The Knight Commander of the Second Male Lead [Novel] Chapter 50

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 50

Chapter Title: The Bleka Merchant's Visit

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Rorokomo's visit came about a month later.

The Bleka tribe stood out due to their appearance and faced a lot of discrimination, which made their tribal identity strong.

They always stuck to their traditional attire, but Rorokomo was dressed in proper imperial fashion.

What caught the eye first was the distinctive brown skin of the Bleka tribe.

Then came the purple and violet odd eyes that immediately drew attention, followed by light sky-blue hair.

"Merchant Rorokomo has come at your summons."

It was flawless imperial speech and etiquette. Nina wondered if he was even more polite than she was.

'I should learn some etiquette for dealing with high nobles myself.'

Thinking that, Nina said, "Rise," and offered a seat to the man who had greeted her on both knees.

Rorokomo sat cautiously at the edge of the seat, careful not to look straight at her, and spoke.

"I worry whether a mere peddler like me can dare present a gift to a great noble house like the Rubaenu Ducal Family."

"What I want isn't a gift."

Nina felt a strange sensation as she replied. He spoke with utmost courtesy and noble refinement, yet she herself didn't know how to phrase things that way.

'This won't do.'

"Rorokomo."

After waving her hand as if to dismiss the attendants, Nina spoke.

"You might not know this, but I'm from commoner stock and not well-versed in noble etiquette. So, if possible, could you look me in the eye and speak plainly?"

At her words, Rorokomo cautiously lifted his head.

Was it a compliment or an insult to say his face looked quick with calculations, like a merchant's should?

It was the face of a young man in his mid-to-late twenties.

"If you don't look me in the eye, I can't read your intentions."

Nina smiled brightly. He returned a smile in kind.

'His eyes aren't smiling at all.'

Nina gazed at him, thinking he wouldn't be easy, and said,

"I called you here because I have a favor to ask. You might have guessed already, but the Rubaenu Ducal Family wants to invest in your merchant company."

"Invest? Such words are too generous for peddlers like us."

"It's not just investment—we'd entrust you with exclusive sales of certain goods. You're the head of the company, but in practice, the ducal family would hold the reins. Ah... saying it like this makes me sound like a wicked noble."

Nina chuckled midway through, pondered a moment, and then continued.

"I hold your abilities in high regard. That's why I'm inviting you to join hands with us. We have amazing goods, and partnering with the ducal family guarantees you won't fail due to any mishaps with the products."

"You say they're good goods..."

Nina first presented a seed crystal. The hair growth tonic was still premature.

She couldn't just thrust that at him before he even decided to join.

He said, "If I may," took the crystal, and pulled out a loupe.

"What in the world is this gem?"

"It's a crystal from the Violet Forest. As you'll see with the loupe, it glows in the dark. The great sage of the Isle of Sages guaranteed it shines for three months."

At those words, he cupped the seed in his hand and peered inside.

Anyone could see the crystal glowing brightly, radiantly, and beautifully with the naked eye.

"Guaranteed by a great sage."

"Yes, Great Sage Randell is currently researching the Violet Forest with us. This gem is just a tiny fraction of it."

Rorokomo stared fixedly at the crystal before placing it back on the table and bowing at the waist.

"I apologize. My company and I are too insignificant to undertake such a great task."

Nina looked at him in dismay before lowering her gaze.

"I see."

What more could she say to persuade him?

"I have no intention of oppressing you or using you. I just need someone I can trust."

"I am sorry for my inadequacy. Even if you punish me, I'll accept it gladly. I cannot take on this responsibility."

His tone was firm, and Nina felt the strength drain from her shoulders.

What could she say when he so clearly refused?

"If you change your mind, come find me anytime. Sorry for taking your time."

At Nina's frank apology, Rorokomo raised his head to look at her.

"...No, it's fine."

He murmured softly and bowed his head. Nina said, "You are dismissed," and he backed away step by step.

As Rorokomo emerged from the castle, a woman who had been waiting anxiously rushed up to him.

Her wavy tawny hair was very long, making her stand out even more in traditional Bleka garb.

"How'd it go? What'd she say?"

"Mimina, let's talk somewhere far away."

Mimina nodded. After pulling their cart across the drawbridge and exiting the castle, Rorokomo spoke.

"It was an incredible opportunity."

Mimina's eyes widened round.

"What kind of opportunity? So?"

"I don't think I should tell you. I wasn't sworn to secrecy or anything..."

"So, are we doing it?"

"No, I refused."

Mimina looked puzzled at Rorokomo's words.

"Why?"

"It's too big. We should just keep climbing the ladder steadily on our own. Better not get involved in noble affairs."

Mimina frowned discontentedly before sighing.

"If that's what you think, Rorokomo, then okay."

Rorokomo smiled faintly.

"Herbs and furs are cheap here, so let's buy some herbs and head to the next territory."

"Yeah."

Mimina nodded.

"It failed..."

Lui smiled at Nina's dejected appearance.

"Rejected by a merchant?"

"Yeah, I never thought he'd refuse. I figured one seed crystal would seal the deal."

"I thought that might happen."

"Why?"

As Nina asked glumly, Lui continued writing without pause.

"Because it's too big a deal. Even for an ambitious young man, he's the cautious type. Plus, he's Bleka. Caution must be ingrained in him."

"Ah."

Nina let out a deep sigh.

"I hadn't thought of that."

"There are plenty of other candidates, so don't worry too much."

"Yeah, but I liked his caution too."

"He must have really impressed you. Even though he's Bleka."

"What's wrong with his looks? As long as he's not a heretic."

Lui just laughed at her straightforward reply.

"By the way, I think I need some noble refinement after all. I am a viscountess, you know."

Even if it was just a territory with no subjects or revenue.

Still, today's encounter made it clear etiquette was essential.

Lui nodded.

"Understood. I'll find a tutor. Might as well have Jin learn alongside you."

Lui pulled out fresh paper and began scribbling away. He let out a small sigh, looking dissatisfied.

"What's wrong?"

"The nib's worn out. Expensive thing, and it dulls so fast."

"All nibs are imports, right?"

"Yes, from the Lengsi Kingdom."

Pen nibs were one of the annual tributes the Lengsi Kingdom paid to the empire.

Nina hummed thoughtfully.

"What if we have Poko make pen nibs with fine steel?"

"Wouldn't that make it too luxurious?"

Nina shrugged at Lui's words.

"What's wrong with that? Materials are free. No tariffs either."

"I'll consider it."

Nina nodded at Lui's response and drifted into a daze, lost in thought.

She'd only thought of making weapons with fine steel so far, but everyday items might be profitable too.

Then Lui said,

"Don't overthink it. There are other people."

Nina snapped back to attention and nodded.

"Yeah, I won't."

She rose from her seat and left the office.