Read Novel Full Vol 22 Chapter 3
Vol 22 Chapter 3
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Chapter 3 – Hot and Relaxing
Marina-san won the stamp design contest, and her design was safely passed on to the craftsmen. After that, I had some free time, so we went to inspect the Beastmen City. I was surprised by the large-scale construction going on simultaneously, as well as the size of the construction sites, and I was also horrified by the large number of Beastmen who were training to become the next generation of muscular Beastmen.
“Camille-san, can I talk to you?”
The day after the inspection of the Beastmen City, I called out to Camille-san when I saw a spare moment.
“Yes, that’s fine. Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Yes. Now that things have calmed down a bit here, I’m thinking of going to the Mermaid Kingdom, since we’re close by. Would you like to come too, Camille-san?”
“…..Could you tell me more about it?”
Camille-san asked, holding her head and squeezing out the question.
I’m not a slow-witted protagonist, so I know. This is a pattern where I’ve done something wrong.
I explain my relationship with the mermaid while Camille-san asks me questions.
As I do so, Camille-san’s expression gradually turns pale. I feel very sorry.
“Um, there seems to be a problem, but the Aquamarine Kingdom also has an inn for mermaids, and mermaids visit from time to time, so it’s not that unusual.”
I think she’s surprised because mermaids are rare in Southern City and the city of Cagliari, but unlike in Japan, there’s no legend that says if you eat a mermaid, you’ll become immortal, and their existence is well known, so I don’t think there’s anything for Camille-san to worry about… Right?
“Wataru-san, I know that mermaids appear in the Aquamarine Kingdom. I also know that the frequency of their appearances has decreased considerably, and that a visit to the Mermaid Kingdom is treated like a fairytale from long ago.”
Oh, that reminds me, Her Majesty the Queen said something about how it’s been a long time since she’s had a human visitor.
I see, it’s a fairytale.
Yes, I can understand a little bit why Camille-san is so worried.
If you think about it in Japan, you might be invited to visit the Dragon Palace just because you’re in the neighborhood, and it’s not a joke or anything; it’s actually true.
If someone said that to me, I’d probably scratch my head, too.
“I understand. Well… what should we do?”
Luckily, there are only people I know here, so we can pretend it never happened.
“Can I go in the first place?”
“Of course, that’s fine. I can take you to the Mermaid Kingdom on my ship, and although you won’t be able to get the sacred treasure that allows you to turn into a mermaid, Camille-san will surely be able to borrow it.”
My trust is definitely that high. After all, Sea God-sama is vouching for me. There’s no way they’re going to get mad just because I took a companion.
It’s not that I can’t get it, but I’d have to ask the Sea God-sama, so it’s not something I can take lightly.
“Is it possible to trade with the Mermaid Kingdom?”
Even though she said it was a fairytale, she’s making a real business connection. As expected from a merchant.
“I don’t know about that. I don’t even know what their specialty is or what kind of business they do.”
As expected, I’m just a fake merchant. I didn’t even realize there was a business opportunity right in front of me.
“I understand. I’ll definitely go. But please wait a few days. In the meantime… ah, I’ll need time to meet with the higher-ups in the Aquamarine Kingdom. After visiting the Mermaid Kingdom, will you be able to take some time in the Aquamarine Kingdom, Wataru-san?”
I thought that most of the work was done, but it seems that Camille-san still has some work to do. Come to think of it, I’ve only set up the trading company.
It’s been quite a while since I left Alessia-san and the others, so I feel a little lonely… but I’m sure it will be easier for me later if Camille-san does well in this country.
Alessia-san and the others will also be able to spend time with their families, so I’m sure they won’t complain if I come back a little late.
“I understand. We’ll spend some time in the Aquamarine Kingdom on our way back.”
“Thank you. Then shall we go over the schedule in as much detail as possible? It would make things easier for me if we could arrange a meeting with the person in charge of the country as soon as we return.”
Although Camille-san should be smiling, the look in her eyes was definitely not a smile.
＊＊＊
After three days of detailed discussions, we set sail for the Mermaid Kingdom.
By the way, during those three days, Camille-san worked tirelessly to give instructions, and even though it was only temporary, she made sure that the Toyomi Trading Company was up and running smoothly.
All that’s left is to return to the Aquamarine Kingdom and meet with the important people there. I think we’ll probably be able to work out something about the regular shipping routes.
As soon as we set sail, I summoned the White Dolphin. Normally, it would be quicker to change ships near the Mermaid Kingdom, but since this is Camille-san’s first underwater trip, I want her to enjoy this beautiful time as much as possible.
If we go too deep, it’ll be pitch black in no time.
“It’s a strange ship, but it’s a ship that sinks into the sea, so it’s natural that it has an unusual shape. Hahaha…”
Camille-san, who had seen the White Dolphin, let out a dry laugh. She was looking far away when I told her that the ship would move underwater, so I guess it can’t be helped. But please stop using the word “sinking” because it’s unsettling.
We boarded the White Dolphin, and then I repatriated the Lutto.
Originally, I had planned to take her to the sub-pilothouse after she relaxed in the living room and then let her enjoy the underwater walk through the front skelton, but I’m going to take her to the sub-pilothouse from the beginning.
That way, the sea in this world is so beautiful that it should help restore her exhausted spirit a little.
“This is glass… it can’t possibly withstand the water pressure. Wataru-san’s ship is full of wonders. But… it’s beautiful.”
After making a practical assessment, Camille-san smiles peacefully as she looks at the sparkling underwater world. Judging by her expression, I think she will enjoy it.
I show Camille-san to the best spot and leave Felicia to help her. I’m sure Felicia will be able to read Camille-san’s feelings and take care of her.
I wonder if Marina-san and the others have also been considerate, but they seem to be settling down in the living room, so I head for the cockpit with Ines, Rimu, and Pent.
Pent doesn’t mind swimming in the sea as much as he wants, but he seems happy to be on the ship, and apart from the occasional swim in the sea, he insists on staying with us.
I’m really sorry that he feels lonely.
＊＊＊
Camille’s POV
It’s beautiful.
It’s an unknown place that even I, who worked in a port city, rarely got to see.
To be able to sit back in a chair and see it without any effort… After seeing the Castle, I decided to bet everything on Wataru-san.
Life at the Castle was full of excitement, and I thought I had won the bet.
But I’m beginning to think that was a rash decision.
Not only were the regular shipping routes no problem, but the scope of our business was expanding, and I was able to travel to unknown places. I was very happy about that.
But building a city? I don’t see the point. It should at least be a village. No, he was building a village that would be the foundation of a city. It wasn’t on the scale of a village, though…
I’m a Beastman, too. I grew up in a place where there wasn’t much discrimination, so I don’t really understand it, but I’m still very grateful to Wataru-san for helping the Beastmen so much.
But please think about the arrangements.
There are so many Beastmen gathered that it’s impossible to absorb them all. What’s more, the land he deliberately chose is poor, with little water.
No, I heard that he did it on purpose. I can understand the reason. But then he should gather people on a scale to match that. Almost unlimited…
Well, I have a rough idea of what it’s going to be like.
I don’t know about the future, but with Wataru-san’s money, the profits from the luxury liner, and the agriculture that can be done by laying out a network of waterways, if there’s some kind of specialty or work to be gained, there’s a possibility that it could become an independent region.
And yet, even after being relieved of that, there is the Mermaid Kingdom. I don’t understand.
No, I’m a merchant, too, so I’m all for developing distribution channels, but… isn’t there an easier place?
It’s already out of my hands. I should have brought Mauro and Donatella. When I get back to the Castle, I’ll definitely assign them tasks.
Oh, the ship has begun to move. First of all, can you really call a ship a ship if it sinks?
But it’s beautiful. The clear water reflects the light, and it feels like you’re swimming, too.
Oh, it’s a fish. It looks pretty big… What is that?
“It is a monster. Felicia, a monster is attacking us!”
“Oh, it’s a Gluttony Shark. Don’t worry, this ship is protected by a powerful barrier, just like the Castle and the Lutto, so you can rest easy.”
Even though I was told to be calm, a huge monster attacked with its mouth wide open. It was easily repelled, and I didn’t even feel the impact on the ship.
“Camille, would you like something to drink?”
Ah, so we have time to choose a drink.
“Do you have chocolate?”
I want that wonderful drink that is sweet and fragrant and somehow relaxing.
“Yes, we always have all kinds of drinks in the kitchen. Would you like it hot?”
“Yes, please make it hot.”
“Then please wait a moment.”
Felicia stood up and left the room. Come to think of it, it doesn’t seem to be affected by the waves; even though we’re in the ocean, it hardly shakes at all. Is that because it’s Wataru-san’s ship?
Ah, the Gluttony Shark has spotted me and is coming towards me with its mouth wide open. Since I can see it, it can see me.
Normally, I would probably feel uncomfortable with the transparent glass in front of me, but if it were dangerous, there’s no way Felicia would be so calm, right?
Look, it was so easy to be repelled. Still, the inside of the Gluttony Shark’s mouth is scary, with so many sharp teeth growing inside.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
While I watched the Gluttony Shark with a slight sense of resignation, Felicia came back with a cup of hot chocolate.
“Thank you.”
I took the hot chocolate and put it in my mouth, being careful not to burn myself.
It was hot, but it was also relaxing—just kidding. It seems like worrying about this is a waste of time.
I’ve put everything in line with Wataru-san. Let’s not worry about the abnormal things and just enjoy everything.
But I don’t want to get used to an abnormal mentality myself.
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