Chapter 16: Turmoil in the Royal Capital 03
“Ah, if I could have the protection of ‘Soul’s Guidance’ led by you, Soushi-dono, there would be nothing more reassuring.”
Mr. Toronto is the head of one of the three largest merchant guilds in the Royal Capital. He is a middle-aged man with a compact yet sturdy build and a mustache that immediately marks him as a shrewd businessman.
At this moment, he grips the reins atop a cart, with two more carts following behind, all loaded to the brim with goods.
We walk around the carts, of course, to provide protection.
In the end, after accepting Mr. Toronto’s request for escort, we greeted and reported to Count Lautrec, departing Barbadoza the following day.
“However, ‘Soul’s Guidance’ has certainly grown into quite a large party. And to think you’ve reached A-Rank—while I expected it would happen eventually, this is still an unprecedented speed.”
“Indeed, we’ve had quite a few significant requests. Completing several major tasks has made a considerable difference.”
“I see, major requests, you say. The matters concerning Oz and Mecalinan have become quite the topic of gossip among the merchants in the Royal Capital.”
“Ah, that’s to be expected. As for Oz, it’s one thing, but I’m quite curious about how Mecalinan is being perceived…”
As I subtly probed, Mr. Toronto nodded knowingly and grinned with amusement.
“That story changes entirely depending on who hears it. For us merchants, a shift in Mecalinan’s regime presents a business opportunity. In that sense, there are those who would want to establish connections with you, Soushi-dono, who has likely ingratiated himself with the new regime. On the other hand, for the lords, you, who are rumored to have single-handedly brought the Royal Capital to its knees, are someone to be wary of.”
“What do you think the royal family will make of this?”
“The Vermilian royal family already has ties with you, Soushi-dono, so rather than being cautious, I believe they are relieved. I, too, am pleased to have a connection with you. It has bolstered my confidence in my own judgment.”
Mr. Toronto chuckled heartily. Such treatment is still quite appreciated.
“Oh, by the way, regarding those playing cards, as expected, they have already begun to trend among the nobility. We’ve delivered to numerous noble houses and have just started selling to the general public.”
“That’s a relief. I hope it helps your business, Toronto.”
“As I mentioned before, merely establishing a connection with the royal family is a significant achievement. Moreover, having dealings with several noble houses adds immense value for us.”
As he spoke, there was a glimmer of expectation in his eyes directed at me. Perhaps he was fishing for ideas for another business venture.
“Speaking of which, Toronto, I was wondering if there are any magical tools that replicate the ‘Item Box’ skill?”
“Ah, I’ve heard rumors of such bags existing in the royal treasury, supposedly acquired from the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family.'”
“But they aren’t widely available, are they?”
“Indeed. If such items were available, there would be fierce competition not just among merchants but also between the royal family and the noble houses. Depending on their storage capacity, they could easily fetch several million Rom.”
It seems that discussing the creation of such items is strictly off-limits. It would undoubtedly attract a world of trouble.
As I contemplated reminding Geshura to keep quiet about it, Mr. Toronto glanced over at her and quietly inquired, “By the way, Soushi-dono, who is that unusual member of your party? I’ve traveled far and wide, but I’ve never seen a race like hers.”
“I happened to meet her in the Elf Village, and it seems she belongs to a rather rare race.”
“A race that has never appeared in public before? The Elf Village still has many unexplored forests, after all.”
Despite his words, Mr. Toronto didn’t seem entirely convinced. However, as the head of a merchant guild, he was perceptive enough to refrain from pressing further.
After that, we continued our journey without any particular incidents until we reached the outskirts of the Royal Capital.
Having experienced the ‘Soul’s Guidance’ style of camping, Mr. Toronto was impressed, exclaiming, “A bath is not something one can enjoy every day in the Royal Capital!” He was moved by the lavish meals made from dungeon-sourced ingredients, stating, “Such extravagant dishes are rarely tasted even by nobles!” Finally, upon witnessing Freinir’s ‘Barrier’ and Shizuna’s ‘Spirit’ providing security, along with the luxurious bedding set, he was left speechless, saying, “I never knew such a comfortable journey existed in this world…”
By the way, when I showed him the ‘Immovable Fortress Wall,’ his jaw dropped in astonishment. “As a merchant, I will never see a finer item than this,” he remarked, and the look of sheer relief on his face was truly memorable.