Otoko Nara Ikkokuichijou no Aruji o Mezasa Nakya, ne? Chapter 203

That was a considerably long chapter..... Next one is pretty long too... As expected of 116-139 in two chapters. Next chapter in 6-12 hours. This is one of those where it's hard to tell who's PoV it's coming from. It switches between like 3rd and 1st person, and sometimes difficult to tell if it's even Saji's PoV. Though it's mostly Saji's PoV.
One day near the end of the April, Sajesu.Basutoral returned alone to Boil Manor while holding a cheap lunch under his arm. He practiced using magic a number of times this afternoon and after that thought of killing some time practicing with the spear. Recently his life has been fulfilling and everyday is so enjoyable he can't help it. He's been secretly calculating it but his debt should be paid off after they enter the dungeon next time. All of his income after  belongs to him. If it continues at his current pace then he should be able to save up a considerable amount in two months. He'll be able to buy his beloved Cathy, Catherine.Enforu he left behind in his home town of Rockfall Village and then release her from slavery.
I've already eaten after all, let's get a wood practice spear and head to the vacant lot at the edge of town. Later his spear teacher Gwine should show her face as well. In her past life, she was a high school girl 10 years younger than Saji but in their current lives she's the same age and his senior as an adventurer. She's also his teacher that teaches him the spear. Though that can be said, in terms of skill with the spear his employer Al, the n.o.ble Toris, and his combat slave the former soldier Zulu are a bit above her in skill with the sword as well.
Recently, it's something the n.o.ble who's employing me, Al often said, "Remain conscious over the increases to body level" but I've somehow come to understand it. At first it was my limit just being able to nervously follow after everyone but recently I've become able to progressively take part in combat so you could say it's proof of that.
Thinking that Saji (in any case, let's put some guts into the afternoon training right now and give it our best) returned to the inn but Saji noticed the foreign n.o.ble Bernadette beckoning him against the railing leading to the rooms upstairs.
The place he was called out to was the room of the front line pillar of the {Slaughterers} Zenom and Ralpha's room. If their leader Al is ever absent they always seem to gather in this room. Since it's a family room and slightly larger with a bit more room is probably one of the reasons for that as well.
Other than Zenom, Toris was in the room. Including Bel and Saji that's four people. The other occupant of the room that is Zenom's adopted daughter Ral and Gwine, and of course the leader Al nor his girlfriend Miduchi are nowhere to be found. They're probably still eating.
"What's going on?"
When Saji asked that an unexpected answer came back.
"Faruergaz and Hirosukol's party, they ended up being absorbed by {Sun.Ray}."
(Ah, so they ended up being able to enter a first-rate party as well, that's great.)
From Saji's point of view they're his benefactors. It was somewhat close to forcibly but it was thanks to them that he was released from the serf ranking. I guess because the circ.u.mstances of their meeting wasn't very good, Hirosukol seems to have some kind of feelings towards Al, their relations don't seem to be very good though.
"It hurts that {Sun.Ray} managed to take the reincarnated people.."
"Yeah, it seems that Al-san left too much room between them as well. They ended up being taken first.."
"Even if you say something like that...I can't bring myself to like those two. They said that Ralpha and Gwine were being cheated? Not to mention right in front of me. You all heard it too right."
(Ah, that's right. They said they were just being deceived and used, was it...Even if they didn't know the details that was considerably harsh. Well, even if I was being deceived I'm completely satisfied being allowed in the {Slaughterers}. If it wasn't here then there's no way to make this much money..)
Just like that the remaining four reincarnated people joined us. It seems that Ral and Gwine pulled Al and Miduchi out while they were still in the middle of eating.
After that it came down to a discussion over how to pull out those those two but a visitor came. When Saji went out to deal with them it was a messenger from {Verdure.Brotherhood}.
There Miduchi and the leader Al left.
On that occasion he left things regarding this matter to Toris, Zenom, and the others and said for everyone to try thinking about what to do. First off what we talked about was how far to go with our objective.
"At the very least I want to make those two into allies."
Toris who naturally fell into the position of speaker said. His hair is neatly trimmed up and dyed a deep green color.
"That's right. Also, it would be unpleasant if they said something about it all the time so a situation where they're the ones who ask would be good."
Ral's long beautifully dyed blonde hair sways as she adds.
"In that case we need to sell them a favor through some form."
Bel who's deep blue hair has grown to about halfway down her back added something just a bit constructive.
"Even if you say sell them a favor.."
Zenom with his pink hair and abundant beard said.
"Since they're adventurers I guess it would come to saving their lives or something like that. Even I feel indebted towards Toris-san after all."
Gwine said with her shoulder length dyed yellow-green hair and her beard still black. Bel looked at Gwine with a difficult face but no one seems to have noticed. Or rather, since Gwine switches preferences all the time it's already publicly known she's always attracted to someone so no one would pay much attention to it every time.
Just the other day Saji had the barber of the {Slaughterers} Bel cut his hair and dye it deep blue as she touched his sideburns(?). Somehow or other, he got the feeling that he was doing something to hurt his benefactors. Of course, it's not as if he's against it. He thought that if they could group up that would be nice. Also, he's already used to the fact that there's no ears in the place they should be but this is the first time in this lifetime that his hair was so carefully cut so the good touching sensation of his sideburns has become a habit for these past few months.
After that they spent a few hours discussing it but couldn't seem to come to a conclusion. Along the way Miduchi returned but the leader Al just showed his face for a bit and then went out again.
During dinner Toris explained things to Al. Saji listened to that as if it was something from a far off world.
"First, in regards to the objective but our objective is to take in those two. And then, as a side matter, we think it would be ideal to have them lower their heads and request to join us."
Toris skillfully started his explanation after taking a sip of beer.
"The rough plan for that sake is for Bel or I to sneak into {Sun.Ray}."
Hearing that Al stopped his hands that were eating and urged him to continue.
"Through the information we heard the other day we've found out that {Sun.Ray} is doing fraud or an act close to that. We'll expose that and have them become indebted to us. We heard from Miduchi-san but it seems that Al-san predicted their trick right. According to that it should be impossible for them to put it into practice with a small number of people. Also, it's natural to think that there's an accomplice in {Sun.Ray}. Wouldn't it be Zemyunel or Fumizu or somewhere around there? If we don't have a member or two join them then I think it will take a tremendous amount of time to gather anymore information than this."
Al was listening with a difficult face.
"Obviously, they'll need to skillfully leave the {Slaughterers}. Also, if it isn't just once person that leaves then they might be cautious of and see through them. The best candidate would be Saji but as expected if it's Saji there's anxiety remaining in the worst case. Also, the only ones we need to absolutely avoid are the leader Al-san and Gwine. I think the reason why is easy to understand without explanation.
Also, Zenom-san is unnatural as well. Consequently Ral isn't a suitable choice either. And if it were Gwine or Zenom-san then rather than {Sun.Ray}, I can't imagine {Gehenna.Flare} would just ignore them. Maruso and Zulu wouldn't work unless Al-san sells them first and there's no guarantee that {Sun.Ray} would be the ones to buy them. Most likely all of the top teams would be scrambling for them and it would already be no good. Prior to that I can't imagine they would agree to it either."
Before long all of the other members had stopped eating and were listening in. Obviously they already knew about the details that were being reported but it's because Al's facial color wasn't very good.
"That leaves three people remaining. Bel,  Miduchi-san, and myself. If we think about combat in the worst case then Miduchi-san is suitable but since Bel and I were the ones who brought it up we should volunteer for it. Thanks to you both Bel and I have gotten quite skilled at using magic and can brag about having a considerably level of combat ability so I think we can pull through most situations. If it takes the shape of us fighting and breaking up then we should be able to naturally leave without being suspected is also one of the reasons."
A bit of admiration appeared in Al's eyes but he quickly changed back to being expressionless.
"The summer of last year, just before Miduchi-san joined us, {Sun.Ray} lost two members of their forces. Even though Faruergaz and the others, those six joined them but I'm sure they won't be capable of much on the 5th or 6th floors. That's why, we think that they'll end up splitting into two parties and entering the dungeon again. Well, a first party that is active centering around the 6th floor and a second party that at best makes it to the 4th floor. And also, it seems that {Sun.Ray} has had quite a bit of attachment to the 6th floor when they enter the dungeon recently. Although, I'm sure they just want to go to the 7th floor beyond that. That's why even though they have 20 people right now but if someone who has experience on the 7th floor like Bel or I were to leave we think it's very possible they would call out to us right away."
"What if they don't call out to you?"
"If it comes to that then there's no helping it, we'll just have to lower our heads and return. It's necessary to go over the plan once more but most likely I don't think that will end up the case."
"It seems you have confidence."
"Of course. In regards to just this portion, I think that there's no doubt they'll call out to us. Also, other than the newcomer Saji, if any of us were to join {Sun.Ray} it's only obvious but we'd be put in the first part I'm sure. I think there would be a lot of chances to be near the side of the leaders, the Rindobels."
"And, you're going to sneak in, gather evidence, and then expose that right in front of them?"
"Yes. That time I think will be the best timing in a room on the 4th or 5th floor when it's difficult for anyone to intrude."
"Got it. That goes smoothly. After that Faruergaz and the others find out about it as well. But, I wonder if they would really come to us with just that? Wouldn't things just end up several members including the leaders of {Sun.Ray} being driven out? During that time, you or Bel a reliable member in the dungeon is still a part of {Sun.Ray}?"
Al said that rejected the idea everyone came up with.
"I understand. Well then, we'll add one more plan that we thought of previously together with Bel and Zenom-san. After infiltrating them, it will be only obvious to go to the 6th floor right. That time, we'll bring them to the 7th floor. Obviously, we'll support them there with all our power. Since they're a top team as well if I accompany them and we take our time recovering mana and moving forward a bit at a time then it shouldn't be all that difficult to go to the 7th floor."
"And?"
"We'll lure them into an ogre mage room on the 7th floor. If we use paralyiss poison on the ogres along the way then this shouldn't be all that difficult. During that occasion if we have them misrecognize the true strength of the ogres then I think that would be even better. Then, since there's always around 10 ogres in the ogre mage room they should easily fall into a crisis. There Al-san and the others who were on standby nearby would gallantly appear and save them. It would be fine as long as we show off the appeal of our combat strength in full.
If we do that then I'm sure Faruergaz and the others will be shocked they can't enter the first party of {Sun.Ray}. If they find out the value of the ogres magic stones at that time it's only obvious they would be envious of us. Even if those two don't think that way k.u.miru and Samyueruga would definitely think so. If we invite them there then I think it would only take one try. And then, the person who was infiltrating can just take the shape of turning their back on them after the combat on the 7th floor and return then I don't think it would be unnatural."
"I see now..Are Zenom and Bel of the same opinion?"
"Yeah."
Being asked by Al, Zenom replied right away.
"I think we should go over it a bit more into order to make sure things go exactly as expected."
Bel still had some plans. Incidentally, that plan was even more brutal, and everyone who heard it including Al were backing away from her over the details.
"No, you..that far..Rather~ if it's just a matter of making those two into allies we could spend a bit more time getting familiar with them and wait until they open their hearts to us. It's not like we need them right away.."
Al gets blocked on his words he's saying to Bel.
"But it's a valid method. If it's this then depending on the case we could crush {Verdure.Brotherhood} and {Black.Topaz} using a similar technique as well. Aren't they ideal as practice for it? Also, you said you would the matter this time to us right? Since it's best to make effective use of chances I though we should make the most effective use of it but..It's hard for me to imagine but Al-san do you have some kind of camaraderie going towards the other adventurers?"
"As expected I've never thought of them as comrades even once. Even at best compet.i.tors, in essence they're potential enemies right?"
"That's great..I'm relieved to hear you say that. As expected of Al-san..No, that was rude of me. It's only obvious. Well then, I would like to proceed with my idea."
"Nn..Since I already said I'd leave it to you all, I don't have any intention of commenting on the rough outline you've decided on. However, I have a condition. First off, including Zulu and them, make everyone agree with it. After that, since I'm leaving the matter this time to you all, it's no good for you to be the ones infiltrating. In the first place if you're using that plan as the base then there's too much danger to it. I'll take on the role of infiltrating. Think up a method. There's no need to worry about my external reputation. Ah, no, I'd like for you to worry about it a bit. If possible I'd prefer it not exceed the level of everyone looking down on or abandoning me because I'm lacking in ability. If it's just that then I have plenty of chances to recover it later on. Also, since I'm leaving the outline to you, you don't need to explain things to me other than the rough idea. Think of me as a p.a.w.n and show me you can make good use of me."
Al insistently used the words "since I've left it to you".
"Thank you very much. Even if it's these sorts of small places Toris and I wanted to gain experience in commanding."
"Yeah, got it. That's certainly something important after all.."
"Well then, I would like to go over the fine details. Excluding Bel no one else other than Zenom-san and I would know the discussion from just now so we'll explain it once more but that's after we return to the inn."
"Got it. Then, I'll leave this matter to Toris. But, it's not like we need to hurry with it, don't overdo it by doing anything too cruel."
"Of course."
With Toris's reply the discussion ended.
"Bel, you, are really intense unsuitable for your face.."
Ral was dumbfounded as she whispered to Bel sitting next to her.
"Is that so? There are times I'd like for everyone to think about it more seriously though..Of course even I don't think that this method is very good. But I think it's effective. Since you're not always going to be a child either I think you should rethink that boring pride and disposition. Right now, where is Ral living? This is a warning from my true feelings. I won't say it twice. It's fine if you take some time so think carefully about it."
Bel replied in a whisper.
After dinner, when we returned to the inn, excluding Al the details were explained to everyone and putting it simply, it was making use of the ogres on the 7th floor and wiping out all of {Sun.Ray}'s first party leaving just a few members(leaving just one person is ideal) alive. The outline of exposing the crimes of the leader couple of {Sun.Ray}, in this case gathering evidence wasn't seen as that important. It's a secondary objective. After they were wiped out it's fine as long as the witness gives testimony about the {Slaughterers} combat power and how it couldn't be helped they were wiped out.
After {Sun.Ray} loses over half of their upper party members since Faruergaz and the others aren't that skilled they'll end up in the position of a second-rate party. If things come to think then it's normal to think that the remaining few skilled members would move over to a half first-rate party and the half first-rate parties should invite them as well. It was believed to be very probable that if just one of them leaves the rest would follow after.
If, there's not many movements then one or two people, if they seem useful it's fine if the {Slaughterers} calls out to them, if according to the secondary objective they had already exposed the evidence of the dead leaders crimes then we could just expose it to them without forbidding them from speaking. One way or another the {Slaughterers} is a super first-rate party that has gathered quite a bit of attention in Baldukk. It's easy to predict that if the {Slaughterers} were to call out to them the number of people trying to recruit them would intensify quickly.
If things come to that then even if we just leave things be, we could call out to Faruergaz and the others as a side. It's expected that they would feel considerably helpless at that point as well. After all just when they thought they entered one of the top teams before much time had pa.s.sed most of the upper party members die in the dungeon.
The ones who saved them for a crisis of really being completely wiped out was the {Slaughterers} with an overwhelming combat force. Even if Hirosukol has some feelings on it if he's not an idiot he should jump at the chance. Rather, it's believed there's not even any need for us to go to the trouble of calling out to them. And then when Saji joined us, we put that much emphasis on the contract. Obviously they'll enter into a formal contract and then it's fine if we just make it so they can't leave of their own free will. During that time if they know the compensation of the {Slaughterers} there's no way they wouldn't be swayed.
"But you know, they might not be swayed by money. Look, don't they say there's things in the world you can't buy with money?"
Ral brought up that doubt but everyone got a chuckle over it.
"But, as a reason for why they wouldn't be swayed, isn't Faruergaz-san the eldest son of that Count Faruergeaz? He should have a lot of money right? I wonder if the compensation of the {Slaughterers} will be enough?"
Gwine is saying something that sounds reasonable for someone from the capital. However, there was some chuckles over that as well.
"Ral-san, Gwine-san. It's certainly true that Rodrick had a lot of money. But they should have spent quite a bit of it. They bought those two amazing looking combat slaves along with the equipment for them, I don't know if their financial sense has gotten too light but they got too heated over pointless gambling in the capital as well. And also, I can declare it but there's no one in the world who won't fall for money. As long as Al-san isn't the revenge for the parents of those two at least. If it was just a half-a.s.sed amount then that might be the case but the compensation of the {Slaughterers} is quite literally a different set of digits."
Saji fumbled with his words as he started to talk as well.
"Since I've only spent a few months or so in Baldukk I can't say anything too big but putting aside myself, I think that everyone else income is comparable to the leaders of the other top teams. Since those two were able to receive invest.i.ture as true knights at a young age their abilities are reasonably high. But, for that sake at least..if I remember correctly it was two or three years..I forgot but they had spend a number of years living in the knight group as squires. Prior to that they were children under the care of their parents you know? Not to mention one of those was a high ranking n.o.ble with no troubles at all and the other was a commoner family that had leeway in it's lifestyle.
I'm sure, right about now they're seeing and finding out various things in the world for this first time. It's not a dormitory system like the knight group where as long as you seriously study and train you automatically receive food and money. I'm sure they're understanding that about now. At the same time the appreciation of money as well."
Saji is probably halfway saying it to himself. Everyone thought that but they just nodded in agreement.
"Well, since there's also things like {Magic.Items} as expected I doubt it reaches the leaders of other top teams but even then it should be much higher than the normal members."
Zenom said with his arms crossed.
"Wai..Is there no one here that seeks after romance? Like bonds and stuff.."
Ralpha said as if she was shocked but her face was laughing. It seems that her remarks just a moment ago were just raising a problem and not her own a.s.sertion. Hearing that, Saji was a bit embarra.s.sed for replying seriously himself.
"Probably..the fact that they're former "j.a.panese people" I'm sure, is the only thing that can't be bought with money. Though even that can't be said for everyone unconditionally. If you were to say something extreme then how much could you sell the relations.h.i.+ps between j.a.panese people for? that sort of thing works as well. I don't think it would be strange for there to be people that sell others for 1 gold coin."
When Gwine said that, Saji remembered himself about one year ago. During that time he felt like he was at the peak of his life in his hometown of Rockfall village. He had to dig through his faded and forgotten memories, trying to wring them out as he failed a number of times and was finally able to make the thresher, which he was considerably praised over by his owner and the lord. He was in ecstasy over just 1 gold Shu and a pair of chickens. If it was me at that time then rather than something like j.a.panese who I had no familiarity with I'd have put priority on 1 gold coin I'm sure. Thinking that I smiled. Also, the one who abandoned the two people who released me from the slave ranking blinded by money was myself. In some meanings was it trying to defend myself? But, I can hold my chest out and say that my choice wasn't a mistake. Saji was happy enough that he could get defiant and think that.
................
The next morning, we went running as usual but soon after Saji was ordered to sing a song by Al. {British}. Since Saji idolized rock he didn't know any songs to sing at a time like this but since a song that you sing during field trips in elementary school was specified he was somehow able to sing it. All over the place there were parts of the lyrics he was worried about but everyone else followed with him. Since singing while running also works as training to increase lung capacity he wasn't against it. In the first place, in this town of Baldukk even if they act a bit audacious, Saji as a member of the {Slaughterers} no one would complain about it. Without even paying any mind to the trouble it causes in the early morning singing loudly was fun and even refres.h.i.+ng.
That night, Al gathered his three slaves and explained the outline of yesterday night. All three of them showed disapproval to changing owners even temporarily but in the end since Al ordered them they reluctantly obeyed.
For the time being as a first hand to play, Zuru and Maruso need to start going to places they don't normally go and complain about things. They'll make small complains about their jobs as slaves having increased recently.
However, there wasn't a feel that they were able to act very well. Since they weren't able to say even a single complaint towards their master. They're treated the same as normal combat slaves and when it comes to meals while it's just breakfast and dinner, they're allowed to eat however much of whatever they please so that is happiness. Even though that's the case they're still paid somewhat high wages as well. It's something they seized from another party but Zulu was provided with high cla.s.s metal armor banded-mail and Maruso has an extremely high quality sword merchant Fuggusu produced broad sword. Both of those aren't the type of equipment just a mere combat slave would be allowed to use.
However, since it's an important job they were ordered by their master they couldn't slack off, the two of them could only say things they didn't actually think. A reasonable number of eyes caught sight of those two.
.....................
There was a chance in the dungeon to lower Al's reputation. Conveniently it was in this teleport room on the 5th floor. Furthermore, the other group was {Sun.Ray}. After Zenom exchanged looks with Ralpha she desperately twisted her head and so everyone other than Al would notice just as decided before-hand she put her left hand on her land knee and started talking about meaningless things. She started making fun of {Sun.Ray} over the low nutritional value of their cuc.u.mbers at a volume they couldn't hear. Bel and Miduchi noticed right away and reacted. Maruso put in a loyal retort. Just as expected, Al ended up snapping.

................
After returning from the dungeon, we went to sell the magic stones and Al declared that all of Saji's debt had been repaid. A smile appeared on Saji's face. In an unbelievably short period of time he was able to pay off a huge amount as 5,000,000 Z. Furthermore, since he was also properly handed his wages and the leftovers so in these four months the amount Saji obtained was over 6,000,000 Z. Since there was the charge for staying at a high cla.s.s inn and the necessary things he had to buy there wasn't much remaining on hand but to Saji he was able to repay it in a shot period that exceeded his expectations.
While Saji was floating in good spirits, Ral found another good chance to pick a fight with some adventurers who came to sell magic stones. Ralpha said something to make fun of the amount the adventurers earned, hearing that Saji looked at the magic stone on top of the scale and it certainly was a cute magic stone. It was about the same size as the magic stones of the ogres we're always obtaining but the color was a lot darker.
(Ehe..Starting next month I'll be earning way more than something like that. Don't be arrogantly picking a fight with our Ral-san over something at that level. Ah!)
When he looked at Ral again she had her left hand on her left hip. It's the sign when she's standing up. Noticing that Saji tried to say something in a panic but they were thrown out of the story by the old man who runs it.
...............
During dinner that night Saji made a huge mistake. It wasn't the same as usual, they were in the middle of a party celebrating the repayment of Saji's debt, Al left his seat for a short while. Saji was completely engrossed in eating a delicious fish off the bone. He was sc.r.a.ping off the meat around the eyes with the slightly rough tongue of a Cat-people.
(De..Delicious! How delicious is this! For fish to be this good! I don't even know how many times I've been moved by this same thing since I came to Baldukk. Until I came here since I was further inland I hadn't eaten fish. I wonder if after all fish are best for Cat-people?)
It was then that an angry voice echoed through the store.
Miduchi stood up with her left hand at her hip and was yelling as she looked down at Ral. This time for sure, I need to say something that is helpful.
"U..Umm..Th..The two of you, sto..stop it! Pleeease~ stop it~!"
(Fumu, I think it was very good acting that approached the real thing. The feeling of panic should have come out as well. Even I can be useful at times. I've even become able to stab ogres with the spear on the 7th floor without flinching!)
Saji triumphantly returned to the inn and everyone rejected him. Additionally they also came to the conclusion that the leader Al is useless so they had to take into consideration that there might be obstacles in their plan from here on out and even reported that they were excluded from the plan.
There's nothing to do other than feel down.
I wonder if there's anything I can do to be useful?
I need to think of something. Saji twists his head just like the time with the thresher. However, he quickly remember. At the end of last year, shortly  before they released him from being a slave the time when they went to the brothel and used condoms, what he thought of! Fortunately the {Slaughterers} have a holiday during Golden Week.
(It's just a bit but I have some money, as expected it won't be enough to buy Cathy until I enter the dungeon a number of times more. It should be fine if I use this money.)
Thinking that Saji started to twist his head over what he can do to what extend with his limited budget.
.................
Starting the next day it was just the contents but Saji immediately started making a prototype. However, it was extremely difficult to skillfully make minced meat, quite literally it takes backbreaking amounts of work. Things weren't going very well. While he was making it he felt like the color of the pork he bought ended up changing colors as well. And then, he remembered. There's no preservatives. Things like O-157 are dangerous.
When he tried asking the butcher he purchased the pork from and they said they didn't know of anything that sounds almost like magic like that. It depends on the season but raw meat only lasts at best~ one day. If two days pa.s.s then people with weak stomachs will get diarrhea. It seems that if you put it in a refrigerator and properly replace the ice then it'll last another few days. Taking into consideration the time it takes to purchase the meat and process it then if he can't do the work with a refrigerator then he'd like a bit more time. If this business doesn't go well then won't he'll just be of completely no use to everyone, additionally he remembered back to how his hobbies ended with how to make instruments as well.
While thinking that as Saji was dabbling and causing trouble for the butcher Miduchi pa.s.sed by and asked him what he was doing. Such and such as he discussed the details, Miduchi put her hand to her jaw and thought about it.
"I don't know if it will be of reference for you Saji-san, but it's not as if I don't have something in mind on that. There's a variety of different mushrooms cultivated in my country. A lot of them are the same as ones from "Earth" but I think a lot of them also didn't exist as well. Among those there's a mushroom called Soruhoggu. It's a mushroom that is the source for a poison called Sorira but during the process of making that poison a white power comes out. It seems that corpses of mice lasted for a considerably long time without rotting after touching that powder. It could be possible that it's a preservative."
Hearing that Saji was so overjoyed he felt like he could jump up but there's no guarantee it's really a preservative so it's too soon to relax. However, it might be good to think of it as one step forward. While Saji was pleased he discussed various things with Miduchi. She might have pitied Saji from being excluded from the plan. She might have been moved by Saji's feelings of wanting to be useful to everyone. However, to Saji it didn't matter whichever it was.
Furthermore, since Saji was excluded from the plan for the time being he had to have meals alone or together with Al's slaves.
.................
That night, while Al was gone to the capital, this time Gwine picked a fight with Zulu.
"Zulu, stop using your hands and use the {chopsticks} or fork! I feel disgusted just watching. You already know how to use them right."
She pulled back her chair and if you look closely she has her left hand on her left knee. Hearing that Zenom and Maruso suddenly grabbed their knife and chopsticks.
"I was told to eat however I please by master. Gwine has no right to order m."
Zulu said as if he didn't care at all as he started grabbing the meat and vegetable stir fry with his left hand and carried it to his mouth, then he wiped his dirty fingers on the tablecloth. It seems it was unexpected for Zulu to be told off on that matter and he made a slightly annoyed expression.
"It's unrelated to Al-san. I'm saying that I feel disgusted from it!"
(Zulu, sorry)
"I only obey master and n.o.bles. There's no reason for me to listen to what Gwine says."
(I wonder what she'll say next? Huh? Somehow it's gotten a bit fun)
"Wha! When Al-san comes back I'll tell on you!"
(We've already gathered attention, I guess this is fine already)
"Do as you please, I'll eat however I like."
(Is she a child! I heard that Gwine was older than me but..)
"Is that so, then feel free to do as you please. Though Al-san likes things that are refined. I wonder if he can endure the fact that his own slaves are eating in a vulgar way and causing the surrounding people to feel disgusted?"
(Since it's this occasion, it might be good to have Zulu start properly eating with tableware)
"Gu!! Didn't Gwine not use tableware at first as well!"
(She says painful things)
"But I sympathized with Al-san's way of thinking and now I'm properly able to eat elegantly."
"Just stop already, why don't we properly eat in a refined way with the tableware. Zulu aren't you fine with that as well?"
If Zenom hadn't smoothed things over the dispute might have continued a while longer.
The next morning, Bel and Gwine started fighting in the miscellaneous goods store and then that evening Ral and Miduchi started fighting over something stupid again in the middle of the main street.
Even fruther during lunch the next day, Zenom, Toris, Ral, and Zulu teamed up and started fighting with team Miduchi, Gwine, Maruso, and Larry over something in a restaurant.
That night Ral and Miduchi started picking faults over each others hairstyles again.
It was already completely known between adventurers that there was discord between Ral and Miduchi.
They themselves thought they were picking fights under various cases but whenever it didn't involve other party members Ral was always picking fights with just Miduchi. Since that was the case, the number of arguments between Ral and Miduchi naturally increased.
And then after several days pa.s.sed, Al returned from the capital, Saji tried inquiring with him about the production of {Sausages} while feeling timid inside but he was relieved that there wasn't any particular problem with it.
That night when they were having dinner at "Pegizu" a bar Saji brought his best prototype. It seems the seasonings were just a bit too strong but even then Saji was happy that it was popular with everyone. Since he was told that he can freely use the porter and cook of the {Slaughterers} Larry, so he decided to put in some more fighting spirit and make more {Sausages}.
After that several weeks pa.s.sed. SInce the discord between Ral and Miduchi had spread around that had become the focus. They would make it seem like the leader Al was lacking in management ability and chase him out of the party then he would enter {Sun.Ray} like that. Hearing that Al made a slightly amazed expression but in the since he already said he would leave things to them~ he just obediently lowered his head and accepted everyone's plan.
Of course, when it's time for him to return everyone will lower their heads and say, "After all we're not good without you. Please come back to us." By doing that we can put emphasis on the fact that he was somehow able to manage the wild horses that are Ral and Miduchi. Obviously, Ral and Miduchi will have to keep fighting after Al leaves and increase the scale to make it seem like even Toris can't handle it. If they find a good cahnce then somewhere around the 1st floor against monsters that aren't very dangerous, they could have someone witness their fight as the cause for someone skillfully getting injured.
Around the time they just entered the middle of May, the magic tool that the {Slaughterers} had put up for sale since last year seems to have sold for a considerably high price. Excluding Saji and the slaves, everyone got a bonus that reached 2.5 or so gold coins. Since the sale of magic tools wasn't included as a bonus on Saji's contract all he could do is look while biting his fingers but in the first place when they obtained that magic tool he was still doing jobs in the fields. Also, he had gotten plenty of compensation up until now.
Even looking at things in a favorable light Saji is still at the level of a beginner and he still hasn't found anything out about the level ups or whatever that he's half in doubt about. If he gets greedy he'll be punished.
He decided to think like that.
..................
On a day off around the end of May, the {Slaughterers} decided to leave Al behind and go to the capital to have fun.
It seems that Miduchi will accompany Saji to some place. The destination was a healing clinic which is managed by a dark elf healer named Tukerin. It seems that Tukerin is famous even in the capital and when they asked the location from a member of the knight group on patrol through Rombertia they immediately replied with the precise location.
According to what Miduchi said it seems that healing clinic acts as an emba.s.sy for the country she was born. However, she herself didn't know the specific location of it so she had to ask a member of the knight group. After entering the waiting room filled with patients and one of the gnome employees went into the back. After a short while of waiting like that the employee and a dark elf came out to confirm Miduchi's status before they started whispering some kind of old-fas.h.i.+oned words. I wonder if she's Tukerin?
Soon after just Miduchi was allowed into the back room. Miduchi waited for a short while in the room and a dark elf in their 50s entered.
"Are you Tukerin-san?"
"Yeah, I'm Tukerin."
They said that and stretched out their right hand. She grabbed Tukerin's right hand while they confirmed each others status. So their full name is Baidu~nsu.Tukerin. Just as rumored it seems they're a retired member of the rank 1 warrior cla.s.s and they have all of the elemental magic skills.
"I'm rank 1 warrior cla.s.s Chizumagurol. I came today with several requests. Before I start talking, please confirm this."
After saying that Miduchi took out the scimitar on her waist and put it on the table in front of her. Seeing such a splendid sword Tukerin must have had some thoughts on it, Tukerin timidly stretched out their hand and confirmed the status.
"O..Oh..This is..What a wonderful sword..However, is there something about this?"
"I think you can already understand it's not a sword that just a single warrior should be walking around with. The one granted me that sword was her majesty Lilus."
Hearing the line Miduchi carelessly stated, Tukerin's eyes went wide with amazement and they froze up.
"What!..How overwhelming..However, I can accept what you say that it was something her majesty was in possession of..Rather, I certainly can't think of anything other than that..Ha!!? Has Chizumagurol-dono had audience with her majesty!?"
Tukerin's voice was trembling when they finally reactivated.
"Yeah, last summer, I had an audience with her majesty, and was directly granted this sword. It seems that in the past it was her majesty's favored sword."
"Oh, Oh! So this sword was a favored item of her majesty!"
Tukerin caressed the blade of the sword once more with a trembling hand.
"On that occasion, I was ordered to a special mission by her majesty. Right now I'm acting as an adventurer in Baldukk in relation to that."
"Is it fine to talk to me about that?"
"Yeah, if it's just this much then there's no problem. However, anything more than this is no good. Today I'm here to request the a.s.sistance of Tukerin-dono in relation to that."
"Please say anything at all. I'll do whatever I can."
"Thank you very much. Is there any soruhoggu here? And then do you the method to purify sorira from that?"
"So you're in need of sorira is it. Of course we have some. Periodically the acquisition members come to replenish our stick. We don't have a very large amount at all but it's fine if we hand over all we have on hand."
Tukerin leaned forward with a happy face on the verge of tears at the honor of being able to cooperate on a mission directly ordered by her majesty the Queen. Since she already imagined things would become like this Miduchi apologized in her heart and politely lowered head thanking Tukerin. But, she also said that what she needed was the disposable waste white powder that was produced during the purification of sorira from soruhoggu.
"Pl..Please wait just a moment. I'll confirm it now."
After saying that Tukerin left Miduchi and left the room in a hurry. And then, soon after Tukerin came back in with a woman of the same age. It's the employee who just confirmed Miduchi's status.
"This is my wife Rodu~gu. She also received the training for the rank 1 warrior cla.s.s but on the final ascertainment test she ended up falling through. She ended up as a rank 2 warrior cla.s.s but when we got married she retired from being a warrior and entered the family as a part of the service ranking. After we had two children, with the younger child became an adult I decided to retire as well. It was just as the former official was feeling nostalgic and wished to return back to Erurehei so thanks to that we've been acting as a couple and healers here for over 10 years."
Rodu~gu made a gentle smile as she greeted and shook Miduchi's hand. They simply explained the circ.u.mstances and after calming down Rodu~gu from trembling in surprise and being moved the same as her husband, they explained what she wanted and she was able to understand right away. However, they only had a small amount of soruhoggu right now. It seems that the next supplement from the acquisition ranking will be in the fall. Since it couldn't be helped she said that was fine so she asked them to purify sorira and asked to receive the white power produced through that. Of course Rodu~gu accepted it immediately.
When they left the healing clinic, she said that depending on the case they might need a large amount of it in from here on so on that occasion they might come to request for more, and didn't forget to mention that she might come to request other cooperation as well.
During that time Saji was quietly waiting in the waiting room.
"It's just a bit but it seems we'll be able to receive a little bit. They said they would deliver it in two weeks."
Saji smiled hearing Miduchi's words.
...............
And then just a bit after the middle of June, around the time the temperature started to increase quite a bit.
"Basutoral, are you properly saving your money up? You haven't been wasting it right?"
After returning from the dungeon, Al asked Saji. With a considerably serious expression.
"Yeah, of course. Right now about the only money I've used is on the prototypes of {Sausages} I guess."
"I see. About how much do you have saved up right now?"
"Around 1,500,000 I guess. If I receive around 500,000 this time as well then it will reach 2,000,000. Umm..And then, I have a request to make as well but.."
It seems that Al is worried about Saji's wallet. He hadn't forgotten about it. Saji was a bit relieved.
"It's a holiday right? I already know. After the next time we get back from the dungeon it's fine for you to rest."
However, the words that came back were ruthless. If it's that then I can only rest for a total of two weeks(the usual 3 days off + 1 week from not having to enter the dungeon, and the following 3 days off for a total of 12 days, 2 weeks) right! It takes two weeks at a slow pace on a horse to get to Rockfall village. If you pay an additional amount to a pa.s.senger carriage and give it your best then you might get there a bit faster but even then it wouldn't make it in time.
Al laughed seeing Saji turn pale white. I wonder if he's enjoying himself? A dark something spread out in Saji's heart.
"Don't make a face like that. Two weeks is plenty. Ah, after we finish selling the magic stones everyone accompany me. Ah, this is an order."
While feeling dull and depressed he went to the magic tool shop to sell the magic stones and after receiving his bonus of 510,000 Z, 2 gold Shu and 1 silver coin, just as he was told Saji followed at the rear of everyone as they were guided by Al.
After walking for about 20 minutes, the place they arrived was a house he didn't know. No, it's probably not a house. There's a small signboard above the door but Saji didn't have the composure remaining to read it. Al told everyone to wait outside for a bit and entered the store alone. I wonder if it's something like a hidden restaurant or something. All of the meals they've eaten together were like a dream to Saji but this day he just felt depressed.
After a short while Al showed his face and ordered everyone to enter the store when Saji was welcomed with a nostalgic voice.
"Saji!!"
Is it a dream or illusion? The moment she recognized Saji after he entered the store Cathy jumped into his chest.
"Cathy!!"
He properly embraced her as she jumped over and raised her face. Show me your face even closer.
Embrace me even tighter! Even more!
"I was always watching! I was always listening! But, that one week when I couldn't see you I was worried. If I couldn't see you anymore, or hear your voice, what would I do.."
Cathy started sobbing while being embraced by Saji.
"The congratulatory holiday is two weeks. It's plenty right?"
Al said while making a vulgar smile as he grinned looking at Saji embrace Cathy. It seems that the members of the {Slaughterers} who were watching from a bit of distance away couldn't hide their surprise but no one was making this sort of vulgar smile. Gwine was completely crying at the situation and the women Miduchi, Bel, Ral, and Maruso had some light tears in their eyes for some reason after being moved. After looking at Al again Saji got a bad feeling from the vulgar smile on his employers face but he was so happy right now that even that sort of face felt loving.
Ah, Al hadn't forgotten about it. He had properly seen through everything and made preparations!
I'm grateful!
While he was thinking that a female elf with a kiseru,
"That'll be 1,782,000 Z."
said that. In a fl.u.s.ter he came to his senses but the only money on him is the 510,000 Z he just received.
"Hurry and go get it. Run!"
Hearing Al's order while still making a vulgar smile, Saji ran out as if he was being pulled and ran through the town of Baldukk in the twilight evening.
He rushed into his room in Boil Manor and after putting the 510,000 Z he just received into his container for money he started running back again. His grinning and smiling won't stop. He couldn't hold back that it wouldn't stop. It would be good if it's not a vulgar feeling smile like Al though...
When he returned to the house from just now and looked up. "Slave Store, Ronslail" was written. When he put his hand on the door about to open it, from inside he heard the voice of "That's horrible!" from inside. It seems it's Miduchi's voice. I wonder what in the world happened in the short period of time?
Thinking that Saji started to open the door.
"Che...Listen carefully. She arrived here around the end of April. Certainly I didn't tell anyone about that. Of course I won't deny the small feeling of wanting to surprise him as well."
What was that? Cathy has been here since April!?
s.h.i.+t!! That b.a.s.t.a.r.d!
The face that Saji thought was loving just now started to seem like a devil.
"But you know, think carefully about it. What do you think would have happened if I had told that to Basutoral at that time? He might have died in a hurry to earn money even just a bit faster you know?"
"U...I guess..That's.. true..as well?"
He could hear Miduchi's voice rapidly fade from the other side of the door.
He couldn't turn the handle the of the door.
Certainly..Certainly it's just as he said.
If he had seen Cathy's face at that point in April he would have gotten quite a bit impatient.
If you even just make a single mistake the ogres on the 7th floor will get you with a fatal blow.
Though Saji has grown quite a bit compared to the start, it's still no different from comparing the moon to a snapping turtle between him and the other members.
Or rather, his abilities back then were even less than they still are even now.
"It's just as Al said. There's no meaning if Saji were to have died."
This deep voice is Zenom I guess?
..If I were to die then all of the money that Al spent on Cathy would have turned into a complete loss.
Saji's head didn't reach the point of thinking that Al hadn't paid any money and put it on a tab.
Even if he hadn't paid yet Al would have bought Cathy though.
He took on that much risk and even paid close attention to my own feelings and safety.
"There's no guarantee that telling him everything would end up with good results after all."
The calm voice sounds like Toris.
Even Cathy should have been able to live safely during her time at the slave traders.
Judging from her words just now he was able to understand that she should have already seen Saji.
She even heard his voice..The song! During the days they're on the surface he was made to sing a song every morning while running and she heard that!
Come to think of it we always pa.s.sed in front of here along this road while running.
Around the time in winter when he joined the {Slaughterers} putting aside the route on top of the outer crater outside of the town, he said he gets bored of the road so he didn't have a fixed route. But before any noticed it had become a fixed route.
That was to show my appearance voice to Cathy...
I'm an idiot.
It's only obvious that Al wanted to quickly tell me ever since Cathy arrived.
Even though I have no abilities at all he didn't show even a single displeased face and let me gain some valuable experience.
He taught me to write and even taught me magic.
He also let me train with the spear as well.
Additionally he even paid me money that doesn't match up to my true abilities.
Everything in front of me becomes cloudy from tears.
However, if here, I cry over this reason then Al's feelings would have been meaningless.
If I'm going to cry then I should just make them tears over reuniting with Cathy.
Saji twisted the door k.n.o.b.