Chapter 412 First Day of the ‘Grand Market’ (Part II)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
(Gargantua’s POV)
”But I’m surprised. Can we really get there in 2 days…?”
”We don’t lie. For merchants, ‘trust’ is our wealth.”
The imperial merchant is grinning proudly from the driver’s seat of the carriage.
”But… at the edge of the Yugria Continent, that kind of…”
I remember the ‘gate’ I passed through yesterday.
”It’s one of the relics from the ancient civilization. My family has passed down stories about it. ── Our caravan visited Balthoga often, right?”
”That’s true. We were happy to see an increase in trade.”
I see.
So we were visiting our village while distributing goods to various places.
”Normally, it takes a week from Balthoga to the imperial capital, Welnia, passing through each city-state. Then, it takes about 3 days to reach the fortress city, Mundo. From there, it takes 5 days to Raetia.”
”Hmm. So, from Balthoga to the ‘gate’ is half a day. And from the teleportation point in the Raetia Mountains to Raetia takes a day.”
”It’s a secret, you know? The key to our business is lowering ‘transportation costs’.”
The imperial merchant laughs mischievously.
”Can that gate teleport anywhere in the Yugria Continent?”
The map inside the gate showed the Yugria Continent.
It seems that the entire continent is covered as a teleportation destination.
”That’s right. Well, to keep the gate’s existence a secret, we have to be careful in choosing teleportation destinations. At least not too close to towns or villages…”
”Yes. It would attract too much attention.”
I have been helped in many ways.
Let’s just say we didn’t see any relics from this ancient civilization era.
”Even though it’s the Far East, the area around the old Himuka was the most prosperous during the ‘ancient civilization’ era. If you search, you might find various relics. ──They are probably hidden by magic.”
We’re starting to see Raetia.
The merchant wraps up the conversation and looks ahead from the driver’s seat.
(Searching for ‘ancient civilization’ relics. Once my mission is over, that might be something I want to do.)
As I think this, I see Raetia coming into view, a large village bustling with activity in the early morning light.
(A rural village developed by Shinji… It must be a nice place.)
According to the merchant, it’s becoming one of the top regional cities in the Romuna Kingdom.
”Hehe…”
”What’s wrong, Lady Gargantua?”
”Did you just… laugh?”
Hernando and Esperanza, who caught up with me, look at me in surprise.
”They are quite rude. I can laugh too.”
Especially since I’m meeting a friend for the first time in over a decade.
I should at least smile.
Or rather──
(A ‘friend’. Is it okay to call them that…?)
Feeling a bit anxious, our caravan arrives at Raetia.
* * *
”Now, we will head to the ‘Grand Market’ venue in the village’s central square… Lady Gargantua, what about your lodging?”
”Hmm. I need to find one now.”
Hearing my answer, the merchant puts a hand to his forehead and says, “Oh no.”
”Many people are visiting for the ‘Grand Market’. There probably won’t be any vacancies at the inns.”
”Is that so?”
”We have managed to secure a place to stay, but that should also be fully booked…”
I hadn’t thought about that at all.
”Well, I came prepared for the journey. If it comes to it, I can camp outside the village.”
I deeply bow to the merchant, ask him about the place I plan to visit first, and then leave the caravan with Hernando and Esperanza.
* * *
”This is the place.”
”What a splendid mansion this is.”
”Well, he is the lord. A mansion like this is only natural.”
I pulled the reins of my horse and walked towards the guard standing at the entrance of the mansion.
”I am Gargantua from Balthoga. I would like to meet Lord Shinji O’Brian, the lord here.”
As I approached, 2 guards stood in front of me, so I conveyed my message to them.
”Lady Gargantua of the Oni-kin… Are you perhaps the one from the Demon King, the Four Dark Heavens?”
Despite knowing that much, the guard looked at me without fear.
The scar from a katana on his cheek and his attitude showed his bravery.
”That was in the past. Now, I consider myself a friend of Lord Shinji and Lord Elberhardt.”
”──Please wait a moment.”
Hearing my words, the guard smirked and signaled the young guard beside him with his eyes.
The young guard saluted beautifully and ran towards the mansion.
(I wonder if he is Shinji’s personal soldier. He seems well-trained.)
As expected of Shinji, a swordsman whose skills rival those of a hero.
I admired this as I waited at the gate for a while.
* * *
After waiting for a few minutes, a man and a woman in formal attire appeared from the entrance of the mansion.
After confirming my presence from a distance, they ran towards me.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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