Chapter 17 Yugan Free Cities League
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
For two weeks, Ayumu had crossed countless mountains and valleys on horseback. Yesterday, he finally entered the Yugan Free Cities League. Judging by the name “free cities,” it seemed similar in concept to the Hanseatic League that once existed in medieval Germany in the original world. The east and west ports of the town bustled with activity, goods arriving and departing in a steady rhythm, making it clear even from a distance that the place thrived on commerce.
Ayumu murmured in awe, “Still, this armor and sword… they were amazing.”
Along the way, Ayumu had been attacked several times by what appeared to be bandits and creatures resembling giant caterpillars. Yet, he emerged without a scratch. When he counterattacked with the sword, even the usually weak Ayumu himself was able to turn the tables effortlessly. It was clear the sword and armor were exceptional. Thanks to that, Ayumu had managed to obtain travel money, a dagger, and clothes from this world, allowing him to change out of the armor upon arrival in the city.
”Um… which way is the Elandric trading post?” Ayumu asked, scanning the busy street.
Realizing that even with such exceptional equipment trouble was likely without proper guidance, Ayumu relied on the emblem engraved on the armor. He asked locals and learned that it belonged to the Fanac Count family of the Elandric Kingdom. Since there was a trading post of the Elandric Kingdom in Yugan, Ayumu thought he might return the heirlooms to their original owner through their business. After some searching, he finally found the Elandric Merchant Hall.
”Excuse me,” Ayumu called to a man behind the bars guarding the entrance.
The man eyed him suspiciously. “Do you have any business with our merchant guild?”
”Yes,” Ayumu replied steadily. “On my way to Yugan, I encountered the nearly dead Sir Elandric. The bandit was already dead, but it seemed the knight was targeted in a money-driven demon hunt. Just before he passed, he requested that his heirlooms—the armor and sword—be delivered to his family. I am the one who received his heirlooms and have come to visit the Elandric merchant guild here.”
The man hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. “What a trouble to go through… Please, come inside. I will inform my boss immediately.”
Inside the heavily secured merchant guild, Ayumu was led through the courtyard to a guest room. Moments later, a man draped in luxurious attire entered—the branch manager, Baldric, who must have heard the conversation.
”Hello. I am the branch manager, Baldric. And you are?” Baldric asked politely.
”I am called Ayumu, Lord Baldric,” he answered with a bow. “First, I apologize for crossing the threshold of the esteemed Elandric merchant guild in such a disheveled state. It has been a long journey. But without further ado, here is the relic entrusted to me by Sir Elandric. Carrying it this far with my meager commoner’s feet was the limit of my ability. I would like to request that you return it to the bereaved family at your merchant guild.”
Carefully, Ayumu revealed the armor and sword, wrapped in tattered cloth. Baldric’s eyes flickered as he examined the items.
”Oh… indeed, this bears the insignia of the military flag under Count Fanac of the Kingdom of Elandric. Without a doubt, this family crest belongs to the Byron family. Understood. I will send it to Lord Fanac on our end,” Baldric said solemnly.
(Yeah. That was indeed the name.)
Ayumu felt a weight lift from his shoulders. “Thank you very much, Lord Baldric. I shall take my leave now.”
”You have worked hard. On behalf of Elandric, I thank you for your kindness,” Baldric said warmly, escorting Ayumu to the entrance. His pleasant demeanor marked him as a seasoned businessman.
”By the way, may I ask you one question?” Ayumu added as they reached the door.
Baldric nodded, sensing an opportunity. “What is it?”
”Well, it’s nothing complicated. Just a simple question—if you were to come to this town for the first time and wanted to start a business, what would you do? No, that’s poorly phrased… What business would have low costs but high demand?”
The question struck Baldric as timely. Ayumu had to support himself soon, and this was a chance to ask a professional merchant.
”You ask an interesting question. From your humble and polite manner, I would say… if I were thrown into this town as young and clueless as you, I would become a disciple of an apothecary and learn potion-making. The herbs that serve as the base for potions are inexpensive and can be sold for a relatively high price. Moreover, there is ceaseless demand,” Baldric advised thoughtfully.
(Potions, huh—how insightful…)
”I’ve gained good advice. Thank you for seeing me off,” Ayumu said, bowing deeply before stepping out of the merchant guild and back into the bustling streets of Yugan.
Notes:
• Baldric – The branch manager of the Elandric Merchant Guild.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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