Chapter 93

The sliding door rattled open, and two people entered.

The woman at the front was composed, but the man behind her had a stern expression.

Surprisingly, it seemed that the bodyguard was waiting outside.

"What do you want, Mimosa?

I remember hearing a line like 'This is the last warning' not long ago, didn't I?"

She must be in her mid to late twenties, I suppose.

No, her sun-kissed, healthy wheat-colored skin and short, chestnut hair make her look young, but the aura she exudes suggests she might be over thirty.

The small-faced, quite beautiful woman glanced at the boss and replied.

"...You're pretty stubborn, you know.

Being stubborn won't do you any good.

Well, I didn't come here today for you.

I got a report through the guild that a B-rank explorer, 'Rogue Dog Ren,' a dangerous guy, had entered this town.

As a representative of this town, I thought I should greet him and talk things through before any trouble starts, so I was waiting outside...

But since it was taking so long, I came in to check if you were really here."

With that, Mimosa looked straight at me.

Her eyes showed no hint of mocking a 12-year-old kid.

...I see.

So the Explorer's Guild is involved as well.

These aren't just antisocial individuals.

I don't know what methods they used, but to have settled as a representative of a town of this size, it's not just a matter of being hot-blooded.

But for me to be known by such an insulting nickname as 'Rogue Dog' even in a branch office in the countryside...

The network of the Explorer's Guild is not to be underestimated.

"Hey, are you really B-rank?!"

The boss asked, flustered.

Well, he didn't seem to believe it at all.

"Yeah, I'm Ren.

I'm a gentleman who has no recollection of being called 'Rogue Dog.'

Why are you here in Ginshin?"

Mimosa shrugged.

"It's a simple story.

You got a room recommendation from the guild, right?

I heard that and went to the inn, but the person who fit the description didn't order a meal at the inn and went out to eat, heading east.

I figured it must be this harbor street, so I did some inquiries around here and got the information that a person fitting the description entered Ginshin...

I thought it would get complicated if I came in, so I was waiting outside."

Following the guild, the inn too...

Personal information is still treated like nothing...

Well, in Japan, concerns about personal information only became prominent with the development of IT devices in recent times.

It's pointless to expect anything.

From now on, I need to avoid careless actions.

"I see.

By the way, looking at my appearance, don't you think, 'Is he the real deal?' or 'He looks weak!'?

Most of the time, fools would challenge me, and after I beat them, I got this unpleasant nickname."

As I frowned and said this, Mimosa laughed.

"Ha ha ha!

A fake wouldn't ask such a question.

For me, maintaining peace in this town is important, and whether you're the real deal or not isn't that important.

If you're a fake, and you cause trouble, I can deal with you by force, so it's even lucky.

From what I can see, you're the real deal and have the appropriate strength.

Unfortunately, I have some confidence in judging people."

With that, Mimosa raised her hand in a surrender pose.

Hmm.

It seems she does her job as a representative properly.

"Well, I'd like to have a little talk...

Are you still eating?

If so, I'll wait outside until you're done."

Hmm.

It seems she understands the basics of propriety.

"No, I just finished.

So, what's the matter?"

"Nothing complicated.

As I said, I just want to avoid any problems.

I brought a skilled explorer with me, but I think you're probably stronger.

To be honest, if you cause trouble in this town, I need to take some action, or I won't be able to stop you.

If it's not too much trouble, could you tell me why a rookie explorer, who's getting attention from the kingdom, came to this town?"

Hmm.

She's showing her weakness first.

Considering she's waiting for her bodyguard outside, she's quite a bold person.

Since I have nothing to hide, I answered honestly.

"I came because I wanted to eat good fish.

There's no decent fish dish in the capital.

Also, if I can get a cheap sword, I'd like to buy one, but that's just a side thing."

"Fish, not swords? For a man like you?

It sounds like you came here for a vacation."

Mimosa narrowed her eyes, trying to gauge my true intentions.

But I have nothing to hide.

"Well, to put it simply, that's exactly right, a vacation, a holiday.

It seems there's some history between you and the boss here, but I have no intention of getting involved.

I'm not a hero, and solving something by force won't do any good if I'm leaving this town soon.

However—"

There, I looked at Mimosa and Cazzo, one by one, and declared.

"I like the boss's cooking.

I even respect it.

I plan to eat here tomorrow.

No matter what.

Please don't think that 'it's okay as long as there's no evidence' and try to interfere.

I'm not short-tempered, but I've decided to crush anyone who unjustly obstructs my path."

I stated this matter-of-factly.

Whether this M&A goes through or not, the weak being devoured is the law of nature, and there's nothing I can do about it, but I can't bear the thought of not being able to eat the boss's fish dishes because of it.

She seems to be a sharp person, so if I say this much, it shouldn't come to a point where some unknown person attacks the shop and forces it to close tomorrow.

Holding Cazzo back with one hand as he was about to speak, Mimosa asked with a twisted smile.

"Hmm?

That sounds like you're not opposed to this shop joining our Nagekaze Trading Company, as long as it doesn't interfere with your meals, right?"

The boss glared at me.

I nodded, as if to say, "I understand."

"Actually, I'm in favor of it.

That way, there won't be any problems with the supply, right?

I want to enjoy the boss's work at his best."

"Damn!

Why are you nodding so meaningfully and betraying us so easily!

You should be falling in love with my manliness and kicking these guys out!"

"Huh?

The boss doesn't seem to be the type for business, let alone politics, and even from a short conversation, it's clear that his capacity is completely different.

If he's going to lose eventually, it's better for everyone here if he submits early and honestly.

The boss probably wants to work in the best condition, and the reason for refusing is probably just the pride of an old-established shop.

Or is there some concern?

For example, are they demanding an exorbitant profit...?"

I looked back and forth between the boss and Mimosa.

"Ha ha ha!

The branch manager threatened that nothing would be left standing after you came through, so I thought you were some dangerous person, but you understand things pretty well.

...I was looking for an excuse anyway.

Let's have a heart-to-heart talk today.

Cazzo, go to Yuki-tei and get some fish.

We're going to have a drink at Ginshin tonight for the first time in a while!"

...Nothing left standing?!

I resolved to make that bald guy cry one day—

◆

Mimosa was a heavy drinker.

"I don't want to be a representative...

Hic.

I just want to make our company bigger, earn money, build a big and strong ship, and go out to the open sea...

But I got pushed into this position and have to adjust things so no one complains.

The eyes of the people around me are strict, and I can't do anything bad!

And then I get called out because a dangerous guy like you came to town... I can't take it!"

Even if you say that...

Isn't pressuring this shop to close considered a bad thing?

What's the criteria?

"Miss, you should stop drinking..."

Cazzo, who was sitting next to her, interjected.

"Shut up!

Hic.

Ren, Cazzo is saying something annoying.

Let's play the 'Drink or Die! Game'!

If I lose, you can do whatever you want with me."

Mimosa, clinging to my arm, proposed a mysterious game.

What kind of game is that...

I've never heard of it.

Thanks to Shell, the rumors are getting out of hand...

"Don't cling to my dominant arm, it's annoying!

I drink to improve the quality of my meals, not to get drunk.

Mmm! Delicious!

What is this refreshing flavor in the shrimp paste on top of the shrimp sashimi?!"

"Usually, Mimosa doesn't even look at men...

The nickname 'Iron Pants' is crying.

Ah, that's the juice of a green Jigo fruit, squeezed and mixed into the paste."

The thick, tender sashimi, the rich paste, and the contrast with the green, sour flavor, like a sudachi, was wonderful.

Indeed, with good ingredients, the boss's skills shine even more.

"By the way, why do you want this stubborn boss?"

"Who said I want Iron Pants! Shut up!

...Simply because there was no man with more spirit than me.

My sister is a single mother, and it was fun to take care of my cute nephew.

By the way, I'm not wearing any pants today.

It's your chance to take me home?

It's strange to ask why you're so infatuated with Ichou's skills and still want him."

"Your goal is to make money and build a big, strong ship, right?

I thought you would move the boss to a bigger shop after getting him, but you seem to want to keep Ginshin...

Even if the price is a bit higher, the revenue from such a small shop isn't much compared to your goal, is it?"

Though she was drunk, her voice when she spoke about her goals was sincere, and I somehow felt that.

The boss stopped his hands.

The madam was looking straight at Mimosa.

But Mimosa, who had a moment of surprise, twisted her lips into a smirk and changed the subject.

"Are you ignoring me when a woman is being so proactive?

That's cold.

Maybe you're a D?"

"S-Such a thing is irrelevant now!

Who would be a fool to be swayed by a drunk woman without breaking down the effects of alcohol on their first meeting!

First, tell me why you want to recruit the boss.

Next, what do you want me to do?

Talk quickly, it's a waste of time!

If there's something in it for me, I might help."

The madam nodded, saying, "Definitely a D."

Mimosa narrowed her gray eyes and smiled slyly.

"Hehe.

Did you notice?

It's never happened before.

Women sometimes want to be sweet when they're drunk, and they like to be teased.

D's who rush to the core like you are disliked, so learn to play along with a woman's teasing?

...There's a grand birthday party for the son of the Count Saldos at his mansion soon.

The Marquis Graux, who governs this region, is also attending, which is unusual.

...I want to infiltrate it."

"Your purpose?"

"...I want to celebrate my cute nephew's birthday in person."