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Frontier Lord Chapter 034 – A Letter From Eldan

Camalotte was a bit disappointed to hear the guards had been unable to completely check the carriage with their noses, thus he decided to have them check it once more just in case. 

The guards conducted a thorough inspection, with Camalotte personally joining the inspection. Consequently, no irregularities were discovered within the carriage, leading to the completion of the inspection.

Following the meticulous carriage inspection, Camalotte began writing several letters. He entrusted both the letters and the bag containing the Jerboa Tribe’s tribesmen to one of his guards. Clear instructions were given to the guard to accompany the items and return to Eldan ahead of schedule.

This action was taken because leaving the bag in its current state was not an option, and transporting it to Irk Village posed challenges.

It was conveyed that once the Jerboa Tribe were brought back to Eldan, they would undergo interrogation regarding their assault. Appropriate measures would be taken to administer suitable punishments.

Once the aftermath of the attack had been dealt with and Camalotte, who had been quite occupied, appeared to have regained his composure, a moment arrived when I felt it was appropriate to approach him. I spoke to him, inquiring about the contents of the cargo.

「So, Camalotte, your guards mentioned something about spices a bit earlier. What was that about? Weren’t you going to bring me farming tools?」

Camalotte seemed taken aback by my question, his head bowing slightly in a flustered manner.

「I humbly apologize! I forgot to explain that amidst all of the commotion. Please don’t concern yourself with your farming equipment; we have made sure it’s prepared for you. Regarding the spices and other goods, I believe it would be easier to understand if you witness it rather than for me to describe it verbally at…」

Saying this, he retrieved a sealed letter and a folded piece of paper from his pocket, extending them toward me.

Accepting both items, I decided to begin by reading the letter. With care, I removed the wax seal and unfolded the parchment… revealing a letter addressed to me from Eldan.

「Dear Lord Dias. Regarding the matter of the farming tools you indicated a desire for, I regrettably neglected to inquire into the specific implements you required. Consequently, I took the liberty to assemble a diverse assortment of farming tools for your use. While I believe we have encompassed a comprehensive collection, if any items are amiss, kindly inform Camalotte of your requirements, and we shall promptly acquire them for you. Furthermore, provisions have been arranged for your sustenance until the crops reach maturity and can be harvested. In addition to this, a selection of our territory’s specialty goods, including spices, tea, and sugar, has been included. It is my hope that these offerings meet with your approval. In an effort to facilitate seamless cooperation and future trade relations between our respective domains, I have taken the liberty to present you with the wagons and horses that have brought these goods to you. I acknowledge my shortcoming in not being able to provide an ample number of horses, owing to the prevailing circumstances within the territory. I humbly implore your understanding in this regard. Our recent meeting was quite fruitful and a wonderful experience. I very much look forward to meeting you again someday.

P.S.

All of the items are gifts. I do not require any payment. I hope you will accept them as a sign of our friendship.

Best regards, Eldan Casdex」

Having read the elegantly written letter, which proved to be not only legible but also aesthetically pleasing, a sense of astonishment overcame me.

It would be difficult to not react with surprise upon encountering such a letter, which conveyed Eldan’s intention to gift us tea, sugar, and various opulent commodities, along with his horses and carriages.

My astonishment was further increased by the fact that when requesting the farming tools from Eldan, I’d specifically stated that I would be happy to remunerate him for the tools.

As I stood there, the memory of the other document I had received from Camalotte resurfaced, redirecting my focus towards it. 

Upon scrutinizing the paper, the word inventory became apparent, signifying that this document contained a detailed enumeration of items that Eldan deemed emblematic of goodwill and friendship.

With a sense of unease mingled with anticipation, I unfurled the catalog to reveal its contents sprawled across multiple lines, the elegant script standing out prominently.

Prominently listed were the following: two carriages, four horses, and two oxen.

(The oxen here must refer to the two White Ghee)

Proceeding, the inventory encompassed an assortment of farming tools such as: mulches, sickles, sieves, and a novel term—plow, unfamiliar to my eyes. A pitchfork and a millstone also made their appearance.

Sequentially arranged, the list transitioned to crop seeds and seed potatoes, a diverse selection that caught my attention.

Following the tools was a list of the provisions that Eldan had mentioned in his letter.

The inventory list contained several ingredients such as: pickled vegetables, mountain beef butter, dried meat, and dried fish.

Naturally, the inventory continued to outline the designated spices: a container each of three distinct varieties, accompanied by three bottles of tea and a jar of sugar.

Uncertain about the dimensions of the boxes and similar items, I found it challenging to estimate the extent of their availability. Nevertheless, considering the generosity of Eldan, it was likely that a substantial quantity was at my disposal.

Following the provisions the inventory continued listing various miscellaneous items such as dishes and other tools.

Following this array of miscellaneous entries, the document proceeded to outline saddles, snaffle bits, and various other pieces of horse gear. However, the inclusion of materials such as lumber, nails, and ropes surprises me.

I looked at Camalotte a bit surprised, wanting an explanation, however, without even waiting for my questions he answered, 「The materials here are intended for the construction of a basic stable.」

「It’s true that I’ll need a stable for raising horses and cattle, but just who will build it?」

「You do not need to worry about that. I have experience in that matter. With the help of the guards we’ll finish it in no time.」

「Ah I see, so you’ll build it for me!」

「……」

Although they expressed a refusal of payment, allowing them to provide us with such extensive assistance without any recompense just didn’t sit right with me.

It was crucial for us to offer some kind of gesture of appreciation, that wasn’t money, and that would strengthen our friendship.

Maybe the remaining parts of the Earth Dragon could be of use?

Even though the stock of Earth Dragon parts had dwindled due to their utilization for crafting Klaus’ armor or bows for the Oni Tribe, a portion still remained. 

Hopefully, the remaining parts could offset the value of the inventory.

Our immediate course of action would involve returning to Irk Village, where we could ascertain the quantity of the inventory while overseeing the unloading process. Subsequently, discussions with Aruna and the rest of the village, to settle on the appropriate quantity of Earth Dragon material to present as a reciprocal gesture of appreciation.