Chapter 99

The next morning, after we had finished eating breakfast, Cliff and Mylene-san began discussing plans for the future in the dining room on the first floor.

Then, we will just transfer a portion of the tunnels tax revenue to Yunas card, through the guild.

Procuring the magic lines will be a problem as well.

The light and wind magic lines, huh. Couldnt the guild do something about it?

We could, but Im afraid that the market prices might collapse if we did.

Then, as we thought, the best option would be to ask for the lines the capital has in stock?

I believe that would be for the best.

Also, since its something so important, we cant really report it with just a letter.

You will be able to see your wife, so isnt that good for you?

It would be, if I didnt have any work to do. Right now, I have work to do, you know. On top of that, I have to take care of the business with the tunnel and this city becoming our territory, so my workload has increased even more. When I think about how I will have to go to the capital while Im this busy, I just become depressed.

I pretended like I hadnt heard anything and drank my Oren juice.

Adventurers had it easy, didnt they. They ate when they wanted to and slept when they felt like it. It was a great job to have.

When I read fantasy manga and novels, I was really impressed that there were actually people who did something as troublesome as territory management. Personally, I couldnt do that. I thought that the protagonists who did it were really incredible.

Well, I did prefer to take it slow, rather than play an active role like those protagonists, though.

I drank my juice next to the two busy people, as if this was somebody elses problem, feeling happy with this way of life.

Ah, I am so happy that I am an adventurer.

While I was thinking about such things, their conversation continued.

Also, I thought about the pa.s.sage through the tunnel. We dont really have to make it a one way pa.s.sage all the time. We have enough s.p.a.ce to fit two carriages side by side. Wouldnt it be possible to designate part of it to allow horses and people on foot to go through?

Some idiots might run or gallop through, you know. That would be dangerous.

Then, should we install fences?

We wont have enough people to do that.

Youre right. For now, we should just make it a one way pa.s.sage and see how it works.

That would be better for now. It wont be too late to implement it after we have a better grasp on the volume of traffic.

These two were discussing this deeply and with zeal again. It had nothing to do with a normal person like me, so I just stared into s.p.a.ce as I listened to them.

Yes, Feudal Lord and guild master were both really difficult jobs.

Sei arrived while the two were conversing.

Good morning, everyone. Would it be possible for you to come to the Adventurers Guild with me?

The two of them had no issues with it, so they accepted.

Then, what should I do while theyre all talking together?

Cliff called out to me when he saw that I hadnt stood up.

Yuna, whatre you doing? Were leaving.

Im going as well?

Why are you even asking such an obvious thing?

He said, looking amazed.

You are going to have a talk between the city leaders, right?

Thats right.

You dont need me then.

What are you saying? You are the central figure. You cant just not be there.

Huh?

When had I become the central figure?

Mylene-san?

I looked at Mylene-san for help.

Youre the only one among us who knows about the city, so we need you. Even though I doubt that they will lie, we will still need your knowledge of the city, so you need to come.

In negotiations, people will always say things that are advantageous for them, while avoiding things that will put them in a pickle. If youre there, however, they will have more trouble doing so.

Was that so?

They didnt seem to be people who would do those kind of things, though. Well, Cliff and Mylene-san didnt really know about the residents personalities, so it couldnt be helped.

I couldnt find a reason to refuse, so I reluctantly went with them.

When we arrived at the Adventurers Guild, we were brought to the same room as last time.

When we entered the room, Atora-san and the three old men were already seated.

One of my acquaintances was also next to them. The decent Commerce Guild employee that Damon-san had introduced to me.

Atora-san prompted us to sit down.

Were really thankful that you made this trip to Mireera.

Atora-san stood up from her seat and gave her thanks.

We didnt really think that Crimonias Feudal Lord would come here personally.

It was a request from this one, after all.

Cliff looked towards me.

I didnt remember making a request, though. I just gave him the letter and explained everything, that was it.

She did a really absurd thing for us, and on top of that, she did another really irrational thing. After thinking about what will happen going forward, I cannot leave matters to my subordinates.

I see. She has saved us a number of times as well.

Same here.

Why was he saying it as if he was complaining?

Then, before we start talking, lets introduce ourselves. I am Atora, and I work as the guild master of the Adventurers Guild. I am currently playing a supportive role in the city.

Next, the three elders introduced themselves.

Finally, Jeremo-san introduced himself as well.

Im I am Jeremo, an employee at the Commerce Guild. I dont know why I have been called here, though?

You are the Commerce Guilds representative.

Representative?

Thats right. From now on, we want you to listen to the instructions of this person, the guild master of Crimonias Commerce Guild, and work under her.

One of the elders said.

Why did you choose me?

Because you are kind, even though youre inexperienced.

You stole fish and distributed it to families that needed it, right?

It was found out, huh.

Of course, its easy to figure out when you can smell roasted fish from homes that cant afford it.

Still, it wasnt necessarily me who did it, right?

Dont underestimate our information network. We know when something like that happens.

Then, were you turning a blind eye to me?

We also felt guilty for only allowing rich people to get food.

Thats why we were protecting you from the shadows.

Is that so?

Thats also why we asked for you, who thinks of the residents so much, to be the representative of the Commerce Guild.

As you have just heard, we would like you to give instructions to this Commerce Guild employee.

The elderly men bowed to Cliff and Mylene-san.

I understand. I will put him to good use.

Jeremo-san looked defeated after hearing those words.

Once their side had finished making self-introductions, Mylene-san began her own.

I am working as Crimonias Commerce Guilds master. My name is Mylene. I believe that we will have a lot to do, so I am counting on you.

I will do my best.

Jeremo-san answered.

Then, I am the last one, right?

Cliff made his introduction after he said that.

Huh? Last?

What about my introduction?

Was it possible that I was an unwanted child?

Well, they all knew me, though.

I am Crimonias Feudal Lord, Cliff Foshuroze. Even so, I would like it if you didnt mind the way you speak with me. I have learned not to mind that sort of thing.

At that moment, Cliff looked towards me.

Why?

Now then, we dont have a lot of time, so we should talk about the urgent issues.

I read the letter, but do you really want to be part of our territory?

Yes. We would like to receive your protection in return. We want you to help us if something like the previous incident were to happen again.

The Kraken, huh.

Yes.

I will say it now. Its not so easy to kill a Kraken. This bear is simply abnormal.

Cliff pointed his finger at me.

Hadnt anyone told him that he shouldnt point at people?

Yes, we already know that. I dont think a second Kraken will appear. If one does, we want you to at least promise to support us with food and other supplies.

Food, huh. Are you saying this even though you know the distance between Crimonia and this city?

Thats.

They all sank into silence.

They were all thinking about the distance between Crimonia and Mireera, and had concluded that it was far.

Bringing food would take time and effort.

That was a joke.

Cliff burst into laughter. Mylene-san was laughing as well.

Their laughter left Atora-san and the three elders bewildered.

Cliff-sama?

I understand the food issue. If this city ever has a food shortage, we will help you. Though, if our city also has a food shortage, I cant make any definitive promises. Is that okay?

Yes, of course. This city will have food shortages only when we cant go out to the sea. I dont think that would happen at the same time that Crimonia has a food shortage.

Youre right. I think so as well. Thats why, if Crimonia has a food shortage, I will make you help us in return.

Agreed.

The only problem is figuring out how to transport everything.

Theres no problem on that front, thanks to this bear.

Cliff looked at me.

After Cliff said that, everyone aside from Mylene-san and I seemed to be confused.

Yuna, for the sake of this city, made a tunnel that leads to Crimonia.

Wait

I tried to cut into the conversation.

Is that true!?

Yes, we used the tunnel to come here.

Hmm, youre not telling a joke, right?

When you hear it, you can only think of it as a joke, but its true, you know. With a fast horse, you could get there in two or three days. Of course, I dont know how much time a carriage would take, but you should be able to arrive within a few days.

I would like to go to the tunnel to discuss its practical use, but would that be okay with you?

Yes, of course. We also want to see this tunnel.

After that, they signed the contract papers.

Hmm, was I really needed?

After that, I also want to talk about the election of this citys representative. I want to have a talk with him when hes elected. Of course, I dont mind if the representative is one of the people here.

Are you talking about a mayor?

Thats right. If there is no leader, we cant proceed with important discussions.

Understood. We will choose a mayor shortly.

Thats all I have to say for now.

After Cliff said what he wanted to say, it was Mylene-sans turn.

We will talk about the Commerce Guilds issue now. I apologize that one of our own did something terrible to you all. I have already read Atora-sans report. Something so terrible should never have happened. The Commerce Guild wont be protecting him. Crimonias Commerce Guild will also subject him to punishment.

Excuse me, what will be his punishment?

He will be put to death, of course. As the contract we signed before says, this city is now a part of my territory. If his punishment hasnt been decided yet, it would be normal for him to be punished by Crimonias laws. He did as he pleased with my city. My important residents have been killed. A man like that will certainly be executed. Above all, he would be useless even if we let him live. If we execute him, we will relieve a lot of grief. Thats why, it is best if he dies.

The grief Cliff was talking about was surely that of the people who had lost someone.

Husbands, wives, sons, daughters, relatives, close friends, grandfathers, grandmothersthere were probably many people cursing him.

We will execute him with poison, in the central plaza of this city. Call everybody who wants to see it, then I will have them forget about this incident.

Then, the bandits?

Lets see. We will sentence them based on the gathered information. The ones who have killed or touched the women will be executed as well. The others will work at the mines.

The people behind this incident had been marked for execution with just a word from Cliff.

n.o.body wanted to interfere with this decision.

Those elders were ordinary people. Even if the bandits were a really horrible bunch, the elders didnt want to dirty their hands, I bet.

The fact that Cliff could make a decision like that really showed that he was someone with the ability to stand above other people.

Well, if it was during a fight, I could kill them as well, but if I was asked to execute non-resisting villains, I would have a hard time agreeing on the spot.

I thought that Cliff was incredible because he could do it.

If there are any relatives who have complaints, you just have to mention my name!

Understood. Thank you very much for everything, Cliff-sama.

I dont need any thanks. I do it because it is my job, thats all.

We will talk about the future of the Commerce Guild next.

At those words, Jeremo was filled with nervousness.

I want to ask you all something. Is Jeremo someone who is serious about his job? Someone who can do his job properly? I would also like to know more about his personality.

When the elders heard all of those questions, they all tilted their heads for a moment, but answered quickly.

Jeremo may be inexperienced, but hes a man who does his job.

I saw him skip work sometimes, but the residents love him.

Also, during this terrible month, he stole fish and distributed it to the poor families.

Let me think. Hes the type who will do his job properly, even though hes grumbling about it all the time.

Mylene-san responded after she had heard everyones comments.

Then, I will have you become the guild master of the Commerce Guild in this city.

MeMy humble self becoming the guild master?

Yes, in unstable times like this, its best to have someone whos well liked by the people. The residents will lend such a person a helping hand. If a stranger like me became the guild master, they wouldnt do anything for me.

Still, me becoming the guild master is

There wont be a problem. I will dispatch someone to help you. You will just have to slowly learn how to become a guild master.

Jeremo, I beg of you as well. You dont know how much your actions have helped us during this period

And if you want to skip work, you just have to give all of the work to your subordinates, right?

Jeremo, I feel the same as well.

The elders bowed.

It wasnt good to ditch your job, you know!

I understand. Please raise your heads. If youre really okay with me, I will accept.

Jeremo-san puffed up his chest as he accepted the job.

Mylene-san smiled at his answer.

I saw Jeremo-sans cheeks turn red, and it most likely wasnt just my imagination.

Then, the final topic is the tunnel, right?

Before that, should we have a meal?

Atora-san checked the time.

It was indeed time for lunch.

Youre right. I want to go to the tunnel after we eat. Is that okay?

n.o.body refused Cliffs idea.