149 - - Story at the 147th Episode

After talking with the new Guilmouth and the country's spiritualist, I finally arrived back at Marie's house. I talked to the gatekeeper and asked him to let me in. When I arrived at the house through the large garden, Sebas greeted me.

"Welcome home. Yuta-sama."

Mr. Sebas bows with a refined gesture.

"I'm back. I hope my boys didn't give you too much trouble.

"We were told to stay away from the rooms, so I don't know how the children are doing, but I didn't hear any loud noises."

I remember I asked them to stay away from the room because Belle and Fukuchan were going to have lunch. I forgot all about that.

That's right. I'm sorry.

No problem. And please don't mind if I don't use honorifics with you.

If you are in an atmosphere like the spirits or Mel and Gina, you can easily switch. But a sharp butler is too different world for me to switch so easily.

"Yes, once I get used to it, I'm sure I'll be able to loosen up a bit, so I'd appreciate it if you could give me some time to get used to it.

"Awe."

Whew, can I get used to it?　I can't imagine myself talking to Mr. Sebas casually. Let's settle this as soon as possible and move to Mr. Toruku's inn. I leave Mr. Sebas and return to my assigned room.

"Yoo-tah, welcome back..." "coo-coo, welcome back..." "coo-coo, welcome back..." "coo-coo, welcome back..."

I opened the door and went inside, and was greeted by Bell and his friends. I patted them as they jumped at me and sat down on the sofa.

"Welcome home, master." "Welcome home." "Welcome home." "Welcome home.

Then Sarah and the others say welcome home. They have gotten used to us, and call us when they are done playing with Belle and the others. They are nice and attentive children, but how can a young child be so attentive?

Well, it's hard to tell them to stop being attentive, because people who can be attentive are more likely to survive in society than people who can't be attentive.

I'm back. Did you find anything unusual or troubling with Sarah and the others?

Nothing happened. I am glad that I was able to train carefully with the help of Mr. Bell and others.

Marco and Kikka nodded their heads, as did Dolly, who had been asked to escort them, so it seemed that they were having a good time without any problems. The rooms are luxurious, but the children are already settled in. They are very adaptable.

I stroke the belles and listen to Sara's story to soothe my weary spirit. She says that since she can't use magic in people's homes, she has been thinking of new spells and refining her combinations against enemies that can't be defeated with a single blow.

"So, Master. How did the discussion with the Adventurers' Guild go?"

"Hmm?　After he apologized to me, I set the terms, and we're waiting to see what happens. Hopefully, there will be a lot less solicitation."

Well, Mr. Barotta says that there is still a possibility that they may come to make a move on us, and we are still a long way from complete peace and quiet.

"I see. So what are we going to do while we wait?"

There's no hurry, and you can take it easy, but it's not comfortable to stay at the museum. I'm not sure what I should do... I'd probably get in trouble if I went to Mel's or Torque's inn.

Stay in the labyrinth? Do we go ahead and get some of the sacred power plants, and then distribute them to Marie to put pressure on the Adventurer's Guild?

I think ...... will only cause more trouble, so maybe we should wait until the Adventurers' Guild is slow to make a decision. It will be easier if we go ahead after guiding the two parties, since the expectation will be on the two parties. If we go later anyway, this time we will train Sarah and the others.

"I will stay in the labyrinth and train Sara and the others. Now that we can beat the trolls, let's go on ahead to the marsh this time.

There's a big frog there, and a Marshland Lizard that I made my armor out of. It will be a good experience.

I explain the demons coming out of the 26th layer to Sarah and the others, who are full of motivation, and urge them to think of countermeasures. Sara and Fuchu-chan and the others are discussing with each other, which is quite a nice sight.

While I'm watching over Sara and the others and playing with Belle and the others again, Sylphy comes back. It took quite a while.

"Sylphie, welcome back! What took you so long?

I'm home. But nothing happened. I thought it was an act, too, but he just stayed like that. I've been busy working on Yuta's terms and sending out missions to headquarters, but nothing has changed."

He explains it to us as he deftly brushes aside Bell and the others who stormed into Sylphy. ...... you didn't change. That's his true nature?

"Hey, Sylphy. Isn't it possible that Guillermas suspected something and has been acting out the whole time?

"Hmmm, I don't know.　It's impossible to detect when someone is that thorough. If you stick around long enough, you might learn something, but I don't want to be bored.

He said it like he hated the thing. Compared to when I went to listen to the conversation of the former guildmasters, their reactions were completely different. It seems that monitoring the new Guilmouth was very boring.

I don't want to force Sylphy to watch him, and I'll just leave him alone until there is some movement in the guild. What if he really is the same person as before?

As we were discussing what to think, there was a knock at the door, and when I answered it, it was Sebas. I don't know why I haven't talked to the maid at all.

A message from Miss Marie. She would like to have dinner with you. Is everything all right?"

......I'm in trouble and I have some questions I want to ask Marie, if that's all right.

Yes, that's fine. But I also have some questions about the Adventurers' Guild, and I'd appreciate it if you could prepare the children's meals here.

"Awe, we will make that arrangement. Would you like to have a maid for Sarah and the others?"

I asked you to keep people away from me during the day so you'd listen to me. I want Belle and the others to have a sumptuous dinner, so let's leave the maid out of it.

No, it's enough if you bring the food. Thank you for your time.

"Thank you."

Mr. Sebas bowed and left. Dinner with Marie tonight, let's hear what she has to say.

****

Dinner with Marie. ...... Marie is very fashionable. I'm wearing a regular top and bottom that I bought at the grocery store. ...... No, it's Marie's clothes that she bought at the grocery store, so there should be no problem. Let's just say that.

Normally, I should praise Marie-san here, but I'm afraid that if I do, I'll get in trouble, so I'll just say that I don't know anything about such common sense.

The hospitality in this country seems to be in the form of a lot of gorgeous dishes lined up on the table, and they look very glamorous. Since the ingredients of the demons themselves are delicious, there are not many variations of dishes, but the skill of decoration seems to be well developed, and it is quite impressive.

How about asking the chef of this pavilion to teach Sara the basics of cooking?　...... Well, since I won't be staying here forever and Sara has a close relationship with Mr. Toruku since he shares his meals with her, I'd better ask him to help me.

I think it's better to ask Mr. Toruku, since we won't be staying here forever and Sara has a close relationship with Mr. Toruku who shares his food with us. What are the ingredients?"

The strong elasticity and the rich taste of the meat itself, which is as strong as the various herbs, are almost addictive.

"Ah, it is the meat of the giant deer that appear in the marshes of the labyrinth. It is a giant deer demon that appears in the marshlands very rarely, and it is very difficult to defeat and bring back the ingredients, but it has a reputation for its wonderful taste. It is one of the most popular ingredients in the labyrinthine city.

...... Giant deer, I've never had it before, but it's very tasty. I had heard that Japanese venison has no fat, but I guess it's something else entirely. I don't know if I can find it since I didn't see it when I was searching for rice in the marshland before, but I ignored the demons and I'm sure I can find even rare demons if I can get Bell and his friends to look for them.

I'm going to take Sarah and the others to the marshland, so I'll take them down when I find them. I'm sorry to trouble you, but could you please dismantle it on your own, Marie?"

Marie's elegant smile is now coated with desire. It is strange that Marie here is more relaxed than .......

"Yes, I'm fine. The marshes are far away and hard to come by. Would you be able to distribute them to the Polurius Trading Company?"

You've been so kind to us, we owe you a little something. I'll take your request.

"Sure. Is there anything else you need?　We're planning to stay a few days, so if you need anything from the marsh, I'll see if I can find it for you."

Marie stood up quickly, bypassed the table, and came over to us. What's the matter?　Marie grabbed my right hand with both hands.

"Thank you, Yuta-san. Now, let's go to ..................."

Marie-san excitedly listed out all the materials and quantities she wanted. My words seemed to have hit the desire switch. I wonder what would have happened if Mr. Sebas hadn't pulled me off ....... Sylphy is pulling it off too.

"I'm sorry."

Marie bows her head in embarrassment.

"Well, well, I'll try to find out as much as I can. So, I have a question. Do you know what the new guildmaster of the Adventurers' Guild is like?　I can't really judge."　

"I know it's just a rumor, but is that OK with you?"

Yes, please.

"We've done our own research, but we haven't come across any bad publicity. He is said to be a hardworking and serious person, although he is a bit pathetic in some respects. He has a good reputation in the guild and is well-liked by his subordinates.

...... I just creeped myself out, does that mean he's just a nice guy?　Is it possible that the Adventurer's Guild just placed people with no ambition to avoid getting into trouble?　I was saying something about even heavier punishment for former Guilmouth and Eltina. .......

He glanced at Sylphy, but shook his head from side to side as if he didn't know. Well, if he's behind it, I can handle it by taking countermeasures, but if he's just a nice guy, how should I deal with him?　I don't think it's possible for me and the Adventurers' Guild to face each other with good intentions.

"So you are someone who has no bad rumors. I'll take a look at ......."

Marie seems to be at a loss for information. I don't know what to think, since he is the guild master of the new adventurers guild in the labyrinth city, and a merchant should seriously investigate the matter.

"Oh, and Yuta-san. I've been asked to arrange meetings with the merchant guild, the medicine man guild, the blacksmith guild, the mercenary guild, the merchant guild, etc. Is it okay if I refuse all of them?"

You've been here quite a bit. We haven't finished negotiations with the Adventurers' Guild, and we can't be bothered to meet with the other guilds. It's a hassle to be tied to a pimp even if they offer a good deal, so I prefer the Adventurers' Guild where there will be no interference if the negotiations are successful.

"Yes, we are negotiating with the Adventurers' Guild, and if they accept our conditions, please tell them that you do not plan to move. We have no plans to sell our materials to anyone other than the Pollius Guild at this time, so you will have to make your own arrangements.

"Yes!　Thank you very much, Mr. Yuta."

You have a dazzling smile. Yeah, but let me just nail it to your face.

"Marie, please don't do any shady business just because I have a monopoly on you. If the Adventurers' Guild accepts the conditions, the two parties will expand beyond the 50th layer and the monopoly will be broken.

"I understand. We won't rip you off. We'll just add a little profit to a fair price and sell you a favor. You can rest assured."

......It didn't sound reassuring to me. ...... Are you sure you're okay with this?　Well, it's not good for an amateur businessman to talk too much. Let's trust Marie's father.