“Proposal? “

　I returned that question to Forest-san.

　If he knows about my ‘blunder' and still wants to talk about that, there might be something going on behind the scenes.

“Yes. The Earl house would like to buy Mithril Alloy from you, by all means. The Earl said so himself.”

“Hmm……”

　How should I answer?

　This is suspicious. Really suspicious. However, it is also an attractive proposal.

　Rumors of the fearful summoned spirit will spread across Badgordo for the next few days. And with that rumor spreading, I might not be able to stay at any inn in this town. The deal with the Mithril Alloy is also out of the picture. That is as clear as day.

　I think that I should be grateful for such a deal to come with this timing from some other party. But if I accept, I might be biting onto it without giving it a proper thought. This timing seems very odd.

　Alright, let's decline. It's not like I can't make money if I don't use the Mithril Alloy. Let's not take any unnecessary risks.

“…………”

　While thinking this, I took a glance at Yukari.

　When she looked at me, she had a somewhat sorely tempted face.

　Why is she tempted? The reason immediately came to mind. “This time for sure! ” She was probably thinking that. She probably thinks the chance for her redemption has come. In other words, does that mean she has come up with something good?

　What should I do?

　……No, wait.

　Just like Yukari pointed out earlier, this is just me with my bad habit of pretending to be troubled. In reality, the answer has already been decided. ‘It doesn't matter'. If so, then let's think positively.

　Yeah, it's okay even if this ends up in failure. That being the case, why don't I take this as an opportunity to help Yukari's mental state?

“Yukari, can I leave this to you? “

“Leave it to me, Master.”

　Yukari tried to play it cool, but I noticed she couldn't hide her joy since her ears were twitching as she bowed to me, then she started the talk about the trading with Forest-san. She gives off the look of a talented secretary. Although, what she's doing now is completely outside a secretary's job.

　And thus, Yukari and Forest-san talked for a while, polis.h.i.+ng the finer details.

“Master. You will need to meet with the Earl once. When would that be good?”

“I don't mind if all the details on this matter are decided by you, Yukari.”

“Understood. I scheduled an appointment for as soon as possible.”

　After their conversation was over, Yukari came and asked me that question. And since I have no plans to meddle in it, I told her that she could decide everything on her own. In addition, I tried to ask her to do the appointment as soon as possible, but it seems she already understood it even without me saying it, as expected of her.

　And then, the meeting ended.

　Tomorrow, I will meet with the Earl who will be visiting Badgordo, and we'll have dinner. The morning of the following day, together with the Earl, we will move to the commercial city of Leñador by boat. We'll then have a meeting going over the details in the afternoon and a dinner with the Earl's family at night. Lastly, after meeting again on the morning of the following day, the contract will be signed in the afternoon.

　……Feels like super express. Well, it really helps me, but I wonder if the Earl is okay with that?

“Well then, you will be picked up tomorrow evening at the scheduled time.”

　After humbly saying “I look forward to our next meeting” along with a beautiful bow, Forest-san left the room with a splendid bearing. A very polite and impeccable old man, I must say.

“A very easy person to talk to. That's the impression I got from the short talk, but I think they will be somewhat flexible.”

　Yukari said an unexpected thing.

“Is there any possibility this is a trap? “

“I can't deny there is a possibility, but it is very small. He agreed immediately to the three-day schedule. Besides, the house steward was the one who came to greet you. It seems they really want to make this deal a success.”

“Is that so?”

　The house steward is the highest position among those who serve their lord. Therefore, in a diplomatic scenario, he's pretty much the most important person to meet. In addition, unless the Earl had a huge amount of free time or had already decided on it, it's impossible for someone of that rank to suddenly open up a three-day schedule. In other words, it can be understood that the other party really wants the deal of the Mithril Alloy to succeed. The Earl must really want Mithril Alloy.

　……I see. It smells a bit suspicious, but it doesn't seem to be a trap. With this issue settled,  I'll be able to focus on earning experience points. Then, I'll be one step closer to the World's Top (Mansion). However, Yukari will likely become quite busy.

“I already said it, but is it alright to leave all of this to you? “

“Yes, please leave it to me. I'll arrange it so it turns out the way Master wants.”

“You sure are reliable. But that's not what I meant. Is it a burden to you?”

“A burden? “

　Surprisingly, she doesn't seem to think so…… Or does she? The changes in Yukari's expressions are so subtle that sometimes I have trouble reading them.

“In addition to Blacksmithing, and taking care of me and your secretary duty, you will be dealing with the trading……If I were in your shoes, I'd be overwhelmed.”

“I'm doing this because I want to. It's not a big deal. And from my point of view, I think it's several times more difficult to aim for the top of the world.”

“……I wonder about that? “

　I began to think about it a little, but the vectors were just too different to make a comparison. But, if she puts it that way, I don't feel so bad.

“Additionally…… unlike a.s.sa.s.sination, this is something worth doing.”

　While hanging her head, Yukari said this with upturned eyes. Then she continued.

“Besides, you promised Master, that you'll do something about that. That's why I won't look back at my dark past anymore, and while trusting you, Master, I'll only push forward.”

　Just a little, Yukari smiled.

　I was happy about her sincereness.

　She, who had nothing, came following me. I need to make my resolution too. Those thoughts were properly transmitted. So, if possible, I don't want to betray her expectations.

　Let's make her grow as soon as possible, but steadily, accurately and most importantly, carefully. Then, step by step, let's go together towards the world's top. I believe that will be not just for my own sake, but also for her, and for everyone else.

“I have to become the world's top fast, right?”

　I said so while lightly laughing. Although the “World's Top” part reminded me of something unpleasant.

　I wondered if Yukari noticed it too? She made a face of sympathy.

　Why so? That's because of a path that cannot be avoided if I want to be the top in the world.

“I'll bring it back out tomorrow morning, for the time being, just prepare yourself.”

“Understood…… but, to be honest, I don't have much confidence in myself.”

“That feeling is mutual……”

　Great Spirit King Angolmois――A being able to become a powerful weapon in aiming for the top in the world. However, I wonder if I can open my heart with him (her?).

　We became a little depressed after thinking about what would happen tomorrow, and went to bed with that thought in our minds.

 ————————————

＜Status Details＞

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

Swordsmans.h.i.+p

s.h.i.+eldmans.h.i.+p

Archery

They use the “Form” or “step” system of martial arts. From lower to higher.

From lower to higher, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade.