Chapter 31 Street Tax
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
About a month had passed since Ayumu opened Sanai Pharmacy. Sales were steadily climbing, and despite deducting the costs of setting up the shop, the land fees, and the crossbow modifications, his current cash on hand totaled 625 silver coins and 1,976 copper coins. Slowly but surely, the money was growing.
Feels pretty good. At this rate…
As Ayumu was quietly satisfied, tallying the ledgers, the shop door suddenly swung open. In strode a group of unmistakable thugs.
”Oi! Hey! You! Who gave you permission to open a shop around here?” one snarled.
”It’s the custom in these parts near Slumtown that shops pay us a street tax!” another growled. “Try refusing if you dare! We’ll smash your fixtures—and you—to pieces!”
The men wore black hoods, their faces mostly hidden beneath rough cloth. They gripped crowbars, work hammers, and clubs—discordant weapons, but weapons nonetheless.
They didn’t look like amateurs. Despite their lawlessness, they carried themselves with the brazen confidence and practiced ease of hardened bandits, scraping daily wages through intimidation.
Ayumu imagined himself like the hero in a story, standing cool and defiant, driving the thugs away—
But that was not who he was.
”Please! I’m sorry for opening without asking! Please forgive me!” he blurted, falling flat on the floor in a desperate apology. Fear overwhelmed him—what choice did he have?
The thugs laughed.
”If you understand, pay up quick,” one said, thrusting a hand forward.
Resigned, Ayumu handed over some coins.
”We’ll be back regularly. From now on, pay properly, ears pinned back. A smart guy like you wouldn’t want to find out what happens if you can’t pay.”
With those words, the thugs filed out.
Gone, huh…
But Ayumu wasn’t the type to let things rest. The moment the men left, he hurriedly stuffed the weapons and crossbows he’d been stockpiling into his bags, shut the shop tight, and set off after them.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply