Chapter 414 First Day of the ‘Grand Market’ (Part IV)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
(Gargantua’s POV)
The room I was shown was 3 rooms before the corridor leading to the eastern tower from the main building on the second floor.
I, Hernando, and Esperanza were each given one room.
A woman named Hanna, who seemed to be the head maid, suggested I take a bath, so I decided to go in alone before Hernando and Esperanza.
* * *
”W-What is this bath…?”
The moment I opened the door to the bathroom, I couldn’t help but say those words.
It was just so spacious.
We ‘Oni-kin’ love baths.
In Balthoga, there’s a natural hot spring just a short walk from the village.
It’s a cozy hot spring, but this mansion’s bath is larger than the village’s hot spring, even though it’s indoors.
(First, let’s wash off the travel dirt)
I picked up the shampoo provided.
When I lathered it in my hands, it smelled really nice.
(Is this elf shampoo? It lathers well… hmm)
Since I get to use this good shampoo, I gently wash my long, dry red hair.
After rinsing, when I touched my hair, it felt much smoother.
(If I can get this at the Grand Market, I should buy some for the women in the village)
I myself don’t care much about hair care now, but the village women would be happy.
I washed my body well and finally sank into the hot water.
(Oh… this is some great water)
As the warmth enveloped my body, I felt my fatigue melting away.
(And… I can’t believe it, but…)
The old injury on my right arm.
I still sometimes suffer from tingling and pain from that katana wound.
Because of this, I lost the ability to handle my tachi like I used to.
(The tingling… is it gone…?)
I stared at the faint scar from the katana, then tried moving my hand.
(The pain is… much better now)
Could this bath’s healing powers even cure an old injury I had given up on?
”Seriously… there are so many surprises here”
I couldn’t help but mutter this as I relaxed into the warm water.
* * *
”This bath has quite the healing properties. You should enjoy it gratefully.”
I let Hernando and Esperanza know the bath was free, then changed into my room clothes and headed downstairs.
”So, you’re the Oni-kin guest. ──I’m Asuka. Asuka Lombard.”
When I reached the lower floor, a female warrior was standing in the entrance hall.
Behind her were a tall, fighter-like handsome man and a young man who seemed to be a thief.
”I’m Gargantua Barurasa Antia, the Oni-kin’s chieftain. I came from Balthoga.”
I shook the hand she offered.
”This is my husband, Gorge Lombard. And this is Noriss Lambert, the thief. We’re all members of ‘Famière.’”
I also shook hands with the handsome man and the young man.
”That equipment… Are you heading out for an exploration?”
”It’s clan work… We’re guarding this clan house.”
”The Zett Merchant Guild and various merchants are holding negotiations here.”
Zett Merchant Guild.
I’ve heard about them a few times from that merchant.
They moved their headquarters from the Royal Capital to Raetia and have been rapidly growing their business.
”The leader of the Zett Merchant Guild is also connected to the clan. More of a patron than a member, I’d say.”
The young man named Noriss spoke with a smile.
”Well, the negotiations mainly take place in the dining hall, and there’s still about 2 hours before the merchants arrive. Unlike those who’ve already left, we haven’t had breakfast yet. Let’s eat together and relax.”
The female swordsman, Asuka, guided me to the dining hall.
I glanced at the magic clock in the entrance hall──it was just past 9 in the morning.
(We arrived early. I’m interested in the merchants’ negotiations, but after breakfast, it might be good to check out the Grand Market.)
Led by Asuka, I headed to the dining hall.
* * *
”From Balthoga, huh? I love the dried fish from there. I often get it from Sir Mitsuyoshi.”
At breakfast, I’m having a lively conversation with a woman named Sasha.
She is said to be the leader of the ‘Zett Merchant Guild’.
(She’s bright and friendly. I wonder how such a lovely woman has the talent to help a mid-sized merchant guild grow.)
People really can’t be judged by their appearance.
(Mitsuyoshi… now that I think about it, that was his name.)
Our special products are only traded with that empire merchant.
Since I usually don’t call him by name, I had forgotten it until head of the merchant Sasha mentioned it.
”I traveled with his caravan to Raetia. He has been very helpful with buying our goods and delivering necessities.”
”Oh, I see. I’ve also received a lot of help from him for various things, not just business.”
Sasha says this while introducing a guard-like woman standing behind her.
”Ms. Shinobu is from Mr. Mitsuyoshi’s company too. They told me, ‘If you’re leading a rapidly growing merchant guild, you should have someone to protect you.’”
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply