Chapter 69 The Trial of the Ddo-Buddy The Archbishop’s Shady Smile
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
And then, the day arrived. It was the day of the trial for our shop’s major product, the “Tremble-Ddo-Buddy”—famously dubbed the “Ddo-Buddy Trial.” While I couldn’t help but wonder if they couldn’t have come up with a slightly more respectable name, I suppose its simplicity makes it easy to understand.
The trial was to be held at the Canarias Grand Cathedral, the central location for the Church of Demon-Subjugation¹ in the Canaria Kingdom. Two buildings dominate the Royal Capital of Canarias, visible from anywhere: the Royal Palace and this Grand Cathedral.
Since the Royal Palace has been rebuilt and modified repeatedly over the years, the Cathedral, which still retains its original architectural form, might have been the largest building in the city back when it was constructed. Its appearance certainly suggests the power the ‘Church’ once held.
Sharp, spire-like towers jutted skyward on all four sides, and the main structure of the sanctuary sat slightly lower in the center. A large bell was installed at the very top, and even now, its toll resonates throughout the capital three times a day: at sunrise, noon, and sunset.
Inside, there were numerous fixed benches and a pulpit facing the audience at the very back. The back wall featured a luxurious stained-glass window depicting the scene where the founder of the Church of Demon-Subjugation was granted the ‘Art of Exterminating Evil’ by God.
There was still a little time before the ‘trial’ began, but the sanctuary was already filled with people. All of them were connected to the ‘trial’ itself; regular worshippers were not allowed entry. This was supposedly to prevent unnecessary spreading of the “Tremble-Ddo-Buddy’s” existence, regardless of the trial’s outcome.
We, the entourage of the magic tool shop ‘Harvest,’ had temporarily closed the shop and were all in attendance for the ‘trial.’ This included our beloved experimental slave, Lily, the adventurer Elf, Tania, the adventurer and Dog Beast-person, Laika, and myself, the shady shop owner, Kento.
Upon entering the Grand Cathedral, we immediately looked around to pay our respects. The first person to approach, naturally, had to be the most esteemed person in the country. I walked toward Her Majesty Queen Cecile, who was surrounded by Captain Merluza of the Royal Guard, Maid Muse, and several other bodyguards.
”Thank you very much for attending today, Your Majesty the Queen,” I announced.
”Hmm, Kento is it…? Your formal attire is certainly… acceptable, but you look shadier than usual, somehow,” the Queen replied.
”Huh? Is it bad? I thought a cloak was the standard formal wear for someone involved in ‘magic,’” I said, feeling self-conscious.
Today, I wasn’t wearing my usual town clothes but a proper Magician’s coat and a cloak. I had chosen this outfit partly to make up for missing the chance to look cool during the recent incident with Prince Roland, but judging by Her Majesty’s expression, the reception was not good.
”No, you’re not wrong. You are not wrong, and yet, for some reason, you simply look untrustworthy,” she declared. “Once you start speaking, it’s not so bad. Just… you should avoid being overly polite. It makes you seem suspicious, conversely.”
”I—Is that so…” I don’t get it. I mentally pleaded. Lily and Tania, stop nodding in agreement. And Laika, stop giving me that pitying look like, “I think you look cool, though…” It only makes me feel more miserable.
”Oh, is that Tania-dono over there?” Her Majesty suddenly observed.
”Huh? Do you two know each other?” I asked.
”I don’t know her personally, but she appears repeatedly in the bedtime stories passed down in the Royal Family, so I know of her. I never expected to meet her in my lifetime, and certainly not under these circumstances.”
”…That’s ancient history,” the Elf adventurer muttered dismissively.
This Elf is apparently quite involved in the history of this country. It shouldn’t be strange, seeing as she claims to have lived here and been an adventurer for hundreds of years, but it’s hard to imagine that tight-lipped Elf²…
I wanted to ask for details, but Tania seemed reluctant, and if she was unwilling, Her Majesty would not press the matter. All I could gather was that she was as deeply compassionate as I knew her to be. Compassionate enough to worry about the descendants of old friends and narrow her eyes with a nostalgic look.
In the end, the conversation with Her Majesty became more lively than I anticipated. I was rebuked for acting flirtatious toward Prince Roland, and she quietly asked me if I was really going to develop an “anal-system” product. A lot of this wasn’t really for public discussion, but it seemed Her Majesty was deliberately prolonging the chat.
Presumably, this was to put pressure on those black-clad figures sitting near the pulpit—the ‘Inquisitors.’ Everyone inside the Grand Cathedral was subtly paying attention to our conversation. Just as I was fully aware of this, Muse-san quietly spoke up to Her Majesty.
”Cecile-sama, it’s almost time…”
”Mmm, ah. Perhaps I’ve spoken too long. Forgive me, Kento,” she said.
”No, it was an honor to speak with you,” I replied, thinking the audience was over. But Her Majesty was still looking at me and slid closer. Our shoulders were on the verge of touching. A faintly sweet scent drifted from her golden hair. It was unavoidable since we’d been having so many secrets whispered between us, but the closeness was making me very nervous.
Of course, it was a double-dose of nervousness: the excitement of a beautiful woman being so close, and the dread of being beheaded for disrespect. But Her Majesty didn’t seem to care. She tugged on my cloak and whispered right into my ear.
”Kento, about those ‘Inquisitors’…”
”Eh?”
”The one sitting in the very back, the one whose face is hidden, pay attention to them. Whatever you do, do not insult that person.”
”Ye—Yes, Your Majesty…”
She said her piece and immediately moved away. I felt a slight stir in the Cathedral, but I ignored it. Instead, I carefully looked at the ‘Inquisitors’ with only my eyes, being careful not to turn my head. I found the person she meant and mentally nodded. I didn’t understand the reason, but I decided to heed the warning.
After parting ways with Her Majesty and her entourage, we moved on to another group. They all had their Beast-ears perked up and their tails swaying gently. This was the Beast-person Association³. At their center was the President of the Beast-person Association and the head of the Grizzly Merchant Guild, Chromans-shi.
”President Chromans,” I greeted him.
”Oh, Kento-dono, I read your report. It was worth our cooperation to have you write such a detailed document,” he expressed, his adorable bear ears twitching happily—quite a contrast to his large physique.
Behind him were the same secretary-like Cat-Eared Sister and even Sister Aki, who gave me a knowing wink when our eyes met. She’s as helpful as ever.
”It’s all thanks to you, President. I couldn’t have finished it without the cooperation of the Beast-person Association,” I declared.
”Hahaha! Very good, very good, but don’t be so humble! Even without our help, you would have finished a similar one if given enough time. No matter the result today, I look forward to our continued good relationship!” he boomed.
”Yes, sir. Since I now have a good understanding of the Beast-people’s ‘Heat Cycle,’ I believe I can propose even better products,” I said, trying my best to butter him up. After all, the Queen had ultimately halted the sale of the “Hot-Hot Ddo Buddy”⁴… My plan to overwhelm the market with new products and get into everyone’s good graces had been thwarted. I figure the military-related products will eventually come up in conversation, but until then, I need to work hard to keep their interest.
”Speaking of which, that was quite the spectacle, wasn’t it? Surviving the ‘Resonance’ of three people all at once…” Chromans-shi said, glancing around.
Just then, Ouka-shi, the manager of the Garou Merchant Guild, walked over with his gray Wolf-ears drooping and a very apologetic look on his face. He was followed by Aerith-jou, who was also looking downcast.
”Regarding that matter, my daughter caused a great deal of trouble…” Ouka-shi began.
”Please don’t worry about it, it was a good learning experience for me,” I reassured him.
”Hahaha! That’s the spirit! Truly, you are a man too good to be left as a mere commoner!” Chromans-shi roared.
Ouka-shi was looking dejected, Chromans-shi was laughing, and Aerith-jou was silently following behind, looking like she was actually glittering with excitement. I had already received an apology, and it had been an interesting research subject anyway. If they had complained, “What did you do to my daughter?!” or demanded I “take responsibility,” it would have been much worse.
After that, I secured their promise of backup during the trial and discussed the potential sale of the “Tremble-Ddo-Buddy” if it was permitted to be sold again. I figured the only remaining allies to talk to were Badatt-shi of the Tasogare Merchant Guild and Guild Master Urgate of the Adventurer’s Guild.
I scanned the room and saw the two of them talking. Behind them were Sera-chan, our wholesale manager, and Marm-san, the Guild receptionist. Thinking what an unusual combination that was, I approached them.
”Badatt-san, Guild Master, thank you for coming today. What are you discussing?” I asked.
”Ah, Kento-san,” Badatt-shi replied.
”Kuku, it’s a ‘fact-check,’ and a business deal, Kento,” Guild Master Urgate added.
Badatt-shi had the look of a corrupt merchant, and Guild Master Urgate had the face of a mountain bandit, fitting for a man who managed thugs. When the two stood together, it absolutely looked like the scene of a shady back-alley transaction. I tried my best to adopt a suitably bad expression as I joined their conversation. I ignored the horrified expressions on Lily, Tania, and Sera-chan’s faces.
”A ‘fact-check’…?”
”Yeah. This is it. You, who are getting materials from our Guild and the Tasogare Merchant Guild, are using them to make this stuff, huh?” Urgate-shi said, showing me a blueprint of the “Tremble-Ddo-Buddy” I had drawn. The critical mixing ratios were blurred out, but the raw materials had to be listed.
He had a point. Most of my shop’s products rely on materials sourced from the Tasogare Merchant Guild and the Adventurer’s Guild. They had apparently been suspicious of my shop for constantly buying strange materials.
”Ah, I see. Thank you for your continued service,” I said.
”No, no, the pleasure is all ours…” Badatt-shi and I bowed to each other repeatedly. Despite his face, he was consistently humble. Meanwhile, Urgate-shi opened his mouth with a look that seemed to say, We don’t need any of that polite nonsense.
”So listen, Tasogare Merchant Guild is thinking about exporting your product. We were talking about having our good-for-nothings provide the escort for it,” Urgate-shi explained.
”Wha—No. Exporting is for the future. For now, we are wondering if we can’t start selling it in other towns and streets. Also, Kento-san has his own intentions,” Badatt-shi quickly corrected.
”Our shop is fine with that. If Badatt-san thinks it’s necessary, just sell it everywhere. It depends on how much we can supply, but we’ll do our best,” I reassured them.
”It’s settled then. I’ll be counting on you both,” Urgate-shi affirmed.
The business deal was settled quickly. We’d need to discuss the fine details later, but it was a great, unexpected piece of news. The fact that they were making these plans meant I could certainly rely on them during the ‘trial’ today.
I left the group, feeling pleased, and looked around again. Had I talked to everyone I needed to? Just as I thought that, a middle-aged man with a faint smile approached me. He was flanked by Sister Amelia and Mother Marian. Which meant this man was…
”Hello, nice to meet you, Kento-kun. I am the originator of this defense trial, Archbishop Trantestar of Canarias,” he introduced himself.
”The pleasure is mine. I am Kento, the owner of the magic tool shop ‘Harvest,’” I responded.
He had the entrance of a villain, but he was supposedly my ally. From what Amelia had told me, if he hadn’t cooperated, the “Ddo-Buddy Trial” wouldn’t have been held, and the sales ban would have been extended without question.
But, you know… This guy was also the one who, along with Mother Marian, first decided to ban the sale in the first place.
”Archbishop, you are on our side, right…?” I asked, keeping my tone casual.
”Hmm, I wonder about that. I will do what I can, but as the initiator of the trial, I am in a neutral position,” he answered vaguely. “And as you can see, I am a man, so I don’t understand the true value of your product. If you need support, please rely on Sister Amelia.”
Ugh, he’s shady…⁵ I see. I should practice what I preach: a smiling face is not always trustworthy. On the other hand, I could trust Amelia, who was standing behind him, giving me an earnest, determined glance. If anything happens, she’s the one to rely on.
”Now, it’s almost time for the court to open. Please take your seat up front…” he directed.
And so, the “Ddo-Buddy Trial,” which would greatly influence the future of my shop, was about to begin…
—
Summary:
The stage is set for the ‘Ddo-Buddy Trial’ inside the towering Canarias Grand Cathedral. Kento navigates the complex politics, first with Queen Cecile, whose playful yet serious warnings about the Inquisitors, especially the hidden one, spike the tension. He manages to secure business alliances with the Beast-person Association and the Merchant Guilds, all while feeling ridiculously self-conscious in his formal mage’s cloak. The arrival of the smarmy, suspiciously neutral Archbishop Trantestar marks the point of no return. Kento has his allies, but the threat from the Inquisitors, hidden and overt, is immediate.
—
Character Insight:
Kento’s self-deprecating humor masks his sharp business sense. He is nervous about his appearance and the gravity of the trial but uses every conversation as a networking opportunity. Queen Cecile shows a surprising personal concern for Kento, revealing his importance (and the danger he’s in). Tania’s brief, quiet moment hints at an ancient, heroic past she desperately wants to leave behind.
—
Behind the Scene:
The chapter is less about the product and more about the political weight surrounding it. The Queen’s conversation is a deliberate distraction to shield Kento from the ‘Inquisitors.’ The deals with the Guilds confirm Kento’s product has significant economic impact, turning the trial into a political and economic battle rather than just a moral one. The hidden Inquisitor is the main, unnamed threat.
—
T/L:
¹ The Church of Demon-Subjugation is the main religion in this world, suggesting a strong religious and political hierarchy. ↩
² This is a common trope where an Elf character is ancient and has a secret, grand past that they are reluctant to discuss. ↩
³ The Beast-person Association is a political and business entity representing the Beast-people race, which is a major client base for Kento’s products due to their specific biological needs (like the ‘Heat Cycle’). ↩
⁴ The “Hot-Hot Ddo Buddy” is a previous product that was apparently banned by the Queen’s authority, indicating the precarious nature of Kento’s business. ↩
⁵ Kento uses a word that translates to ‘shady’ or ‘untrustworthy,’ reinforcing his own internal suspicion despite the Archbishop claiming neutrality. ↩
Notes:
• Kento – The owner of the magic tool shop ‘Harvest,’ which discretely sells adult goods. He’s a former overworked, ordinary salaryman from modern Japan who was suddenly transported (isekai’d) to this fantasy world. He has dark hair and an unremarkable appearance, typically wearing a plain, slightly suspicious-looking shop owner’s clothes looks like Kazuma Satou from certain series. He has a minimal amount of magic power, enough to craft his specialty items.
• Laika – The beastwoman dog.
• Tania – An Elf adventurer who, despite her race’s reputation for low sex drive, is secretly quite passionate. She initially seemed ‘wasted’ (emotionally dry) to her friend Raika, but was easily introduced to the pleasure-items sold at ‘Harvest.’ She is easily embarrassed and attempts to maintain a dignified facade, despite her recent, frequent purchases. She wears practical but light armor over a simple cloth tunic and short pants, highlighting her grace and agility. Her primary relationship is one of friendly senior-junior with Raika.
• Lily – the sl*ve and primary experiment subject for the magic shop, ‘Harvest.’ She has striking pink hair, Blue eyes, medium breasts, which the Protagonist associates with being ‘wanton’. She has a working knowledge of magic, which she kept hidden from the slave trader.
• Merluza – The Captain of the Royal Guard, a veteran soldier and Lion Beast-person. She testifies to the military necessity and effectiveness of the ‘Tremble Ddo-Buddy’ (which she calls ‘Bob’) for female beast-person soldiers, ensuring job performance isn’t compromised by ‘heat’. Have dull yellow hair, large feline ears, wearing armor, and large scar over the right eye.
• Cecile – A high-ranking, powerful woman in the capital who possesses the authority to regulate business and commerce, particularly concerning moral or public order issues. She is currently investigating Kento’s shop, ‘Harvest.’ Have long golden hair, elegant, and wearing expensive white dress with gold accesories.
• Muse – Cecile’s trusted attendant and chief maid, Muse handles sensitive, discreet tasks like espionage and product acquisition. Have sharp, black eyes, wearing maid uniform, and have expressionless face.
• Roland – he younger brother of Queen Cecile and the heir apparent to the Canaria throne. Clean, golden-blonde hair, same color as the Queen, innocent, beautiful face that could be mistaken for a girl but dressed in a boy’s formal wear.
• Chromans – President of the ‘Royal Capital Beast-person Mutual Aid Association’ and the manager of the ‘Grizzly Merchant Guild,’ a top-tier weapons and armor dealer. He’s powerful, influential, and very business-savvy. Have round, cute bear ears (sooty brown), bushy beard and hair (sooty brown), and large build with muscular physique under a expensive gown.
• Aerith – A wolf beast-person and Ouka’s daughter. She is intensely attracted to Kento’s creative genius and is not shy about showing her interest. Have gray fur hair and tail, wearing elegant dress.
• Ouka – The middle-aged head of the Garou Merchant Guild, known for leather goods and accessories. He is a prominent figure using his own family’s experience to advocate for the ‘Tremble Ddo-Buddy’. Have gray wolf ears and wear merchant attire.
• Badatt – The 7th-generation manager of the long-running Tasogare Merchant Guild. Despite his fat, oily, ugly bastard, have multiple rings appearance, he is a competent and respected manager who listens to his employees. He is a man of ‘good sense’ but is overwhelmed by the explicit nature of Kento’s products and the ensuing chaos.
• Marm – The attractive, red-haired, tanned receptionist at the Adventurer’s Guild. She wears a uniform that emphasizes her ‘nice body.’ She is kind and acts like a supportive ‘big sister’ figure to Kento. Looks like Mirajane Strauss from certain series.
• Sera – A young, earnest salesperson from the Tasogare Merchant Guild, Kento’s supplier. She is characterized by her braided brown hair, large round glasses, and freckles. She’s serious about her job and easily flustered, especially by Kento’s adult goods business. Looks like Onodera from certain series.
• Amelia – The Sister of the Church of Demon-Subjugating, who usually buys from Kento, has light blue hair.
• Marian – A ‘Mother’ and supervisor from the Church of Demon-Subjugation. Her appearance and demeanor defy the Church’s purported ‘chastity,’ instead she has wavy purple long hair, busty, black nun, tear mole under eye, and monroe walk. She has arrived with a clear purpose: to confront Kento about the ‘Devil’s Stick.
• Trantestar – The middle-aged man Archbishop of Canarias and the initiator of the current trial. He is an alleged ally of Kento but remains suspiciously neutral.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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