The Bewilderment of the Sacrificial Second Princess

Chapter 33: Foreign culture + Exotic culture

“Why the long face, Young La… Claire-sama?”

“Gauche! Have you completed your tasks for today?”

“Ah, yes. I’ve finished my work, so I was taking a break. If you need some time to ponder, I’ll leave you be.”

He slouched on a tree branch outside my window, munching on some fruit, just like he did every day.

He seemed to be eating a fruit that could be consumed with its skin on, and as he tilted his head, he held it out, displaying a soft-looking tropical fruit.

“Hey, can I get your advice on something?”

“Sure, but don’t tell anyone I was the one who gave you the idea. It’s a hassle.”

“Is that okay? I’d be happy to discuss it with you though.”

I sought his counsel on finding a symbol that everyone could easily understand to represent fairness and responsibility.

“A balance scale symbol? You could place something on it… hmm, in this country, wheat and rice are considered equal in value, so maybe that?”

“Really? Wheat and rice have the same value?”

“Yes, that’s correct. There was once a wheat epidemic, but that was due to old wheat. People are still laughing about it. Some folks still can’t bear to eat it, but the export portion has increased, so rice is used for domestic consumption. That’s why the value of wheat hasn’t declined, and the number of rice farmers has increased, so profits are about equal. My country also imports wheat from here.”

I had always assumed that the country was putting more effort into rice production and not producing as much wheat.

Indeed, that’s correct. Wheat remains a staple crop in other nations. There’s no chance they would abandon lucrative products.

It was an oversight. This country holds a prominent position in both commerce and surveillance. They wouldn’t abandon their expertise in profitable goods simply because they don’t consume it themselves.

“Thank you so much, Gauche. Your insights have been incredibly helpful!”

“No problem, I was just sharing my perspective on how this country could face difficulties if either its exports or its consumption of other grains were lacking.”

Gauche is a foreigner. How can I express my gratitude in this situation?

“Is there anything you would like? I can prepare something simple for you.”

“Something I like? Let me think… Oh, how about a musical instrument? Here in this country, music and dance are only performed during festivals. In my homeland, we play music, sing, and dance even at casual drinking parties. We celebrate together.”

What kind of musical instrument is it? It’s probably not a piano. Perhaps it’s a stringed instrument?

“What is the name of the instrument? Although I’ve only recently arrived in this country, I’ll do my best to find it for you.”

“It’s a lute, a plucked string instrument. Unlike a violin, which is played with a bow, the lute is played with the fingers. If I can get my hands on one, I’ll dedicate a song to Claire-sama.”

The mention of the lute reminds me of a recent banquet I attended. I’ve seen the name in books, but I’ve never seen one in person. Perhaps I should ask Gwenna about it.

“I understand. If we’re unable to obtain it, I apologize in advance. I’ll have to come up with something else.”

“That’s perfectly fine. I’m just glad to be spending time with my friend. Look, someone’s coming. See you later, Claire-sama.”

With that, Gauche quickly descended from the tree and made his exit. No sooner had I said goodbye to him than there was a knock at the door.

“Claire-sama, I’ve brought some tea for you,” said Gwenna as she entered with the tea tray.

How did Gauche know she was coming?

As I pondered this, I leaned back on the sofa with a cup of milk tea in hand, savoring the cool breeze flowing into the room.