Chapter 17: The Long Road to the Imperial Capital – Part 16
Knowing that the journey would be long and that we were heading north, I spent two days gathering ample supplies, including food, winter clothing, and new bedding. Most of it would go into my Item Box, but I also shared some of the burden with Freinir and Sakurahime.
On the afternoon of the second day, I went alone to meet with the merchant, Mr. Toronto, to gather rumors related to the Empire.
“Oh, Sir Soushi! Ah, my apologies. Count Okuno, welcome!”
“Please, treat me as you have until now. I am merely a nominal count without territory or vassals. Though I suppose that doesn’t quite apply outside these walls…”
“Indeed. If I were to address you as Sir Soushi in a public setting, I would be scolded for my lack of decorum. However, if you prefer it in private, I shall continue to do so.”
“Yes, that would be fine. By the way, I’m setting out for the north tomorrow, and I was hoping you could share any intriguing information regarding the Empire.”
“Ah, I see. So, the hero of the Kingdom, ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ is finally heading to the Empire. That alone seems to be the most significant news.”
Mr. Toronto chuckled as he said this. Upon reflection, he might be right.
“However, aside from that, the only other noteworthy information is that the number of ‘Kin of Twilight’ arriving has decreased, while the infamous ‘Demon’ has begun to appear instead. There are those who speculate a connection between the two, but you might be more knowledgeable about that, Sir Soushi.”
“No, not at all… I suspect the two are likely unrelated.”
“Indeed. It seems that only the number of ‘Demons’ has increased. Additionally, it appears that monsters are becoming more common on the surface. There are even rumors of a massive dragon soaring through the skies.”
“That sounds frightening.”
“Haha, a dragon would be no more than a flying lizard in the presence of ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ Speaking of which, the Imperial Capital hosts a famous gladiatorial tournament, and I hear that the Imperial Princess will be participating in the next one.”
“The Imperial Princess? So she is an adventurer as well?”
“Oh? Sir Soushi, you weren’t aware? The Imperial Princess is a renowned adventurer in the Empire. She is known by the title ‘Radiant Marishielle,’ an A-Rank adventurer, and due to her achievements, there are talks within the Adventurers’ Guild about creating a rank above A-Rank.”
“Well, that certainly makes me curious to see her.”
As I said this, Mr. Toronto wore a slightly mischievous expression.
“Fufu, I thought you might say that, Sir Soushi. The Imperial Princess is around nineteen years old, and it’s about time she finds a partner. However, given her high status and fame as an adventurer, it’s not as simple as just any noble suitor. But if a count from the Kingdom, a hero of unparalleled renown, were to arrive, it would certainly stir up quite a rumor.”
“No, that’s… I have no such intentions, so please forgive me. Besides, a mere count wouldn’t suffice for someone of her stature.”
“Even so, rumors have a way of spreading on their own, and they cannot be avoided. I know well that you are not that kind of person, but when it comes to the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance’… well, you can see how it might be perceived.”
Hearing that left me at a loss for words, which was rather unfortunate. In a way, I suppose it was my own doing.
“I’m aware of that, so I’ll do my best to be cautious. By the way, how is that lightweight bathtub project coming along?”
“Actually, the prototype has already been completed, and several reservations have been made. The Royal Capital has many high-ranking adventurers, after all.”
“That’s wonderful news. Will the bathtubs be made available to the general public as well?”
“Well, yes. It would be ideal if the habit of bathing at home could take root, but currently, it’s quite challenging for an average household to prepare enough water using magical tools. Heating that water is even more difficult.”
“Couldn’t we hire mage-type adventurers to go around to each household and fill the tubs with hot water? If we offered a service bundled with the bathtub, it might encourage more people to adopt it.”
“Hmm…?”
I had blurted out a random thought, but Mr. Toronto’s expression sharpened.
“I see… that’s an interesting idea. Combining goods and services into a single product. Hmmm, this could become a new business opportunity.”
As expected of a top-tier merchant, he seemed to grasp the essence of my offhand suggestion in an instant. Now that I think about it, I believe such a product existed in my previous life.
“Moreover, providing job opportunities for retired adventurers is quite significant. While there are relatively many users of water and fire magic, the surplus of personnel can be an issue. If we can resolve that, we might even receive praise from the royal family.”
“I see, so it would become a socially beneficial endeavor. If bathing becomes a common practice, it would have significant implications for hygiene and social welfare.”
“Absolutely. If we merchants only focus on making money, we’ll attract unnecessary resentment. Thus, such initiatives are essential. This is certainly worth considering. I’ll have my sons start brainstorming immediately. Ah, Sir Soushi, if this venture takes off, I’ll make sure to spread the word that it was your idea!”
“Please, let’s keep that to a minimum. Even if it succeeds, it would be your achievement, Mr. Toronto. Realizing such ideas is exponentially more challenging than merely coming up with them.”
What began as a simple information-gathering mission had turned into an unexpected bonus.
I made my excuses and hurriedly left the Toronto Trading Company.