Chapter 535: The Meeting
In Kanum’s House, just before noon.
“Ugh…”
Haulon was already groaning.
“I have nothing but anxiety.”
The Butler’s gaze was distant.
“Why, why is Retze not here…?”
“Why am I the substitute?”
The two of them were acting suspiciously.
“Retze is out gathering herbs where Scar appears. Just give it up.”
Haulon had been unable to secure a direct request from Retze, so he couldn’t come along unless he got her approval in person.
This herb gathering was important because many Adventurers were gathering for information and networking.
The season for gathering herbs is short, and large Demon Beasts are known to appear, so Dean mentioned that everyone would be involved. The high buyback price for herbs attracted lower-ranked Adventurers, while the Guild’s insistence on hunting large Demon Beasts meant that higher-ranked Adventurers would also be thrown into the mix.
“Did you not receive an invitation from the Guild, Note?”
“I did, but I am not affiliated with Kanum… I intended to participate since Ash is joining, but…”
He glanced at Haulon.
Since he wasn’t part of Kanum, the Guild hadn’t pressured him much to join. And it seemed Haulon’s intention to participate had been thwarted by his interference.
Of course, Dean and Chris were participating, and Dinoss and his family would be there too, so Haulon must have asked the Butler out of process of elimination. No, he probably asked Ash.
“We’re having a meeting over there while eating Shrimp Pasta, so let’s hurry.”
Today was the day for my introduction to Soleil in Naruadeid.
“Yes, it’s a beneficial deal for Karn’s country, so I’ll do my best. Thank you for introducing us, Jean.”
Haulon seemed to have switched gears and bowed his head.
“You seem reluctant.”
“The information I’ve gathered about Blue Spirit Island is too unsettling!”
The Butler’s retort brought Haulon back to his previous state.
“Shall we go?”
Sensing that the conversation was about to revert, I used [Teleportation] without waiting for a response.
The destination was a small room in the boat shed of the old man who ran the Naruadeid Ship. This place specialized in small boats that navigated canals, moved between islands, and shuttled between land and sea. Recently, they had been busy unloading Soleil’s ship, making the entire boat shed almost exclusive to the “Island.” Because of this, they had rented a small room.
It was officially a waiting room for boats, but it was entirely used for [Teleportation]. Naruadeid was densely packed with houses, and there were no secluded forests. Since [Teleportation] can’t be done with people around, I felt secure about that, but I had failed to [Teleport] to Naruadeid multiple times, so I had to secure this spot.
“—I can even [Teleport] to such a cramped place… right, right? Kanum’s House has a ceiling and walls surrounding it.”
“Yeah. If you remember the surrounding scenery.”
At first, I could only [Teleport] to places without people, then to wider areas, and now I could go to places I had visited and memorized.
I stepped out of the boat shed and walked through the port of Naruadeid. Passing through the port, I climbed the slope toward Soleil’s trading company. The trading company closer to the port held more power, but it seemed we weren’t quite there yet. Just having a building in the limited land of Naruadeid was impressive enough.
“Excuse me. I’m Haulon, here for a business meeting with the Trading Company President.”
I informed the receptionist at the entrance of our purpose, and we were promptly led to the reception room.
Most of the employees here seemed to be from the trading company where Soleil used to work. This was Soleil’s trading company, and since I had no involvement, I introduced myself using Haulon’s name, the trading partner.
“Welcome. I am Soleil, the Trading Company President. Thank you for today. Please, have a seat.”
Soleil greeted us with a polished smile.
—It’s strange not to see Faramia beside him. Instead, there was a middle-aged man I had never seen before standing next to him.
Faramia must have come along as well, so she was likely in the next room. Perhaps she was hiding her appearance to avoid the Changeling.
“I’m Haulon. This will be our first transaction, but I am known as the Great Sage, so I hope you can trust me. I look forward to working with you.”
Haulon spoke gravely.
Ding, ding, right? It’s been a while. When I was with Captain Cat, it was normal, but why the ding now? Is it because I sense paperwork in the air?
Soleil glanced my way. It’s fine; Ding may seem fussy, but he’s thorough.
After smoothly finalizing the details and signing the contract, we deepened our friendship over lunch. This was the first restaurant I had entered in Naruadeid with a view of the sea.
Shrimp Pasta once more!