Chapter 499: Contract Partner
Hello, it seems the only way to replace Mail Wheat with regular wheat is to quickly restore the climate to normal after the drought and harvest a lot of wheat. But if regular wheat is already plentiful, then I shouldn’t have to release the Mail Wheat I have, right? That’s what I’m thinking.
I got scolded by Captain Cat for making him go back and forth so many times! Just once is fine, though.
When I returned, Rishu sniffed me longer than usual. I guess cats are just curious like that.
We played a game of fetch, and while brushing him, I gently petted him. Rishu’s fur doesn’t get tangled, but he seems to enjoy the brushing, so I do it regularly.
Now, what should I eat?
I think I’ll make some grated yam with soy sauce, bonito broth, and a pinch of sugar—maybe whip up some dipping sauce and store it. I’ll fry that in a skillet, drizzle it with mayonnaise, and sprinkle some chopped green onions on top. Half a raw egg yolk to finish.
I’ll also have garlic soy sauce grilled edamame, chicken wings, pickled cucumbers and eggplants, and a generous serving of yakisoba.
The fluffy yam, the aroma of yakisoba sauce, and the crunchy pickles all sound delicious. The chicken wings are tasty too.
I suppose I should be having beer with this, but since I’m not used to drinking, I’ll stick with cola. Ahh, bliss.
The scents of soy sauce and sauce wafting through the air are mouthwatering. Choosing the Food Storage and All Cooking was definitely the right call.
For breakfast tomorrow, I’ll make rice and miso soup, dried red snapper, pickled turnips, and grilled pork miso wrapped in magnolia leaves.
Since I often eat Western food with everyone, I tend to have Japanese food (or something like it?) when I’m alone. Back in Japan, I usually just threw together whatever for meals, but since coming here, I’ve found myself wanting to try various dishes. It’s funny how you crave what you can’t have; nostalgia plays a part too.
Tomorrow, I need to meet with Soleil and discuss trade with Karn’s Country. It’ll probably be a hassle coming from the island, so I’ll likely be coordinating with the trading company Naruadeid.
But aside from the sea travel, I wonder if there are any connections for moving beyond Es? I should check on that. It seems Naruadeid has ties with the Shipping Guild, so I think it should be fine.
I soak in the bath and fall asleep next to Rishu.
And then, the next day.
“So, the ship carrying Mail Wheat is coming, but where should we transfer it?” I ask Soleil in the island’s office.
If it’s coming from the Land of Mail through the strait, Es is closer. Naruadeid is a bustling trade hub with various ships coming and going, but the port is narrow. I think it’d be easier to transfer it at Es.
“Naruadeid is the only option. Having the name of Naruadeid increases its value. We’ve already received several inquiries, and we’ll need to transfer the cargo from ship to ship. I made the guarantee larger, thinking you’d be the one bringing it, in case the Mail Wheat doesn’t arrive as planned,” Soleil sighs.
“Ah, if it fails, I’ll just bring it myself.” I’m sure Captain Cat will manage just fine.
I take a sip of tea that Faramia handed me.
“For now, I’ll store the Mail Wheat in the tower’s warehouse, so bring it here for cooking.”
“Ugh, such a luxury.”
I think the tea I’m drinking is quite high-end too, but Soleil seems particularly weak against expensive items that are right in front of him without having to pay for them.
“The number of ships that can carry it is limited, but the amount we can bring in has increased,” I say.
“It sounds like you’re stating the obvious, but it’s strange…” Soleil buries his head in his hands.
“By the way, about that trade with the new country beyond Es we talked about before, I’d like to start with transporting the wheat.”
“I’ve already identified a few transport companies in Es. There are some good trading partners and others who might buy the whole ship. Which would you prefer?”
He really perks up when it comes to business.
“Hmm. I’ll ask about it later.” I think Karn’s Country will likely want to trade with Es too.
“My lord, it seems some shady individuals have mixed in among the immigration applicants. I’ve filtered them out, but just in case, here’s a list of those who’ve been probing.” Auro hands me several sheets of paper right after we finish the business discussion.
“Wow, that’s a lot!” The list is filled with names of countries and individuals.
“Well, it seems everyone from the Naruadeid Guild to Marina and Es is quite interested in this island,” Kiel comments.
“It’s odd to say not to be interested. This island has a wonderful environment, starting with the lord,” Auro casually praises me.
Kiel, the musclehead, and Auro, who’s a bit eccentric, make for a disappointing but handsome duo.
“If anyone can live on this island, it’s not just spies; it feels like the heads of households themselves might come. I mean, there are applications from people who would be in a position to ask, ‘What would you do if you moved here?’” Soleil looks exasperated.
I hope he’s not saying that applications came from some king or another? Even with a population of about 3,000, we’re still calling ourselves a country, so it’s not impossible if you’re not careful.
“Oh, right. Here’s the ship contract; I’ll hand it over to Soleil.”
“Thanks, so it’s already at the contract stage. Is the other party someone I know?” Soleil opens the rolled-up contract with Captain Cat.
“Paw print…?”
Ah, yeah, there’s no name written on it!