Published: August 2, 2025
Today, three chapters posted simultaneously.
This is the third chapter.
“Wait a moment. Ryoma-kun… when you decided to put your plan into action, did you intend to ask us for cooperation?”
“? I did intend to... Of course, I also considered the possibility of being refused, and that would be understandable. But since you’ve always been kind to me, I hoped at least you would listen to my story…”
Maybe I was relying on them too much? If that’s the case, I apologize.
“No, no! It’s the opposite! Listening to you isn’t a big deal.”
“We just thought Ryoma-kun was trying to do everything all by himself.”
Doing it alone? That’s ridiculous. No matter what, it’s impossible for me to do it all alone. I might have said “I’ll do it,” but I never said “I’ll do it all by myself.”
Even with that “I’ll do it,” if I were to say, “I want to do this, but since there are risks, I won’t do it—someone else do it!” that would be insincere. Since this kind of thinking is hard to understand here, there should at least be a basic draft to start from.
Mr. Serge and Mr. Pioro are both heads of large trading companies, holding not only various knowledge and negotiation skills but also financial power and connections. Mr. Reinhardt, the duke, is the ruler and the highest authority of the duchy of Jamil. Madam, as the duchess, also seems to possess considerable influence. If they’re willing to cooperate, there’s no one more reassuring.
Even if not, they always care about me and help supplement my lack of common-sense perspectives. I planned to consult with them beforehand.
“So that’s how it was. Since your subordinates said the same thing, I just assumed…”
“That you were trying to do everything all by yourself.”
“We thought Ryoma-kun tends to handle everything alone. Regardless of whether such thinking is right or wrong, we were worried you might be rushing headlong.”
Others nodded in agreement with Mr. Reinhardt’s words.
So that’s the image they had of me… It’s a little hard to deny.
“Have you learned to rely on others when necessary? Anyway, I’m glad you chose us as those people. Also, your earlier idea—I think it’s interesting. At least it’s a fresh opinion not coming from others.
…Ryoma-kun and we see things from slightly different perspectives. The ideas and countermeasures born from that can sometimes be accepted as brilliant solutions or rejected as eccentric thoughts.”
But, he continued.
“Opinions from people with such perspectives are important. If a situation continues where only the same opinions emerge, thinking becomes rigid. I’ve said a lot, but please continue to feel free to share your opinions like today.”
Mr. Reinhardt’s firm words, along with the others’, carried no sense of rejection.
Of course, there may be times when cooperation is impossible due to conflicting interests or constraints.
However, dismissing something with a laugh without properly listening is not something they would do.
Yes, I felt that was implied…
“However, it doesn’t mean we can always give a favorable answer.”
“That’s only natural.”
Just to be heard like this proves Mr. Reinhardt and the others are flexible people.
Still, to convince those around them, appropriate benefits will be necessary.
I had thought about this a bit myself, so I decided to take this opportunity to present everything for their consideration.
“Oh? It seems you have a plan. We’d better be alert.”
Mr. Serge’s tone was light, but the color in his eyes shifted slightly.
It felt like the atmosphere during the music box business negotiations before.
Was that intentional?
Anyway, I straightened up and began explaining.
“It’s not something complicated enough to call a plan. It’s just that my hobby—research on slimes—has produced several potentially profitable results. I thought perhaps we could share those with you.”
“Going back to slime talk—that’s typical Ryoma-kun.”
Madam smiled, creating a comfortable atmosphere.