Chapter 80: Mimina Trading Company
“Now then, what should we do for the next two weeks?”
“For starters, we should probably expand our camping gear.”
“Ah, that’s definitely true.”
“If we’re going to take on any requests while we’re out, we need to head to the Guild…”
They were still standing in front of Beldran Workshop. If they were going to the Guild, they would head east, while the western gate was the closest route to exit the city. The time was just before evening.
“Yeah. Given the time, it seems like we won’t be able to do either today. But it might be a good idea to check what requests are available at the Guild? We could also take a look at the trading company Beldran mentioned.”
“Then let’s ask about the trading companies at the Guild.”
“Sounds good.”
With their plans set, they headed east toward the Guild. It seemed that the Six Great Trading Companies had branches in every artisan city.
“We can just pick two or three and visit their shops.”
Upon arriving at the Guild, they immediately made their way to the request board. Perhaps because it was still before work hours, the area in front of the board was quite empty.
“There are a lot of requests for material gathering.”
Most of the requests were for gathering in the Heavenly Wolf Forest to the west or in the eastern mines.
“Right… Oh, there’s a request for gathering Heavenly Wolf Mushrooms.”
“You’re right. There’s one over here too.”
Thinking about it, it made sense. This city was close to the Heavenly Wolf Forest. If only they could find it by scent. But would the Beastmen, with their sensitive noses, be able to do that? It was hard to say how much their sense of smell had been enhanced.
Looking closely, they noticed that there were two types of requests posted: constant requests and regular requests. The situation was likely the same as in the Heavenly Wolf Village. The regular requests had higher prices, and the postings looked newer, not yellowed.
“If I remember correctly, the constant requests are from Rashiyu Trading Company, and the regular requests are from Mimina Trading Company, right? It might be good to visit these two trading companies.”
“Mimina Trading Company… Isn’t that the place with that overbearing old man? Maybe we should go there for some reconnaissance as well.”
While it was unlikely that news of their presence had reached this city yet, gathering information was still necessary just in case. They caught a Guild staff member and asked about the Six Great Trading Companies. As expected, there were six branches in this city, and they were able to learn the locations of Rashiyu Trading Company and Mimina Trading Company.
“Let’s go to the closer one first.”
“Yeah, we’ll start with Mimina Trading Company.”
Exiting the Guild, they made their way to the central square and headed south down the Main Street. Mimina Trading Company soon came into view on their right. It was a splendid new shop that had just opened in the center of the Main Street.
“Welcome, nya!”
As they entered, a cheerful female shop assistant greeted them. She approached with her ears twitching and flashed a bright smile.
“If you need anything, just let me know, nya!”
It was surprising to encounter a human who spoke with a “nya” at the end of her sentences. Her fluffy cat ears and the fluffy tail peeking out from her hot pants were irresistible to any kemono enthusiast.
“I just wandered in, so no need to mind me.”
“Understood, nya! Please take your time, nya~”
Rio poked her side, giving her a glare. She wondered if this catfolk was similar to Emily, the scout they had met by chance on the shared carriage. Perhaps many catfolk had a carefree personality.
She found herself staring, but it wasn’t like she was captivated or anything.
“As expected of an artisan city, they have a wide variety of items.”
“They have a lot of furniture and tableware too. It seems like there are accessories on the second floor.”
“Oh, I recognize this… Isn’t this the cup I got when I received tea from a stall?”
Upon closer inspection, it was labeled as having excellent insulation properties.
“…Is that really excellent?”
Rio furrowed her brow, reading the description of the cup with a skeptical look. There were also pots advertised as having excellent insulation, but wouldn’t that mean they were poor conductors of heat? It felt a bit suspicious, but maybe that was just her imagination.
“Oh, you have a discerning eye! That is a newly developed insulated cup from our trading company. We have a limited supply, so if you’re interested in purchasing, now is your chance!”
Suddenly, a tall, slender man with narrow eyes appeared. He seemed to be the store manager or something similar.
“Or perhaps…”
He paused dramatically, widening his eyes.
“Are you familiar with an even more insulated cup, dear customer?”
His tone carried a hint of pressure.
“Ah, no, I apologize. If I knew of a product with better performance than one just developed, it would certainly pique our interest as a trading company.”
It seemed he had overheard Rio’s mumbling. If a product was criticized, it was only natural for the seller to want to defend it.
“Um, I’m sorry. It seems I mistook it for something else… I received a cup similar to this one when I got hot tea, but it didn’t have that great of insulation.”
“I see. I apologize for the misunderstanding. We have other products as well, so please feel free to browse at your leisure.”
Rio tried to brush off the awkwardness with a wry smile, but the man left with a sharp gaze still lingering.
“Phew, that was close. It’s best not to voice any critical opinions…”
“Haha, that was unfortunate… But still, it seems there aren’t any decent people at Mimina Trading Company… Well, maybe that’s not entirely true.”
As she spoke, she caught a glimpse of the cheerful catfolk greeting new customers with a bright “Welcome, nya!” and turned to Rio.
“Where are you looking when you say that?”
Rio puffed her cheeks and punched her side. While her angry expression was cute, it still hurt.