Chapter 109 Social Gathering ②
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Well, well, a flower in each hand, Kento-san. How truly enviable,” the man said.
As I walked through the venue of the social gathering hosted by Lady Tina Duke Badcage, with the Court Mage Satsuki on my left and Aerith of the Garou Merchant Guild¹ on my right—flanked, or perhaps guarded(?)—I ran into the very person I was looking for: Badatt-shi of the Tasogare Merchant Guild².
Badatt-shi still looked exactly like a stereotypical corrupt merchant, the type who looked like he’d let out a “Gufu-fu” laugh at any moment. He stood in striking contrast to Gerald-san of the Akatsuki Merchant Guild³ from earlier.
And by his side stood someone else—not Sera-chan, but a slender lady I was seeing for the first time, her hand resting on his arm.
”Hahaha, and you as well, accompanied by such a lovely lady. I had to doubt my own eyes, wondering why the Goddess of Beauty herself had descended upon this place,” I replied.
”Hah-hah-hah! To be praised by Kento-san makes me quite proud indeed!” Badatt said.
When praised, praise back—that’s common courtesy. Though we both knew it was just social fluff, Badatt-shi laughed with genuine joy. The woman was likely his wife, and his smile made it clear just how much he loved her. Even with that ‘corrupt merchant’ face.
”I am his wife, Olivia. I must apologize for the delay in my greetings, even though we are always receiving such wonderful gifts from you,” Lady Olivia said as she stepped forward and gave a polite bow.
As expected, she was indeed Badatt-shi’s wife. The ‘gifts’ she mentioned were, of course, the prized products from our shop.
When I first met him, back when the ‘Tremble-Ddo-Buddy’⁴ had been discontinued, I had sent various items as a gesture of goodwill. Since then, we’ve been exchanging gifts on various occasions; he sends me fine liquor or rare materials in return.
He had once mentioned, quite bashfully, that his “wife was very pleased,” but I see… so this elegant lady is the one enjoying the adult magic tools…
”Not at all, I’m just glad you like them. The Tasogare Merchant Guild is always a great help to us,” I said.
”Oh, I like them very much. My husband was especially delighted with the new product from the other day,” she replied with a giggle.
”Lu-Luvia, th-that sort of talk shouldn’t be so loud…” Badatt muttered, looking around frantically.
At Lady Olivia’s “I like them very much” declaration, Badatt-shi started panicking, glancing around at our surroundings. Given his reaction, they must be having some pretty intense play sessions. I can easily visualize this middle-aged guy dual-wielding ‘Ddo-Buddy’ units, after all.
”Oh, dear. It’s rude to Kento-san to speak that way. Isn’t it the truth? Even last night, you were so full of joy…” Olivia said.
”Th-that’s really not okay! Luvia, have mercy!” Badatt cried out.
I feel like the nuance of Lady Olivia’s ‘joy’ was a bit different just now, but maybe it’s just my imagination… I’m curious about the Badatt couple’s night life, but it wouldn’t be good to keep an important customer in a panic. I decided to change the subject by introducing Aerith and the others.
”Umm, that is a very intriguing story, but may I also make some introductions? You’re familiar with Aerith-jou of the Garou Merchant Guild, I assume? Uh, she is my… mate,” I said.
”Yes, of course, of course! Ah, I had heard the rumors, but seeing you two so harmonious is truly wonderful!” Badatt replied, jumping at the chance to change the topic.
”It has been a while, Badatt-sama. I am Aerith, Kento’s ‘mate’ ♡,” Aerith said, emphasizing the word ‘mate.’ Just like Gerald-san earlier, she raised her voice so the surrounding crowd could hear. She seemed happy to be introduced as my ‘mate,’ as she turned back to me with a brilliant smile.
”My, my! ‘Mate’ is such a lovely expression. I’ve heard it’s quite difficult for a human to wed a beast-person, but perhaps Kento-san’s ‘products’ bridge even that gap?” Olivia asked.
”No, Lady Olivia. While we do use them, of course, my Master loves me even with just his own body alone ♡,” Aerith replied.
Aerith seemed to be an acquaintance of Lady Olivia as well. In fact, they seemed quite close, their conversation blooming into something just a step away from a lewd chat. I meant to change the subject, but it ended up heading right back into that territory, leaving Badatt-shi flustered. It seems his wife enjoys watching her husband squirm. Yeah, she’s got quite a mischievous personality, doesn’t she…?
”So, I hear Kento-san is a man with much love to give. Could it be that lady is also…?” Olivia asked.
”Ah, no, this is Satsuki, a Court Mage. She was dispatched by Her Majesty’s grace; we don’t have that kind of relationship,” I explained.
”I am Satsuki. I am ‘only’ helping with the development and manufacturing of products by Her Majesty’s order,” Satsuki said.
I couldn’t tell if she was angry about being ignored until now or angry about being treated as my woman, but she placed a heavy emphasis on the word ‘only.’ I didn’t think she needed to go that far, but I’ll count my blessings that she didn’t stomp on my foot.
”Oh my, oh my, ‘only,’ is it? I understand perfectly ♡. Oh, right, Kento-san. Since we’re here, could we speak later? It’s about something our Sera is worried about…” Olivia said.
If Sera-chan is worried about something, it’s undoubtedly the issue with the Samon Mushrooms⁵ procurement. That’s exactly why I came to this social gathering, but has the Tasogare Merchant Guild made some progress?
However, I wondered why the talk was coming from Lady Olivia instead of Badatt-shi. I instinctively looked at Badatt-shi, and he nodded with a serious expression. It seems he’s leaving it to his wife.
For now, we can’t talk details while other attendees are eavesdropping. I nodded, and we parted ways with the Badatt couple.
”Alright, Aerith, is there anyone else I need to go greet?” I asked.
”For the moment, there is no one in particular. After this, you should simply enjoy the food and drink until the Lady Duke arrives,” Aerith replied.
”Huh? Oh… is that so…?” I asked.
I had been all geared up to do the rounds, so Aerith’s words caught me off guard. I thought I’d have to go around bowing and scraping like a salesman from my old world… and no, I don’t mean ‘bowing’ as in thrusting my hips, okay?
”Master, right now, we are in the middle of spreading the bait,” Aerith said.
”Bait…?” I asked.
”Yes. Master, you spoke amicably with Gerald-san of the Akatsuki Merchant Guild and Badatt-shi of the Tasogare Merchant Guild, correct?” Aerith asked.
”Ah, yeah, well…” I replied.
”And on your left is Satsuki-san, a Court Mage showing your connection to Her Majesty the Queen, and on your right is myself, Aerith, showing your ties to the Garou Merchant Guild and the Beast-person Association⁶. Like it or not, the eyes of the venue are gathered on you,” Aerith explained.
”I-I see…?” I muttered.
”To top it off, right now my father is likely circling the venue with Gerald-san, telling everyone that ‘his daughter is at the venue with her mate,’” Aerith said.
”Ah, so that’s how it is…” I replied.
In other words, it seemed Ouka-shi and Aerith were right in the middle of a drive-hunt, using me as the decoy. They draw attention to me, flanked by beauties, making the other guests think it’s worth talking to this man. After that, they’ll come to me of their own accord.
”Talking to Lady Imelda or Lady Olivia was for that purpose as well. By talking to them, you can connect with the people who come to see them,” Aerith said.
”Is it also to draw in the people who might find it hard to talk to me directly?” I asked.
”Exactly. It is naturally difficult for a woman to approach a man, and high-ranking officials might feel hesitant to speak to you first…” Aerith explained.
And if the target prey is among them, I—the decoy—will catch them and have a solid talk… The more I hear, the better thought-out it seems. I don’t know if there’s a connection, but it’s a strategy fitting for wolf beast-people who hunt in packs. I have to thank them both.
”Besides, we can’t exactly initiate conversation with the nobility ourselves anyway,” Aerith added.
”Wait, really?” I asked.
”Yes. Unless you are already acquaintances, it is considered disrespectful to speak to them at a place like this when they haven’t requested it. If that weren’t the case, the nobility would be constantly harassed and unable to relax,” Aerith explained.
I see, so that’s the rule. If I hadn’t heard this, I might have accidentally spoken to someone. I’m glad I left the guidance to her. I am doubly grateful.
”I understand. Thanks for thinking of all this. I’ll have to thank your father even more later…” I said.
”It’s only just beginning. Once the problem is properly solved, make sure to praise me plenty, okay? ♡” Aerith said with a happy smile.
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Summary:
Kento meets Badatt-shi and his wife, Olivia, at the social gathering. It is revealed that Olivia is a fan of Kento’s adult magic tools, leading to a humorous and slightly lewd conversation. Aerith explains that Kento is being used as ‘bait’ to attract business connections and navigate noble etiquette. The chapter ends with Kento realizing the strategic depth of the beast-people’s hunting tactics.
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Character Insight:
Aerith shows her prowess as both a business partner and a romantic ‘mate,’ demonstrating that her loyalty to Kento involves complex social engineering. Satsuki’s defensive ‘only’ indicates her growing jealousy or perhaps a struggle with her professional boundaries. Badatt, despite his villainous appearance, is shown to be a devoted husband, adding depth to a character previously seen as a mere merchant archetype.
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Behind the Scene:
The author uses the contrast between the ‘corrupt merchant’ face and the doting husband trope to soften Badatt’s character. The concept of ‘baiting’ and ‘drive-hunting’ reflects the predatory instincts of the Garou (Wolf) tribe applied to social politics.
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T/L:
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.
• Satsuki – A talented Court Mage who was forced to analyze the shop’s adult magic tools. Miranda’s granddaughter. Now she’s the new worker at Harvest, a development she finds both humiliating and surprisingly fulfilling due to the rapid progress in her research under Kento’s guidance. Has long black hair, palace mage robe, and staff.
• 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.
• 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.
• Gerald – Manager of the Akatsuki Merchant Guild. Described as round and fat with a friendly smile.
• 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.
• Olivia – Badatt’s wife. A slender, lovely lady who enjoys Kento’s adult magic tools.
• 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.
• Imelda – Gerald’s wife. An elegant lady with a great figure. Wears a white dress.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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