TL Note: Karma -> Carm; I misread it, sorry, haha.

Speaking of which, I wonder if #f.u.c.kmatthew is going to be a thing now.

Volume 2 Chapter 22

The Next Day

I went to the store and talked to Carm-san and Karla-san regarding the discussion yesterday. After that, I headed to the merchant guild, and was again brought to the reception room. It happens every time, so Ive already gotten used to it

You need more people again? [Grisela]

Yes. But theres also something I wanted to consult to you about. [Ryouma]

Hmm? What is it? [Grisela]

I explained the situation.

So the dimwit has his eye on you, has he? [Grisela]

You know Matthew? [Ryouma]

But of course. He is, after all, the guild master of this towns tamer guild. So it cant be helped that I sometimes have to meet him, not that I enjoy seeing him, mind you.

That guys someone who got drunk on his own power, and cant do anything else except suck up to influential people. Aside from that, the only other things hes good at are working his subordinates, and making excuses.

That guy believes in money and power. Seeing you with the duke, he probably sees you as someone who is trying to curry favor. Like that, if you go hire some people from the tamer guild, it wont do you any good. [Grisela]

So it really is as Id expected. [Ryouma]

No question about it. Hiring people from the slum is a good idea. That guy treats the slave magic users from the slum as a bunch of no good, so even if he wants to, he wont be able to stop them. Even if theyre affiliated with the guild, they should be being treated poorly. If its people like that, then at the very least they wont try to help Matthew, right? If you find someone you think is trustworthy, take them with you. You wont have any problems with the legal process. Besides its not really a crime or anything. [Grisela]

In that case, Ill do as youve suggested. Thank you very much. [Ryouma]

Yeah, do your best. [Grisela]

As I stood up from the sofa and was about to leave, she said this.

Ryouma, go take your seat again, I forgot to tell you something. [Grisela]

What is it? [Ryouma]

I said, as I sat again.

I investigated a bit about the thugs who came to your store. I was able to find out that they were hired by someone, but unfortunately, I couldnt find out who. Theres the possibility that the dark guild is involved, so be careful. [Grisela]

Dark guild

In other words, a criminal group, right?

Is the dark guild a gathering of a.s.sa.s.sins and thieves? [Ryouma]

Yes. The dark guild takes dirty requests, and give them to their members. The contents of their job are illegal, so naturally, theyre an illegal organization. But they dont just commit crimes, they also provide the tools. Because theyll do anything, therere quite a lot who give them requests. Theyre a group that specializes in killing, so be careful. [Grisela]

I understand, thank you for warning me. [Ryouma]

Dont mind it. [Grisela]

As the guild master said that, she sent me off, and I left the guild. I was planning to go to the mine next, but then, I happened by someone I didnt want to meet. That guy was standing by the side of a luxurious carriage when he saw me. Seeming irritated, he called out to me in a strained voice.

b.a.s.t.a.r.d, what are you doing here? [Matthew]

This is the main street. Isnt it normal for people to pa.s.s by here? Branch Head, Matthew. [Ryouma]

Who wouldve thought that wed end up meeting here in the road like this? I see hes still as annoying as ever, though. But this is different from before. Last time I was with the duke, so he hid it. But now that Im all alone, hes openly showing his aggression.

Hmph! A dimwit like you shouldnt be calling me so familiarly By the way, I heard you started a strange store. [Matthew]

He knows about the store? Is it him? Did he really send the thugs?

It seems youre using slimes, but a talentless dimwit like you who has only been able tame slimes, despite being a slave magic user for 3 years, isnt fit to be called a slave magic user. Moreover, your slimes are a new race? And they eat dirt? Hmph! Not only do you have a bunch of useless beasts, the only things those things are capable of is making themselves dirtier! [Matthew]

As he kept insulting me like that, I ended up remembering the time when I registered. Because of that, I became even more annoyed.

It doesnt matter what I say to a guy like this. Itd just fall on deaf ears. Seriously, what a pain in the a.s.s. Still though, for some reason, I just cant find myself getting angry at this guy. Im slightly p.i.s.sed off, but Im able to remain calm

Good grief, youre such an eyesore. Even though youre social standing is like that, you actually dare to cajole the duke? Last time, the young lady of the duke and his missus defended you, so I had no choice but to let you register. But I can never accept that youre actually a member of my tamer guild! I will absolutely never accept it! Even if you come to the guild, I wont give you a job! To begin with, a dimwit like you who cant tame anything but a slime, cant do anything! Ah, youre here. Come! [Matthew]

Matthew said the things he wanted to say to me until a young woman wearing a gaudy outfit came. He let her ride his carriage, then he immediately set off.

Seriously, what a horrible person to be with However, he mentioned that slimes and scavenger slimes are useless and unable to do anything else except become dirtier. Does that mean he hasnt noticed their value at all?

Wasnt he the one who sent the thugs?

Well, whatever. Ive changed my mind. I originally wasnt planning to make a fuss regarding the profits, but as revenge for today, Ill go make a killing with those slimes he called worthless.

I want to have the issue with the slave magic users solved anyway, so I might as well ask Jeff-san now.

I decided not to go to the mine, and instead, I decided to head towards the adventurers guild.

When I got to the guild, I asked where Jeff-san was. Apparently, he should be going home soon, so I waited by the guild.

After 1 hour of waiting, Jeff-san arrived. After I saw him finish reporting his requests success, I called out to him.

Jeff-san [Ryouma]

Hey, if it isnt Ryouma. Whats up? [Jeff]

I wanted to ask for your help regarding our discussion some time ago. [Ryouma]

Oh, thats fast. I thought youd take more time to make up your mind. Well, if youve decided, then we can go now. [Jeff]

Is it ok? [Ryouma]

I dont mind. Besides, I was planning to go to the slums today anyway. My house is also close by, so lets go. [Jeff]

Then, please take care of me. [Ryouma]

And so, we went to the slums. On the way, we bought some food ingredients. Apparently, these are refreshments for the slum people. Because of the public office, the slum peoples income has suffered, and so the people who used to live in the slums are giving those in the slums a.s.sistance little by little.

After we finished shopping, we carried everything as we walked. Gradually, the presence of people vanished. The kind of building we saw became seedier and seedier. And even the children we saw from time to time, wore shabby clothes.

When they saw Jeff-san they waved their hands and called out, and Jeff-san also responded to them.

After that, I just followed them.

After a while, we arrived at an old but well-built building thats slightly bigger than the others.

Is grandpa here? [Jeff]

Said Jeff as he lightly knocked on the door. The door opened by itself. I felt some magic power just now so its probably the work of magic.

Looks like hes here, lets go in. [Jeff]

When we entered, there was an old man, around 60 year old, with white hair, sitting on a large chair while facing a plain table. The man calmly spoke.

You came again, Jeff. Thank you for always helping us. However, Im not at an age where you can call me grandpa, you know? [Grandpa]

Youre plenty old in my opinion. [Jeff]

My legs and loins are still fine, so Im not an old man. But that aside, whos this kid? Did you bring another one you want me to watch over? [Grandpa]

Even if hes like this, hes an excellent adventurer. Enough to make his own living. He came here to discuss something with you. Something thats also beneficial to the slum. [Jeff]

Oh? [Grandpa]

At those words, the man looked at me.

A pleasure to meet you, my name is Ryouma Takebayas.h.i.+. [Ryouma]

You dont need those manners here. Im Ribble, the boss of Gimurus slum. Jeff introduced you, so youre probably trustworthy, but Ill warn you just in case. You cant just do whatever you want here. And if we can maintain a good relations.h.i.+p, then well also be grateful to you.

The moment he said those words, he gave off a strong aura of intimidation. I guess its just what youd expect from a boss.

Of course. I also dont want any unnecessary hostility. [Ryouma]

When I said that, Ribble-san snorted and laughed while broadly grinning.

Looks like you didnt get scared Good guts, kid. [Ribble]

Aint that obvious? Hes someone I acknowledge, you know? [Jeff]

I see. Well, what is that beneficial discussion of yours? [Ribble]

Ill explain. [Ryouma]

Its my store, so the one who should talk is me, right? As I thought that, I explained.

I see. You dont want the tamer guild to b.u.t.t in, so you want to hire some people from the slums. Thats certainly beneficial. Since youre going to be providing a place of work, and moreover, salary high enough to make a living, then I dont have any problems. As long as you pay them properly, you can take whoever you want. As for us, its enough for us to have another person allocating materials and food. [Ribble]

Well, this discussion wrapped up unexpectedly fast. I thought hed take a referral fee too, but I guess Jeff-sans introduction had an effect? In any case, whats important now is to find a trustworthy slave magic user that I can hire.

After that, we left Ribble-sans home, and went over to an acquaintance of Jeff-san who knows how to use slave magic. On the way, Jeff-san called over two kids and asked them to call someone over.

After a while, we arrived at a house. Jeff-san walked over to its door, and violently knocked.

Hey! Old Caulkins! Youre here, right!? Come out! [Jeff]

Right now, Jeff-san looks like a debt collector As I thought that, the door slammed open, and a thin man middle-aged man, who looks like his withering, came out. He feels like a salary man who just went through his companys restructuring.

Shut up Jeff! Even if you dont bang on door that much, I can hear you! [Caulkins]

Thereve been to many times when I called you, and you didnt come out! [Jeff]

Its your fault, since you had to come while I was in the middle of my research! [Caulkins]

Like h.e.l.l it is! [Jeff]

What could someone like you who has never researched understand? Researching is like diving into a deep sea of thought, and just like bubbles, you have to pursue the ideas before they disappear. Theres no way Id have the free time to deal with other things, during that! [Caulkins]

Its because you dont think about other things like that, that you ended up bankrupt because of your fruitless research! [Jeff]

Ugu Theres nothing I can say to that forget it, whats your business? [Caulkins

I came here to bring you a job offer as a slave magic user. [Jeff]

When the man named Caulkins heard that, his eyes twinkled.

A job? Me? A job as a slave magic user? [Caulkins]

Yeah, the boss is Ryouma over here. [Jeff]

At those words, Caulkins finally noticed me.

A pleasure to meet you, my name is Ryouma Takebayas.h.i.+. [Ryouma]

Excuse me, I showed you something unsightly. Are you the client? Moreover, the client who wants me as a slave magic user? [Caulkins]

For the meantime, let us inside, old man. [Jeff]

At Jeff-sans words, Caulkins scratched his head as realization hit him. Entering the house, the atmosphere became gloomy. The house had one room, with one magic stone for light, and one cloth at a corner which is probably used as an alternative to a proper futon.

Without even a chair, we had to talk while sitting on the ground.

And? What kind of work do you want me to do? Its sad, but unfortunately, I cant really call myself exceptional as a slave magic user. And since I cant tame strong magical beasts, I didnt have a choice but leave that line of work and become a researcher instead. In other words, Im just a guy obsessed with his research. I really dont know if I can meet your expectations, since it seems you want me as a slave magic user. I think I could do something if its research though. [Caulkins]

Research? What kind of research? [Ryouma]

When I said that, he replied like this in a self-depreciating manner.

Its the theme of the last research I was given at the place I worked at a long time ago it has to do with slimes. [Caulkins]

Slime!?

Really!? [Ryouma]

Yeah, but without any results, I ended up getting fired. Although more than 10 years had already pa.s.sed, I still have some lingering affection for it and am still Why are your eyes sparkling? [Caulkins]

While Caulkins was feeling worthless, he couldnt help but ask that, when he saw my expression.

You know, when people hear that Im researching slimes, I normally get thought of as an idiot, you know? Even in the lab, you get treated as someone who isnt doing anything. In fact, its the kind of job the higher-ups give you, when they want to get rid of you. It was like that for me. So why is it that your eyes are sparkling? [Caulkins]

Because Im also a researcher. And I research slimes. [Ryouma]

What!? [Caulkins]

After that, we were speechless for a moment as we stared into each others eyes then eventually, we grasped each others hands, and exchanged a hard handshake.

Comrade! [Caulkins]

Senpai! [Ryouma]

What just happened in those few seconds!? [Jeff]

Eh, just now, something, like this [Ryouma]

An outsider wouldnt understand. Its the kind of happiness that researchers feel when they meet another researcher who is researching the same topic that they are. [Caulkins]

True, I definitely dont get it. [Jeff]

At this point, we suddenly heard a knock.

Theres another customer? Todays pretty noisy, huh? [Caulkins]

Caulkins stood up, and went to the door to open it. When he did so, there were two people, a man and a woman, standing there.

Caulkins-san? We heard that if we went here we would be able to get a job. Is it true? [Woman]

I didnt think a job as a slave magic user would actually come, so I quickly came! [Man]

Robelia, Tony, so you were also informed? Thats right, a client whos looking for slave magic users came. Moreover, hes a comrade of ours! [Caulkins]

Comrade? [Robelia]

You mean to say [Tony]

For the meantime, come in! [Caulkins]

As Caulkins-san said that, he pulled the two inside, then closed the door.

After that, I greeted the two, and introduced myself to them.

First, the man amongst the two is currently 23 years old. Apparently, he is an exceptional slave magic user, but because of jealousy, his boss and his colleagues took advantage of his honest nature, and pushed the scandal and failure of an experiment to him. With him taking responsibility, he ended up demoted. He was then ordered to research slimes, and after not being able to bring results, he was fired.

I asked him why hes not taking other jobs when hes so exceptional, but it turns out, hes also being watched by Matthew, and is being kept from taking jobs. Matthew used the tamer guilds network, and destroyed his reputation as a slave magic user by telling others of his incompetence. Because of that, he wouldnt able to get a job as a slave magic user even if he went to another town. He is currently a day laborer at a mine.

As for the woman, her name is Robelia, and shes 25 years old. She became a researcher for the same reason Caulkins-san became one. But then, she was s.e.xually hara.s.sed by a superior. And because she had solely been pursuing research, she was not accustomed to men, causing her to accidentally spur her slave monsters. Her slave monsters werent strong, so at most they were just threatening. Only, they ended up cutting her superior. That superior played innocent and demoted Robelia, where she was then made to research slimes. After some time she was fired. Currently she works at a brothel, three times a week.

After that, I introduced myself and talked about the details of the job. When they heard that, their eyes sparkled. By the way, while I was explaining to them, I brought a cleaner slime from my Dimension Home to show them.

Actually, in order to keep myself clean, I always keep a cleaner slime with me in my Dimension Home. I first showed them the cleaner slimes shower. Then, having shown them that its safe, I let them try it out next.

Who would have thought that there would be a slime like this? This kind of slime really suits a laundromat. By the way, do you mind if I research during my free time? [Caulkins]

Well make those guys who look down on slime research take back their words! [Robelia]

Matthew still hasnt realized the value of this, right? To have this opportunity to be able to shock that Matthew let me do it, no, please let me do it! [Tony]

Please let us work for you!! [All three of them]

Having been told that with enough vigor to make me back of a bit these guys will definitely not turn on me for Matthew. If its like this, I think I can trust them. Although, now, Im kind of hesitant to hire them for a different reason, but whatever. To begin with, I really shouldnt speak for others, and besides, they wont betray me, so isnt it fine?

Also, they kind of have the same objective as me, who wants the views of those who look down on slimes. But, the only ones I can fully trust right now are Karla-san and the others. Should I have them watch over these guys? Hmm but rather than that

Is it alright with your jobs? [Ryouma]

I dont have any job right now. I already finished my contract a few days ago, and I dont know when the next job is coming, so Im actually a bit troubled. [Caulkins]

As for me, Im originally a day laborer, so I dont have any problems. [Tony]

Regarding my work at the brothel, all it takes for me to end it is a few words. And even though I call it a brothel, all Im really doing is borrowing the place, and paying them a part of my income. Theres no other contract. [Robelia]

Then, can you three compute? [Ryouma]

Of course we can do it!! [All three of them]

Then in that case, please come work for me at my store. The location of the second store hasnt been decided yet, so for the moment, please work to learn the ropes. What should we do for your lodging? Are you guys going to live here, or would you like to live at the store? [Ryouma]

Live at your store! [All three of them]

Then well do that I have something I want to talk to you guys regarding the store Jeff-san, is there a clothes shop somewhere around here? [Ryouma]

These guys clothes are too shabby. Even if I have the cleaner slimes clean them, the holes wont be fixed. If they work like this Ill be troubled. And in this world, uniforms arent used except for high cla.s.s stores. Most stores just generally use civilian clothes. My store is the same.

So because of that, I had Jeff-san and Robelia-san go to a nearby clothes shop to buy several clothes. For Robelia, while it wasnt anything extravagant, she did have some clothes that could be used for work. However, because it wasnt the kind of attire that youd wear in a laundromat, I still had her go buy some. No one else was privy to womens work clothes, so we had to let her choose for herself.

During that time, I went to the town, and let Carm-san know that Id already decided on the new hires.