Several days had passed since Saiten's visit to the Landmark house.
There was a change in Ryu's "appraisal" ability.
Previously, the ability only displayed the name of the object, but now it included a description.
This was quite useful.
Previously, Ryu would have to rely on the name of an object to search for books in his father's study and examine what it was. Now, that was no longer necessary.
As an experiment, Ryu went to the forest and "looked" at the plants. Of course, only objects were displayed, not living creatures, but this was an easy problem to solve.
All he needed to do was pick them and turn them into an object, and examine it.
This allowed him to confirm the name and description of the object.
By using this technique, Ryu could determine whether something was edible or poisonous, or whether it was a medicinal herb or a poisonous one.
The only drawback was that he had to pick each object, but in doing so, he also learned its appearance, which was a two-for-one benefit.
In this way, Ryu was able to make a significant contribution to the Landmark family's food situation.
Ryu's daily routine consisted of studying in the morning, sword training in the afternoon, going to the forest to check traps and acquire food, and then having free time until dinner. But during this free time, a new daily routine emerged.
Sugo, who served as the captain of the border soldiers, was also free during this time, so he accompanied Ryu.
The two of them had come to the town, which was located at the foot of the Landmark's lord's mansion on a small hill.
Although it was called a town, it was the size of a village and was only slightly better off with the presence of the commercial guild and the adventurer guild branch.
Thanks to this, there were several shops lined up on the main street to cater to visitors, as well as a tavern.
"Is this the tavern we're going to?" Ryu confirmed with Sugo.
"Yes, that's right. Ryu, are you really okay? Shouldn't I go instead?" Sugo asked, thinking that bringing a child to a tavern would be inappropriate, let alone Ryu.
"No, it's as planned. Please."
"Understood," Sugo reluctantly agreed.
The two of them entered the tavern.
There were several people drinking alcohol inside, even though it wasn't yet evening. Among them were farmers mingling with adventurers.
"That's him," Sugo pointed to one of the farmers.
Ryu nodded and approached the farmer.
"Hello, you're Misoku-san, right? I've come to collect," Ryu said.
"Huh? Who the hell are you, kid... Collect? What's that?" Misoku asked.
"Ah, sorry, I used foreign terminology. I meant to say that we've come to receive payment for the money you borrowed from my father a few years ago," Ryu clarified.
"Your father?"
"Yes, the lord of the Landmark, Father."
"The lord's child!?"
Misoku immediately straightened up when he realized who he was talking to. He also noticed the stern man standing behind the child.
At that moment, even with a drunken head, he understood that something bad was happening.
"What, what do you want from me!?"
"You borrowed money, didn't you?" Ryu asked.
"I, I don't know... Did I?"
"Here's the loan agreement," Ryu took the paper from Sugo and showed it to Misoku.
"I see... but I've been doing well these past few years, thanks to the abundant harvests. Why haven't I paid any interest? You don't seem to be in need of money either," Misoku asked, confused.
"It's only right to repay what you borrowed, isn't it?" Sugo growled from behind Ryu.
"Please, Sugo, stop it. Misoku-san is frightened. I'm sorry, Sugo tends to get impatient. So, about repayment, is that okay with you?" Ryu asked.
"Y-Yes, I'll repay it!"
Misoku immediately answered, scared by Sugo's presence.
Ryu smiled and said, "Then let's discuss a repayment plan that won't be too difficult for you, considering that you also have a family."
Misoku was surprised by Ryu's consideration, but he quickly understood and signed the contract Ryu presented to him. It was a contract to pay a small amount each month.
"Please make sure to pay it back each month," Ryu said with a smile.
Misoku nodded, and in this way, the Landmark family's finances improved step by step.