Read Novel Full Vol 23 Chapter 11
Vol 23 Chapter 11
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Chapter 11 – Ah, The Reward……
After returning from the cave hot spring to the beastmen’s village, I reported the events to William-san and Camille-san, which sparked various discussions. I’m not sure if it can be called “normal,” but apparently, hot springs that are not mixed with seawater are rare in the Aquamarine Kingdom. Given the circumstances, I felt that I was venturing beyond the scope of charity work, so I decided to consult the God of Commerce-sama beforehand.
“So, regarding the scope of the charity work, I’m currently struggling with where the line is drawn between what is and isn’t considered charity.”
“Hmm, I know you plan to build a town for the beastmen, as well as reservoirs, canals, fields, and villages in the surrounding area. In other words, you are considering taking on more, and you want to know if it falls within the scope of charity work?”
He already knew that much? If so, then he must have found out about the hot springs right away. I’m glad I came to consult with him in advance.
“Yes, while we were destroying a goblin settlement, we discovered an unknown cave. There are many mushrooms and hot springs there. I am thinking of developing them into a local attraction.”
“I see. Do you think that project deviates from the scope of charity work?”
“It’s a delicate matter. While it’s not entirely outside the scope of our activities since it’s something we’re doing to maintain the beastmen’s town, it’s also a business that could generate a decent amount of revenue as a tourist attraction. That’s why I came to consult with you; I’m not sure if it can be considered a charitable activity.”
It’s difficult to consider creating a tourist attraction as charitable work.
“I see. That’s a difficult question. Under normal circumstances, it would be considered commercial, but since it’s for the beastmen’s future livelihood, it could be considered charitable.”
Even the God of Commerce-sama finds it a delicate matter.
It was the right decision to come and consult with him. Had I gone ahead and built the hot spring resort without consulting him, the scales would likely have tipped in favor of rejection.
When it comes to matters outside my own judgment, I tend to be more objective and strict with my criteria.
I’d like to believe the gods make decisions based on strict standards, but the Creator God-sama is different. Since these gods were created by the Creator God-sama, I find it difficult to trust them completely.
However, I’ll trust the three goddesses and the other goddesses completely without hesitation.
“Yes, but the number of beastmen seeking refuge in the beastmen’s village continues to increase. If their lives cannot be protected, then our actions up until now will not be considered charity but a strategy to torment the beastmen.”
It’s like spending money to gather beastmen in a flashy manner, only for them to suffer terribly. If that happens, I might be recognized in the future as the beastmen’s natural enemy or the leader of beastman discrimination. There have been isolationist policies on Earth, and it would be painful to be remembered as the person who implemented them.
“So, you want a guarantee that the development around the hot springs is charitable and not economic?”
“Yes, I’m very anxious about how far I can go.”
I don’t want to be left hanging. It’s bad enough that kittens can’t climb down from high places. It’s not that I feel sorry for kittens who can’t climb down; it’s just that watching them get rescued is heartwarming.
A kind person comes to help, but the tense standoff with a frightened, wary kitten makes it feel like you can hardly breathe. It’s a real nail-biter.
“Hmm… It has certainly grown quite large. Very well, I will recognize the hot spring development as a charitable activity. However, this is only until the foundation is established. Eventually, the beastmen must become independent and be able to conduct commercial activities on their own.”
He made a relatively reasonable decision without making any unreasonable demands. If the person I had consulted had been the Creator God-sama, he definitely would have imposed impossible demands. However, the God of Commerce-sama seems to be a fairly reasonable god.
Just because the parents are reckless doesn’t mean the children have to be too.
“Thank you, God of Commerce-sama. I will do my best to help the Beastmen become independent and live on their own.”
I don’t want to be in a position of responsibility forever, so I want to make them independent as soon as possible.
Now, I can leave the Aquamarine Kingdom without any worries.
“Umu. Now, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Huh? Oh, yes, please tell me.”
I thought we were done talking. But now, the God of Commerce-sama has a favor to ask? I have a bad feeling about this.
“The southern continent where Wataru obtained pepper has been ravaged by war, and the situation has become dire.”
Come to think of it, when I was trading peppers there, there was an uneasy atmosphere surrounding the succession dispute within the royal family.
I was thinking of avoiding the southern continent for a while, but the dispute has escalated into turmoil, engulfing not only the country but the entire continent.
No way…
“God of Commerce-sama, even if it’s charity, isn’t it impossible to do anything about a war? Besides, aren’t gods supposed to stay out of the affairs of mortals?”
As if that weren’t enough, additional charity funds have already been allocated to the beastman town. I can’t take on a continental conflict on top of that.
I thought he’d easily approve of the hot springs, but this is what it was all about. I’m done with anything related to war. Even if the hot springs are ruined, I’ll definitely refuse.
“Don’t worry. The war has already been settled. Besides, I’m not involved. It’s just a request, and the decision is yours.”
Oh, the war is over? When he said it was a conflict involving the entire continent, I thought it would last years, decades, or even centuries, like Japan’s Warring States period.
Even though he says it’s up to me, I think a request from a god is the same as an order.
This is probably just a loophole, right? Like when the Creator God-sama summoned me with a loudspeaker, like an election campaign car.
I was impressed that the God of Commerce-sama was so reasonable, but I was mistaken. The children of frogs are frogs. The God of Commerce-sama, who was created by the Creator God-sama, is also just a descendant of the Creator God-sama.
The only reasonable gods are the goddesses. They’re all kind, and impossible requests from beautiful women are like rewards. Besides, if you work hard, they will thank you properly.
“Does the end of the war mean you want me to help with the reconstruction?”
That’s better than participating in the war. Still, before coming here, I saw several ports attacked by Count Tontrade from a distance.
That alone made me uncomfortable, and I can’t help but think that rebuilding after a real war is impossible.
“But it was a war started by people, so cleaning up after it is also the duty of people. Well, it’s not entirely unrelated to reconstruction.”
Huh? Is the request not about reconstruction itself?
“Then what is it?”
“The southern continent is in ruins, and supplies are severely lacking. It’s their own fault, but once the trade network is destroyed, it takes an enormous amount of time and effort to rebuild it.”
…I see. I’m starting to get it.
It’s the humans’ own fault, but since the commerce he oversees has been ruined, he’s asking for my help.
Perhaps if the commerce network is destroyed, the God of Commerce-sama will have more work to do.
“In other words, to make up for the shortage of supplies. Simply put, trade?”
“Umu. As long as there’s business to be done, merchants won’t collapse.”
It seems my guess was correct.
Honestly, I don’t think it’s that much trouble. If I can fulfill a god’s request just by trading, it’s a bargain.
I’ll ask Camille-san to gather the supplies… Though maybe I’m putting too much work on her.
I’ll need the merchants’ help to gather and distribute the supplies.
I’ll ask Camille-san to focus on the Castle and ask Donatella-san or Mauro-san for help.
I’d rather have a beautiful woman with me than an old man, so I’ll ask Donatella-san first.
“If that’s the case, I’ll accept. However, I have something I need to do here, so I won’t be able to arrive at the southern continent for a few months. Will that be okay?”
I have to send Camilla-san to the Castle, and during that time, I’ll need to make arrangements in Southern City and Cagliari.
If I’m going to the Southern Continent, I’d like to stop by Dark Elf Island first.
“That’s fine. The winner has been decided, and reconstruction has begun. It will take time for the merchants to settle down and start doing business.”
It’s only natural for the God of Commerce-sama, but business really is his top priority.
From the gods’ perspective, the humans started the war so the gods don’t feel obligated to take care of them. It’s harsh, but I understand.
However, there are people suffering, and I have the means to help them. I’m not willing to sacrifice myself, but I’ll do what I can…
I’ll consult with Camille-san. Felicia, I’m sorry, but I’ll postpone visiting Dark Elf Island for now.
“…I understand. I’ll transport the supplies to the southern continent.”
“That’s a great help.”
With those simple words from the God of Commerce-sama, my connection with him was severed.
Huh? We hadn’t negotiated a reward for my help.
Did he end the conversation abruptly because he didn’t like that idea?
Well, it’s not easy to think of a wish to ask the God of Commerce-sama, so I’ll think about it carefully during the voyage and make a request when I report back.
As I exited the church, I noticed a Saporabi watching me.
“Puu.”
The Saporabi beckoned me to come over. I guess I’ll go for now. As I approached, the Saporabi saw me and began walking ahead, leading the way.
“…Are you taking me to Ines and Felicia?”
“Puuh.”
The Saporabi nodded.
So, by liberating their consciousness, they can provide such services spontaneously? This is convenient.
“Thank you.”
We arrived where Felicia and the others were, and I thanked the Saporabi for showing me the way before we parted ways.
Felicia seemed to be playing with Rimu and Pent in the kids’ area. Since Saporabi was mixed in with the group and Felicia was smiling, I couldn’t tell who was playing with whom… Anyway, how’s Ines doing?
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