Chapter 403: The Approaching Trouble
The half-collapsed house underwent a magical renovation over the course of two days. Using Earth Magic, I reinforced the foundation and extended the ground toward the cliff, effectively expanding the property. The view of the sea was splendid, so I constructed a terrace to maintain the vista. In fact, the panorama has improved, allowing for a wider view to the left and right.
Originally a four-story building, I did not expand upward. From the entrance, one would never suspect that the back of the house had been extended.
I also dug down to create a basement, tunneling all the way to the cliff’s edge to allow access to the sea. The waves were gentle, but the rocky shore meant there was no sandy beach. The water seemed to be of decent depth, making it a perfect spot for leisurely fishing.
In the room on the second basement level, I installed a door that utilized a Dimensional Rift. This allowed for Wi-Fi access throughout the house, and the Hinomaru staff could come and go freely. Now, nearly fifty members were likely bustling about the city, gathering information and funds.
“I’m home!”
“Woof!”
In the evening, Phonia and Nil returned from their exploration outside.
“Welcome back! Oh, what’s that delicious-looking treat you have?”
“Yeah! I got some candy from a lady with a flashy hairstyle!”
Phonia stuck out her tongue, showcasing the small piece of candy. It seemed that this country, rich in resources, had a decent supply of sugar.
“She said it was called ‘ame-chan,’ but what is that?”
“Ame-chan?”
“Isn’t it the candy Phonia received?”
As we tilted our heads in confusion, Ivan voiced a guess.
“Ah, that could be it. But is it really the same here…?”
I recalled the peculiarities of a certain local woman from my original world, wondering if such similarities could exist here as well.
“There’s no point in worrying about it, right?”
“Yeah, you’re right…”
Indeed. Even if there were similarities in the future, I decided not to dwell on them. There was no information to uncover, and worrying would only be futile. With a base established, I thought it best to leave things to the Hinomaru members when my smartphone rang. It seemed to be a call from Mesaria-san.
“Hello?”
“This is Mesaria. Do you have a moment?”
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“I have two pieces of news to share with you. Would you like to hear the good news or the bad news first?”
“Uh, what?”
Depending on the content, the good news might lift my spirits, or the bad news could ruin my enjoyment of the good news. However, if the good news couldn’t dispel my gloom, it would only be a disadvantage.
“Let’s start with the good news.”
“Understood. The Spider TYPE we deployed in the territory has apparently discovered a new Dungeon and a hot spring.”
“Oh! A hot spring!”
While the Dungeon piqued my interest, the hot spring was my primary focus.
“Yes. Therefore, we are currently securing personnel for maintenance and management.”
“Leave it to me.”
More slaves would likely be added, but that didn’t bother me. While I still had some financial leeway, I needed to start considering income for Hinomaru. I hadn’t thought much about that aspect, so I wondered how things were progressing.
“Currently, it is being funded by your pocket money, Lord Shu, so there are no issues with the organization’s operations for now…”
“I see.”
According to Mesaria-san, it depended on our personal finances. Personally, I hadn’t made any significant earnings lately, so I was probably in the red. It might be wise to tighten my focus a bit.
Ah, right.
“Please gather some ideas for items that could sell well from Japan and register them with the Commercial Guild.”
“Understood.”
Though I hadn’t invented these items myself, it was a different world, so there shouldn’t be any issues.
“Just make up a name for the owner.”
Since I occasionally streamed videos aimed at Japan, I wanted to be cautious. Products that circulated like this wouldn’t be easily captured on camera, so I thought it would be fine. Besides, it would be assumed that similar items existed there, and no one would suspect that they were spread by a fellow Japanese—though I wasn’t exactly Japanese anymore.
“You have a rather mischievous look on your face, Shuu.”
Ignoring the comment from Rio, who was next to me, I noticed her exasperated expression, though she didn’t seem to think it was wrong. If she said something, I would consider it then.
“Now, let’s hear the bad news.”
“Yes. It seems that six of your classmates have encountered Negro Tact.”
“Is that so?”
It appeared they had indeed been sent to Commercial City Comets. However, that didn’t seem like particularly bad news. Surely, there was more to it.
“Now that there are seven classmates, it seems they are heading straight east and have entered the Kingdom of Faerdehelde.”
“What?”
Seriously? Why?
“What’s wrong?”
Perhaps due to my dazed expression, Rio stepped in front of me, looking concerned. I snapped back to reality and relayed Mesaria-san’s words, causing Rio to frown as well.
“It seems that Negro Tact has been spreading the word to your six classmates that he saw you and Rio in Isolage.”
“What?! So they’re heading here because of that?”
Rio’s face twisted in genuine displeasure at my words.
“Yes, that’s correct. What will you do?”
“…Ah, what should I do?”
I almost reflexively suggested we drive them away, but I swallowed my words. They were formidable opponents, and simply obstructing their path would be challenging. Answering why we would interfere would only encourage them to come closer.
“For now, let’s prepare for an interception.”
“Understood.”
If they dared to approach, I would send them flying to the ends of the earth this time.