CH 9

The trip was going smoothly. We found some tasty fruits on the way, took a break at the river where I met Mireina and we were well on our way to Zenimouke.

“…..Hey, are you sure it’s safe to enter the kingdom with a truck like this?”

“Well, … I think it’s probably safe. Zenimouke is a commercial power, so many things come and go every day. I’m sure they’ll think this truck is just another unusual item to be traded.”

“I affirm Mireina-sama’s opinion.”

That’s what Tama and Mireina said.

I don’t mind if you two say so, but frankly, I don’t want any trouble. I want to live peacefully without making trouble.

“But, you know, …I’m worried.”

I’m a small-town guy. I know it’s a strange world out there. I’ve never been to a place where people gather before.

Nevertheless, we have no choice but to proceed. As long as I’ve decided to work as a courier, I can’t avoid entering towns and kingdoms.

“The Zenimouke Kingdom is only about half a day away, Master.”

We’re currently traveling at 60 kilometers per hour on the road.

The road is supposed to be well maintained, but it’s not paved with asphalt. Perhaps because the ground is uneven, it inevitably vibrates a bit.

“Mireina, it’s going to be a bumpy ride and you might want to rest in the living room.”

“No, I’m fine here. I want to watch the scenery change next to Kota-san.”

“Oh, really?”

She’s a good girl. She’s cute and when she wants to do something, she does it.

By the way, I haven’t heard any details about Mireina, but I think she said she ran away from home. I wonder if it would be a bad idea to ask for details?

“You know, Kota-san…”

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

Mireina is fidgeting. Maybe she wants to use the toilet?

“…I still want some chips.”

“…”

She’s cute. If I had a sister like her, I’d be happy.

I spent my points to buy some potato chips and gave them to Mireina.

Mireina’s eyes lit up as she ate the chips with a smile on her face.

I also bought some tea and drank it as I drove.

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“You see, that’s the commercial superpower Zenimouke. It is the largest commercial power located in the center of this world.”

“It has an estimated population of 2.5 million. It’s a big country where many famous merchants have their bases. There is no better place for a country that controls commerce than here.”

“… I’m getting anxious.”

I said I was going to be a courier, but I don’t know if I can manage with just one truck like this. I’m worried now.

“Kota-san, please head to the adventurer’s guild first. I’ll report the completion of the request, hand over the dog tags and report the deaths.”

“Oh, yeah. I understand.”

“Please leave the directions to me. The wait time at the checkpoint is currently 21 minutes. Shortest route searched: ——— Search complete. The closest route to the Adventurers Guild and the quickest checkpoint is the East Gate.”

After changing the route with Tama’s guidance, we began to pass carriages that looked like merchants and mercenaries guarding them. As expected, they were looking at the truck with a puzzled expression.

“Oh, yeah, we’re being watched.”

“Yeah…”

There was a line at the checkpoint, but when I looked at the entrance, it was going very smoothly.

There seemed to be several soldiers checking luggage, but I wondered if my truck would be okay.

“Master. When you enter, it would be best to say that you are looking for a job. It’s not uncommon for people to come looking for work in this commercial powerhouse. Please do not show any suspicious behavior.”

“Okay, okay. What do you mean by suspicious behavior?”

You bastard, are you trying to tell me I’m suspicious? Well, I’m from another world, so in a way I am suspicious.

I checked the back view and the merchants behind me were pointing and making a lot of noise. The checkpoint proceeded, and then it was my turn.

I put the vehicle into second gear and slowly drove forward.

The eyes of the soldiers are curious and suspicious. I guess even the gatekeepers, who see all kinds of merchants come and go, have never seen a truck before.

“Welcome to the Kingdom of Zenimouke, the land of commerce. What brings you to this country?”

“Well, I’m looking for work.”

“……with metal thing?”

“Uh, yeah….”

The soldier pointed at the truck and asked a question.

As I was wondering what to say, I saw that the soldiers were starting to surround the truck. This is gonna be dangerous.

“This is a prototype of a vehicle to replace the horse-drawn carriage that was invented in Sugedaro, the industrial giant. I’m thinking of starting a business using it, so please let me through.”

I heard myself say over the speaker. Mireina, who was frozen with nervousness, was surprised and I froze too.

“I see. I didn’t realize it was a new version from Sugedaro. I’m sorry I doubted you. You can go through.”

I nodded my head, put the truck into gear and took off.

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We entered Zenimouke and slowly drove along the part of the path that corresponded to the carriages.

Apparently, this road is for horse-drawn carriages only and we could see several carriages coming and going. But the road is full of lorries.

We drove for a while and parked on the side of the road.

“Hu~ I’m so nervous~!”

“Wow, me too. Adventurers basically don’t go through checkpoints, so this is the first time I’ve gotten involved like that.”

But more importantly, nice work by Tama. I didn’t think she could use my voice to fool them, she’s really good at support.

“I’m sorry. I took the liberty of saying that.”

“What are you talking about? You saved us from getting suspicious, you don’t have to apologize. In fact, I should be the one thanking you.”

“No, no. What I mean by this is that this truck should be Sugedaro’s newest creation. With the technology in this world, it would be impossible to make even a replica of a truck. However, I misrepresented it by calling it a prototype. I’m very sorry about that.”

“… Well, whatever.”

The point is missing, but it doesn’t matter. Anyway, we made it into Zenimouke. I observed the streets of Zenimouke again.

It’s like London during the Industrial Revolution. The streets are incredibly wide and the people walking around are all different.

Armed adventurers, mercenaries, rich-looking merchants, shady criminals and vagabonds.

“How are we gonna get to the guild, Tama-san?”

“Yes, Master. I’ll show you the route. Please follow the instructions.”

“Okay. Hey, are there any traffic laws here?”

“Nothing in particular. There are no traffic lights, so watch out for children running out and people in your blind spots.”

“I know, there are no traffic lights.”

A navigation system appeared on the windshield, showing the route.

Our first destination is the Adventurer’s Guild. After that, we’ll go to a weapon and armor shop to purchase some equipment and raise some money. After that, we’ll head to the Merchant’s Guild to find an office and a place to live for the shipping company.

“Okay, let’s go.”

“Yes, I’m getting excited about this job!”

I couldn’t tell her that I was still anxious.