Atelier Tanaka

Book 4: Chapter 4 (8)

Territory Pioneering 4

Sophie-chan allowed me to safely enter the dressing room.

I quickly healed the damage done by Schaels punch with my recovery magic. In retrospect, his punch was nothing compared to the punches Ive become used to from Christina, but I usually have a moment to brace myself for those. It wasnt even enough to make me angry. Rather, Im a little thankful to him. Thanks to his punch I was able to see a genuine reaction from Sophie-chan that Ive never seen before.

But this didnt stop Schael from bowing and apologizing to me.

I-Im very sorry!

Dont worry about it. We should just move past it as quickly as possible to avoid making things awkward.

I-It was rude of me to raise my hand against you, Baron. I humbly beg for your forgiveness!

This situation couldve been resolved much easier if the man that punched me was a noble, but unfortunately, he is a commoner. Sophie-chan informed me that every member of the band was a commoner.

Perhaps its easier for Sophie-chan to use commoners as it would be harder to have nobles travel with her whenever she needs them.

In that sense, Sophie-chans concerts are rather progressive in that they have a member of the nobility working closely and equally with commoners.

Sophie-san, I came here to discuss our contract going forward.

I also wanted to discuss a contract after the first week is up.

With things going so well, Id say we can continue with the current contract going forward.

What about the rent for using this building?

Dont worry about it for this month. We can discuss the rent and a contract for the rest of the year at a later time.

Are you sure about that?

We fought side-by-side to save the Princess. This is the least I can do.

thank you.

Dont mention it.

Surprisingly, Sophie-chan gave me her sincere thanks.

Even if its just an act, its still cute. This is what is known as an innocent bitch.

Now then, thats everything I had to say. Ill be going

But Sophie-chan wouldnt let things end so easily.

Schaels punishment still hasnt been decided.

Shes a girl that likes to dance, sing, and bounce around joyfully on stage with her band of commoners, but she is still a traditionalist when it comes to commoners respecting the nobility.

Even if you say that.

He raised his hand against a noble on your first meeting. A strict punishment fitting for his insolence is necessary to fix such insolent behaviour. If this isnt fixed now, it will create problems in the future.

.

Schael trembled after hearing Sophie-chans words.

I wont lie and say I dont want to punish the ikemen that punched me, but that doesnt mean I want to hurt him. If I were to punish him severely for a simple misunderstanding, Id just be creating an enemy within my city.

Theres nothing that can be done to erase the fact that he punched me. Trying to do so would just be a waste of time and energy.

I hardly consider myself a noble, so theres no need to punish a simple altercation between two commoners.

Sophie-chan was surprised by my words.

really?

Everything here is thanks to Ester-sans actions.

But you still hold the power of someone of your rank. Most people would use that power to get whatever they want and do as they please.

I dont need this power to find my happiness.

Sophia-chan, Edita Sensei, and Sophia-chan again.

I would die happy if I could have a threesome with them.

Id happily die then be brought back to life only to die again if I could cum inside each of them.

I-I see.

Ive only been able to accomplish what Ive done so far is due to the cooperation of other people. I put in a lot of work myself, but without everyone elses efforts, there wouldve been no customers to use the facilities Christina and I built. Sophie-chan has also contributed by bringing in all of her fans.

Which is also why I dont plan on acting like a high-and-mighty noble. Even if this town doesnt work out, Id like to escape with the loligon and build a new city on some unclaimed land somewhere.

And that city will be built better.

Then, if theres nothing else, Ill be leaving.

Of course.

Sophie-chan and the ikemen bowed to me before I left the dressing room.

***

After leaving the hall, I had to return to the mayors house to finish up some work.

With the agreed upon date soon approaching, I needed to ensure that all of our expenses and revenue were accounted for and ready to be presented to the King. It was essentially our monthly closing.

We shouldnt have any problem paying the taxes for this month, but the paperwork still needs to get done and it would be best to finish it up as quickly as possible.

Umm, T-Tanaka-san, can you come over here?

Whats the matter?

As soon as I returned to the office, Sophia-chan called out to me. I guess shes been working tirelessly since I left.

She looked nervous as I approached her and she held out a bundle of paper to me. It was around a dozen sheets of paper held together with a clip.

I wonder what this could be.

Maybe a love letter.

Ive put together all of the numbers to come up with our balance. Id like you to look over or, umm, confirm the numbers. This is the first time Ive handled so many transactions so Im not that confident in my abilities.

Apparently, shes already finished the monthly closing. I only wanted her to compile our revenue and expenditures so that I could balance everything out myself. This maid is smarter than she gives herself credit for.

I thought I had a regular calculator but it turned out to be a scientific calculator.

Thank you. Ill look through it.

I took the bundle of papers to my desk.

I carefully looked over the black ink marked on each page. Each category had been carefully organized. It was better than what I was expecting, and, as far as I could tell, there were no mistakes in the calculations.

This looks good. We can probably submit this as is.

Eh!?

I dont know enough about this country to present a financial report better than this.

N-No, umm, it would be better if someone else were to submit the official report!

It didnt take long for Sophia-chan to start panicking.

Even with sweat stains, this maid is cute.

Then, please, speak with Ester-san. Im sure she has someone that manages her finances and if we have that person look over your report, we can ensure that there are no mistakes.

Of course! T-That sounds like a great idea!

My maid was frantically shaking her head up and down like an akabeko doll.

Seeing her like this reminded me of something the noble mage told me.

A lot had happened to Sophia-chan while I was away from the academy. She was also the main reason Nannuzzi-sans scam was revealed.

Furthermore, shes taken on the job of secretary since arriving in Dragon City.

Shouldnt a Baron give something to her as a reward for her efforts? Its just like Ester-chan rewarding me for my service.

By the way, Sophia-san, theres one more thing.

Y-Y-Yes!? W-What is it!? Is something wrong?

As usual, shes expecting something bad.

It seems like there are a lot of ways Ive become indebted to you, Sophia-san, and I feel like I should repay you in some way. Is there anything that youd like? It could be money if you wish, or something else if its anything I can do.

Even though I said that, with the funds I have on hold to pay Gonzalez, Im basically broke.

I could just borrow from Ester-chan if I need to.

Eh.

You dont need to give me an answer now. Take your time to think about it.

Ah, o-of course.

She was completely flustered and unsure of what to do.

The multitude of rich expressions shes capable of is quite nice.

But cold, cool girls are also nice.

Ive met plenty of pretty girls in this world but none that I would call cool. It sounds like a strange thing to complain about, but cool girls just have their own charm that no other type of girl has. I just want a cool girl to give me a cold stare.

Sophia-chan gives me cold looks whenever I get close to her, but she doesnt have the personality to match. 

Ah, arent there any cool girls out there?

***