Chapter 97

A few days later in the afternoon.

Ichirou was visiting Istaria's high-end commercial district with Zirconia. Their attire was different from usual, simple plain civilian clothes. They wore cloaks over their shoulders and carried a sack, dressed like travelers.

Zirconia had tied her hair into a single ponytail at the back of her neck, a disguise that was only for show. She usually visited military-related facilities, so her face was well-known, but she rarely encountered ordinary citizens. A change in clothing and hairstyle would significantly alter her appearance, so even if someone had seen Zirconia once or twice, it was unlikely they would recognize her. This was possible in a world where mass media had not developed.

"This is the general store. The last time I visited, I sold a few items to the old woman here."

"...To think she runs such a legitimate-looking store while evading the law and engaging in fraudulent activities."

Last night, Ichirou had told Nelson and Zirconia about how the old woman at the general store had underpaid him for the ocarina and rose quartz. He wanted to explain that she had the means to sell rare items without causing a stir, but after hearing the explanation, Nelson said he wanted to gauge the old woman's character before making a deal.

Initially, Ichirou and Zirconia had planned to introduce themselves as representatives of the Isteer family and negotiate. However, Nelson said they needed to assess how the old woman would respond if they approached her in disguise, as they had done before. If she responded similarly to the last time, it would mean she wasn't very smart. Considering the possibility that Ichirou might have other sources of information, the old woman would need to be smart enough to disclose some information before Ichirou or offer some benefit to them; otherwise, she wouldn't be useful.

Incidentally, Ichirou had also told Nelson and the others about his previous visit to Istaria with Barretta and the others. When asked about the circumstances of their visit, he mentioned that they had also encountered Lise and the others, which surprised Zirconia. Nelson seemed to recall Eira's reaction when she met Ichirou and nodded in understanding.

"No, I'm not sure if she's a habitual fraudster yet."

"That may be so, but there's no doubt that this is a store that profits from fraud. I don't like the idea of working with someone like that..."

"That may be so, but in this situation, we should use whatever resources we can. We need to overlook minor issues."

When Ichirou said this to Zirconia, who looked troubled, she showed a puzzled expression for a moment. But then she smiled softly.

"Hmm? Is something wrong?"

"Hehe, nothing. You're right, Kazura-san. We shouldn't worry about minor details. But..."

Zirconia then placed her hand on her waist, hidden by the cloak.

"Be careful during the negotiation. Although I don't think it will happen, there's a possibility that the other party might resort to violence. Since it's a store that engages in fraud, it wouldn't be surprising if they have a few bodyguards."

Just in case, Zirconia had hidden a dagger under her cloak. If the negotiation didn't go well and things turned ugly, she would handle the bodyguards. Nelson had told her that few could match her with a weapon, but she preferred to avoid a violent situation if possible.

Zirconia was accompanying Ichirou instead of Isaac or Haber because she was far more skilled than them. Her combat experience far exceeded that of others, and she could handle unexpected situations. Additionally, a female companion would likely reduce the other party's suspicion.

"Understood. But if it comes to that, we should consider running away rather than fighting. It would be pointless to get injured over this."

"That's right. If things get out of hand, the private soldiers waiting in hiding will intervene, so I don't think we'll be in danger. As long as we're not taken hostage."

With that, Zirconia smiled softly and entered the store.

"Hello, I have something I'd like to sell."

Ichirou entered the store, walked to the back, and called out to the old woman who was sitting and keeping records, just as he had done the last time.

"Yes, welcome... Oh, you're the one who...?"

The old woman looked up and raised her eyebrows in surprise when she saw Ichirou's face.

"Yes, I'm the one who sold you some gems the other day. I have a few more items I'd like to sell..."

"Ah, I see. I'll buy anything you have, so just leave it to me. ...By the way, who is this lady?"

Zirconia, who had been looking around the store, smiled at the old woman's curious gaze.

"She's my wife. She insisted on coming with me."

"Ho, what a beautiful wife you have. You're quite the catch, aren't you?"

"Um, thank you... Now, about the gems..."

"Just a moment."

The old woman took a sign that read "Preparing" from the corner of the store and placed it at the entrance.

"That's better. Let's talk in the back room, just to be safe."

The old woman went to the back of the building, and Zirconia stopped Ichirou, who was about to follow.

"...I'll go first. Don't leave my side."

Whispering this, Zirconia followed the old woman. Ichirou followed Zirconia and entered the room.

"You can finish work for today."

In the back room, there were six girls, ranging in age from about six to their mid-teens. They were sitting on the floor, working on leather products like shoes and gloves with needles and knives. There was a long table in the room and a fireplace.

"Eh, but..."

One of the girls spoke in confusion at the old woman's words. The other girls also looked at the old woman with worried expressions.

"Hmm? ...Ah, don't worry. I'll pay you for today's work."

The old woman took a cloth bag from her pocket and handed it to the nearest girl. The girl quickly opened the bag and checked the money inside.

"It's still early in the afternoon. Why don't you go to the river and collect the round stones I told you about? You can take the basket over there."

"Yes, thank you. Everyone, let's go?"

The girls bowed to the old woman, took the basket, and left the room.

"Please take a seat on one of the chairs. Shall I make some tea?"

The old woman waited for the girls to leave and then offered Ichirou and Zirconia chairs.

"No, we have a tight schedule after this... Let's start the transaction right away."

"Ah, I see. Then let's get started."

When Zirconia quickly declined the tea, the old woman sat down without any particular concern. Ichirou and Zirconia also took their seats.

"Well, what do you have for me today?"

Ichirou took out a small cloth bag from his sack while asking.

"The same kind of gems as last time. ...By the way, what about the girls?"

"They're day laborers. Children are cheaper to pay."

As she spoke, the old woman took the small bag and examined the gems inside.

"Ho, these are also fine specimens."

The old woman nodded in satisfaction as she looked at the gems in her palm. This time, Ichirou had brought lapis lazuli, turquoise, and rose quartz, all cut into perfect circles and with deep colors, unlike the items he had sold to the old woman before.

"Alright, I'll buy them for 6,000 al each. That's 18,000 al for three."

"Six... thousand... al? Huh?"

"6,000 al. It's a rough estimate because they're so rare, but it's not a bad price."

The old woman smiled slyly at Ichirou, who was wide-eyed. Zirconia, sitting next to him, listened to their conversation without changing her expression.

"Um, the pink, translucent gem I brought last time was 2,500 al, wasn't it?"

"I'm sorry, I underpaid you last time. I'll buy these at a fair price. Of course, in the future as well."

The old woman answered without any remorse, and Ichirou looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"Why aren't you overcharging me this time? If they're so valuable, you could have made a huge profit by deceiving me again."

"I want to continue making a profit. If I deceived you again, you might realize it and go elsewhere. It seems you have a reliable source for gems. I thought it would be better for both of us to make a profit and maintain a good relationship."

"...Or maybe you're still overcharging me."

"I'll show you the ledger. Just wait a moment."

When Ichirou continued to look suspicious, the old woman stood up and went back to the store.

"...Zirconia, it seems this person might be useful."

"Yes, it doesn't seem like she's just interested in making a quick profit. I'm curious about the number of items she can handle and her sales channels..."

"Indeed, I wonder who is buying these items... Who could afford such high prices?"

As they were talking, the old woman returned with the ledger.

"Sorry for the wait. Here, the selling price of the gems you sold last time is written here."

The old woman sat down and showed the ledger to Ichirou and Zirconia. The ledger, bound in leather, was filled with the names and prices of items bought and sold. Zirconia traced her finger over the entry for "Pink Obsidian."

"Is this it? The selling price is..."

"...35,000 al!?"

"Yes, 35,000 al. It was quite a struggle to sell them at that price."

The old woman sighed as she saw Ichirou's wide-eyed reaction.

"You sold them for 14 times what you bought them from me. That's a huge profit."

"Well, it was the first time I had seen that type of gem, so setting a price was a challenge. I'm glad I managed to sell them at a high price."

The old woman took the ledger back and looked at Ichirou.

"So, from now on, I won't lie to you in our transactions. To make up for the loss you incurred in the last transaction, I'll compensate you 7,500 al right now. In return, bring all the gems to me in the future. Let's work together for mutual benefit."

"Thank you... But who did you sell them to? Who could afford such a high price?"

"Hold it."

When Ichirou asked, the old woman interrupted him.

"I don't ask you anything, and you don't ask me anything. If you can't do that, there's no deal."

"Ah, no, actually, that's what I wanted to talk about."

"I'll take it from here. Actually..."

"Clare!! Where are you!?"

Just as Zirconia was about to start the main topic, a woman's voice echoed from the store entrance.

"Hold on. Don't come in."

The old woman, Clare, said this and went out to the store.

"Seems like things are going better than expected. To be able to buy and sell items of such high value, she must be quite capable... ...Is something wrong?"

"No, the voice I just heard..."

Zirconia looked at the slightly open door where Clare had gone, with a puzzled expression. Ichirou also turned his gaze to the door when the voices of the woman who had entered and Clare faintly reached them through the gap. They strained their ears to listen.

"Oh, it's you, dear. It's been a while."

"It's been a while. I've been busy lately and couldn't come. How have you been, Clare?"

"I'm the same. It's good to see you, Eira."

"Clare, it's been a while."

Hearing the name Eira, Ichirou and Zirconia exchanged glances.

"Eira... Does that mean...?"

"Ah, Kazura, you were told not to come out. Don't go there now."

"But... the person in the store is..."

Zirconia grabbed Ichirou's arm as he started to stand up, pulling him back into his seat. Her expression showed a hint of anxiety.

"You look quite tired. Has something happened?"

"Well, that stupid merchant has been persistent. He keeps trying to meet me and touches me whenever he gets the chance... The other day, he almost took me out of the mansion at night. If he had, who knows what he would have done. I really wish he would die."

"...Well, I'll just say you've been through a lot. Are you here to exchange something you got from him?"

"Yes, I want to sell this. How much will it be worth?"

"Let's see... Ho, you've brought some good items again."

"That perverted old man always gives me top-notch gifts. I have to admire him for that."

"Alright, I'll give you a little extra this time. ...By the way, have you found out more about the man you mentioned before?"

"I think he's a prominent figure in Clayrats. He's a commoner, though."

"Ho, Clayrats. He seems to be a good person and quite wealthy. He would make a good husband. Are you planning to choose him?"

"Yes, he seems to like me a lot. I might go to his place tonight. It seems he has a girlfriend back in his home country, so he might leave if I don't act soon."

"Eh, Lady Lise, does that mean you're planning to seduce Kazura-sama at night?"

"...No way."

Hearing the shocking conversation, Ichirou was frozen in place with a stunned expression. Next to him, Zirconia's face was tense.

"I've been feeling a bit pressured lately, but now I know why."

"Are you sure it's not someone else with the same name? ...Where are you going!? At least sit down!!"

Ichirou stood up from his chair and dragged Zirconia, who was clinging to his arm, out of the room.

"Of course, no matter how prominent he is, if he gets involved with the daughter of a lord, he'll have to marry her. First come, first served."

"Well, you've certainly grown more resilient."

Clare smiled wryly at Lise, who answered confidently to Eira's question.

Lise had been visiting this store for years and always interacted with Clare in her true self. The first time Lise visited, Clare quickly saw through her act and pointed it out, and they have been having such conversations ever since.

"There aren't many opportunities like this. Ah, I'm getting nervous. I wonder if I can do it..."

"Have you at least done some preparation?"

"I've heard stories from experienced girls, but I only have a basic understanding. I hope Kazura-sama will be gentle..."

"You can ask Eira. She's had a few experiences with men."

"..."

"Eh, you're still a virgin at your age?"

Clare looked at Eira, who was awkwardly silent, with a surprised expression.

"I've never even had a boyfriend..."

"Ah, I see. Well, everyone is different... Anyway, I have high hopes for you. If you bring me something like the pendant you showed me last time, I can buy it for a high price. Bring it whenever you get it."

"Okay, I'll make him fall in love with me and get him to give me lots of gifts. You can expect it."

"A, ahaha... ha."

Eira laughed nervously at Lise's words and suddenly froze, looking at the gap in the door to the back room.

"Hmm, Eira, what's wrong...?"

Noticing Eira's reaction, Lise followed her gaze and also froze.

"Hello."

Through the gap in the door, Ichirou's face appeared with a friendly smile.

"Hey! I told you not to come in here! ...Hmm? Do you know each other?"

Clare, who had been yelling at Ichirou, noticed Lise and Eira's reactions and tilted her head in confusion.