Chapter 174 I’m handling business on vacation?

Chapter 174 I'm handling business on vacation?

Imperial Dragons Arc

---

(POV: Lumiere)

Vito Heights, one of the many vast planes in the world.

When I asked Stellaria how she'd come across this place even before Serena brought up the topic, she told me All-Father had taken them here before.

As a family, they took several interdimensional vacations.

Currently, we were nestled within the cavernous confines of a colossal cave.

The cave, seemingly endless in its expanse, housed a majestic river, its pristine waters flowing gracefully through the rocky terrain.

Within this somber sanctuary, we bore witness to a titanic battle.

Mojito was locked in fierce combat with a gargantuan aquatic beast, its scales shimmering with an iridescent blue hue.

"TAKE THIS!!"

With each thunderous blow, Mojito attempted to pummel the creature into submission, only to be repelled by its sheer power, his body catapulted through the air and crashing forcefully into the cool embrace of the river.

"This sucks," said Mojito.

"Mojito! Are you okay?!" Mimosa shouted.

Mojito gave a thumbs up. "I'm fine."

"...my turn..." Lirien dully spoke.

She unsheathed her katana.

A substitute weapon crafted by Thrain.

Gracefully skimming across the water's surface, her movements akin to a ghostly mirage, Lirien delivered a devastating slash upon the creature's impenetrable hide.

However, her attack proved fruitless, leaving her face-to-face with the monster's ferocious talon, poised to strike.

"Lirien! Watch out!" Skarz called out anxiously.

"...got it..."

She evaded the monster's impending strike with her [Flash Step] skill, narrowly escaping harm's way.

I sat in broad shorts and an ash colored unzipped short-sleeved hoodie that revealed my abdomen.

A stack of weathered wood pulp documents were in my hands.

"Lirien, are you alright?" Skarz asked.

"...I'm fine..."

"That creature seems formidable."

"...I agree..."

"Any plans?"

"...no..."

I could already tell Skarz was running out of words to say to Lirien.

Lirien was... not the kind of person who you could casually discuss with.

Skarz took a look at his sword. "It seems these weapons won't be able to penetrate its skin."

The idea was to use non-magical items against magical beasts. They were trying to improve their physicals.

"...my Unique Skill would make this easier..."

"Agreed," said Skarz. "But we should make due without magical advantages."

They engaged the monster again.

Then, Fasit settled beside me.

Her emerald eyes scanned my face.

"Have you reviewed this month's financial reports yet?"

"I'll get to it later," I shrugged.

But the intensity of her stare compelled me to shift my priorities.

"Alright, fine," I relented.

Before I delved into numbers and calculations, my attention wandered towards Serena, who meticulously arranged a small picnic. She was assisted by Isadora.

And hovering lazily above them was Stellaria.

"Hmm." I uttered.

"Great Lumiere~~?"

"Yes, Fasit?"

"Those documents won't review themselves, you know."

Her smile was gentle and at the same time... terrifying.

"Y-yeah... I got it..."

I focused my attention on the stack of documents before me.

As I sifted through the pages, lines and numbers swimming before my eyes. At the bottom of each sheet was Lord Randolph?s seal.

『 Financial Report of the Magicubella Trading Line

1. Sales:

- During the reporting period, a total of 500 magicubella trees at a price of 300 silver each.

- Total sales revenue: 500 trees x 100 silver = 50,000 silver.

2. Expenses:

The various expenses in the operation of the trading line.

- Cost of production: Seeds, hiring labor, and cultivating the magicubella trees. The total cost of production amounts to 2,000 silver.

- Transportation and logistics: Transportation of the magicubella trees from the cultivation site to the marketplaces in different towns and villages. The transportation cost is 500 silver.

- Advertising and promotion: To create awareness about the benefits of magicubella trees. This expense amounts to 300 silver.

- Miscellaneous expenses: Such as packaging materials and commissions to sales agents, sum up to 200 silver.

Total expenses: 2,000 + 500 + 300 + 200 = 3,000 silver.

3. Gross Profit:

Total sales revenue - Total expenses = 50,000 - 3,000 = 47,000 silver.

4. Lumiere's Gain:

47,000 silver.

5. Lord Randolph's Gain:

- Lord Randolph, Lumiere's partner, is entitled to 30% of Lumiere's earnings.

- Lord Randolph's gain: 30% of 47,000 silver = 14,100 silver.

6. Net Profit:

- Net profit: Lumiere's gain - Lord Randolph's gain = 47,000 - 14,100 = 32,900 silver.

32,900 silver = 329 gold = 33 platinum 』

I exhaled a sigh.

"It's kinda crazy that we still made a considerable sum, even after lowering the price of the magicubella trees as Lord Randolph advised."

"Reducing the price was a smart move," she agreed. "Lord Randolph's wisdom has proven invaluable."

I smiled at her reassurance. "Indeed," I remarked with a touch of pride, "with the 33 platinum we've earned, I could acquire numerous sprawling estates."

"If you continue at this rate, you'll become one of the richest individuals in the entire kingdom."

I chuckled modestly. "All thanks to Lord Randolph."

Just as we concluded our conversation, my attention shifted to Lirien and Skarz, who had defeated the monster.

Feeling satisfied, I rose from my seat by the river, stretching my limbs in preparation for the feast that awaited us.

"Alright guys, let's go eat."

Serena waved at us from the enticing picnic.

"Lunch is served," she announced.

Eagerly, we gathered around the sumptuous spread. Fresh slices of bread, vibrant carrots and peas, and a special spread I had personally prepared awaited us.

"I'M FRIGGIN? STARVING!!" Mojito stretched dramatically.

Mimosa shoved Mojito. "Mind your manners."

"Sorry ma'am," Mojito sheepishly scratched his head.

"Hmph!" With arms folded, Mimosa averted her gaze.

Skarz bowed his head gratefully. "Thank you for the meal, Lady Serena."

"...eating is good..." Lirien spoke.

Mimosa gently clasped Serena's hands. "You have to teach me how to make this."

Serena smiled radiantly. "Of course."

Stellaria rolled her eyes. "You guys are so noisy," she said, annoyance evident in her tone.

"Can it grandma," Isadora's polite tone contrasted her intentions.

"Nghk!" Stellaria swallowed her frustrations. "Not today.." she muttered to herself.

We all gathered around the beautifully set picnic table.

Serena poured tea for each of us.

Her 『Inventory』 skill made it possible for us to carry items that were more than necessary.

As the table was adorned with an array of delicious food, Serena approached me, placing a napkin gently around my neck.

"I don't really need this," I chuckled, attempting to protest.

Serena's voice dripped with affectionate insistence. "Oh, but darling, you know how messy of an eater you can be when I feed you."

Resignedly, I sighed and nodded. "Alright, alright. Maybe a little."

Suddenly, a burst of laughter erupted from Mojito. "He looks so cute."

Fasit gently shook her head sipping her tea.

She knew what was coming.

Without hesitation, my instincts kicked in, and I swiftly conjured a pristine globe of water in the palm of my hand. In a blur of motion, I hurled the water ball with impeccable aim, sending Mojito careening into the cave wall, causing him to yelp in surprise.

"I-I-I was... joking," Mojito sputtered.

Skarz leaned in, an awkward grin tugging at the corners of his lips, and whispered to Mimosa, "You're not gonna check up on him?"

"Nope." Mimosa continued sipping her tea.

Seated to my left was Isadora, she always watched me eat.

It was as if she hoped a food stain would appear on my cheek so she'd clean it with her tongue.

On my right sat Serena, she delicately poked a slice of bread at my mouth. n0velUsB.c0m

"Open wide, my lord~~"

"Ahh?"

She fed me a delectable morsel.

"Delicious as always, Serena." I said after chewing.

Her melodic giggle filled the air. "Only the best for you, my love."

Stellaria sat quietly, enjoying her bread crusts, her gaze fixed upon me.

"Lord Lumiere," Fasit placed her teacup back on the saucer. "I have some concerns."