Chapter 112: Business
“I can tell you, but it depends on the conditions.”
“Conditions?”
“If it’s the Araway Family, you should be able to secure a house on this island, right?”
This island may be small, but houses are crammed together like sardines. There are, of course, the merchant guild’s headquarters, branches owned by major merchants from the mainland, and lodgings for seasonal traders.
Even if I wanted to buy a house or a room, there’s no availability. However, the Araway Family, who has made their fortune through maritime trade, could probably make some space. It’s a hassle, but that’s why I approached a big store.
Well, I really don’t want to live in a place without greenery. I’m just inflating the conditions a bit to lower them later.
“That’s difficult—though I may not understand the reasons, I can trace the methods back to their origins.”
“That means the cooking methods will be limited. Well, I’ll take my leave then.”
I quickly gather the potatoes.
“Wait, can you give me some time? I’ll discuss it with my superior.”
Right, the method for removing the poison aside, the potatoes I have are quite appealing! I don’t want them to be taken by other trading companies.
“Would it be alright if I kept the actual items for discussion?”
“Then please take this. You can eat it if you like.”
I hand over a boiled potato.
The other party looks a bit disappointed. There’s no way I’d give away seed potatoes, HAHA! They’re easy to cultivate. While I’m not thrilled about giving away cold potatoes since they’re not tasty, I can’t say I have a strong liking for this person, so it’s fine.
As a result, I secured the residency rights to a few islands that aren’t even on the smaller maps. Since there’s no port large enough for big ships to dock, I’ll have to cross the sea with a small boat to conduct business, but this should allow me to buy a place with a garden.
Moving around doesn’t really concern me. Even if I have to use a small boat, I don’t plan on trading that frequently. I just want an address for Soleil.
“As a substitute for not being able to meet your conditions, if you encounter any troubles in business negotiations, feel free to consult me. Depending on the situation, I can allow you to mention the Araway Family’s name.”
In the end, the deal was struck without meeting the head of the family.
Merchants in Naruadeid take contracts seriously, risking their lives to uphold them. Depending on the type of contract, they can become void due to the spirits’ mischief over time, or conversely, come with the restrictions of a spirit’s curse.
“Now, let me tell you the conditions that increase the poison. First, immature potatoes have a higher concentration. Second, exposure to light increases it. Third, if they’re damaged, it increases. Fourth, the sprouts and green parts are concentrated, and even the skin has some. It’s safer to peel them—if you taste bitterness or astringency, it’s best to spit it out.”
“I see. You’re quite knowledgeable.”
I’m half cheating with [Appraisal], after all. It would be troublesome if I spoke from memory and missed something in the explanation.
I leave the merchant guild after handing over a small sample of the potatoes. A few days later, once I confirm the gold at the Merchant Guild and receive the land purchase permit, I plan to deliver three barrels of potatoes. I’ll keep two barrels for myself, one for the gods, and another for the seed potatoes that will be mixed with the Japanese potatoes.
I’m only delivering three barrels, but considering it’s the source of a crop that will likely spread widely, it’s quite a sum of money.
There are issues with continuous cropping, but I’ll explain that later. As long as our relationship remains as it is. The contract I signed only pertains to the seed potatoes and the toxins that affect the human body. I expect the yield to gradually decrease, but I don’t think there will be significant changes from continuing to cultivate in the same spot for two or three years.
Now then. After I buy some fabric for the medicine, I’ll take a look around the island. The northern side is close to land, and on clear, sunny days, I can see land to the south, so I don’t have to worry about waves. The larger the waves, the smaller the sea. I see, that’s why buildings are allowed to be constructed so precariously as if they’re growing out of the sea.
I can see the southern continent, but crossing over is difficult because it’s the land of dragons. The agreement not to attack people doesn’t apply in a dragon’s territory. Spirits often take the form of familiar things, so I plan to look for spirits on an island where I can occasionally watch dragons flying over the sea.
The library in Thermist is much closer, but it’s too far for business. I have no intention of taking the lead, so it’s easier to operate in Naruadeid, where there are many great merchants with trade routes throughout the continent.
I won’t be handling it directly; I’ll sell the source and stay out of sight. If I had someone I could trust, I’d consider letting them manage a store.
So, the first condition is that the land faces the sea. I want to avoid islands that resemble mountains with no houses because they bring back unpleasant memories! An island without any houses is just too far away. The closer to Naruadeid, the more houses there are. I wonder if the neighboring island even has any ground?
Oh, that island looks nice. It’s a steep, rocky island with a decent amount of greenery, and there are about five or six houses that look like fishermen’s homes.
The reason I want to build a house is definitely because of that survival experience on that island. Even though I have [Storage], I still end up hoarding food in Kanum’s House.
For now, I’ll try talking to the islanders a bit.
Upon approaching, I find there are about fifteen islanders. There are some vacant houses, so there are fewer people than I expected. There are many hidden reefs around the island, making it impossible for large ships to pass through, and even small boats for two people can barely make it through. Naturally, the smaller the boat, the less fish they can catch, which seems to be the reason for the dwindling population.
During the times when conflicts were common in that area, it was good that they could prevent enemy landings, but unlike Nakahara, it’s been peaceful for a long time now, so many families have moved to more convenient islands.
If I live on the island, they say they can act as boatmen when I need to move. I’ll pay them, of course.