Read Novel Full Vol 24 Chapter 15
Vol 24 Chapter 15
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Chapter 15 – Dragon’s Tail
When I went to celebrate Mear-san’s discharge from the hospital, we decided that I would work hard and that Mear-san would join the Toyoumi Trading Company. We also made plans to recruit personnel, secure land, and clear the acquired land. Although I intend to work hard, it feels like the reconstruction will be complete just by thinking about it.
Things are falling into place at an incredible pace.
Mear-san introduced us to the guildmasters of the Commerce and Adventurers’ Guilds. After a brief meeting, the land purchase was finalized.
The paperwork had already been prepared, so all that was left was to sign. As an afterthought, Mear-san slipped in his employment plan too.
Then, through the God of Commerce-sama, we signed a contract between the magistrate, the Commerce Guild, the Adventurers’ Guild, and the Toyoumi Trading Company.
Clearing the purchased land will be handled by the Commerce Guild until the Toyoumi Trading Company is ready. That was finished with just a few more signatures.
In short, while I was hesitating and putting off decisions, all the groundwork had already been laid.
I felt like I was surrounded by a moat when it came to Mear-san. But it turns out it wasn’t just the outer moat; the inner moat was filled in, too. They even opened the castle gates. By the time I realized it, the castle was on the verge of falling.
Merchants are scary…
“So, Donatella-san, what exactly am I supposed to do now?”
“Well, regarding the asset concentration issue, we’ve made some progress. Please continue transporting lots of monsters.”
“Huh? We’ve only made some progress?”
Before I could respond that it sounded like business as usual, something else caught my attention.
Securing two plots of land had already cost me about ten platinum coins: one plot was prime real estate, and the other was a vast, somewhat inconvenient area with excellent port access.
You could call it a celebratory price, but, given the current situation, we bought it slightly below the pre-chaos market rate—a bargain compared to what it could have been.
While this feels like questionable behavior, it’s a decision made to manage capital outflow. Plus, while exploiting someone’s hardship invites resentment, building goodwill during such times carries significant weight.
The suburban land belonged to Gothenburg, so money flowing there will boost the reconstruction efforts.
The prime location was owned by a merchant belonging to the Commercial Guild. While the merchant survived the recent conflict, they lost nearly all their assets and plan to rebuild the guild by selling the land.
Considering that it would give the administration momentum and aid in the revival of a capable merchant, the price was set to include volunteer contributions.
We paid five platinum coins as a down payment, which covers the demolition costs of the existing structures on the land and the construction costs of the new buildings.
Simultaneously, we plan to begin work on the dock facilities. However, since docks require specialized knowledge, we will start with the foundation until we find experts, for which we paid one platinum coin as a down payment.
That alone amounts to sixteen platinum coins.
Sixteen platinum coins amount to sixteen billion yen. That’s an outrageous price. Ah, I see.
Yes, it’s a significant amount, but if it’s insufficient to purchase a luxury liner, how can it possibly ease the concentration of funds? This isn’t a personal issue, but rather a town-level problem.
Also, can’t this money be recorded as a charitable expense? I’ll make sure to ask the God of Commerce-sama next time I meet him. If so, it’d make things much easier.
Actually, the charitable expenses might run out. If that happens… I could easily buy a ship. I’m starting to get excited!
“Ah, Donatella-san, it’s fine. I understand. I’ll do my best with the transport.”
I cut Donatella-san off before she could answer my question and resolved the issue myself. I’ll focus on spending the money consistently.
Even if I don’t consciously think about it, Donatella-san and Mear-san seem like they’ll handle the funding appropriately.
＊＊＊
Ten days have passed since I reunited with Mear-san. During that time, I’ve continued working hard to transport monsters. I did make sure to take proper breaks on my days off, though.
Today, a new member is joining us.
Well, it’s Mear-san, but until now, it was a trial period, and as of today, it feels like she’s officially hired.
After seeing her work these past ten days, we all decided that Mear-san is trustworthy.
Although the Aquamarine Kingdom is far away, we can visit several times a year. However, the Southern Continent is unpredictable, so I decided it was necessary to have local staff who understand our situation well.
Since it’s only a ten-day trial period, though, I’ll have her sign a confidentiality agreement mediated by the God of Commerce-sama before revealing my abilities to her.
When I told her, she nodded without hesitation, signed the agreement, and I invited her aboard the Stronghold. Ines is currently out on the Japanese-style ship fetching her.
I had initially planned to meet her myself, but it’s apparently better for me to greet her on the ship.
As the chairman of Toyoumi Trading Company, I’m attempting to maintain some semblance of dignity, at least initially. The facade will certainly crumble soon enough, but for now, at least.
Oh, the Japanese-style boat has returned.
We’re heading towards the Stronghold’s entrance. Since the ship’s interior camouflage is already deactivated, Mear-san will likely be surprised once she boards.
“Wataru-sama, thank you for inviting me. This ship is unbelievably magnificent!”
Guided by Ines, Mear-san approaches me with slightly heightened excitement. Judging by Ines’s wry smile, she must have been just as excited on the way to the entrance.
However, the ship is not in its true form since it’s carrying non-degradable cargo from the Northern Continent. I plan to show her the other ships, too, but they are also carrying cargo.
It might be a while before Mear-san sees the ship in its true form.
“Welcome aboard, Mear-san. I’ll explain the situation shortly, but I look forward to working with you.”
“Yes! The pleasure is all mine!”
She seems to have noticed that the Stronghold isn’t just any ship, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem.
＊＊＊
“I see. I sensed that you weren’t an ordinary person, but I didn’t expect you to have such remarkable abilities…”
After I explained the situation, Mear-san looked at me with sparkling eyes. I felt her level of fanaticism had risen slightly, but it was probably still okay. Probably.
“That’s why I had Mear-san sign a confidentiality agreement.”
“That’s certainly necessary. If this ability were exposed, those in power wouldn’t leave you alone. Please be careful.”
“Ahaha, you’re right. Well, I’ve managed to get by safely so far, so it’s fine.”
I have a vague feeling that it’s starting to be noticed on the Northern Continent, but I still think it’s only a suspicion. So it’s fine.
That covers the basic explanation of the situation. Now, let’s discuss what comes next. Mear-san, have you prepared three days’ worth of luggage?”
Donatella-san asks Mear-san.
“Yes, just everyday necessities like a change of clothes, right?”
“Yes, well, let’s not waste time. We should move immediately.”
After a brief tour of the Stronghold, we move on to the next phase.
“Ship Summoning!”
“My, this Ship Summoning is splendid indeed.”
When I summon the Lutto at the boarding ramp, Mear-san compliments me. Everyone has gotten used to it lately, so reactions like this make me happy.
All the other members, except for Claretta-san, Rimu, and Ilma-san, board the Lutto while the three of them board the Japanese-style ship.
Since we’ll ultimately be leaving Mear-san behind on the turbulent Southern Continent, we’ve set aside about three days for power-leveling.
We’ve transported massive quantities of monsters, so three days should suffice. However, leaving the hospital unstaffed for three days was too difficult, so we’ll split up from Claretta-san and the others.
Honestly, it’s the first time I’ll be separated from Rimu for three days, so I’m uneasy.
But I’d regret it if Mear-san, our ally, got hurt because of my incompetence. Leveling up is essential. Although it has somewhat stabilized, the Southern Continent’s security is still among the worst.
Leveling up drastically increases vitality and ensures personal safety. As an added bonus, it dramatically extends your lifespan, making power leveling a must.
My lifespan should have increased considerably, too. I wonder how long I can live. I probably won’t live as long as the people mentioned in ancient texts, but a few hundred years seems plausible.
Thanks to Ship Summoning, I can safely level up. From now on, I’ll steadily level up, just enough to avoid having too much power.
I give Rimu one last pat and depart aboard the Lutto.
Claretta-san and the others will spend the next three days shuttling between the hospital and the Stronghold. Meanwhile, we’ll be out on the open sea, leveling up and showing Mear-san the ships I haven’t introduced yet.
Since our leveling time is limited, we’ll probably move across the open sea while slaughtering monsters.
＊＊＊
“Is Mear-san okay?”
“What do you mean, ‘okay’? She’s full of energy! What are you worried about?”
Oh, right. My worries haven’t reached Ines.
Three days after we started Mear-san’s leveling process, she had her first luxury liner experience aboard the Chris. She was excited by its potential, and she trusted us more.
The next day, I showed her the Chateau. After seeing a second ship, an even bigger one, she started looking at me like I was a god.
Well, that’s fine.
Mear-san seems to be in an unstable mental state, so I’ll do my best to be her emotional anchor.
Saporabi’s cuteness also seems to contribute to her mental stability. I’m amazed by the proven effects of animal therapy. Though it doesn’t heal me…
If she calms down and sees the real me, she’ll quickly stop seeing me as a god and start seeing me as a benefactor.
But why do I feel uneasy looking at Mear-san while the other members don’t? The reason lies in the weapon Mear-san uses.
Since we’re leveling her up, her attacks are necessary. I considered having her throw rocks, but, given the chaotic state of the Southern Continent, we incorporated weapon training into the curriculum.
However, Mear-san is a complete novice when it comes to combat. Daggers are highly recommended for their versatility, but since we’re on a ship, ranged attacks are essential.
A bow comes to mind, but mastering archery in three days is impossible. It would also be difficult to use in emergency situations, and using a bow for self-defense in town wouldn’t be practical—it would require master archery skills.
After much deliberation, we all concluded that she should simply try out various weapons for now.
We pulled various weapons from Girasole’s inventory and my treasure haul for her to test.
Among them, we found a weapon that perfectly suited her.
Its name? The “Dragon Tail Whip.” Simply put, it’s a whip named after a dragon’s tail.
This weapon was acquired on the western continent.
Although whips require specific techniques, this one is effective at medium range. Being made from genuine dragon materials, it packs a serious blow. It was decided that she should level up by whipping monsters.
True to its perfect fit, Mear-san took a great liking to the whip. She’d beat monsters with it, smiling and occasionally letting out a high-pitched laugh.
In this world, the practice of using whips sexually doesn’t seem widespread. Everyone just ignores Mear-san now, but anyone from Earth would understand my slightly awkward feelings.
The culture gap—being in the minority—is quietly tough, huh? Mear-san, please don’t discover any new hobbies. That’s all I ask.
Also, the whips in this world… They extend! They’re dragon-material magic weapons, but the range gets crazy long… It’s insane!
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