Toma: Reincarnated as the Knight's Adopted Son

Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Negotiation

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Lord Dardell hesitated slightly but eventually spoke.

"Would it be possible for you to supply some sake to the temple as well?"

"Horse King, you mean?"

"Ah, well, it’s a bit delicate, but if possible, could you create a sake specifically for temple use?"

It’s “delicate,” yet he’s managed to come right out and ask.

"A new sake, then..."

My father wore a troubled expression again. The effort required to create a new sake isn’t trivial, but he’s probably hoping it can be done easily.

"Toma, is it possible?"

"I can’t guarantee it, but I believe I can manage."

I won’t promise, but I don’t intend to fail either.

"However, making a sake exclusively for the temple is out of the question."

"And why is that?"

"The power bestowed upon me by Deuro-sama allows me to provide delicious sake for many people. Limiting that only to the temple would go against Deuro-sama’s wishes."

"That is perfectly acceptable. Thank you very much."

Lord Dardell accepted with ease.

Perhaps he had intended all along for twenty percent to be the compromise. This old woman is definitely not one to be underestimated.

"Toma-sama, you already seem to have some ideas for the new sake. If it’s not too much trouble, could you share even a little bit about it?"

"Well, ideally, I’d like to use ingredients from Ashud Territory, as we did with Horse King, but unfortunately, we haven’t discovered anything new locally. So I’m considering ingredients produced in nearby territories."

"A sensible choice."

"The ingredient I’m considering is a fruit called apoh, grown in Axel Territory."

Apoh resembles an apple from my previous life. It’s harvested in late autumn and early winter, then left to mature before hitting the market. I’ve tasted it a few times, and aged apoh is incredibly sweet with a pleasant hint of tartness—a delicious fruit.

"Apoh from Duke Bayerlein’s lands? I love apoh myself, you know. Hohoho!"

"I love apoh as well. Hahaha."

Hahaha. Just laugh along.

"Now then, Toma, how much apoh will you need?"

"To start, since this is experimental, about a ton should suffice."

A ton is a considerable amount, but not excessive. Apoh keeps well, and I hear there’s high demand for it. Its preservation quality also makes it suitable for export.

If securing a full ton is challenging, we’ll take as much as we can manage.

Shortly after, we received word that an envoy from Duke Bayerlein would be arriving in three days.