Chapter 81

In a room on the first floor with minimal damage, Sora waited for the merchant with Chaff. Lazzette stood behind them, and it was Luly’s job to guide the merchant to this place. The merchant appeared. Because he had been glancing at the alluring valley formed by Luly’s ample chest, he almost tripped over a hole in the floor. Good looks are a weapon, even if the person is a scientific fool. There were no tables or chairs in the room. Apologizing for the lack of seating, Sora observed the merchant. He was not young, a man approaching middle age. His sharp blue eyes stood out on his thin face, and his chin was covered with a well-groomed beard. His attire was practical, befitting a merchant, but the ornate buttons on his coat indicated a significant expense. His tastefulness, free from pretentiousness, suggested he was no stranger to negotiations with discerning clients. However, he couldn’t hide the greedy glint in his eyes. Sora couldn’t quite decide if he was first-rate or second-rate. If even this was part of the merchant’s script, he would be a troublesome opponent. –Well, he’s just a second-rate one, putting on a show. Sora could sense from the handshake that he was being treated like a casual visitor, someone the merchant didn’t intend to do business with again, and he laughed inwardly. Just by looking at this building, one could understand that materials were needed for repairs. Missing such an opportunity would be impossible for a merchant. Indeed, the merchant, growing impatient with Sora’s silent smile, swallowed hard and began.

"Today, despite knowing the Viscount Kleinzerdt’s busy schedule, I have come here to request the fulfillment of the contract I made with the town’s official the other day, as you may have heard."

Sora was inwardly exasperated by the merchant’s abrupt entry into business talk, skipping the small talk. He probably thought Sora would consider breaking the contract, thinking it was done by the previous official without permission. If the contract were broken, the merchant would suffer losses on a scale that would be unsustainable for his business. Revealing such a weakness to a negotiating partner was a hallmark of a second-rate merchant. Nevertheless, the contract had already been signed. Using power to nullify it would be easy, but doing so would cause merchants to flee the viscount’s territory. Contracts are the sword and shield of merchants. Doing business in a place where they are not honored is like fighting a wild beast naked, which people call reckless bravery—a term that stands in stark contrast to what merchants represent. Merchants are essential for the viscount’s territory to be rebuilt. Regardless of the nature of the contract, it couldn’t be ignored.

"Let’s confirm the content of the contract, just to be safe."

Sora began, maintaining a cool smile. –Well, let’s see what comes out of this. Sora didn’t know the content of the contract the town official and the merchant had made. He wasn’t even sure if it had been made. All important documents seemed to have been taken, and couldn’t be found. It was either to cover up evidence of wrongdoing or to cause trouble. Zess and the others were still searching the second floor. A hint of brightness appeared on the merchant’s face for the first time.

"By 'confirmation,' you don’t seem to have the contract, do you?"

His smile was almost predatory, as if he was about to pounce. He must have guessed from Sora’s demeanor that the handover from the previous official hadn’t taken place. He probably thought he could make a huge profit by presenting a one-sided account and altering the contract. Sora nodded, adopting a serious expression.

"Actually, that’s correct. The previous official left without a handover. I’ve been told that documents and contracts were entrusted to a reliable person in case the place might be demolished. I came here first, but as you can see, this is the state of things."

Sora dramatically gestured to the surrounding chaos and shrugged. The report about the documents was, of course, a lie. He was hinting that he would receive the contract later to keep the merchant in check.

"Of course, I can imagine you were trusted. But, given the urgency, you probably chose someone convenient. Please don’t take it personally."

"…I am honored."

The merchant’s mouth twitched, probably not expecting such a backhanded compliment. He seemed to realize that Sora was not just a child as he appeared, and his expression tightened with tension and anxiety as he pulled out the contract and began to read it. –Oh no, this is no joke…! Sora was desperately trying to suppress the anger welling up inside him, but it was too much for Chaff, who was a ball of righteousness.

"Are you kidding me?!"

The merchant trembled at the loud, angry roar. Blood rushing to his head, Chaff strode up to the merchant.

"Listening to you, what kind of ridiculous contract is this? Selling all the town’s stock of timber? The price is absurd. Even in the timber-rich Barzeh Duchy, it would fetch five times the amount. And this is the Kleinzerdt territory! This is outrageous, even for a lowball offer!"

Chaff’s anger was justified, mirroring exactly what Sora felt. The merchant, pale with fear from Chaff’s fierce outburst, mustered his remaining courage and thrust the contract at him.

"Y-Yes, but I have already paid the town official in advance! Moreover, this is not a personal contract but one made under the authority of the town official. As a supervisor with the authority to manage the entire viscount’s territory, it is his duty. There is no reason to nullify the contract just because the person in charge has changed!"

The merchant’s argument, tinged with a hint of a scream, was correct. Since the contract was made within the official’s authority, it was valid regardless of its content. Sora had no choice but to accept it. The obligation to fulfill the contract was indeed his. –That scumbag left a hell of a parting gift…! And thus, within an hour, the town found itself in a severe timber shortage.