Volume 6 Chapter 6 Shiori-chan Is One Step Ahead
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Before entering the meeting room, I took several deep breaths. Aria had given me a hug earlier, but no bodyguards were allowed inside. Instead, Mr. Ralph was here, permitted to participate as an observer.
This was the council — the headquarters of the oligarchy that effectively governs the McGaref Autonomous Government.
”It’s okay, Takumi-kun. I’ve heard from Anne-san that your interactions are quite dignified,” Mr. Ralph said reassuringly.
”Yes, but I must admit I’m quite nervous today,” I replied.
By the way, Anne-san is the grandmother of the councilor representing the Market. Mr. Ralph added with a smirk, “If anything, it’s closer to saying she’s a representative of the underworld.” Honestly, that grandmother’s reputation was something else…
There were two special agenda items for today’s meeting. First was the treatment of Ms. Natalie — my proposal. And second was the future of McGaref, proposed by Councilor Gandolf, the Craftsmen’s Union representative. Since his proposal was conservative, it carried a vague but dangerous scent.
”Well, well, Councilor Nasu. Aren’t you coming in? Ah, Mr. Ralph, I learned a great deal yesterday,” called out Councilor Mafat, the Church Leader, with a sly grin.
He pretended to be neutral, but he was a weathercock, shifting with the wind. I didn’t know how he would move, but on Mr. Ralph’s suggestion, he had done a thorough social study at ‘Night Butterfly’ last night.
In short, he wanted practical benefits. His face wore a sign that read, Today, I’ll be on your side. But with that came the constant risk of him flipping loyalties without warning.
”Yes, I was just about to enter. I’m still not used to sitting with esteemed individuals like you all,” I said.
”What are you saying? You, the young hero of McGaref… Ah, speaking of which, I hear you received many gifts from the Lesta Kingdom?” he teased.
Wow, this guy was something else. He pretty blatantly demanded I hand over the virgin he’d brought as compensation. No way a greasy monk like him could really be the Church Leader, right? If it were allowed, I’d want to assassinate him on the spot.
”Well, rather than gifts, it’s the assets of the Seron Region that I’m involved with. I’m just holding onto them for a bit,” I answered clearly, refusing.
It might sound euphemistic, but here it was basically a dead-straight rejection. Councilor Mafat’s irritation flashed briefly, but he quickly masked it with a thin smile.
If you want to hug her, put down the proper money. Then those kids will gladly offer their virginity too. Though with you, I’d tack on a nuisance fee and double the charge, I thought grimly.
We pushed open the heavy door and entered the room. Everyone else was already inside.
”Well, looks as though we’ve kept you waiting.”
”Not at all. Time is finite, but we have been carrying on a discussion worthy of it.”
”That’s true. Not a bad talk.”
”But it was meaningless to me.”
In response to Councilor Gandolf’s words, Councilor Anne and Councilor Nosissi, commander of the Autonomous Government Army, exchanged looks. They seemed determined to keep me in the dark. Which meant it had to do with me.
As we took our seats around the pentagonal table, Chancellor Norton of the Autonomous Government was summoned. I’d heard he was so terrified of assassination he’d shut himself away, but the arrival of the envoy delegation today had evidently stirred him up slightly.
Still, his seat wasn’t at the table. Like Mr. Ralph, he was relegated to an observer-style chair against the wall. Such blatantly discourteous treatment was routine — a vivid illustration of McGaref’s towering pride and the fact that this nation’s system was a castle built on sand.
Behind him came the envoy who had tried to escort Ms. Natalie from the Imperial Capital. Frowning at the appalling treatment, she addressed Chancellor Norton, but he lectured her instead, and she reluctantly sat down.
”Well then, I’m chairing today’s session. Let’s get straight to it. First up is Councilor Nasu (Takumi)’s agenda.”
Gandolf declared the session open. First was the handling of Ms. Natalie. Mr. Ralph raised his hand.
”Before that, may I offer one item that will serve as a premise for our discussion? With your permission, Chairman?”
Gandolf looked to the other three besides me and granted permission.
”Thank you, my friend. The premises have collapsed since yesterday. First, congratulations. My foster daughter Shiori and Councilor Nasu have become engaged.”
A collective gasp erupted from the four councilors. I, called the young hero of McGaref, was also an unmarried premium stock — who I would marry was naturally a hot topic.
”Sure, Shiori-chan and Takumi-chan from your place have the same background and have been good friends for a long time, right?” Gandolf asked.
Before the conversation could get complicated, Councilor Anne threw a lifeline. “Ah, I see,” she said with understanding. It seemed they accepted them as lovers who had teleported from another world. In reality, Shiori-chan was still a virgin.
However, the words Mr. Ralph then blurted out struck like a blow, freezing my heart.
”So, as a preparation fund, I’ve decided to give you Merchant Guild Kinvale. Please take care of it.”
Huh? No, Mr. Ralph. Our agreement was supposed to include the transfer of interests in Courtesantown — the district Ms. Natalie belonged to. Why the entire merchant guild? It felt like winning a lottery and getting a convenience store chain as a bonus.
Even Councilor Anne looked at me as if her heart might stop.
”No, isn’t that strange, Ralph-chan? The way you said it makes it sound like Merchant Guild Kinvale is being absorbed by Merchant Guild Katarina,” Anne said doubtfully.
”Well, technically, it’s a bit different. I officially passed the position of president of the merchant guild to Shiori yesterday. You can understand this as a normal inheritance of the family head,” Mr. Ralph explained.
”Ah, that’s obvious. Why are you explaining something so obvious?” Councilor Nosissi of the Autonomous Government Army scoffed foolishly. Their comprehension was generally weak.
”And while this is not yet confirmed, it seems Shiori will sell the management rights of the merchant guild to Councilor Nasu. This is Shiori’s decision; I am merely in a position to accept it. By the way, the interests in Courtesantown, including ‘Night Butterfly,’ have already been transferred.”
”Wait a moment. You can’t just proceed with such important matters for the Quvarian Empire on your own…” Chancellor Norton blurted out uncontrollably, only to be warned sharply by Chairman Gandolf.
It was the first time hearing such a spontaneous remark from him, but even as chief officer, he didn’t have the right to speak without permission. Still, Mr. Ralph promptly dismissed his objection.
”This is a commercial transaction between merchant guilds, and it is legal. Councilor Nasu has already agreed to this policy. Is there any problem?”
The sale was probably Shiori-chan’s suggestion. Certainly, with this, no one could intervene. Moreover, due to the effect of her Perception Obstruction Skill, it would be recognized as legitimate by the Quvarian Empire as well. Since they had accepted it, the idea of filing a complaint didn’t even occur.
Ruthless, ruthless Shiori-chan. She understood my Skill better than I did… All that remained was for me to purchase the Merchant Guild Kinvale at a 99% discount after this council. It was confirmed at the time of Scaya-san’s purchase that installment payments were possible, so there was no problem.
In other words, there was no choice but to go along with this scenario.
”That’s right. I will purchase the Merchant Guild Kinvale. I wanted to inform everyone in advance, so I am notifying you like this.”
Taking advantage of the moment, I repeatedly emphasized how much I valued the council. But was it really alright for such a major matter to be decided so easily?
Nevertheless, the Quvarian Empire envoys were utterly speechless at my claim to secure Ms. Natalie’s custody.
Notes:
• Ralph – Shiori-chan’s foster father; eccentric; treated the mc to the brothel.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
• Anne – Grandmother of the councilor representing the Market in McGaref.
• Natalie – A famous courtesan and former noblewoman; platinum blonde, busty, and elegant; known as Natalie Barklem, daughter of the Duke of Lesta Kingdom.
• Night Butterfly – It is a prestigious brothel located on Dream Street, known for its elegant and sexy atmosphere, frequented by those seeking ultimate pleasure.
• Lesta Kingdom – A kingdom neighboring the Quvarian Empire; currently at war with the Seron Dukedom and potentially the Empire.
• Merchant Guild Kinvale – Largest drugstore in McGaref, managed by Nasselle. Regular shopping destination for Takumi with 5% discount.
• Merchant Guild Katarina – Described as the epitome of shady practices, this guild is notorious for its alleged involvement in theft and slavery. The public secret of their collaboration with thief gangs stains their prosperous facade.
• Quvarian Empire – Ruling kingdom. Harsh world, restricted freedom.
• Scaya – The ‘Flame Witch,’ employed by the Dark Elves; captured after the battle where the Celon Dukedom army was defeated.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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