Read Novel Full Vol 24 Chapter 13
Vol 24 Chapter 13
TN: Please read my translations only on my website since I never give my permission to any site to host my translations. And if you like my translations, please support this site on Ko-fi and Patreon to read several chapters ahead!
Sponsored chapter by our Patreon. Enjoy~
Chapter 13 – Disadvantageous Situation
Business in Gothenburg is slowly picking up. While that’s welcome news, of course, problems arise. Setting aside the magistrate’s issues, it’s not ideal that all the assets are concentrated in my hands. So, we need to take countermeasures. Then, my strategist, Donatella-san, proposes a surprising plan. I have no desire for worldwide success.
Ultimately, Donatella-san’s proposal only delayed the inevitable.
Still, I understand that I cannot keep postponing indefinitely because it’s a fact that cash is concentrated with us.
While continuing to secure monsters and transport cargo, I’m desperately trying to think of ways to avoid the increased responsibility, but I can’t come up with anything.
“Master, safety is secured, but the roads are rough with debris. If you space out, it could be dangerous.”
Lost in thought, I receive a warning from Ines.
Right, I’m not safely inside the ship now. I’m walking through Gothenburg, a city where hope and the greed for reconstruction are intertwined.
Above all, we’re attracting attention in this town right now. Falling down in this situation would be downright embarrassing.
Currently, Gothenburg’s public safety has deteriorated somewhat.
Obviously, people gather where profits are made, but naturally, both good and bad people gather there, too.
The administration isn’t sitting idly by, though. They’re trying their best to maintain public safety. Unfortunately, however, the sheer number of people gathering has overwhelmed their capacity.
Why did I end up in such a dangerous yet vibrant town? I came because I heard from Claretta-san that Mear-san was being discharged today.
She had mentioned a while ago that it would probably be okay to visit soon, but the timing never worked out. I wasn’t able to show my face until today.
To celebrate her discharge, I’m heading to the Magistrate’s Residence, which currently functions as a hospital.
Thanks to the efforts of Claretta-san, Rimu, and the priests in Gothenburg, who are inexperienced but striving to fulfill their mission, the hospital has apparently been reborn as a place where people dream of tomorrow, despite being dominated by death and despair.
When I heard this, I thought, “A hospital dominated by death and despair?” I was initially refused permission to visit, probably because they thought I couldn’t handle the hospital environment.
I understand my own mental fragility, so I’m grateful for Claretta-san’s judgment. Come to think of it, could I observe Claretta-san and Rimu’s work, too?
It’s probably inappropriate, but I’m looking forward to arriving at the hospital.
Oh, so this is the former magistrate’s residence, now the hospital.
The magistrate must have spruced it up since he was going to live there. The repair marks are still noticeable, but it looks like a proper residence.
Come to think of it, if this became a hospital, where does the magistrate live now? I imagine he was given a room in the guild and is buried in work around the clock. I have no intention of helping him, so I hope he manages.
Passing through the open gate and crossing the courtyard, I reached the entrance hall. The front door was also wide open.
However, there were two men who looked like security guards, as well as another man who seemed to be an office worker filling out paperwork. This must be where reception is handled.
As expected of a large mansion, the entrance hall was spacious, too.
“Hello. I’m Wataru, a companion of Claretta and the others. May I see them?”
“Well, well, welcome! We are truly indebted to Claretta-sama and her companions. We of the church cannot thank you enough. It was you, Wataru-sama, who sent Claretta-sama and her companions! We are deeply grateful.”
Mentioning my name made the office staff’s energy skyrocket. From what I gather, they are thanking me for rebuilding the church after it was in such a hellish state.
I was surprised by the sudden high energy, but their gratitude was clear. It’d be helpful if they’d calm down and answer my questions.
Ah, one of the guards just ran off into the back. He’s probably going to fetch Claretta-san and the others. That’s a relief.
“Everyone’s been waiting. Mear-san’s discharge preparations are complete, so she’ll be out shortly.”
As expected, the guard brought Claretta-san and the others.
Claretta-san, Marina-san, and Ilma-san. And Rimu, trembling atop Marina-san on Fuu-chan’s head.
Rimu has grown, but he is still small compared to Fuu-chan. It looks like Marina-san is wearing a kagami mochi on her head, which almost makes me laugh. Does she move around the hospital like that? [T/N: Kagami mochi, or mirror rice cakes, are traditional Japanese New Year decorations made of two round mochi stacked with the smaller one on top of the larger one and topped with a daidai, or bitter orange.]
“I see. I’m glad we made it in time.”
It was also good to see that Claretta-san and the others are revered by the hospital staff.
I knew they were approaching because I could hear the staff’s voices. Their repeated words of thanks to them carried all the way over here.
No amount of thanks would ever be enough, which is probably why the hospital staff kept expressing their gratitude.
Claretta-san and the others gave a wry smile. Given their personalities, they must have repeatedly told the staff that thanks weren’t necessary. But the words of thanks just kept coming, hence the wry smiles.
I caught Rimu as he jumped down from Marina-san’s head. He felt soft and squishy. Then, a woman walked down the hallway from the far end.
She looked like Mear-san, so it must have been her. However, she was shockingly thin, so I couldn’t be completely sure that it was really her.
Ah, so that explains why Claretta-san insisted on nutrient-rich foods when I asked her what to bring for a get-well gift.
After enduring such a long struggle and expending her strength on treatment, her body must be completely depleted of energy. If her stomach can handle it, she definitely needs high-calorie foods for proper nutrition.
Initially, I thought flowers were the standard get-well gift, but I’m glad I consulted with Claretta-san, who informed me that there is no custom of giving bouquets for hospital discharges here.
This time, the get-well gift is an assortment of nut chocolates and functional foods to supplement her calories. They will undoubtedly help Mear-san, who is likely lacking proper nutrition. Plus, they’re delicious.
Naturally, the packaging has been removed, and everything has been transferred to an airtight container to prevent moisture.
“Congratulations on your discharge, Mear-san. It seems you went through a great deal, but I’m delighted to see you again.”
“Ah, Wataru-sama, thank you. If it weren’t for you and your people, many of us probably wouldn’t have survived. We are truly grateful.”
I went to celebrate her discharge, but instead, she thanked me from the heart. That must have been how dire the situation was.
“No, don’t worry about it. We came here for business, and we just did what we could.”
“No, that won’t do. I’ve heard you might establish a base on this continent, Wataru-sama. If that happens, please make use of me.”
“Huh?”
Mear-san’s serious words made me gasp, and I turned to look at Donatella-san.
“It’s not decided yet. After meeting with her several times to discuss matters, I’ve come to understand that she has excellent business acumen and is sincere. She would be the best person to help us strengthen our ties with the Commerce Guild. I was simply asking if she might be willing to lend her support.”
Even though it hasn’t been decided, Donatella-san is already laying the groundwork. She’s intent on filling in the outer moat, isn’t she?
I stare intently at Donatella-san.
“Hehe.”
An uncharacteristically evasive reaction from her. She’s trying to dodge the issue. Very charming, but she’s still dodging the issue.
“Now, now. Making a scene here would be a nuisance. Since your discharge preparations are complete, let’s discuss this at the Adventurers’ Guild. You’re heading there, too, right, Mear-san?”
Alessia-san suggested starting over. Come to think of it, this was the hospital reception area. It would definitely be a nuisance to hang around here.
I heard that Mear-san lost her home and will be staying at the guild for a while, so moving in together shouldn’t be a problem.
I was curious about how Claretta-san and the others were doing at the hospital. But after hearing all that gratitude, I decided I didn’t need to see for myself. It seemed like thanks would be coming our way, too, so I’d rather not intrude.
After saying goodbye to Claretta-san and the others at the hospital, we headed to the Adventurers’ Guild. I almost took Rimu with me by accident, but I made sure to leave her with Marina-san.
However, I forgot to give the get-well gift. I’ll make sure to hand it over later so I don’t forget.
＊＊＊
“Congratulations again on your discharge! Here are some treats to celebrate. I hate to brag, but they’re delicious. I hope you enjoy them.”
We borrowed a room at the Adventurers’ Guild to formally present the gift and congratulations. Normally, it would be a boring affair, but—what can I say?—this is another world, so I’ll explain plainly.
“Well, thank you, Wataru-sama.”
It’s a bit late to mention this, but I believe I was addressed as Wataru-san when we discussed business at the Commerce Guild some time ago.
Has the level of gratitude gotten so intense that even the honorific leveled up? That’s scary enough, but pointing it out feels scary too, so I’ll hold off.
Speaking of pointing things out, I saw the magistrate when I entered the Adventurers’ Guild.
His face still bore the marks of the beating he had taken, but otherwise he seemed fine—or rather, the way he worked with single-minded focus was almost terrifying.
The men who used to guard the magistrate now seem to be errand boys for the guild staff, running around the guild like personal servants.
I bet the magistrate is filled with the feeling that this wasn’t supposed to happen, leading the pack.
“So, Wataru-san, since Mear-san is also present, I’d like to explain the details about the Southern Continent Branch of the Toyoumi Trading Company. How does that sound?”
As I worried about the magistrate’s future, a shadow of turmoil fell over my own. It seems that Donatella, having caught wind of my attempt to keep Mear-san close, has decided to settle things once and for all.
I want to say that I won’t lose, but the odds are stacked against me.
If you like my translations, please support me on Ko-Fi and subscribe my Patreon to read several chapters ahead!