CH 279

[So sudden, it’s really incomprehensible…] Woman

They say it is polite not to speak clearly in these situations, then muddle the second half…… In Japan, at least.

However, I spoke clearly and on point.

Yes, like how the deceased behaved in an honorable manner to protect a woman.

Then I gave the bereaved a ruby pendant, 301 gold coins, and a letter of gratitude.

Of course, it was a letter of gratitude, not for trying to protect the product, but for trying to protect the woman who worked there.

Just as he was about to turn 50, his children were all married and living their own lives, his grandchildren were born, and he was about to embrace a happy retirement with his wife…….

If he were a soldier, that would be unavoidable.

Even if it’s the same <death>, he would have been prepared for it since he knew what kind of profession he chose.

If you have chosen a <profession in which you fight and kill others>, you must accept that you may get killed as well.

So, although I try to avoid it as much as possible, I have no qualms about the death of the enemy soldiers in the war because I have no choice but to do so, to protect my friends and loved ones.

Also, while painful, the deaths of the allied soldiers were unavoidable in war.

……But not the civilians.

No matter what kind of a security guard you are, you would never kill a thief or intruder with or without saying a word, and of course, it is not a profession that you would take on if you’re prepared to die in the first place.

It is just one of the most common occupations. Even though there is some danger involved…….

So, a brave man who has died unreasonably… Yes, he risked his life protecting a woman, then he’s nothing more than a fine brave man… I’ll do as much as I can for those that he left behind. Financially and spiritually.

So, I gave him a letter of thanks from the Larushia Trade, and the Yamano Viscounty, as well as rubies and gold coins.

In honor of the deceased.

For the bereaved’s pride.

The bereaved should not have to live in poverty.

……And for the peace of mind of those who’re left behind……

That’s why I spilled these twisted words.

[Actually, I’ve heard this story before.

There are people in this world who, with a bit of money, can settle grudges that cannot be cleared and judge the crimes that cannot be forgiven……

They’re running a special promo right now, and they’ll take care of your problem for a discounted price and one gold coin until the end of the week……] Mitsuha

The eyes of the late guard’s wife, which until then had been sunk in sadness, lit up.

And she seems to have understood my meaning.

……She finds out why the condolence money has an odd amount of 301 gold coins.

Then she gently reached into the leather bag and plucked out a gold coin.

She quickly gave it to me……

[Thank you for your patronage……] Mitsuha

Yes.

Those people’s fate was already sealed.

But now she may think that she has <avenged her husband’s death>, and instead of living a life of resentment and hatred, she may be able to live a peaceful life with her children and grandchildren while mourning his death.

……Yes, it’s a <maybe>.

Human beings are not so easy to let go of the things dear to them.

Still, if it helps their peace of mind even just a little bit, then why not.

Money is not the only thing that can heal the heart.

I know that better than anyone, having lost my family all at once.

=====

I went back to Larushia Trading and told them that I had met the wife of the guard who had died……

[Bah! What were you thinking, jewels and 301 gold coins! Uwa! I’m sorry, forgive me!!] Larushia

Larushia yelled at me, forgetting about my power relationship with her.

……Well, I’m not mad at him because she <scolded> me for doing something stupid. I guess I should be grateful for that.

[But it’s not good for business if you’re throwing jewels and gold coins at your employees and guards! If the wagons were to be attacked and wiped out, how much money would be needed?……

Besides……] Larushia

Yes, I know that Larushia was shaking.

[You’re saying that some people are trying to attack us on purpose?] Mitsuha

[Eh? You know about that?…] Larushia

I’m not stupid, I know that much.

[This is the only time I’m going to pay a visit. Even if those crooks mess with the affiliated stores of our <International Network of Women Business Owners>, the stores will not go out of business and they will not get any import routes or concessions. And none of our employees will quit or betray us.

The other guards would not leave us if they knew that their bereaved will be taken care of.

It’s a display to show off, and it’s a first-time benefit. So, just this once.

Well, knowing the fate of those who dabble in the Larushian trade, I don’t think it will happen again, at least not in this country.] Mitsuha

[…………]

Larushia looked dumbfounded but recovered quickly. Well, I’ve chosen the right person for the job.

[…And that <fate> is…] Larushia

[Yeah, I thought you might want to witness it. The Yamano clan’s wrath when their friends are hurt and when their people are killed……] Mitsuha

=====

I’m not in Japan.

Not even on Earth.

Therefore, everyone must abide by this world’s rules.

And in this world, I set the rules, my own rules.

If you don’t follow the rules.

If you follow your own rules, which is fine as long as you don’t get caught.

Then I’ll also play along with your rules ・・・・・・・

There should be no complaints.

Well, no matter how much I wanted to, I couldn’t just punch him in the face without any evidence, just because he was suspicious.

Even at that time of the Rephilia trade, I hadn’t touched them until I found our product in their warehouse.

So again, no matter how suspicious they are, I won’t go on the offensive right away.

It’s true that there was only one merchant association that persistently demanded purchasing routes, pushed Larushia to be their handmaiden, and tried to recruit Larushia Trading employees after the incident, but there were several others that did the same.

Anyway, we need proof.

It’s not that I need evidence that will hold up in court.

Just as long as I can identify the criminal, that’s all that matters.

It’s not the government officials or nobles, that is under the control of the criminals, who will judge.

……I will be the judge.

Well then, let’s go~!

Night camouflage leotard, yosh!

Head-mounted night vision scope, yosh!

Ultra-compact IC voice recorder, yosh!

By the way, it can record for 400 hours continuously, has a voice detection auto-recording function, and has a standby time of 300 days. It did not cost more than 5,000 yen. I bought about 10 of them.

The ones that send out wiretap signals run out of battery quickly, and you have to be nearby all the time to intercept them, and it’s hard to follow many at once, so there’s no better choice than a recorder.

A wiretap is good if you can get a semi-permanent power source by planting it in an electrical outlet or something, but you know… That’s not important. I haven’t even read RL La 〇 Ora 〇 Fu* since my brother passed away……

Anyway, what I need this time was a recording device, not a wiretapping device.

Even if they find it, the people here won’t know what it is, and whether they find it or not, it’s only a matter of me going near their store and transferring with them to retrieve it.

So I have to pay them a visit when I install it, but I don’t have to sneak in when I collect it.

……Well then, it’s time to go…….

Mitsuha, teleportation!

=====

Translator’s Note:

*(ＲＬラ〇オラ〇フ ) Sorry can’t find the reference.

Confused? So do I…

A lot of incomprehensible things as usual, especially in this one.