145 5.34 Welcoming New Batch Of Friends And Family Members!

"Kumbawa. My name is Eko and I am 14 years old. I arrived in Kitakata a day later than Izumi and Riko after we had escaped from the bandits that killed the slave traders. I and Fei we were running away together when we heard the bandits were trying to catch us, but we had run too far away from them."

"We followed Izumi's and Riko's footsteps in the snow and almost died due to sheer exhaustion and hunger as we managed to eat bits of snow to quench our thirst. We reached a stream and drank from it and followed the stream upwards until we reached Kitakata."

"After reaching here, both Fei and I worked at a herbalist shop where we learnt all kinds of herbs, flowers and roots to create medicine and pills and paste. However, since the herbalist owner chanced on our background, we were suddenly ill-treated and was expected to work just like who we were before, as slaves."

"When we ate at the Inn just now, that was the first hot meals that we ate for a very long time since we were sold as slaves back several years ago. Most of the meals we received were mainly dinner as we do not have breakfast or lunch."

"Most of our dinners were cold and from the leftover lunch. We had no choice but to eat them in order to survive. And working at the herbalist shop was no different."

"Kumbawa... My name is Fei and I am the same age as Gin at 12 years old. I worked the same as Eko and..." her voice drifted as she choked on her tears. Eko pulled her close and hugged her as both had suffered the same fate.

"Kumbawa, my name is Hanna and I am the same age as Izumi. I too was a slave and had been forced to work just like Izumi before. Gin and I came to Kitakata months before Izumi and had been working at forestry here since we escaped from the last place that we worked. We learnt about all type of plants and those bearing fruits or just flowers and learnt about how to plant and nurture them."

"In the forestry also, we had to chop down trees and make firewood for the residents here to buy for their daily cooking. In short, what we chop down, we need to grow them back here. We learnt also how to grow from seeds or from branches alone and even pollination of flowers."

"Both Gin and I were discovered as slaves and we do not earn a single copper when we worked for these months during last summer. Our food comes from the forest, either the roots or the fruit-bearing trees and once in a few days we got onigiri to eat and that's it. No fish or meat and other vegetables."

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"Senior Master and Junior Master, we all 6 wishes to lead a better life and be treated as equals, just like everyone else. We heard the life story of young master from Izumi and Riko and at first, we do not believe, but when we saw how humble the two of you and both of you are like father and son, our hearts melted and we wished to have loving parents as well."

"We had very little affection when we were very young and the longing of calling someone like a father, mother or even brother was always aching inside our hearts and we wished to once again, call out to someone as a father, mother or brother!"

All 6 of them were crying and were burying their faces in their arms as they sat slouched over the tables while their shoulders shook when they sobbed uncontrollably.

"Sensei, could you get for us the steamer basket, please? I try to console them first and put the Karada Soap on the ground. They are not going anywhere and suddenly grow legs and runoff." I smiled as I whispered to him and Hiko-sama nodded at me and went silently to fetch the steamer basket.

I knew Hiko-sama would react awkwardly in front of girls and in a situation like this. He would always avoid physical contacts such as hugs and embraces but would act out in his funny way to his affection like the way he headlocked me.

As soon as Hiko-sama arrived, I took the steamer basket and placed it in the middle of the table and took the slip of receipt that was lying on the pebble. I quickly slip it on my obi and make sure it doesn't slip off.

"Before we eat, Hiko-Dono have a few words to say as I need to go and boil water for green tea. I would be right back in a moment."

I quickly turned and nudged Hiko-sama to add in a few words as well make an introduction to the Karada Soap. I noticed that he had a small dish plate and it contained a piece of green tea soap.

I entered the house and looked at the receipt for tomorrow's lunch for 11 people and for exactly 7 days. It only cost 35 gold and the Innkeeper was generous enough to give us a discount. I boiled some water and prepared the 35 gold coins in 2 rope bundles. A 20 and a 15 roll of good coins.

Thinking back the memory banks of this kid, he too was born as an orphan and he had been adopted by a woman called Himeko who was a spinster. At least this kid had the love of a mother. Sigh... Is there a way to stop slavery in this 19th century?

---Meanwhile in Hiko-sama's position---

Hiko-sama began to open the steamer basket and spread it on the table. The smell of the steamed banana, sweet potatoes and sweet corn soon filled the table as their steam slowly rose from each of the three baskets.

"Ahem ladies, before you start eating this simple supper that had been prepared in the morning by the young man, here...let me show you how to wash your hands before eating."

Hiko-sama took the dipper and scooped some water and washed his left and then his right hand before taking the soap and lathering his hands. Then he places the soap back into the small dish plate and he scrubbed his hands before rinsing with the water left in the dipper. He wiped his hands in one of the hand towels and he subconsciously began to smell his hands and the green tea Essense wafted into his nostrils and energies him.

"Now, take turns and wash your hands like me and you will feel your hands will smell very nice and when you smell it, you will feel refreshed." Hiko-sama gestured to Izumi to come forth and try as he held the dipper in his hands to help them wash their hands.

He knew that the smell of the Essense would rejuvenate them and uplift their spirits.

After Izumi had washed her hands she felt her hands were much softer and she can't help but keep smelling her hands. Soon the rest 5 followed while Hiko-sama poured water from the dipper to rinse before and after washing and everyone was amazed that the soap they washed their hands in smelled great.

Everyone now was distracted away from their sad past story and was now discussing among themselves what they had washed their hands in.

"I know... I know... It is Karada Soap that Hiko-Dono and Senpai were talking about. But why Karada Soap when we washed our hands in it? It is supposed to be called Te (hands) instead." exclaimed Riko excitedly.

"Ah... You catch on fast Riko! Your right, it's Karada Soap. Not only for Te (hands), this could also be used for Kao (face). But this Karada Soap is special because just the smell alone is very refreshing, right?"

"Yes, Senior Master. I feel that my tiredness had been lifted and I feel fresh just like I had just woken up from a very peaceful sleep!" exclaimed Hanna as she cupped her hands and breathe in deep and sighed out loud.

"Yes, Senior Master. We all feel the same too and our spirits seem to be high and not low like we had for the past few months," explained Eko as she too copied Hanna actions of cupping her hands close to her face.

"Hiko-Dono, what is this smell? It's very familiar. But I like it." asked Riko curiously.

"Ah, if you all want to know, it's green tea extract! Eko and Fei know what's the uses right?" Hiko-sama gestured to them as they knew more about herbs.

"Green Tea is not only meant for drinking, but it could also be extracted to make Essense such as this. What people would call is perfume. Green tea is soothing and is also a form of detox which is removing toxins in our body through our sweat or urine." Eko explained in detail to everyone.

"You see, only the rich and famous could afford these kinds of perfumes and sweet-smelling soaps. Do you think it's fair? These Karada Soap also wanted to be treated as equals so that everyone in Kitakata would be able to afford a minimum 1 bar of this. Just like all of you to be accepted by the public, these Karada Soap also wanted to be accepted whether the user is young or old, male or female, the rich or the poor."

"This Karada Soap is you and you are this soap." Hiko-sama sama used his metaphors as closely as possible and it hit its mark perfectly.

"Come and see these 5 scented Karada Soap that you could tell me which scent it belongs to." Hiko-sama handed the wrapped bars of soap to them and told them to handle it gently.

Everyone took turns to smell it and everyone liked it very much. Some say they like the rose scent, while others argued that the lavender, lilac, jasmine, green tea were among their favourites. After everyone had smelled the soap and their eyes seemed to sparkle and had more life in it. Their faces also had a tinge of redness in their cheeks and everyone was like a huge family talking discussing and arguing with each other.

"Alright... Alright... Calm down and hand me the soaps back, thank you. Ok, you see this plot of land here? From tomorrow onwards and for the following 7 days, a group of 11 men would come here to build a living quarter and work area just like home."

"And this home would be called Fasuto Japan KabushikiGaisha! It would be a home as well as a small work area to pack and distribute these Karada Soap to everyone here in this community. And this house will belong to all 6 of you as you live here and work here and free yourself from ill-treatment by others."

"You will be your own little bosses and promote these Karada Soap. On top of that, you will have breakfast, lunch and dinner with mid-morning and mid-afternoon teas and supper if you all would like to join us here in the garden. You will get to choose 5 pairs of kimonos each, 5 pairs of hakama, 2 zori, 5 tabi, 2 obi and 2 yakata."

"On top of that, even if you live and work here, you would receive a fixed salary as well at 2 gold coins a month. There will be fund box where you can use them to buy your own niceties and food for your own breakfast and mid-morning and mid-afternoon teas. As for your lunch and dinner plus supper would be born by the young man."

All 6 of them can't believe their ears and they hugged each other upon hearing that they have a house and work in the same place. They cried tears of joy when they heard from the man in front of them saying that they would be able to choose their own clothes to wear and even cook their own meals and earn 2 gold coins as well."

"The house as reported by the person in charge of building it would be ready in 7 days so by the 8th day, you are all invited to move in by the evening. There would be an official grand opening of this house and business as I had bought roman candles, rockets as well as colourful sparklers for everyone to enjoy!"

The 6 girls had heard about fireworks and sparklers but never had the chance to see them up close or even try them.

They were crying and discussing with each other while some started pinching one another whether they were dreaming or in reality. It was quite a chaotic but exciting scene unfolding before Hiko-sama.

---Meanwhile in the kitchenette---

"Phew, I'm glad there's Sensei who is able to be in the same channel of thoughts as mine. Ah... The tea is ready and because of a large crowd, I have to use the boiling kettle to make tea." I thought to myself as I stacked 6 cups onto a tray and placed a heavy rag on it to place the kettle on it.

I carefully carried the tray out and walked to the garden and found that they were tearing each other's clothes off! Two had fully developed breasts that I adore most while the rest are just mounds of flesh that looked like little dumplings with toppings of perky cherry on it.

Hoy Mr Director! Quit messing around with the script! This was not the 3rd or 4th series of the novel!

I placed the tray on the table and saw that their food was left untouched since Hiko-sama had placed there.

"Why are they not eating, Sensei?" I asked in curiosity as they were whispering to each other the moment they saw me stepping out of the house.

Suddenly all of them stood up and ran into a line and bowed down deeply to us.

"We dedicate ourselves and our lives to you, Senior Master and Young Master. We promise to work hard and we will serve you with our entire life. Please allow us to serve you when the time comes and you may use us anyway you like."

"Ehhh....?!?" Both of us stood up and stepped back a few steps. Not again, we can't be lying down on our backs acting like a Gokiburi that just got sprayed with a bug spray with our arms and legs crooked in the air!

Mr Director, what did you tell the girls to talk to us and suggest we use them in any way we like?

"No... No... No... This is not right. Yesterday we mentioned to Izumi and Riko that we regarded each other as a family not what you had mentioned earlier. Please retract those words."

"Yes, Senior Master and Young Master. Your wish is our command."

Haiyoo... Now it is gonna sound like Star Wars!

"Alright... Alright... Please return to your seats and please help yourself. Don't worry about us, we're fine."

The girls then sat down and graced the food before they start sharing it with one another. Simple foods but they bring great joys to those who had been under privilege for a very long time.

As they were eating, a little while later the delivery boy came and meet me. I saw him and passed him the note and he signed it upon receiving the bundle of gold coins. I advised him not to drop it and he reassured me as he placed it into his messenger pouch.

The next moment, a delivery boy came and meet with Hiko-sama and showed him the 5 stamps. After inspecting, Hiko-sama paid up with the coins I had passed to him earlier and passed him the rest of the stamp pads and the small bottles of red ink refills.

Before the delivery boy left, I summoned him and asked if he could do us a favour. He answered affirmatively and I told him to inform the fruit seller person to come to this house when he met with the latter tonight as I told him its quite urgent. He promptly answered and took off.

I asked Hiko-sama if it is alright to stock up sweet potatoes, corn and bananas for their supper as well as for the mid-morning and afternoon teas and asked for his opinion on how much to buy.

Hiko-sama told me these foods can be stored longer since it's still wintertime and suggested we buy about 1 sack each except for the bananas that should be bought slightly green.

I understood and sat down while Hiko-sama poured me a cup of yumeshu. I drank up and felt the burning heat of the light liquor travel down my stomach and heats up my body.

Hiko-sama asked how much I had paid for the lunches of the workers and I replied that they charge us 5 silvers each and rounded the figure from 38 to 35 gold pieces.

He said not bad, at least we don't have to cook but he can observe the progress while I go to the Realm of Mind to check on the progress of the candles as well as to smelt [Refined Iron] plates.

I discussed with Hiko-sama that we would like to market the plates or [Purified Iron] plates next and uses a type of prodder to mark each plate Fasuto Japan KabushikiGaisha as (FJKPI99%) stamped on the middle so Blacksmith around Japan would know it comes from us which stands for Fasuto Japan KabushikiGaisha Purified Iron 99% pure.

Hiko-sama agreed on it and asked me how much I would sell it for one piece. I casually said 15 gold pieces and he nearly fell from his pottery he was sitting on.

"15 pieces of gold each and you going to make 60 pieces or more?" Hiko-sama spluttered out.

"If possible 100 pieces each turn which means 1500 gold pieces every week," I explained and he was nearly shocked by my reply.

"This is to be used in support of the Seijuro Tumbler. The materials, labour cost, delivery. And we going to make it possible for people to pay instalments up to 6 months. We can't expect people to have so much money on their hands and we don't even know the profit margin in these."

"How about Karada Soap? How much you intend to sell?"

"For the rich and arrogant, we sell it 1 gold coin each. We could even sell it to the cosmetic shop here at 1 gold coin and they could sell it for 1 gold 5 silvers."

"However, if they take in bulk then we can sell it at 8 silvers for every 50 pieces for every scent which means 400 silvers or 40 gold pieces. They cannot sell them in their own brand but still carries our branding as well."

"Sensei, once the 5 bars of soap is ready, please bring it to Patents and Trademarks to patent it to the corporation."

"Yes, I understand Vice-Director."

"Thank you for your kind assistance, Director."

We both laughed at our antics and it seemed that Hiko-sama is getting in happier moods since the first time I met him.

"As for door to door sales, I don't intend to make so much profit so it would be limited to the outer and inner circles, the commoners and plebs which only cost them 5 coppers each."

"You would help us in targeting the inner cluster such as the cosmetics shop. That lady is arrogant. She sized me up when I disguise as an errand boy and she just writes the prices and just passed to me as if I can't read."

"Oh, is it? Hmm, these kinds of people would definitely get it from us."

"Yes, Sensei. Thank you. We have about a week before we could bring these things back. We need to have a large handcart to visualise and brought it back to the real world one time."

"Yes ...yes... I totally agree with you, kid. At least you won't feel drained."

"Yes, health is better than money and another thing before it slipped my mind, Eko and Fei both can help identify herbs and other medicinal plants and roots. I'm thinking of making herbal pills to aid those who can't afford to pay for a physician but could buy these medicines at a minimal cost."

"1 serving of herbs could yield at least 30 pills while other pill making experts could only achieve less than 5 every time."

"In the Realm of Mind? It's possible?"

"Definitely, Sensei... Definitely."

A short while later a yatai seller was calling out gyoza for sale and we called him over. We asked for 2 dozen of chicken and 2 dozen of fish and serve them directly on the table. We asked if they had seen any other yatai and he said he was the only one. The rest were at the square earlier during dinner time as they heard something fall from the sky and nearly hit the watchtower and the floor was cracked all over. City officials were trying to fix the ground before the new day begins.

We looked at each and our eyes seemed to communicate that we already knew what was happening. We asked how much for the gyoza and soon I paid up for the supper.