Chapter 185: Chapter 177: I Love Porcupine Brand
Red Rose had no idea her personal maid had gotten the wrong idea. She thought to herself as she wrote, ’Thirty Silver Moons is already quite cheap. It’s nothing to the noble ladies, but for the poor Porcupine Territory, it’s no small sum. With winter coming, he must be in desperate need of money.’
She had no desire to accept this petty five-Silver-Moon discount. On the contrary, she found herself admiring the straightforward Leech. It was just as her father had said—the men of the Porcupine Clan were all simple, honest, and reliable.
In her mind, Leech was a pitiful minor lord who couldn’t get enough to eat or dress warmly. He was even targeted for assassination by his own stepmother right after inheriting his territory. He just had a naturally pitiable air about him. As a member of the Leopold family, she hoped she could help him.
"Send this to Porcupine Territory." She sealed the letter with wax and handed it to Xiaona.
"Yes, ma’am!"
Meanwhile, Leech, who received the reply two or three days later, was completely baffled.
’What in the world is going on?’
’This is the first time I’ve ever seen a seller offer a discount, only for the buyer to turn it down. Is this just how rich people operate? That’s five Silver Moons! And on top of that, an order for fifty boxes!’
’Damn, is the market potential in East Port really this huge?’
From the upper-class nobles of East Port alone, he could earn 1,500 Silver Moons, to say nothing of the mid-tier nobles, minor nobles, and merchants.
’Costs? I’m already looking for new ways to bring them down.’
"I could consider developing soaps with different scents."
Leech had already identified his new cash cow.
"If only I could get a few scholars to come here. Scholars can make perfume. If I combine that with soap, I could definitely come up with something new."
’The real money is with the nobles, especially the noblewomen. They spend money without even blinking.’
The two Soldiers who had just returned to Porcupine Territory on horseback were immediately summoned to the castle.
Leech said, "You’re back just in time. Immediately take a batch of Porcupine Brand soap to Roaring Castle."
"Huh?" The two Soldiers were bewildered.
Then they nodded. "Yes, my lord!"
’It’s just another trip, right? The lord is always generous with travel expenses.’
"I wonder how things are going over in Linta Bay."
’There are plenty of noble ladies in Linta Bay, too. It’s a shame Stacy doesn’t seem to click with them. Compared to Red Rose, her promotional efforts are far less effective.’
"Even if it’s just to support family, she should still be buying more."
’If everything’s gone smoothly, Joe should be back with the caravan by now.’
...
「East Port. The First Legion.」
「The Training Grounds.」
The noble Knights put down their lances.
Nobles with fiefs could, of course, train in their own territories. They had their own tutors and squires.
But East Port, as the center of the entire East Gorge, was home not only to noble heirs but also to many less affluent minor nobles.
To earn merits on the battlefield, young noblemen would empty their entire savings to procure warhorses and armor. They had to personally fund their retinues for the battlefield and even provide their own military supplies. Despite this, no one ever complained.
Because this was the only path for ordinary minor nobles to advance their station.
Thankfully, this training ground existed, giving minor nobles a chance to turn their fortunes around on their own merit, rather than being sent to the battlefield knowing nothing.
However, some of the great noble houses were also happy to send their non-heirs to the training grounds, as it also served as a social venue.
The man in charge of the training was the Midnight Knight, Philip Cavendish. "Alright, that’s all for today’s training."
The crowd dispersed. After training, their usual routine was to find a place to drink.
"Johann, congratulations," Philip said, walking toward a handsome young nobleman. "I was away for a while, but I heard you married a beautiful lady."
Johann’s expression, however, was rather grim, but he still managed to force a smile. "Yes, I love her very much."
"Miss Lola is so beautiful. I’m so envious," said another young noble nearby, clapping Johann on the shoulder.
Philip Cavendish nodded as well. "I’ve met Miss Lola before. I’m sorry I couldn’t attend your wedding. I’ll be sure to send a gift."
"Don’t worry about it, Philip." Johann clapped his friend on the shoulder, then leaned in and whispered, "I’ll have Lola ask about Miss Evangelina for you."
Philip, who had been all smiles just a moment ago, immediately grew tense. "Er, no, you don’t have to. What are you trying to do?"
"Lola told me that every time you look at Miss Evangelina, your gaze is like the summer sun—scorching and blinding," Johann said with a smile. "I’m sure a handsome Knight like you will be able to win her heart."
But Philip immediately shook his head. "No, Johann, I won’t resort to such petty tricks. The Four Gods teach us Knights to be fair and selfless. Even when it comes to love, we should pursue it openly, not use underhanded methods."
"But you can’t even speak properly when you see Evangelina face-to-face," Johann countered with a powerful rebuttal.
"Well... but I’ll succeed eventually."
"Then I wish you success."
Johann sighed, waved his hand, and turned to leave.
Philip, however, didn’t understand. "Why does he look like he’s on his way to the gallows?"
The young noble from before chimed in, "Haha, Philip, you should try finding a woman for yourself. Then you’ll understand."
The man’s mysterious expression left Philip baffled. "After you get married, shouldn’t you be happy every day?"
Johann returned to his manor.
After waving away the valets and maids, he collapsed limply onto his bed.
Who could possibly understand? His beloved Lola, that poised, innocent young lady who always wore a strong perfume... actually... had terrible body odor!
