Read Novel Full Vol 25 Chapter 9
Vol 25 Chapter 9
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Chapter 9 – Why Me?
Ten days after the motsunabe feast, Gothenburg’s reconstruction was progressing smoothly—perhaps too smoothly. As a result, the remaining bandits in the surrounding areas were defeated and absorbed. The number of criminal slaves in Gothenburg skyrocketed. Concerned by this development, I went to speak with the guildmaster of the adventurers’ guild. My worries seemed unfounded, however, as the guildmaster had already thought through countermeasures. This allowed me to focus on the reconstruction with peace of mind… or so I thought.
“Wataru-san, I have something I’d like to confirm with you. Is now a good time?”
After finishing my discussion with the guildmaster and returning to the port, Donatella-san was waiting for me.
AdvertisementSince arriving in Gothenburg, it’s actually pretty rare to meet her while the sun is still up.
Apart from scheduled meetings or paperwork time, she’s constantly darting around different places, so passing each other is rare.
“Is something wrong?”
Such a rare occurrence meant that something might have happened. Things had finally settled down, and I didn’t need any more trouble.
“No need for that look. I just want to confirm our direction.”
My thoughts must have shown on my face.
“Ahaha, um, so what direction?”
“As you know, our manpower has increased. Using that manpower, we can open branches not just in this country but in others as well.”
“Branches in other countries?”
Not all of the captured criminal slaves are combatants, so increasing the number of officer candidates should solve the manpower issue.
Yes, even in this victorious nation, the situation is dire. It’s certain that port towns in other countries are facing harsh conditions too. We can leverage our manpower to establish branches in major port towns across the continent.
If I were to open more branches, port towns would definitely be the best choice.
AdvertisementIf the victorious nation is in this state, then it’s plausible that other countries are struggling too. I think it’s a given.
“Um, I understand the situation, but is opening branches really necessary?”
The God of Commerce-sama’s request is to follow up on the business network in the southern continent. However, opening branches in every port feels less like following up and more like rebuilding the entire network.
“No, it’s not necessary. However, if you do, Toyoumi Trading Company could become the southern continent’s representative trading company. I thought it was worth confirming.”
A trading company representing the southern continent? Is that possible?
Even someone as clueless about business as I think it might be possible.
In this world without air routes, land and sea routes are central. Sea routes mainly rely on sailing ships that follow coastal paths, which is precisely why port towns hold such high importance.
These crucial port towns don’t easily allow outsiders in, but right now, I feel like entry is wide open, except in extremely conservative areas.
It’ll cost a fortune, but that should be manageable if we leverage the valuable monsters and treasures we’ve acquired.
In other words, it’s not just possible; it’s a viable proposal. It’s only natural, since Donatella-san wouldn’t propose something that sounds like a gamble.
“But in that case, wouldn’t we have to move our operational base to the southern continent?”
AdvertisementOnce the situation stabilizes, yes, but while we’re expanding, we can’t leave the southern continent.
“That’s correct.”
“Then, please drop that option.”
“I see. Understood.”
So Donatella-san knew this would happen and was just confirming it. Well, given my personality, that’s only natural.
But she looks a little disappointed.
She looked disappointed before when we talked about the country, too. Donatella-san isn’t exactly ambitious, but she seems like the type who wants to take on challenges and grow.
Maybe that’s just natural for a merchant, but working under me might be boring. No, that can’t be it.
For a moment, I thought she might feel pain being my ordinary subordinate. But even if I’m ordinary, my Ship Summoning ability is special.
I’m running luxury liners, establishing regular routes, and expanding beyond the Beastman town to open branches on the southern continent.
The possibilities are endless, and there’s plenty of work. If I want to create new ventures, I can generate them endlessly.
Yeah, Donatella-san probably won’t have time to feel bored or miserable.
AdvertisementSomeone with strong ambition might feel dissatisfied and use me as a stepping stone to rule the country or dominate the continent’s trade networks. Fortunately, Donatella-san doesn’t have ambitions that strong.
She finds fulfillment in big projects, though.
It’s a relief that it was just a confirmation of direction and that no real problems arose. Now, it’s just a matter of steadily continuing the reconstruction, and then it’s time to be rewarded by the goddesses.
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“Please help me!”
I used to have such carefree thoughts. Just a moment ago, I was figuring out how to entertain the goddesses while transporting monsters.
Why did it have to turn out like this?
This is the pattern where I always get dragged into trouble.
AdvertisementOn top of that, it’s the pattern where I can’t say no. Definitely.
Seeing someone press their forehead to the ground in a deep bow before me reminds me of the sad reality.
“Um… I’ll listen to your story for now, so please lift your head. Actually, let’s move somewhere else. Felicia, support the old man. First, the adventurer’s guild—no, let’s go to the hospital first.”
“Understood. I’ll cast a barrier around you just in case, Master.”
It’s painful to expose this scene to the world—a ragged old man on the verge of dying from exhaustion, bowing down to me.
If he had to bow, I wish he’d picked a different place.
I understand that the moment I stepped ashore, he bowed and started shouting. He probably didn’t have time to think about choosing a spot or his public image. But seriously, I wish he’d thought about that.
I’ve heard that forcing someone to kneel is a crime in Japan. So, being kneeled before suddenly and having my public image in jeopardy—doesn’t that make me the victim?
While I was thinking about the ethics of kneeling, Felicia helped the old man to his feet and started walking.
Only Ines and Felicia were with me. We were supposed to return to the Stronghold immediately after transporting the goods, so I felt like my escort was inadequate. However, Felicia cast a barrier, so it should be fine.
AdvertisementI wanted to inform Carla-san and the others working on the Stronghold that I couldn’t return. However, given the current situation, even Ines couldn’t leave my side.
Someone from Girasole should be at the hospital or the adventurer’s guild. I’ll explain the situation there and have them deliver a message.
Still… “Please help me.” Even if I could help, is this a problem I can solve? And if I could, how much effort would it require?
I have thoughts about my own callousness for considering effort when helping others, but this continent is full of people who need help.
I’m no saint. I can’t help everyone, and I consider the effort involved in helping others.
Is this a problem I can solve?
The fundamental question is whether I can solve the problem the old man presented.
The fact that the old man came straight for me suggests that he likely heard rumors and came looking for me.
If so, is it related to bandits or sick people?
Security around Gothenburg has improved somewhat thanks to the escort units and criminal slaves, but beyond that area, it’s probably still pretty bad.
If so, I could probably manage by providing funds and food to send out escort and criminal slave units.
Another possibility is injured or sick people. That one looks like it could get pretty tricky. Many injured and sick people have gathered in Gothenburg, so sending Claretta-san or Rimu would be difficult.
AdvertisementHowever, with transportation like the Ranger, a day trip or an overnight stay might be possible.
The real problem would be if an unknown epidemic were spreading. That might be beyond Claretta-san’s or Rimu’s capabilities.
As a last resort, perhaps it’s a matter for consulting the gods.
They aren’t allowed to interfere in the mortal world, but maybe they’ll give me a hint if I go to the divine realm.
As I speculated about the old man’s purpose, we arrived at the hospital.
I asked the receptionist for an examination upon entering. The receptionist, who recognized me, escorted me to a private room.
It was clearly a special treatment, but since it helped prevent chaos, I accepted it.
If I were to move carelessly, I would genuinely get swallowed up in a storm of gratitude, and unnecessary hesitation would actually be a nuisance to the hospital.
While I was settling into the room, I sent Ines on an errand. Since trouble was inevitable, it would be quicker to gather everyone to hear the story.
Oh, the commotion is getting closer.
The only things permitted to break the hospital’s silence are thanks to Claretta-san or Rimu, so they should arrive soon.
I’ll probably hear the story after the examination is finished.
Advertisement＊＊＊
“An ancient dragon, you say!”
[T/N: Well, I’ve already translated Ryu as “ancient dragon,” and now here comes the real ancient dragon. If you have a better translation for Ryu or this one, please let me know. Sorry for the inconvenience.]
The story the old man told me after examining me was nothing as I imagined—it was pure fantasy.
This feels incredibly out of place. No, not out of place—more like completely off-base. Why is he consulting someone like me, a coward, about this?
Claretta-san’s diagnosis was extreme fatigue, malnutrition, sleep deprivation, and various other issues stemming from aging.
Rest was deemed necessary, but the old man refused, saying he had no time. The women who had gathered joined in the discussion that began next.
Then came the utterly unexpected, fantasy-filled words about a dragon—an ancient dragon, no less—awakening.
AdvertisementIt’s no wonder I felt out of place. I mean, I’m a merchant, after all.
The details aren’t clear yet, but one thing is certain: I’ve made a mistake.
Gathering the women.
I think they’ll leave the choice of whether to get involved with the dragon up to me, but their adventurous spirits are already stirred.
“Um, when it comes to an ancient dragon, isn’t that a matter for the country to handle, not an individual?”
If I carelessly pushed the conversation forward, I might not be able to back out. So, I suggested handing it over to the country entirely.
Old man, why bring such a problem to me? It’s like bringing up a Self-Defense Forces matter at a neighborhood association meeting!
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