Volume 16 Chapter 23: Pour Some Salt On The Door

After buying everything for the others, the next location Keith needed to head to was the White Owl Merchant Company. Reaching the storefront, Eri pointed at the sign, “Aria.” She glanced back and forth between Aria and the logo.

“Yes, it is Aria.” The company’s logo was modeled after the owl. Keith smiled, but inside, he was confused; not because of the company but because of the carriages around. There was a large group of carriages in front of his store.

Keith turned to May, “Did you increase exportation this week?” He would be informed once a week of the status of the company and bakery by May.

“No.” May was the boss of the company and bakery; her furrowed expression displayed that she had no clue about this either. Let’s enter. Keith took point as they entered; May held onto the two while he carried Eri in case of emergency. That was when the group spotted people surrounding the clerk.

“I have told you before, let me speak with your manager.” The person standing in the front narrowed, “Why do I have to speak with a low-ranking staff like you?” His gaze said it all: you were inferior; now listen to your superior. However, the clerk was unfazed by his insults and threats.

“I’m sorry. Unless you have an appointment, I cannot allow you to meet with our boss.”

The person’s expression contorted, “Do you know what rank I have? I am a count! Are you sure you want to kick me out? I can make your company’s shipment more difficult in my region.”

“You!” But the moment he tried to say something, two burly men surrounded his group.

“She told you to go.” “Do you not have ears?”

“You’ll be hearing from me about this!” The nobleman roared as he fled with his men; he doubted they would be enough to take on the two beastmen.

The clerk shook her head, “See you never!” She turned to the workers, “Go pour salt on the doorway, get that bad luck out of here.”

“Understood.” The beastmen took two bags of salt.

“Pfhaha.” Laughter soon caught their attention. The men greeted, “Greetings, Miss Boss!” They instantly greeted May with a respectful 90-degree bow.

“A pay increase for your way of handling those men; do not worry about them at all.” May spoke. The clerk nodded, “Thank you for the bonus!”

Carrot and stick. If they performed well, they would be rewarded. The opposite could occur as well.

“Keep it up. Remember, never let people like this order you around,” Keith added, “This company is under my family; you do not need to worry about any noble trying to exert their influence on you.” A count could try, but it would only end horribly. Do you think our company needed to rely on your influence? They had more than enough influence to need other nobles to help him.

“Understood!”

Keith met with Coyler, “Hello, Coyler, you seem busy.” Mounds of paperwork filled his desk; it almost made him unable to see.

“Boss,” Coyler smiled, “Mmhmm. But with Lady Boss May, everything is manageable.” May was taking the brunt of it, and it elevated the burden somewhat.

“May is a monster.”

“Young master.” May looked away. Keith laughed, “But you guys have been doing well. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

“Thank you.” Grabbing the reports, Keith also bought some ingredients before leaving. The next place they headed to was the chocolate factory.

“Let’s head to the chocolate factory.”

“Yay!” The kids cheered. Eri was slightly confused. But when they went there, that was when they heard something odd.

“Woah! These chocolates are amazing!”

“That damn William! How could he leave all of this out?!”

“He’s obviously saving this for himself!”

“Nope! Let’s go to the park.” Keith instantly changed directions!

“Young-”

“Let’s go!” Before May even had the chance to say anything, Keith had already dashed away. The look on his face explained everything. Arriving at the park, Keith took a seat on the bench; his entire body drooped down. What is wrong with them?! Why are they here?!

Before May could respond, Keith held the three babies tightly and dashed off! May let out a chuckle as she chased after him.

Arriving at the park, Keith took a seat on the bench; his entire body slouched into it. The three children tilted their heads as Keith waved, “I’m tired, you three. You guys can go play; I’ll watch from here.”

“Mmhmm.” The three nodded as they headed to the field.

“Young master has it rough.” May consoled and sat beside him.

“You don’t know the end of it.” Keith held his head, “So, how long have they been here?” Since William was the head of this city, they naturally came to meet him first. Why wouldn’t they?

“They arrived a week ago.”

“Week? That long?” Keith blinked, “Are they alright with leaving their posts?”

“Maybe?” Even May had no clue.

“How cute!” While the two sat on the bench, Leon and Laura played with the children: the little ones knew about Leon and Laura, but they swarmed Eri with curiosity. Beast folks were common in their territory; William led point as he never discriminated against other races, so most of the citizens followed his lead.

And the beastman didn’t seem to mind, as they had another reason to stay. But seeing a white fox was rare.

“…Hello,” Eri gave a little greeting before someone shouted, “Let’s play!” Her hand was grabbed, and she was pulled in. Leon and Laura soon followed as they tried to protect her.

Keith smiled, “I don’t need to worry about them. I just need to savor these moments.” Keith leaned on the bench as he watched Eri being taught how to play with a frisbee.