Ronald was a little surprised.

Everything he saw in front of him at this moment was different from the impression he had before he entered the door.

On the way from the second floor to the restaurant on the first floor.

There are a lot of decorations in the manor, but the number of people is definitely small.

A manor of this size, the status of the Nicklaus family.

According to the information that Ronald learned after crossing over, there should at least be a lot of specially hired subordinates who are responsible for a lot of work.

But the result is ......

Along the way, Ronald saw only one maid.

This doesn't look like there's a shortage of money......

With such doubts, Ronald and Patricia came to the restaurant together.

- It's still a very small number.

The last time I saw Frey, sat here, Ronald didn't know anyone else.

Only the old man sitting in the main seat of the restaurant, Ronald could see that the other party should be the highest-status existence among the people present.

As for the details......

Although there were servants standing in the dining room to serve the host, counting the smiling old butler, there were only three servants.

This does not at all correspond to Ronald's impression of the Grad aristocracy.

Instead, the dinner fits Ronald's impression of such a great aristocracy.

Some spices and ingredients that are rarely used by ordinary people can be seen on the dining table of the Nicklaus family.

After that, during the meal.

Patricia gave Ronald a special introduction.

Her father had recently taken a position in an overseas colony, so he left Springs with his wife, as did most of the Nicklaus adults.

Except for a man from Patricia's uncle's generation.

Basically, there are only young people who have not been given positions, or old people who are already very old.

And it can be called a harvest.

It was probably Ronald who knew Patricia's nickname.

When dining at home, the old man called Patricia basically as 'Lily'.

When dinner was over, Ronald left the restaurant to take his leave.

Walking down the hallway of the mansion, Patricia spoke:

"Ronald, I'll send you."

Hearing the affirmation in the girl's words, Ronald was not hypocritical:

"Hmmm......"

"Let's go."

“……”

Walking out of the Nicklaus family's estate, Ronald and Patricia walk side by side through the streets of Springs.

Seeing that there was no one around, Ronald found the topic and asked:

"By the way, Patricia."

"When I was a guest at your house just now, I found that servants and the like are rare, so your family shouldn't be short of money, right?"

Hearing Ronald's question, Patricia generously explained:

"Of course, there is no shortage of money."

"But this matter is actually related to the rise of those new nobles."

Ronald paused:

"The new aristocracy?"

Patricia nodded with considerable certainty:

"That's right, the new nobility."

"As a result of His Majesty's reforms, a new aristocracy has emerged in the country that is good at business and manipulating money. As a result, issues related to competing interests have also begun to arise. ”

"But Ronald, you know that."

"Our Nicklaus family is not simply a nobleman, and the swordsmanship on the mysterious side is a very dangerous and important thing."

Hearing this, Ronald also understood the actual situation:

"So with the rise of these new nobles, special nobles like you have also begun to respond, and even servants you don't trust too dare to hire?"

Patricia confirmed Ronald's speculation:

"After all, times are different."

"It's not just the world that's changing, but many things that used to be useful are now becoming obsolete, and if we want to continue to survive, we people have to think about how to deal with it."

“……”

looked at Patricia with emotion on her face.

Ronald can probably understand how the girl is feeling right now.

As a strong man on the mysterious side, the great nobles in the world, in the face of this change of the times, they have experienced shocks from many aspects, and it is reasonable that they will have such a reaction.

After walking out of silence for a while, Patricia suddenly spoke:

"That's right, Ronald."

"I remember if you didn't work with the [Ginkgo Biloba Business Alliance]?"

"From a personal point of view, I suggest you make contact with them, which should be quite beneficial for you."

“……”

Suddenly hearing Patricia's suggestion, Ronald's mind turned to another aspect.

- Meteorite.

A business organization like the Ginkgo Biloba Business Alliance is bound to be responsible for buying and selling a wide variety of commodities.

Then use the meteorites needed for the "Almagest" yourself.

Can I get it from this commercial organization?

This is a big chamber of commerce with a mysterious side background, and meteorites or something should be able to be collected, right?

On the other side, Patricia also sensed Ronald's contemplation at the moment.

"Ronald, what do you think?"

Ronald naturally replied:

"Because of the spell problem, I want to buy a meteorite now."

"The ginkgo biloba you mentioned, they should be able to find it over there, right?"

Patricia's eyes were stunned:

"Meteorite ......"

"This kind of thing, honestly, I don't know much about it?"

"But with the ability of a commercial organization like Ginkgo biloba, they can definitely get it if you need it."

Ronald smiled gratefully:

"Patricea, thank you."

Patricia waved her hand nonchalantly:

"Nothing, I just mentioned it casually."

"Springs actually has limitations in all aspects, and I also thought you could make it easier, so I said this."

Ronald immediately added:

"Perhaps, but it's really important to me."

“……”

chatting like this, the two walked for a long time before they ended this journey of 'sending off guests'.

And on the eve of farewell.

Ronald hurriedly took out the gift he had prepared a long time ago.

A book wrapped in oiled paper.

"Ah, yes."

"And this."

"I wanted to give it to you before, but I didn't find any suitable opportunities."

Looking at what Ronald handed over, Patricia was a little puzzled:

"...... this?"

Ronald immediately replied:

"Gift, this is my gift for you."

"I can't come empty-handed for my first visit today, can I?"

“……”

Hearing Ronald's words, Patricia was stunned for a moment.

However, she quickly came to her senses and reached out to accept Ronald's gift.

"Ronald, I'm happy."

"Thank you very much for the gift."

Saying that, Patricia didn't open the package either.

With Ronald's gift in one hand, the girl turned and walked towards her home.

For Patricia.

The important thing about a gift is who gave it and why.

As for the value......

She didn't care much.