Richter L. Klingbloom had just come up to the castle after finishing his own business. He needed to exchange information with some noblemen, and he also had a scroll to hand over to the minister.

　The Lord Treasurer is a very busy man.

　Although he will finally be able to take a break this evening, he still has a lot of work to do tomorrow.

　The amount of work he can get done this afternoon is crucial for him to be able to rest tonight.

　And yet...

"Sorry, Mr. Klingbloom. ......
"Hmm. Get back to work. I'll do the rest.

　When I saw the servants peering cautiously into a room from outside, I couldn't ignore them.

　When I called out to them, they told me that a nobleman was inside and they didn't know what to do.

　He could not be so heartless as to turn a blind eye to the cries of the castle servants.
　He had no choice but to send them away and stepped into the kitchen to see the face of the nobleman.


　And then.


He said, "You can use a spoon of any size for spices, but for fire, it depends not only on the amount of wood, but also on the shape and the way it is put together. You have to think about each of these things individually. ...... Wait a minute. Is it possible that the taste of the sauce will change if you mix it before or after the fire?　Oh my god, there's so much to try. Can I do this in ten days? No, I'll do it. Corona gave me ten days to believe that I could do it in that amount of time. I'll do it, I'll do it. I'll do it.

...... What the hell are you doing?

　A man with a scroll spread out on the kitchen table is cooking something, taking notes as he goes.

　He was tall and thin, and his apron looked oddly good on him.

　He looked as if he was about to start a cooking class.

"Hey, Mr. Richter. Why are you in the servants' kitchen?
"That's my question. You seemed to be curious about the servants.
What? ...... Did I interrupt you? Well, ......, I'm sorry.
There's more than one kitchen. I'm sure your work won't be interrupted if you occupy one of them, but ...... at least tell him.
Oh, yeah. All right. I'll do that next time.

　Ignoring Huta's nod, Richter looked around.

"Why are you wielding a cookware instead of a sword at ......?
It's no different from training.
No, it's not.

　No, it's not." "You're talking nonsense with a fresh face.
　Richter looked at him with a sigh.

I can't see His Highness's guest imitating a chamberlain.

　The notes in Futa's hand were filled with spice amounts and his comments on them.
　Richter was not so poor as to think of the ingredients as a waste of time, but his disgust at the earnest man in front of him was growing.

I just wanted to say thank you.
"...... for what?

　What are you talking about?" Richter raised one eyebrow.

"Yeah. You see, I don't make a lot of money, so I thought I'd show my appreciation in this way.

　The target is probably Corona and Lilac.
　I could understand Futa's feelings.

　That maid was annoying as hell, but she was certainly worthy of Futa's gratitude. Richter himself could imagine that the future would have been different if Corona had not been there when he had forced Futa to choose.

　So, thank you.

　It makes sense. It was simply not in Richter's mind that a special guest of his would do the same thing as a chambermaid.

"Show your appreciation by making your own food instead of buying it from .......
"Mr. Richter?

　It's a great way to show your appreciation for what you do.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.
　Richter opened his mouth, as if he had nothing to hide.

No, it's a little more than just rewarding your people.

　House Klingbloom is in charge of the city's finances.
　They have a monopoly on technology, along with their own civil servants.

　No one has ever complained about the high remuneration, which also serves to keep their mouths shut, and no one has ever betrayed them since Richter came to the top.

　But it is also true that Richter has never offered anything more than words of appreciation.

"It is not proper for the Lord Treasurer of ...... to give money or goods. I see your point. The means of serving something is ...... parties are not only for the nobility .......

　A party is a social event for the aristocracy, and an opportunity to gather information.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

　Futa stood up and said to Richter, who had a difficult look on his face.

"Sounds like a lot of financial work.
"Yeah, more than you can imagine.

　You can't imagine how hard it is.



"His Highness doesn't know what he's going to do, and now that His Majesty is returning. I hope he doesn't push you too hard.

　And then he spoke.
　His untruths.

"I can't let you get away with this. For the sake of the people.
"Think of his profession. The king has been duped by manipulation. If this continues, the country--

　The man who fears Lilac M. Fangini more than anyone is this man, Richter L. Klingbloom.

"In order to protect the peace and stability of our country, we can't allow ourselves to be taken in by your gambling and your recklessness.
"Reckless?

　When Futa looked up at him, Richter's mouth twisted.
　It suddenly occurred to me.
　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here. 　

"You're no longer irrelevant. You're no longer irrelevant.
What do you want me to say? I don't think it's much different than what Mr. Richter said.
Say something stupid. Listen.

　"Don't be silly," Richter continued.

Sometimes it's more effective to express your opinion through someone else or through a letter than through the front door.
"...... I see?
Letters are especially effective. Letters are especially effective because they allow you to express your feelings regardless of the other person's reaction, making it easier for you to convey your whole self.
Well, why don't you just write them a letter?
I already did.

　Richter sighs bluntly.
　You'll be able to get a lot more than just a letter.

We're about to get a war budget from His Majesty the King.
"War budget?　Are you trying to start a war?
"Loud voices. The kingdom's finances are in a slump right now.

　The maidservants had no idea that the servants' kitchen had somehow become the site of a secret meeting between the "noblemen".

　Futa's eyebrows furrowed in disgust, and he whispered to Richter, even though no one was present.

I'd love to, but I can't.
I'd really appreciate it if you didn't. I'm not in a position to say that.
"Why not?

　Why?" Richter snickered, "Of course.

Because you and the belligerents are bigger than my aristocracy. If it goes to parliament, my opinion will be silenced.
"Now ......
Well, if you really have to go toe-to-toe with someone, I'll be counting on your skill.

　I've been thinking about this for a while.

...... I'm getting a bad vibe from you lately.

　He closed his eyes and listened to the crackling of the firewood.
　There's something wrong with Corona, and Lilac seems to be in a bad mood.
　And now that the war is so close...

　But then I think. If the idea is that we're economically depressed, so we're going to go to war and conquer them.



Yeah. I'd have to talk to a crooked businessman.
"Planning. That's a nice, frank way of putting it. Yes, it is. That "manager" is the kingpin of commerce in King's Landing. ...... Oh, delicious.


The king's return is coming soon, and I want to do what I can before then.


　I'm sure Lilac is working towards that end.

　Futa raised his head, burying his anxiety about the future with hope for the princess.

　However, there was no way he could tell Richter about Lilac.

　However, when it came to the war, Futa's face was relatively cheerful.

If it really comes to it, I'll fight for Lilac-sama.
"I see.

　Richter said, and was about to leave the kitchen.

　Richter was about to leave the kitchen when he noticed something and turned around.

By the way, are you free tonight?


　Probably an invitation to a handfasting.

　But Huta shook his head. At any rate.


"Mr. Richter has ordered me not to go to the meeting today, even if he asks.
The name ...... is ......?