Chapter 74

Misa and the others watched me with sparkling eyes as I tried to return to the guild. I saw Donovan standing with his arms crossed. I thought it would be embarrassing to be grabbed by the neck at this moment, but Donovan pointed to the counter with his chin and walked ahead. After bowing deeply to the staff, I went behind the counter, and Donovan was preparing tea. Could it be that he’s using me as an excuse to have tea?

"Are you thinking of becoming a teacher because you don’t want to be an S-rank adventurer?"

"No, that’s not what I’m thinking... Wait, but maybe that would be better..."

"Hmm, don’t take it seriously. You can’t become a teacher without graduating from the Higher Education Institute and getting a qualification."

"Ah... That’s right. You can’t become a teacher easily."

"That’s right..."

Donovan skillfully prepared and served the tea.

"Hmm... Is this a different kind of tea leaf today? It has a refreshing aroma."

"It seems you got enough sleep. You were half-asleep yesterday."

"Ugh... I’m sorry, but did you get enough sleep, Donovan?"

"Of course, what do you think I am..."

"An automaton powered by magic stones... Just kidding, sorry, it was a joke."

"Hmph, don’t compare me to your familiar..."

"Yes... Of course..."

"So, what’s your business?"

"Well, actually..."

Regarding the stay in Volzard, I told him that the teacher, on behalf of the classmates, had come to greet Klaus and was here to ask about his schedule.

"I see, but things are in a mess after the massive outbreak. It should be fine if you come in the morning on Tuesday. Bring them here."

"Understood. Is the cleanup really that difficult?"

"Well, it was a big commotion, so it’s not easy, but at least there were no casualties, so that’s a relief."

"Of course, it’s really difficult when there are casualties."

"Of course, we have to pay condolence money to the bereaved families, and if the deceased was the breadwinner of the family, we have to ensure that the remaining family can live comfortably."

When adventurers who are forcibly summoned die, their treatment is similar to that of the guard members. In addition to a one-time condolence payment, a pension-like payment is made to the bereaved families, and various forms of assistance are provided to ensure their livelihood.

"That’s quite thorough care."

"Indeed, if we don’t do that, even if we forcibly summon them, their morale won’t improve, and in the worst case, no one will come."

"I see... But from the perspective of someone who worries about their family, it’s probably a necessary measure."

"Exactly... Do you have any other business?"

"Um, about the goblins that fled to the inland side of Volzard..."

I asked about the impact on grain prices and the necessity of extermination, as I had heard from Amanda.

"Yes... As you say, if goblins appear on the road, grain prices will rise. However, escorting merchant caravans and exterminating monsters are also profitable jobs for adventurers. If you use your familiars, you might be able to exterminate them completely, but let’s see how it goes first."

"So, it depends on the grain prices?"

"Exactly. We need to ensure the livelihood of adventurers, but grain prices directly affect the lives of citizens. If prices soar, we might issue a designated request."

"Understood. Please let me know whenever you need my help."

"Hmph, you seem unreliable, yet you’re quite dependable."

No, I won’t deny it, but is it really okay for the staff to giggle like that?

"Do you have any other business?"

"No, that’s all for today. I plan to go back and compile materials for the negotiations."

"I see..."

Donovan finished the slightly lukewarm tea in one gulp, nodded, and started talking.

"Kent, the owner of Orland Store, Delritz, has requested a meeting."

"Me? Really?"

"Yes."

Due to the rescue operation and the massive outbreak, I had completely forgotten about Orland Store. Delritz, Nazario’s father, the employer of the Flame Hound, and the leading merchant in Volzard, seemed like a tough character to deal with. Even if I were to meet him, I would need to do thorough research on him.

"Are you worried...?"

"Considering the Flame Hound incident... And more importantly, Nazario’s father..."

If the goal was to fulfill his son’s wishes and form a blood relationship with the noble family, I would definitely be an obstacle. Although I had warned them off, I didn’t think they would take action unless it was absolutely necessary, but Orland Store was a different matter.

"He wants you to come to the store at your convenience. If you’re free, go now."

"Wait, now? That’s a bit..."

"Well, it’s good to be cautious, but since this is a meeting request through the guild, nothing unfavorable should happen to you."

"Is that so?"

According to Donovan, a meeting request through the guild means that the other party will not harm you or make you sign an unfavorable contract. If they do, all transactions with the guild will be suspended.

"But for a big store like Orland Store... Oh, I see, the impact would be significant."

"Exactly. A suspension of transactions with the guild affects the entire land of Ranzhelt, not just Volzard. The larger the business, the greater the impact."

Well, if Donovan suggested going, it probably means there’s no need to worry, but I’ve just had a rough experience, so I’ll be careful. I asked Donovan to arrange the meeting with Klaus and the teacher, then left the guild.

"Reinhardt, what do you think?"

"Yes... As the owner of a large store, he can probably judge the pros and cons. The likelihood of him harming you is low."

"Then... Should I just go and see?"

Orland Store is located on a main street, with a wide frontage about three times that of the surrounding stores. It sells a wide range of products, from high-end jewelry to daily necessities, and even adventurer equipment. I was so engrossed in looking at the products that I forgot my purpose and was approached by a young female clerk.

"Sir, are you looking for something?"

She looked to be in her late teens to early twenties, with large, slightly slanted eyes that gave her a spirited appearance. She seemed a bit annoyed.

"Um... I’m not here to shop, but I’d like to meet Mr. Delritz..."

The clerk looked even more puzzled.

"Excuse me, do you have an appointment?"

"Um... Not exactly, but I received a meeting request through the guild..."

"Whaaat! You’re the ‘Monster Tamer’?"

No, no, I understand your surprise, but you’re showing your true feelings too openly, are you okay?

"Ah... That’s what I’m called..."

"Ahahaha... You, if you’re going to lie, you need to be better at it."

It seemed she didn’t believe me, and she spoke to me as if I were a small child. At the same time, whispers could be heard from all over the store.

"That’s the Demon King..."

"No way, just a kid..."

"Don’t be fooled by appearances... You’ll regret it."

The store buzzed with whispers, and the eyes of the customers turned towards us.

"Wh-What... No way, really you’re..."

As the clerk was confused, a man who looked like a butler stepped in.

"I apologize for the inconvenience. I am Gustav, the butler of Delritz. You must be Mr. Kent. My master is waiting for you. Please, this way..."

Gustav bowed politely and skillfully guided me past the curious customers to the back of the store. Yes, the way the onlookers opened a path for me is a butler’s aura.

When we reached the back, many employees were working, but they all bowed deeply to me. However, this was probably because Gustav was guiding me, not because of who I was.

"Please wait here until my master arrives."

I was led to a tastefully decorated but not ostentatious reception room, and a maid soon brought tea and snacks. There were cookies, scones, and something that looked like dried fruit. The tea, with its rich aroma, was poured into a simple but expensive-looking cup.

"Mr. Kent, you are being observed from the next room."

"I figured as much..."

After enjoying the aroma for a moment, I slowly savored the tea. A complex harmony of flavors spread in my mouth. The tea Donovan makes also seems expensive, but this has a unique taste.

The dried fruit, upon closer inspection, was processed Lieble. When eaten fresh, it has a taste like a combination of grapes and kiwi, but when dried, it has a smooth texture and concentrated sweetness. The sweetness is strong but not cloying, and when combined with the tea, it creates a blissful flavor.

"Mr. Kent, it seems the master is here."

"Understood..."

As the door was quietly opened, I stood up to greet the owner of the store. Delritz looked to be in his late forties, with slightly receding blue hair neatly oiled back and a mustache. He had a somewhat similar appearance to Nazario, which was probably due to their parent-child relationship.

"Welcome, Kent... or should I call you Mr. Kent? I am Delritz, the owner of Orland Store."

"Nice to meet you, I’m Kent."

"Please, no need to stand. Please, have a seat."

"Thank you."

Delritz had a full smile, but there was a sharp light in his eyes. Nazario had the air of a rich kid, but his father exuded the aura of a shrewd businessman. After the maid finished pouring new tea, he began to speak.

"Frankly, the reason I asked you to come here is to improve our relationship with Orland Store."

Delritz paused to gauge my reaction, but when I seemed at a loss for words, he continued.

"I apologize, but I have taken the liberty of investigating you."

Delritz knew that I had been summoned from another world, that I could use both light and dark attributes, the types and number of my familiars, and that I had been involved in the rescue of my classmates.

"I am aware that Nazario has been causing trouble, and I have received reports about the Flame Hound incident. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Delritz straightened his posture and bowed deeply.

"Normally, I should have set up this meeting immediately after the incident, but I refrained from contacting you because you were busy."

So, he knew that the rescue operation was completed...?

"What do you think? What is he trying to say?"

"Perhaps he wants to show that he is not an easy opponent, not just apologize unilaterally."

"I see..."

There’s no need for him to go to such lengths, but to me, most adults are already figures to be respected. Especially as the owner of such a large store, he is someone to be respected and wary of.

"About improving the relationship, what exactly does that mean?"

"Before we get to that, I want you to understand that the troubles we have caused you were due to Nazario’s own actions and the independent actions of the Flame Hound."

"So, you knew about it but didn’t get involved?"

"Exactly. While I cannot say I have no responsibility, I want you to understand that it was not a result of my instructions."

Indeed, the adventurers Nazario brought didn’t seem to be following Delritz’s orders, and the Flame Hound incident was caused by my provocation, not by Delritz’s instructions.

"But... If that’s the case, there’s no need for you to call me here to apologize..."

"Hmph, would you say that after apologizing on your knees to a cobbler for an incident caused by your friend?"

"Ah..."

"As I said, I have no direct responsibility, but I cannot avoid responsibility as a supervisor. Don’t you agree?"

"Indeed..."

Delritz is right, but it still doesn’t sit well with me.

"May I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"As Delritz... or as Orland Store, do you think it would be desirable for Nazario and Beatrice to get married in the future?"

"Hahaha... I apologize, but that is indeed the root of all this, and it’s natural for you to be curious. However, to be frank, it doesn’t matter to me."

"Really, it doesn’t matter?"

I was a bit taken aback by Delritz’s genuine laughter.

"Of course, in business, we use various means. However, we are not so desperate that we need to rely on my son’s wife."

His face, with a sly smile, was that of a shrewd businessman.

"Indeed, there might be some benefits to having a blood relationship with the noble family. However, Kent, it’s not worth antagonizing someone who can defeat a salamander alone to gain those benefits."

"Then, about me and Beatrice..."

"If Beatrice chooses you, there’s nothing I can do. As a parent, I would like to see my child’s wishes fulfilled, but if he can’t get the girl he likes without my help, I might have to reconsider letting him take over the store."

It seems he doesn’t value the marriage of Nazario and Beatrice as much as I thought.

"Moreover, Kent, you must have noticed that Klaus Volzard is a very shrewd man. Even if a blood relationship is established, if it is a disadvantage to the city, he has the judgment to cut ties. Conversely, if it is beneficial to the city, he will form an alliance regardless of blood ties."

Indeed, although Klaus usually seems like a light-hearted rogue, his actions, such as the expansion of the city walls and preparations for the massive outbreak, suggest that he is intentionally hiding his sharpness. It seems difficult to expect easy benefits from a blood relationship with him.

"I see... I understand. So, what exactly do you want me to do?"

"Nothing... Nothing at all."

I was surprised because I thought there would be some request since the meeting was arranged through the guild.

"As Orland Store, we want to build a good relationship with you, but given the past, it’s not something that can be done quickly. So, we want to start fresh, with no likes or dislikes. We want you to see Or