Chapter 42

The day to go to town had arrived. Today, I would unload the goods at Camilo's shop, pick up the bedding, and then return, but I was also concerned about the state of Mr. Marius's sword, so I wanted to check on it as well.

I tied the inventory I had prepared to the cart and loaded it. Even though I hadn't done any blacksmithing for a week, the load was heavier than usual, but for Rike and me, it was almost negligible.

"Since we saw something on the way back two weeks ago, let's be extra careful today."

"Understood."

"Right, leave it to us."

I also decided to carry a short sword on my waist. It was the one I had repaired after it had been damaged by Helen's short sword, but its sharpness was more than sufficient, so it would be useful for self-defense. We would proceed more cautiously than usual. While wolves might be one thing, it was unlikely that bandits would think that ordinary people would travel through such a place, but it was better to be safe than sorry. We took a break once and made it to the edge of the forest without incident. We stopped there to observe the surroundings.

"How's it looking? I don't sense anything."

If there were any signs, I could sense them by concentrating. However, if an expert concealed their presence, I wouldn't be able to tell. I didn't think ordinary bandits could do that, but if there were someone who could, it would be dangerous. I asked Shermia, who could detect smells, to check.

"I don't sense anything either. There's no smell of blood or people."

"If that's the case, we should be fine. Let's be careful on the road."

"Got it."

We proceeded at a speed that would allow us to notice any signs and respond immediately. Since we were being cautious, our pace was slower than usual, but we arrived in town safely. The guard standing there today was not Mr. Marius, but his colleague who had come with him to buy a sword.

"Hello."

"Ah, it's you. Hello."

"Recently, I haven't seen Mr. Marius. Is something wrong?"

I asked straightforwardly. There was no point in beating around the bush.

"Ah... He's been in the capital for a while now."

His colleague answered somewhat evasively. If it was difficult to answer, there was nothing I could do. I would wait to hear from someone else.

"I see. Well, I was just concerned about the condition of the sword. If you start to worry, feel free to consult Camilo's shop."

"Ah, right. I've used it a few times, but it's fine so far."

"That's good to hear."

I smiled while feeling a bit uneasy inside. The fact that my work was being used and that the colleague was unharmed meant that the person on the receiving end, to varying degrees, was not. That's what weapons were for. However, I couldn't turn a blind eye to the fact that someone had been hurt by my work. I needed to face this and process it properly, not by turning a blind eye or becoming insensitive.

With that resolve in my heart, I continued with his colleague.

"By the way, about two weeks ago, I saw bloodstains about an hour's walk from here in the forest. There were also signs of someone being dragged into the forest."

"Ah, we've had a few reports. We've increased patrols recently, so there's been nothing, but if you see anything, let us know next time you come."

"Understood. Please give my regards to Mr. Marius."

Indeed, the town's guards were more diligent than I thought. Maybe they had good treatment?

We bowed to his colleague and entered the town. Today, the main street was bustling with people pulling carts and wagons. Camilo's shop was a bit off the main street, so as we turned that way, the number of people decreased. It wasn't dark or extremely narrow, but it wasn't a place where people without business tended to loiter. We pulled the cart along and soon arrived at Camilo's shop.

We moved the cart to the side of the warehouse, called someone from the shop to open the warehouse door, and pushed the cart inside. We then called Camilo and went up to the second-floor negotiation room (which I called it, but I didn't know what Camilo and his staff called it) to wait for him. Soon, Camilo and the shop manager (whom I called that in my head) arrived. As soon as they entered the room, Camilo said,

"Did you have to wait?"

"No, not at all."

"Is the merchandise the same as usual?"

"Yep. I've put the knives and both long and short swords in the warehouse. It's a bit more than a week's worth but not enough for two weeks. If there's any extra, please keep it."

"No, all of your stuff from the last two weeks sold out. I'll take what you brought."

"Got it. Thanks. So, did you manage to get the bedding?"

"No problem. Two sets, right?"

"Actually, if you have them, I'd like three sets."

I had completely forgotten about the guest room when making the bed, so I was short one set. If they didn't have them today, I could get them by the next visit or go to the free market.

"Ah, I think we have them in stock. So, three sets, the usual iron ore and charcoal, salt, and wine, right?"

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

"No problem, it's mutual."

With that settled, Camilo gave the shop manager a nod, and he left the room.

Once the shop manager left, I asked,

"By the way, Camilo, is something happening in the capital?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I heard that a guard I know has been in the capital for a while and hasn't returned. It's unusual for a town guard to go to another town, even the capital, and even if it's a home visit, it shouldn't take that long. I've bought knives from him and received a lot of help, so I'm a bit worried."

"I see..."

Camilo pondered my words. By the fact that he was thinking, he was admitting to knowing something, but as a merchant, he knew where to draw the line.

A heavy silence filled the room. Eventually, Camilo shared a bit of information.

"Right now, things are getting tense in the capital. It's not the king, but the upper nobility. Something seems to be brewing. The guard you know is probably involved in that. ...I can't say more for your own good."

"I see. Thanks, I appreciate it."

"Don't worry about it. Just be careful not to get involved in anything unnecessary."

"Got it. By the way, since you didn't tell me, the information is free, right?"

"Ah, you're more ruthless than any merchant!"

We laughed together, both hoping that the other wouldn't get entangled in the capital's troubles.