It was a hackneyed story, according to the landlady.
Expanding from the center of Reise, the giant company, Waste, attempted to buy up everything in order to create a new industry, but the long-standing shops rejected this buy-out. In the end, Waste would resort to high-handed methods like what we had seen just now.
"So? What's this new industry?" I asked.
"A general business," said the husband as he picked at his short black hair.
"They've got restaurants, inns, popular high class shops like watch shops, as well as brothels, casinos, and even slave businesses," scowled the landlady.
She must have a solid reason to go this far in refusing the buy-out.
"They plan to turn Raindrop Inn into a brothel, casino, or a slave market......"
"And not just here. There's rumors that they plan on converting all the shops here to brothels or slave markets."
The husband bit his lip in frustration.
"Give me a break! This inn has been held afloat by students since way back when. I'll never let them turn this place into something like that," declared the landlady.
"Hm, then won't you make a contract with Sagami Co.? We'll provide the funds and technology, of course."
It'd be easier for us to move around that way.
"But you're up against the peerless Waste, you know?" he dubiously asked. Aria kept quiet, but was no doubt thinking the same thing.
"Well if you just suck your thumbs and wait for them to move, this hotel will fall into their hands and transform into a brothel and slave market," I replied.
"That's true, but......"
They're so evasive. Well, even if they are acquainted with Aria, it's still probably difficult to trust the words of a child.
No. Looking at her faint smile, it wasn't a question, but something closer to a confirmation.
"Sure thing. And---"
"Of course, we're prepared to make contracts with the other stores. If you've any recommendations, I'll provide a place to talk in a few days so introduce them then," I said.
"Sorry for making you go to these lengths."
"Thanks."
The two bowed deeply.
"No, save your thanks for when once everything's concluded and your business is going smoothly. Now then, I'll have the details written on this document. There are several plans here, so please confirm."
Yes. This is extremely convenient. I glanced at Aria, who was staring at us in a daze, and said, "Aria, you're a member of Sagami Co., right?"
"Y-yes!"
She hurriedly nodded her head.
"Then I'll leave it to you to settle the contract."
"Huh? M-me!?" she exclaimed.
I chuckled internally and said, "You've a debt to this city, right? Then, use your own power to return the favor!"
People would get back on their feet by themselves if you gave them a role, or something like that. I'd give her so much work to do she wouldn't have any time to spare thinking about her father.
"O-okay! I got it. I'll do my best!"
She clasped her hands together, burning with determination. I gave her a sidelong glance before returning to my room in order to write the documents.