Chapter 272 Sasha’s Business
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
(Sasha’s POV)
(I had a great business deal… ♡)
I, Sasha Zett, the leader of the ‘Zett Merchant Guild,’ looked up at the carriage loaded with goods for Razia Village and the Royal Capital, Beluga, feeling quite pleased.
Thanks to Ms. Kazumi’s proposal, Minister of War Elberhardt agreed to it, which significantly reduced distribution costs.
Plus, being based in Razia Village allowed us to source the ‘Flame Stone Warmer’—which is in high demand here in Fortress City Mundo—at a price even lower than before.
(The Flame Stone Warmer… that sold really well too.)
My father developed the ‘Flame Stone Cooking Plate.’ With high-quality Flame Stones sourced from the Raetia Mountains and some clever cost-cutting ideas from Ms. Rena, we finally managed to sell it as a product.
The cargo coming from Mundo mainly consists of the Empire’s specialties flowing into ‘Fortress City Mundo,’ as well as rare decorations, weapons, and armor discovered in the ‘Welnia Labyrinth.’
(This city really is right on the border with the Empire. Still──)
I was surprised to see that items excavated from the ‘Great Labyrinth,’ which used to be traded sparingly, are now circulating much more.
(The rumors about the Empire’s finances being tight might actually be true.)
I had heard stories about the city-state Gaeltheus being attacked and falling within a week.
There are whispers among my fellow merchants that they are releasing excavated items from the Great Labyrinth to cover the enormous war expenses incurred during that time.
(Well, for me, it’s all good news.)
The decorative items, weapons, and armor produced in the labyrinth are popular among the nobles of the Royal Capital.
Additionally, I managed to acquire a few weapons and armor that have been ‘imbued with magical power.’ These were items that would never have left the Empire in the past.
(The adventurers of Razia Village… must be so happy.)
Now, this place is like my ‘second hometown’—a precious location.
The faces of the people working hard there come to my mind.
Ms. Kazumi, who, despite her youth, supports our business as the ‘wise one’ of the village.
Ms. Liz, the leader of the ‘special task party’ assigned to conquer the S-rank dungeon.
I heard she formed a clan before I set out.
Rena, who is said to have the best magic in the kingdom.
Her amazing ‘magic tools’ will definitely sell well.
Marti, a skilled thief with a bright, youthful aura, whose charming physique even makes me, a woman, swoon.
Ms. Dorothy, whose beauty stands out even among the beautiful elves, always calm and graceful.
(And…♡)
A young swordsman, just 9 years old, who skillfully slays monsters with perfected sword techniques.
He’s the cute boy who turned me, someone who only had work, into ‘a woman.’
(Mr. Hiroya…♡ I want to see you soon♡)
I sent a letter to my husband, in charge of the merchant guild in the Royal Capital, with advice Ms. Kazumi had given me.
Then, while I was staying in ‘Fortress City Mundo’ the other day, I received a reply.
He seemed surprised, but he confessed, ‘Actually…’ He mentioned that he has a close relationship with a woman he has known since before our marriage, that this woman supports him now, and that our marriage had been arranged for business reasons.
He also offered a sincere apology and expressed a desire for us to remain ‘important business partners’ in the future.
(I’m glad… now…♡)
Mr. Hiroya can love me wholeheartedly.
I want to return to Razia Village soon.
Our caravan set off towards Razia Village, along with the troops withdrawing from their station in Mundo.
* * *
(And… I also managed to get what Ms. Kazumi asked for. I hope she’ll be happy with it──)
Three swords, each of a different size.
I had heard rumors that they were being made in small quantities in the eastern part of the Empire.
When I expressed my desire to acquire swords to a merchant I was friendly with, he quickly prepared three for me.
”There are many people with roots in the East in the city-states that have gained independence from the Empire. The demand for swords is high in those areas… So, normally, these kinds of products wouldn’t be available here.”
According to the merchant, not only the Empire but also the city-states, which have become more aware of the threat from the Empire after the fall of Gaeltheus, are aiming to earn foreign currency, and various goods have started to be shipped towards the Romuna Kingdom.
Swords are one of those items.
The merchant handed me the swords with a smile, saying, “I hope you continue to favor us.”
(This will definitely make them happy…)
I put the swords away, then pulled out a box from under the carriage seat, placing it on my lap and opening the lid.
Inside was… Refined tamahagane and the rare ore ‘Hihi’irokane’…
(If Mr. Toldo’s grandchildren are around… they’ll know how to use it well, right…?)
I gently stroked the shining black stone with my fingertips.
* * *
About halfway to Razia Village, we set up camp for the second time.
After finishing a late-night snack, I went a little distance away to take care of business and was called from behind as I returned to the campsite.
”Well, well, Lady Sasha, good evening.”
(It’s Knight Alberich Pressner…)
”Good evening, Lord Pressner, I hope you are well…”
What an unpleasant opponent.
Captain of the Mundo Defense Squad, heading to Razia Village after completing their defense duty.
A man who had been persistently pursuing me during the Mundo stay.
Once, he tried to force himself on me under the pretense of authority…
Of course, I refused.
He even hinted at threatening the merchant guild, but ‘Zett Merchant Guild’ is not the kind of place that would be swayed by a mere Knight.
”Have you had your dinner? If you’re free, won’t you join me for a drink in my tent?”
”No, thank you. I have work to do, so I’ll take my leave now.”
As I declined Pressner’s invitation and turned my back to walk away, a strong hand grabbed my arm from behind.
”I like a woman with attitude, but being treated with such contempt… I can’t calm down unless I force myself on you by brute strength!”
”How could a knight such as yourself say such a thing?!”
I was held from behind, my mouth covered.
”So you can use magic, huh? Like this… Ugh!”
With Pressner’s groan, the restraint was released.
”Lady Sasha, are you alright?”
When I turned around, a woman in black attire was kneeling.
”Shinobu-san… Thank you for saving me.”
At my words, the woman bowed her head.
Her name is Shinobu Heffner.
A slave ‘transferred’ to me by an imperial merchant I’m close with.
* * *
”You are my important business partner. And ‘Zett Merchant Guild’ is growing quite significantly, so there may be times when danger befalls you.”
That’s what he said when he transferred Shinobu to me.
”She’s a ‘ninja,’ a shadow bodyguard. She’s skilled in information gathering and stealth operations. Please make use of her.”
As I was hesitant about using slaves, I conveyed that I would appreciate her service but wanted her to serve as a subordinate with the slave mark removed.
”For me, the slave mark is a symbol of loyalty. Please let me keep it as it is.”
I relented to Shinobu’s insistence, and she agreed to serve me in the position of a ‘slave.’
* * *
”You…! Are you prepared to face the consequences of raising your hand against a noble?!”
Pressner stood up, holding his neck.
”You’re the one who was rude to me first. If you want to make a complaint, please go through Elberhardt, the Minister of War, or speak to Baron O’Brian. Both of them are the guardians of my ‘Zett Merchant Guild.’”
”Lady Sasha──it’s easy for me to make it look like an accident and get rid of this person. …Please give me your orders.”
Shinobu stood up and faced Pressner.
I held her back and smiled at Pressner as a warning.
”There won’t be a second chance. I’ll keep this foolishness to myself. …Now, if you’ll excuse us.”
I took Shinobu and left the scene.
(My body… even though it’s already Mr. Hiroya’s… is being held tightly by a filthy man…)
I silently apologized to Mr. Hiroya in my heart.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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