Merchant Noble is out (4/4 chapters for today)

 

Baron Kreitz’s Territory (4)

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Tadont’s house was located in a residential area of the city adjacent to the tournament venue. It was a typical middle-class home, although, judging by its slightly dirty and old exterior, it might be considered lower middle class.

“I’m home.”

When Tadont returned home, there was a woman cooking in the kitchen with her back turned to him. She responded to her husband’s voice and turned around. She appeared to be around the same age as Tadont, with wrinkles on her face and a tired expression.

“Welcome back. How did you do in the race… um, who are these people?” (Wife)

“Well…” (Tadont)

Tadont looked at Arc and the others, hesitating slightly. She probably understood that they were from the Warden Association, but indeed, Arc hadn’t introduced himself yet.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I am Arc Warden.” (Arc)

“W-Warden Household? What brings someone from the Warden Household here?” (Wife)

“I heard from your husband that you can make accurate maps. I would like to see a demonstration.” (Arc)

“Even if you ask so suddenly…” (Wife)

Mrs. Tadont hurriedly wiped her dirty hands, but she was clearly flustered by the sudden request. Seeing his wife’s reaction, Tadont quickly added.

“Hey! This gentleman is from the Association! He took an interest in my high placement in the race. There might be a large sum of money coming our way.” (Tadont)

“Understood.” (Wife)

Although she probably hadn’t fully grasped the situation, she nodded, pushed by her husband’s enthusiasm and Arc’s request.

“Alright, please draw an accurate map of this room.” (Arc)

“This room, right? Leave it to me.”

The wife prepared some paper and then disappeared into the next room. She returned a short while later with a proper merchant’s ruler and protractor.

“Honey, count the steps for me.” (Wife)

“Got it.” (Tadont)

Tadont stood in the corner of the room and, just as he had shown Arc and the others earlier, he began counting the steps from one end to the other.

“Length is 12 steps, width is 15 steps.” (Tadont)

“From 3-4 to 5-6, there’s the desk. From 8-9 to 10-11, there’s the chair. From there, 2-2 to the cupboard.” (Tadont)

Arc and the others couldn’t quite understand the series of numbers he was reciting, but the wife began drawing the layout based on those numbers. Watching from behind, they could see that the furniture layout in the room matched the layout she was drawing.

“It’s done. This is the map of this room.” (Wife)

The wife stood up and handed over the freshly completed map.

“The position of the furniture and the overall proportions are accurate to within a finger’s width. This is a 1:20 scale drawing of this room.” (Wife)

“A completely accurate map, indeed.” (Arc)

Arc alternated between looking at the map he held and the layout of the room. Even to his untrained eye, it was clear that the drawing precisely matched the room’s arrangement.

“Yes, by repeating this process, we could create a map of this entire region or even the entire country.” (Tadont)

“Amazing… simply amazing…” (Arc)

“Yes, this is truly impressive.” (Yulia)

Yulia, catching Arc’s eye and seeing his awe, added her praise. However, despite her words, she didn’t fully grasp the significance of such an accurate map.

“How do you two make a living?” (Arc)

“We sell maps to adventurers, but they usually only buy them once. So, we’ve been getting by with odd jobs like carrying loads and gathering herbs. But finding adventurers willing to hire an old man like me has been tough. That’s why I joined the race, hoping to win the prize money for a fresh start.” (Tadont)

Tadont gave a sad smile. Indeed, for someone older, making a living as an adventurer, which favored the young, was challenging. Experienced adventurers might not see the need for such precise maps. Arc stepped forward and took the couple’s hands.

“Tadont and the wife, I would love for you to come to my territory. Would you be willing to use your skills for me?” (Arc)

Tadont’s eyes widened in shock. He couldn’t quite believe the situation, that the Warden Household would offer to employ him.

“I’m grateful for the offer, but I’m not sure someone my age is worth employing.” (Tadont)

Despite his humility, Arc gripped his hand firmly, continuing to persuade him passionately.

“Creating accurate maps is a crucial asset for territory development and military strategy. I’ll take care of all your living expenses. Please, lend me your skills.” (Arc)

“But…” (Tadont)

As Tadont hesitated, his wife gently placed a hand on his back.

“Honey, it’s rude to refuse such a kind offer.” (Wife)

Her words seemed to help him make up his mind. Tadont finally nodded.

“Alright. I will do my best to be of service. Thank you. Thank you so much…” (Tadont)

“I’m so glad… it’s really wonderful that all your hard work making maps is finally paying off.” (Wife)

The couple embraced each other quietly, tears of joy streaming down their faces, as their lifelong dedication to map-making was finally rewarded.

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