Volume 2 - CH 10

Chapter 10 – Merchants and Raids

“We should have at least covered it with a cloth…”

“Yeah, I agree. We were so careless.”

We went through the busy harbor and stayed at the dock. We did it; we made a grand entrance into the port, showing off our big game… It was a flashy decision. I’m afraid of my own stupidity, thinking that I don’t want to be conspicuous with this.

“Do you know what to do now, Alessia-san?”

I ask Alessia, trying not to look at the crowd of onlookers.

“I’m afraid that we’ve caused such a commotion. The staff of the merchant guild will be here soon. Let’s ask them to arrange for someone to come and take it away.”

“I understand. Oh, is that them?”

A man in the uniform of the merchant guild comes running toward us. When I saw him looking quite flustered, I felt kind of… sorry.

“Yes, you are right. I’ll ask him to arrange it for us.”

After a while, the guildmaster and Camille-san arrived with a cart.

“I don’t think it’s necessary for the guildmaster to come too.”

“He loves to show off, so he won’t miss an event like this.”

Dorothea-san answered my murmur. Does he like to be flashy…?

“Oh, it’s definitely a variant of the saber tiger. Good job, everyone.”

“Welcome back, Wataru-san and everyone from Girasole. I’m glad you’re safe.”

“Sorry, Camille-san, we caused a big commotion.”

“Haha, well, it can’t be helped.”

Camille-san flushed it away with a bitter smile. I apologize for all the trouble that was taken to make me inconspicuous.

“What are you talking about? With the appearance of such a flashy variant of the saber tiger, the Southern Count would have been delighted.”

The guildmaster looks pleased and happy. He completely forgot about my situation.

“We are talking about the fact that Wataru-san has become conspicuous, Guildmaster.”

“Ah, that’s right. Hmm… well, good luck. Now, let’s load up quickly and go to the merchant guild. Wataru and Girasole, follow me.”

The guildmaster’s appropriate encouragement irritated me. Well, I’m only going to stand out more and more if I stay here. Let’s get moving. We all head for the merchant guild.

“Wataru can go report the completion of the request for now. In the meantime, I’ll call for an escort. Girasole will assess the situation, so head to the warehouse in the back.”

“I understand. Thank you very much for your help, everyone from Girasole.”

“Thank you very much. Hey Wataru-san, this time we left the island early, so we want to go back next time. I’d like to ask Wataru-san for assistance, so can we arrange a meeting?”

Is this a request for a personal request? I’m happy to receive a request from a group of beautiful women, but it’s hard to get close to them and get killed by the people around me.

“Well, I have something I want to order, and I can do it after three days. Is that okay?”

“Yeah, we’re fine. Okay, I’ll apply to the guild and ask you to start on the morning of the third day.”

“Okay.”

I got the next job, too. It is very popular. I said goodbye to Alessia-san and the others and headed for the reception counter.

“I have confirmed the completion of the request. The reward is 50 silver coins per person per day, for six people for four days, so that’s 12 gold coins.”

“Please give me two gold coins in cash and the rest in my account.”

Twelve million for four days, that’s a huge amount of money, isn’t it?

“I understand.”

Ah, there are Dino-san and Enrico-san. After meeting up with my two escorts, we left the merchant guild. First, we went to see the shipbuilder, Donnino-san.

“Hello, Donnino-san.”

“Wataru, how was the raft?”

The question came quickly. Donnino-san was also concerned about the raft.

“It was perfect. I’d like you to make four more rafts for me. Is that okay?”

“Four more rafts? Why do you need so many?”

“I need one raft, and Guido-san, Carlo-san, and Daniel-san want the other three rafts. They want to get them as soon as possible, so they asked me to order them in advance.”

“Oh, they can go to the southeast island, too. They must really like it that they made you order them in advance. What are you going to do with the extra one, Wataru?”

“Yes, I was thinking of making a place to put my luggage and other things I collected. I plan to pitch two tents, so I’ll bring them when I buy them. Oh, and a rope for the anchor, please.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll get it ready.”

“Also, could you please make a large wooden tub? I need a sturdy one because it will hold water and people inside. Also, it will hold baked stones, so please make an enclosure around the edge, so they don’t touch the stones directly. I would like the size to be 150 x 80 with a height of about 80. Can you do that? Also, I’d like a hole for drainage, please.”

“A bath? It’s a strange shape, but I can do it. I can do it for two gold coins for the raft and the bath. I’ll have it ready by the evening of the next day. I’ll charge you 20 copper coins for the two pieces.”

“Please do so. Here are two gold coins and 20 copper coins. I look forward to it.”

“Oh, leave it to me.”

I guess I wasted a little money, didn’t I? But I wanted to take a bath with a view on the sea. I couldn’t resist the thought of being able to make a bath out of the burned stones since I would have been able to boil a bath with them. I’ve already ordered it, so I’ll just say it’s what Japanese people do.

After leaving Donnino-san’s place, we headed next to the tool shop where we had bought the tent.

“Excuse me. I need two tents, not really tents, but more like a tent without the flooring. I want one half the size of the tent I bought last time that can sleep ten people. Also, I think three other people are coming to buy the tent I bought last time. Do you have any in stock?”

“Yes, we do. The tents are two for nine silver coins each. The big tents are very popular, so we have plenty in stock.”

Then Guido-san and the others will be able to get the tents soon.

“Also, I would like two wooden tables and eight chairs, please. I would like these taken to the docking station, number 115 if that’s alright.”

“Yes, sir. Which table and chairs would you like?”

“This one, please.”

It’s for outside use, and I’d rather have a simple one than a fancy one.

“Two tables for two silver coins and eight chairs for eighty copper coins. We will cover the cost of transportation, so the total with the tent will be 28 silver coins and 40 copper coins.”

“Thank you very much. Then, here are the 28 silver coins and 40 copper coins. Oh, and I would like three of these lanterns.”

“Each one costs 60 copper coins, so that makes 180 copper coins.”

“Here are two silver coins. Please bring the lanterns to the front of the ship as well.”

“Very well.”

Well, I guess that’s all the shopping done. After apologizing to the two escorts for making them wait, I headed to the Black-tailed Gull’s inn.

“Hello, Landlady-san; I’d like to stay three nights, and here are two silver coins.”

“Yes, the change will be 50 copper coins.”

I receive my change and return to my room to rest. I feel at home when I am alone. While I was relaxing, the landlady came to tell me that there was a guest. I wondered who the guest was. I went to the dining room with my two escorts and found an unknown merchant waiting for me.

“Nice to meet you, Wataru-sama. My name is Zabo, and I am a merchant. Pleased to meet you.”

“Yes, um, my name is Wataru. How can I help you?”

I can’t think of anything in particular that I want to buy, though…

“Yes, I heard that Wataru-sama has a wonderful magic boat, and I’m here to ask if you could sign an exclusive contract with us.”

Ah, so the merchant found out my identity right away because I was conspicuous at the time I arrived at the port. That’s troublesome.

“No, sir, I have no intention of signing a contract with anyone. I’m going to take all my business through the merchant guild. I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

It was a long story from there. Even though I had firmly refused him, he would not leave, even after I repeatedly asked him to leave, saying that he could not offer me such a good deal or that he would be happy to provide me with other conditions.

As a merchant, it might not be good for business if he had to leave when asked to do so, but even so, I thought he was being too persistent. When I returned to my room, I was so tired that he finally left, and the next customer came right away. It was about the saber tiger subspecies, which is very popular, damn it.

At any rate, I listened to what they had to say and reiterated over and over that I would not sign a contract and would only accept requests through the merchant guild. There was no time to relax after dinner because of the guests.

After all, it’s not a good thing to stand out without an objective, is it? Mostly, I’m amazed at my own dullness in not thinking it’s tasteless, even though the glistening saber-tiger subspecies was right in front of me the whole time.

The more I think about it, the more pathetic I feel. Let’s go to bed and talk to Camille-san early tomorrow morning.

＊＊＊

The following day, before the merchants barge in, I go to the merchant guild for advice.

“Good morning, Camille-san. I need to ask you a few questions.”

“Good morning, Wataru-san. I don’t mind. If so, I will show you to another room.”

“Thank you very much.”

Camille-san’s smile is a relief. Why is it that all the merchants who came barging in were all merchants with greedy looks on their faces? If someone like Camille-san had come to the business meeting, I would have felt a little soothed.

“Wataru-san, could it be that the merchants came storming up to you?”

As expected of Camille-san, she seemed to have an idea of what we were about to discuss. I was probably a fool for thinking that the commotion was just a little too conspicuous.

“Yes, that’s right. I told them repeatedly that I only accept requests through the merchant guilds and that they should leave, but they wouldn’t leave, and I was at a loss as to what to do.”

“I see, because the matter of the saber tiger subspecies has made you stand out. But not talking to the merchant at all is also a bad idea. You can get into trouble by trying to meet them by any means, so even if you refuse to meet them, at least meet with the merchants to some extent.”

I hope they will give me a break by any means necessary. I don’t like it, but it seems dangerous if I don’t put up with it to some extent.　

“I understand that it is dangerous if I don’t meet with them. But most of the merchants who come to see me won’t give up, so it’s very difficult for me.”

If they would just talk to me for a while and leave, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.

“Well, they are merchants, so when they have a lucrative offer in front of them, they won’t give up easily. If they are persistent, tell them to talk to the merchant guild. And after talking to the merchants for a bit, I think it would be better to accept the request for the southern island and take refuge there.”

Running away is the best way to go, huh? Yeah, that seems like the safest thing to do.

“I understand. I will meet with the merchants and discuss it as much as possible. Thank you very much, Camille-san.”

“I apologize. Thank you very much. I will also arrange for Wataru-san to be escorted from the shadows when you are in the southern city for the time being. The merchant guild will do its best to deal with criminal acts, etc., so please hang in there until things settle down.”

I feel like a VIP.

“Yes, thank you very much. I’ll be on the island the day after tomorrow, so hopefully, things will settle down a bit by then.”

“It won’t be easy in four or five days, but as long as you deal with it properly, it will settle down, so please do your best.”

“Yes, I will do my best.”

After thanking Camille-san, I gave up and returned to the inn. It was hard that the merchants were already waiting for me at the inn, but I put my mind to it and spent most of the time dealing with them, except for meal times. Some of them were threatening or outright threatening, so I reported them to the merchant guild.

The evening before departure, I bought food and checked and loaded the raft, bath, chairs, and table. I managed to get the bath on the boat, so I packed the chairs and table into the bath, and the chairs that didn’t fit were strapped to the raft.

After managing to pack up, I was on my way back to the inn when I was suddenly attacked. …Dino-san and Enrico-san are both very strong. Dino-san remained reluctant, while Enrico-san kept his smiling face and beat up the attacker.

When we interrogated them as to why they attacked us, I learned how scary Enrico-san was. Enrico-san broke their bones without hesitation, without losing any of his smiling faces…

In front of the thugs groaning in pain as Enrico-san broke their bones, I knew they were discarded pawns. They seem to know nothing. Is it strange that I felt sympathy for the thug when saying that with a smiling face?

“Thank you very much. What should we do about these people?”

“I think the merchant guild has been notified, and they will be coming to pick them up soon. After that, I think they will be handed over to the guards.”

“I understand. But finally, I was attacked. Dino-san, Enrico-san, please continue to take care of me.”

“Yeah.”

“Yes.”

After that, someone came from the merchant guild, so I left the rest to them and returned to the inn. I was terrified that I would be attacked. It’s a good thing I’m leaving for the island tomorrow. I hope I can calm down while I’m on the island, but it seems impossible. Thinking about it makes me feel depressed, so I’ll just go to bed.

＊＊＊

In the morning, I get ready and go to the dining hall with two of my escorts. As expected, I feel heavy because I didn’t sleep well. I finished my breakfast lazily and headed for the dock.

“How long do you think this invitation will last?”

“In the case of Guido and the others, the fuss died down once the merchants approached them… but in the case of Wataru, because of that spectacular arrival at the port, the boat’s performance became well known. It’s hard to predict.”

“Dino is right. The merchants won’t give up for long, and it will probably be a long process.”

“Is it going to be prolonged…?”

A simple mistake made all the commotion. It is not worth it if I don’t at least make some money. It’s safer on the island, so I’ll stay there as long as possible.

I arrived at the dock, signed the request forms for the two escorts, and waited for Alessia-san and the others. Oh, it looks like they’re here.

“Good morning, Girasole!”

“Good morning, Wataru-san.”

“Sorry, we will be a little late again because of some luggage.”

“Fufu, you have a lot this time. I wonder if we can also benefit from it?”

Benefit… if the bath was a success and Alessia-san and the others took a bath… huh? I feel like I’m the one who’s going to benefit the most from the bath, like Alessia-san and the others after their bath. I really want it to succeed.

“I think it’s a good thing, but I don’t know if everyone will like it. But if you like it, I think you’ll be addicted to it.”

“Fufu, I’m looking forward to it. Well, let’s get going.”

Alessia-san, you seem to be expecting a lot. Well, the bath will live up to your expectations. After separating from the two escorts, we departed.

“Wataru-san, the chicken bone soup with leeks and kelp broth, turned out delicious. The kelp broth is amazing.”

Claretta-san smiles and reports the success of the soup. It’s soothing, isn’t it?

“I’m glad it turned out so well. I’ll dry the kelp this time, too, so please take some with you if you need it.”

“Really, thank you very much. But it would be a shame to just take it, so I’d like to pay you some…”

Do you mean selling the kelp?

“I just pull out the seaweed and dry it, so unless it is a business, I don’t feel comfortable taking money from you for something that is a hobby.”

“Hmm, I see… what should I do?”

“Then, please treat me to a meal that Claretta-san made next time. That will be more than enough compensation.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Yes, it’s more than enough.”

A dish made by a beautiful, soft, and fluffy big-breasted woman is sufficient? It can’t be that. I even want to pay extra for it. After chatting for a while, we pass through the difficult passages and arrive at the island. I pull the boat up to the tent raft and drop everyone off.

“Thank you for your hard work. I’ll make you a cup of tea now, so please take a break.”

“Thank you for your hard work too. I will put our luggage in the tent. It’s very helpful for me because until now; it was too small to carry even the bare minimum of what I needed.”

Alessia-san and the others were smiling as they carried their luggage. I didn’t know tents had such a side effect… Well, it’s good that they’ve become more convenient, isn’t it?

“Yes, feel free to use them.”

If the tents make the adventurers feel good, life on the island seems to be fine. The water was boiling, so I made a pot of tea.

“Tea is ready, everyone.”

“Thank you, Wataru-san. So, we’ll be back in two nights, and we’d like to have a rest. Is that really okay?”

“Yes, every day is fine with me. If you get tired, you can come back anytime. And, I don’t know if you’ll like it or not, but we’ll have more facilities to look forward to.”

“Ara, thank you very much. I’m looking forward to seeing the new facility, and I’ll be sure to come back in two days. Thanks for the tea. We’ll be going to the island now.”

“I understand.”

I send Alessia-san and the others to the island and put the chicken soup on the charcoal fire. Now, let’s get another raft up. It’s the second time I’ve done it, so I should be able to do it a little quicker this time.

＊＊＊

Assemble the raft and anchor it a short distance away from the tent raft. Yeah, that saved a lot of time. There is still time, and I should manage to finish setting up the tent rafts.

…The sun went down soon after I finished setting up the two tent rafts. I’ll have to set up the baths tomorrow.

Back at the tent raft, I put the table in the space in front of the tent. There are many people, so it’s better to keep the tables attached to each other. I arranged the chairs and put the lanterns on the table to complete the installation. An open terrace on the sea. Stylish, isn’t it?　Though it’s too dark to see.

Let’s have dinner and go to bed. Tomorrow I’m planning to take a bath after a long time, and I’m looking forward to it.