fatigued adults.
“But it needs to be made into a concentrated solution. The stronger, the better, and enough to last for about a month of daily use in a bottle this size.”
“…It’s not for you to take, Young Lady.”
If it were for me, there would be no need to make a month’s worth in advance. I could simply have an employee deliver it to my room daily as it was made.
“…Since it’s Melkon medicine, I will make it for you.”
She probably meant she would help because there would be no major problems regardless of who consumed it.
“Don’t worry, Estira.”
This medicine isn’t for harming anyone; it’s for saving lives.
“Thank you! I’ll consider it my birthday present!”
I said this to avoid making it feel like a transaction. I needed Estira to be a trusted person, not merely a trading partner. Fortunately, Estira finally smiled a little more comfortably and nodded.
“When will it be ready?”
“It should be ready in about a week.”
“Great! That’ll do!”
Melkon medicine was a tonic that could be used by anyone, regardless of age or gender, but it had one lesser-known effect.
“Please make it as concentrated as possible.”
Though not powerful, if taken long-term, it acted as an antidote effective against most commonly used poisons.