Weekly chapters (2/2)
Enjoy the chapter~
Translator: Raizu
Editor: Shirayuki
Chapter 20 – Be fooled by the light of the port
The morning marked one week since the escort mission began.
Drops of water hit my cheeks. The weather was unfortunate, but the huge city in front of us was covered in rain, creating a somewhat magical atmosphere.
The port town that stretched out before my eyes had been expanded and rezoned many times, divided into many areas.
What you can enter through the outer wall in the foreground, which is gradually approaching, is an area called The Second Commercial District.
It is primarily an area for merchants who trade with cities to the west. Of course, there are plenty of inns and entertainment districts to welcome travelers from the west.
However, not all travelers from the west stay in the commercial district. Before you go inside the outer wall, there is a group of houses called the new town, and there are also cheap inns.
New town is a general term for areas where residents have begun to settle outside the walls, which were not originally part of the city plan. This is a phenomenon caused simply by the inability to accommodate the population, and it is not chaotic enough to be considered a slum.
Once you get to this point, the danger from monsters is low, and many people probably feel comfortable going outside.
In fact, the outer wall of Cures Port, which was an important base for the Cures’ Royal family from the time when it was a noble in the ancient Empire, seems to have been intended for use against humans rather than against monsters. Fearing that it would be taken over by foreign enemies, it was frequently renovated and expanded, making it unnecessarily complex.
Sometimes, defense equipment is discovered that even the Royal family is unaware of.
Well, we, the members of the Emond family escort team, cannot afford to disband in the new town. In order to deliver the VIP Aawinda-sama to the Emond family’s base in the commercial district, we lined up in a long line and proceeded inside the outer wall.
I was wondering how long it would take, but I don’t know if it’s because they only do simple tests or because the staff are used to it, but my turn came surprisingly quickly. Even so, the long lines are proof that there are a lot of people coming and going.
After completing the screening without any particular problems, the group formed a formation and proceeded along the main street, heading towards a huge trading post built on a prime location in the commercial district. Needless to say, this is the building of the Emond Company’s Cures Port branch.
Even though they are called branches, the chambers of commerce in each region are semi-independent in terms of management, so the meaning may be different from what we would call a “branch” on Earth. I wonder if it’s like a trading company in Cures Port run by the Emond family.
As soon as the carriage was pulled up to the entrance, servants appeared from inside, receiving the luggage and carrying it in. After leaving the horses to the servant who is in charge of it, I stood at the entrance of the carriage and kept an eye on them. Since it was in front of a large Company, I had to make a serious appeal.
Soon after, an elegant man wearing what looked like a tight suit came out and welcomed Aawinda-sama. He must be something like a butler.
We followed Miss Aawinda into the trading hall. The entrance was decorated with a bright red carpet. A receptionist wearing a loose-fitting dress stood smilingly at the counter in the back, and when she noticed my gaze, she gave me a quick glance.
Hmm, it feels like a picture-perfect luxury trading hall. Obviously I’m kinda out of my league here.
[You must be tired from your long journey, but Ted-sama will be waiting for you in the guest room on the second floor.]
[Well, thank you. Anyway, my legs are tired.]
[I’ll bring you a footbath later.]
[I would appreciate it. Am I the only one being called?]
[No, the bodyguards will come with you… We also want to pay the person hired this time.]
[I see. I’m not busy, but I understand. I’ll be heading over right away. Would you all mind if you come with me?]
Aawinda asked while looking back at the group of mercenaries behind her.
There was no reason for us to refuse, but I guess she was showing some consideration.
[Thank you.]
[I have no objection.]
Elliot and I answered and went through the employee passage to the guest room.
[Oh, Aawinda. It’s been a while.]
[Uncle, it’s been a long time.]
Aawinda hugged the chairman, Ted Emond, the old man who was waiting in the guest room. In this world, it is common for relatives to give a strong hug as a sign of affection.
Outside of your immediate family, doing that with even your close friend can be considered as rude. The culture is somewhere between Japan, Europe and America.
[It’s been five years? It looks like you’ve grown a lot more than I saw you last time.]
[Yes, of course. I have already completed the blessing ceremony.]
[Ah, I see, I see…..]
Although they have an amicable exchange, Ted and Aawinda seem to be distant relatives and do not seem to have a very deep relationship.
He’s like an old relative I’ve seen several times when I was young, and though he’s not easy to get along with, I have to hang out with him. Even though he met Aawinda before she became an adult five years ago, he may have almost no memories of her…
[Well, I’ve heard about the situation from young Dortuk. Until you go to school, you can live here comfortably and think of it as your home.]
[Yes, uncle. Thank you.]
[Don’t mention it, a brilliant talent from our family has appeared who is attending an advanced school. It’s an up-front investment.]
[Indeed.]
Perhaps it is because Aawinda is also the daughter of a merchant company that she is able to have friendly conversations with distant relatives that she has never met.
I was just absentmindedly thinking about this, and before I knew it, the topic had shifted to me, and I started to panic.
[…Yoyo-kun?]
[Ah, yes, sorry, what is it?]
Elliot poked me in the side and as I was panicking, I saw Aawinda burst into laughter.
[Ted-sama is addressing you, so you can’t be rude.]
Oops. I made a blunder in front of the chairman of the great company. Failure, failure.
[Pardon me.]
[Hahaha, you must be tired after a long journey, so don’t worry about it.]
[Yessir…]
Ted acted like a nice old man and helped lighten the mood. However, this kind of successful person is difficult because they could judge others while laughing amicably.
Even with my limited life experience, I have experienced situations like that.
Well, there’s no point in being depressed.
[I called you all to confirm the end of the escort contract. For that, we need to decide on the reward quickly.]
[Uncle, why are you in a hurry? Would it be difficult to pay at a later date?]
Aawinda interjected, seeming to be concerned about our tiredness.
[Hmm, if you’re dealing with a merchant, that’s one thing. But with mercenaries, it’s the Emond family’s way of calculating in front of the person in question to make sure there’s nothing wrong with it, and then paying them in cash.]
[Here I thought there is something else more urgent.]
[No, no, of course not. But, I understand why you ask. So then, shall we do the math now?]
[ [ Yessir ] ]
Elliot and the others replied in concert.
[Hmm, first of all, let’s start with the daily wage…]
Ted glanced at the servant standing behind him, and a piece of paper with a number on it was handed out.
There is enough food for everyone, even for the slaves.
[Yoyo-dono will receive 3 silver coins per day. The total will be 21 coins.]
The servant placed the silver coins on the desk as explained, probably having been prepared in advance.
[Let’s add 4 silver coins to this as a success allowance. This makes 25 silver coins.]
Ohh! One silver coin should equate to around 10,000 yen, so this is about the same amount as 250,000 yen. As the jingling silver coins piled up, I started to feel happy. And this is what’s on the paper.
[About hazard pay, I have received advance notice of the incident on the way. I would like you to confirm that there is no discrepancy.]
While saying that, he signaled to the servant to confirm the events along the way in chronological order.
The thieves who passed by were ignored, but the intermittent monster attacks in the first half and the achievement of defeating the rock dog. Nighttime battles with Harpuadon, Fangs, and groups of goblins, and solo efforts against goblins.
As I listened to the song-like reading, thinking that something like that had happened, I was embarrassed to hear that it sounded like I was doing some heroic work, even though there was lip service to it.
[…I’m sure the monster attack was planned, but the rock dog incident and attacks from multiple monster groups at the same time are highly dangerous. Therefore, we will provide a danger allowance as well.]
[Thank you.]
[I’ve heard that the Emond family’s private army might have suffered more damage, especially in the night raids, if it wasn’t for Yoyo-dono’s efforts. Let’s add some more tips.]
[Yessir.]
Ted… no, Ted-sama waved his hand, and a servant brought a heavy-looking cloth bag.
Ted-sama accepted it without hesitation and placed it on his desk.
[You can check, but it’s only 25 silver coins.]
[25…]
In other words, 250,000 yen.
[Which makes a total of 50 silver coins. Do you have any objections?]
[N, no, there isn’t.]
I don’t know the market price, and maybe I could have negotiated, but I didn’t feel like it.
Maybe I was completely taken in by Ted-sama’s performance. Even so, it is double the original base salary + success allowance. That should be enough.
[Alright. Now, let’s move on to Elliott-dono’s earnings…]
After that, I stared at the silver coins while listening to Elliot’s reward in a daze.
[….that makes it a total of 2 gold coins.]
[It’s too much to ask, but I would appreciate your kind words, Ted-sama.]
Are those gold coins?
There is a difference based on our skills as mercenaries, our credibility, and the number of people we sent out, so I guess it’s reasonable.
The fact that gold coins come out with just one escort means that Emond Company is rich.
[Yoyo-dono, what should we do with the silver coins? If you want to make them into half-gold coins, we can certainly provide.]
[Ah, then please do.]
When I was approached and immediately agreed, the silver coins on the desk were cleared away and I was given a distorted coin that physically looked like half a gold coin.
[…This is a half-gold coin.]
[First time seeing one? Well, it’s certainly rarely seen unless you’re a merchant.]
[This one piece is worth 50 silver coins, right?]
I asked again just in case.
[Well, it’s a coin that has been recognized by the country, so don’t worry.]
[Yessir.]
[There are some places overseas that don’t accept it, so if you’re in trouble, you can bring it to Emond Company and exchange it.]
[Understood.]
I wonder if Emond Company exists in other countries? I didn’t know how far they had expanded their influence.
[Thank you for your help this time. Don’t be fooled by the light of the port, tonight you should make sure to heal your fatigue.]
Ted-sama said this in a calm tone that seemed to have both kindness and humor, and then winked lightly. I didn’t really get it, but he seemed like a mischievous old man.
I didn’t know it at the time, but apparently the phrase “fooled by the lights of the port” refers to someone who is so captivated by the alluring nightlife of the port of Cures, which is a major tourist city, that they spend too much money.
After hearing Elliot giving what sounded like the usual reply, we thanked Ted and left our seat. Callwing entered the room to take our place. He will probably report on this from now on. After giving a quick bow, we passed each other without saying anything. Now it’s time to say goodbye to Callwing. Well, it’s not a particularly tearful goodbye.
[What are you guys going to do now?]
When I went outside and was thinking about what to do, Elliot asked me.
[That’s right. I don’t mind doing some monster hunting around here, and I’m also interested in the sacred ground for monster hunting.]
[Aren’t you going to return to Slurge?]
[That’s what I previously thought, but now that I’ve come this far, I’ve reconsidered and decided to take a look around here.]
[I see…as for me I’m going to visit some acquaintances and probably head towards the Royal Capital.]
If I ask him if I can tag along, will he bring me?
I thought about that, but I think it would be a problem if I relied too much.
It’s a different story if we’re planning on forming a permanent party. I don’t think so, and Elliot probably isn’t thinking about it either. I guess we should get some experience in a new place on our own.
[I see, then it’ll be a goodbye for now.]
[I guess so. I mean, thank you for all your help.]
[No, no, I’m pretty sure you were the one who took care of me. You introduced me to the Emond Company, which was really helpful. I was the only one with lower ability, so I must’ve caused you a lot of trouble.]
[Well, it’s just the way it is. As for your ability…it can’t be helped since your level is low, but I think you did a better job than I expected.]
[Really? I hope so.]
[Well, it’ll be too sudden to bid our goodbye right now. How about dinner tonight?]
[Oh, I don’t know about the restaurant around here yet, so that’ll be helpful. Where shall we meet up?]
[Of course. Shall we meet up at the place then? There’s one called Meat Owl House on the main street. Let’s meet up there by sunset. It’s a famous establishment, so I’m sure someone would know if you ask.]
[Alright. That should be around here, right?]
[It’s a bit of a walk from here, but it’s not far.]
[Got it.]
[See you tonight then.]
[Yeah. Later.]
Once I saw Elliot and the others heading to his relative’s house, I also started moving.
Of course, this is not the time to be fooled by the lights of the port. Let’s get a place to stay for now. as soon as possible.
================
[It’s a beautiful room.]
There was a tout on the main street, so I took advantage of it and headed to an inn.
It was a small inn with about 5 rooms in total, but the rooms were simple but clean. The bed was a double bed, and although the springs were not working, it felt fluffy, probably made of feathers, and was covered with pure white sheets, giving it a clean feel. When I took a deep breath, I could smell the faint scent of the sun.
The person who had the idea to find accommodation first was none other than me. That’s because I was left alone the entire time when I was on escort duty. That’s it. You could say it’s on the verge of an outburst. Let’s do it right away.
[Master, umm…]
[What? What’s wrong?]
I grabbed Sasha and tried to push her down onto the bed, but there was some resistance, probably because I was putting too much effort into it today.
[It has already started…]
[Hnn?]
[Since yesterday.]
Hnn?
What started?
Isn’t it obvious? It’s those days of the month.
[…Then it can’t be helped. But, is it impossible?]
[I’m sorry.]
Sigh, bad timing. Well, it’s not Sasha’s fault. However, if I don’t release this libido, I feel like I’ll be fooled by the light of the port.
[In that case, can you use your mouth?]
[Yes, I can.]
If I say something like this to another girl, I’ll most likely make her cringe, or if I don’t do it right, it’ll probably make her lose her affection for me. Perhaps she had expected it, Sasha didn’t seem surprised and began to prepare.
After all, it was impossible for me to have a normal relationship with a man and a woman. I’m glad that I was transferred to another world with slaves.
My little me, which had become sensitive after doing something for the first time in a while, was exhaling heat in less than 10 minutes.
[…Oh no, I might have ejaculated prematurely again.]
Even though I had been receiving treatment, it was back to square one.
[It’s alright. It definitely lasted longer than at first, Master.]
[Really?]
Right. I did say that I lasted for about 10 minutes.
It looks like I can still play it, but I guess I’ll save it for something to look forward to in the evening and make plans for the future. For now, it’s a completely blank slate.
What did I plan on doing again?
If I remember correctly, I had been thinking about practicing magic for a while. Or rather, research about magic and learn how to use the magician position effectively.
Also, there’s the sacred ground for monster hunting. If I don’t find a suitable target around the port town, I can try aiming for the sacred ground. First of all, I have to find out what kind of place it is and what I can do.
What about updating the equipment? With the income from this time, there is a leeway to get some more equipment.
My priority was to have a spare sword, because I don’t know when my old sword will reach its limit. Also replenishing Sasha’s arrows and maintaining the magic gun being maybe?
Well, before that, I’d like to check my status while I’m relaxing. Sasha came back after rinsing her mouth, and I pulled her into bed and hugged her tightly. Let’s pat her butt too while I’m at it.
================
Sasha (Human)
Job Archer (６↑)
MP ４／４（↑）
・Parameter
Attack G – （↑）
Defense N
Agility G
Endurance G
Magic N
Magic Res N
・Skill
Slightly strong shooting
・Additional Info
Yoyo’s slave
===========
Although it is only 1 level, the level of『Archer』has increased, and the parameter of “attack” has been promoted to G-. I think it would be good to level up even more, but apparently it can take years to reach level 10. Even with this, leveling up is probably faster.
[Umm, do you still want to do it?]
Sasha, who was suddenly hugged by me, was blinking in confusion, but I’d ignore her for now.
[Sasha, your level has improved, congratulations.]
[Y, yes. ….thank you, I guess?]
It doesn’t seem to be hitting the right spot, but that’s okay. From here on out, it’ll be just the two of us traveling together. Sasha’s role will continue to grow. I want her to improve her level rapidly.
=============
Yoyo (Human)
Job ☆Interferer（１４↑）Swordsman（６）Magic Gunner（８↑）
MP ２３／２３（↑）
・Parameter
Attack F
Defense G+
Agility F+
Endurance G+
Magic F
Magic Res G+
・Skill
Status Viewing II, Status Manipulation, Add Job II, Display Status, Hide Status
Slightly Strong Slash
Slightly Strong Magic Attack
・Additional Info
Slave: Sasha
=============
For me, there is no change in parameter
According to the stories, skills are often added around level 10, but is it about time for『Magic Gunner』?
Along with practicing『Mage』, I would like to improve my 『Magic Gunner』level as well. Perhaps because of my talent, I get the impression that I’m more likely to grow in that direction rather than as a『Swordsman』. Even though I had spent longer time in battle as『Swordsman』.
As a rearguard, playing as 『Mage』+『Magic Gunner』would be the most appropriate afterall.
It’s just that, since Sasha is an『Archer』, there will be nobody acting as the vanguard.
But, wait.
Even on Earth, a giant bear could be called a monster, but when the hunting club went hunting, were there people in armor and heavy equipment blocking the bear’s attacks? There’s no such thing.
Hunters, usually equipped with guns and made up of rear guard personnel, would have taken them down by setting traps or one-sidedly attacking from a distance.
In other words, having only a rearguard is a rather common configuration in hunting.
If you want to hunt with less risk, it’s definitely better to attack from a distance.
It would be a big deal if someone came close to me, but as a hunter I must use my wits to prevent that from happening.
[I guess it’s all up to our own ingenuity. What do you think, Sasha?]
[…..I don’t know what Master is talking about.]
[I’m debating whether I should develop my『Swordsman』skills and fight as a magic warrior, or become a man who focuses on magic guns and magic to annihilate people from a distance.]
[Yes.]
[If both of us are rearguard, wouldn’t it be scary if the enemy manages to approach us?]
When asked that question, Sasha tilted her head and thought a little.
[Well, May I ask?]
[What?]
[Aren’t you going to form a party, Master? Or maybe increase the number of slaves?]
[We’ll form a party if necessary, but basically I’d like to be able to do it all by ourselves. We can have slaves if we have enough money.]
[A combat slave who is also an excellent vanguard might be a bit too pricey… so it might be difficult.]
[That’s right. So, basically, it would be nice if the two of us could hunt monsters reasonably well. Like when we were hunting goblins.]
[I see.]
[So, what do you think?]
[If that’s the case, then it means that the number of people is usually small in the first place, right?]
[Yeah.]
[Either way, even if Master is in charge of the vanguard., it would be a bad move to hit the enemy head-on.]
[Yep.]
[In that case, I think it would be safe to focus on firepower and focus on the rear guard, and move around to avoid being hit head-on.]
[True.]
Is it better to specialize and reduce risks rather than trying to be an all-rounder? If that’s the case, I’d still like to be able to use『Mage』. No, in the first place, magic isn’t necessarily for the rear guard. Am I getting a little too caught up in game-like values?
It may be useful even as the vanguard, and its range may be unexpectedly short.
[…I guess I should look into magic after all.]
That’s the conclusion I came up with.
Nega Translations 