Chapter 28

Akira stood on a high bluff overlooking the harbor, having his meal. The spot, with a pleasant height along the road leading to the lighthouse, offered a great view, and he had grown quite fond of it. It seemed like a perfect place for couples if there were benches.

For breakfast, he had a sandwich and coffee. He had bought tomato and pork cutlet sandwiches, hot water, and cigarettes. He still had plenty of instant coffee beans left.

Remaining balance: 1,352,015 yen.

"Good morning, Mr. Akira."

As he was sipping his coffee and smoking, a bright red Cherina appeared. She still wore chains around her body. Why doesn't she just take them off...

"Good morning, Ms. Cherina."

He stubbed out his cigarette and greeted her with a business smile.

"...Please relax when we're alone."

She responded with a hint of disappointment.

"Is that so? Then I will."

He took out another cigarette and lit it.

"What's that?"

"Hm? It's a cigarette. They're mostly pipe-shaped here, but this is a paper cigarette."

"No, I mean what you just lit. Is it a fire tool?"

"Just a lighter."

He threw it to her playfully, but she caught it easily. Maybe she has good reflexes. She was impressive at loading and unloading potatoes too.

"It's not a fire tool. It's transparent like a PET bottle, though it's colored."

"It lights... the oil inside. You do it like this."

He took the lighter back, rubbed the flint wheel with his thumb, and pressed the gas switch. A gentle orange flame flickered from the nozzle.

"...! This is... amazing!"

"Really? It's disposable."

"Disposable?!"

"It's cheap. There are refillable gas or oil lighters, but they're more expensive."

The terms "oil lighter" and "refillable" are the same, but "gas refillable" might be a bit confusing.

"How long does it last?"

"Hmm, I think I read somewhere that it lasts over 500 times... but I'm not sure. Why don't you try it out? Just don't leave it on for too long, or it will break."

"Thank you. I'll have my subordinates check it later."

I need to buy more lighters later.

"Do fire tools have a usage limit?"

"I've never heard of that. But I've heard they break if you overuse them."

"What's 'overuse'?"

"Using them beyond their capacity. For example, if you try to create a firestorm with a fire tool, it will break."

"Wow, I'll keep that in mind."

What kind of overuse would there be for cleaning? Like wanting to clean the Eiffel Tower instantly or something?

"By the way, this lighter... how much would you pay for it?"

"Let's see... for about 500 uses..."

She was struggling to light it. Modern lighters have child locks, so they're a bit stiff. An electronic one would be easier, but unfortunately, this one is a flint wheel type. Keep trying.

"2000 yen... is that too cheap?"

He almost dropped his cigarette. Twenty times the purchase price? That's a bit excessive, but he had some leeway and wasn't in a desperate situation.

"No, half that is enough."

"1000 yen...?! One silver coin for purchase and three... no, four silver coins for sale..."

The latter part was her muttering, but he could hear it because they were close. If she can sell it for four times the purchase price, she'll make a good profit.

"How many can you prepare?"

"Any number is fine. Just remember I'll be gone in about a month."

"I understand."

In that case, it's fine. She already knows about his abilities, so he might as well make the most of it.

"But if there are fire tools, wouldn't rich people buy those instead?"

"Probably not."

"Really? Why are you so sure?"

"First, there's a simple price difference. While unlimited-use fire tools might be more cost-effective in the long run, few people understand that. Most people go for immediate benefits."

I see. Understanding efficiency and long-term benefits might require a certain level of education. This world's education level seems low.

"Second, a portable fire starter set costs about three to four silver coins. If you can sell lighters at the same price, you'll definitely win."

"Fire starters are like flint and steel, right? I've seen Hagg use one. Unlimited-use fire starters are more cost-effective, right?"

"No. Lighters light with just one action. Nothing is easier. With a fire starter, you need kindling and dry bark, and it takes time to light. With a lighter... like this."

Cherina lit it with a click. She seemed to have gotten the hang of it.

"Be careful not to burn yourself if you leave it on."

"I will. But with a lighter, the fire is already there, so you just transfer it. It will definitely sell."

"I see. How about I supply you with 10,000 at once?"

"! That... might be good."

Is that okay?

"I'd like to verify it for a while. I'll buy 30 for now. I also need to verify the PET bottles. Is there anything else you can sell?"

"Nothing comes to mind. Honestly, I still don't know much about this country, and it's hard to imagine what people need. I can supply the lighters immediately."

"That makes sense. Please handle the lighters through the guild."

"Understood."

His morning break turned into a business meeting. It reminded him of his old company's lunch breaks... damn it.

---

First, he bought 31 lighters.

Then he received 30,000 yen for the 30 lighters. With the increased container space, it was much easier. For large transactions, he could make sets.

Remaining balance: 1,378,915 yen.

This transaction took place in a private room at the guild, but the looks from people coming and going were painful. The old-timers clearly thought, "What's this newcomer doing, cutting in front of me!" and the apprentices and hired laborers looked determined, thinking, "Why does the lady trust this suspicious foreigner? I must keep a close eye on him!"

Man, I'm completely in enemy territory. As usual.

I've never felt at home anywhere.

Please, my mental home!

Well, it's a joke. I'm so used to these looks that they don't even affect me.

Of course, it's natural. No matter how important a business meeting, you'd have a trusted advisor present and consult with them. Suddenly having secret meetings with a suspicious foreigner repeatedly is not fun.

I'm grateful she hasn't leaked my secret, but this isn't good for her either.

Maybe I should limit our transactions to lighters and PET bottles and keep a distance.

The question is whether Cherina will agree...

"Today's schedule?"

Cherina asked a nearby attendant.

"First, we'll inspect the sailboat, then confirm the next export item. Finally, there's a dinner with Baron Letter."

At the mention of Baron Letter, Cherina's brow furrowed.

"Baron? I thought I declined the dinner."

"We've already declined three times. It's impossible to refuse any more. You must attend. They say a carriage will come to pick you up before dusk, so you must go."

It seemed important, as "must" was emphasized twice.

"Ah... I understand. I'll go, but..."

"I understand, do as you wish."

I didn't understand the last part, but it's none of my business. She can go to the dinner if she wants.

"Let's start with the sailboat."

"Understood. Mr. Akira, let's go."

Attendant, don't glare at me like that.