Published at 20th of February 2020 6:51 am

Chapter 10 – Preparations

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

MTL: uniquegasuki

Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)

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「Haruto-san, please wake up.」 (Lora)

As Haruto opens his eyes, he expected to see a similar pattern to follow. And, as he had thought, Lora is hovering near him.

「Ah, morning, hey, why are you not wearing anything!!」 (Haruto)

Lora is nude. Haruto’s eyes focus on her white skin.

「Because yesterday, I was in my undergarments; today, I thought perhaps Haruto-san is probably tired of seeing me in them. That is why I tried raising the level.」 (Lora)

Lora giggles. Although she appears calm, her face is red. Naturally, she is embarrassed being nude.

「I wasn’t particularly tired or anything!! Just hurry up and put on some clothes!!」 (Haruto)

Haruto’s face warped as he shouted this. He has never seen a woman naked. Although Lora is 12 years old, still a child, she has quite a developed body that is fairly close enough.

「Should you not say, 『I will never get tired of seeing your naked body』? Oh my, it is embarrassing to hear it being said out loud.」 (Lora)

Lora blushes.

「Whatever! Hurry! Go put some clothes on!!」 (Haruto)

Haruto yells again. In a reluctant state, she begins to put on clothes.

「Haruto-san?」 (Lora)

While dressed in her underwear, Lora calls out to Haruto.

「What is it?」 (Haruto)

As he looked out the window, Haruto replies to Lora.

「Underwear or nude?」 (Lora)

Haruto feels her hands spreading across his back. The window shows a reflection of Lora in her underwear. In a panic, Haruto turns around and gets a complete view of Lora in her undergarments. It was a regretful action.

「Why only two options?」 (Haruto)

「Should you not be more embarrassed!? That……」 (Lora)

With a reddened face, showing a form more embarrassing than when he saw her naked while being troubled, Haruto gave a reply.

「Well then, underwear.」 (Haruto)

「I understand, Haruto-san. I see, underwear is more erotic than being nude.」 (Lora)

Chances are if he had said 『nude』, the outcome would have been the same. Having given an appropriate answer, Haruto changes the topic.

「Yup, it is erotic. Now then, put on some clothes as today is going to be busy.」 (Haruto)

There is much to do today. Yesterday, Haruto had placed an order for slaves from Wujek. With his blessing, Haruto had bargain down the price and bought 12 young boys for 10,000 & received 3 young girls as a freebie. They are all healthy and none of them are over 10 years old. Of course, Haruto is not ready to welcome them. For that reason, things have not advance pass the agreement stage as he needs to make preparations. Haruto has to get the factory & run-down building repaired and then decide his new place of residences. Although Wujek suggested that the slaves get to work without having any repairs made, Haruto isn’t that much of a fiend to let that happen.

Once more, the factory has to be put into working order. As for the factory, all he really needs is a pot that can be used to boil things and a roof to keep out the rain. On the other hand, Haruto does need to secure a large supply of olive oil, ash, and a few large pots.

「You’re right. My apologies. Let us have the repairs commissioned right away as it could take awhile.」 (Lora)

Lora made a serious expression as she suggested this to Haruto. He was thinking the same thing. And thus, with Lora’s help, they began their search for a place to commission the needed repairs.

◆◆◆

「So, how much will it cost.」 (Haruto)

Haruto asked the carpenter (man), Domoor (ドモール).

「Uhh, I can’t give you an estimate without seeing it for myself. I have to see what I’m working with, first. You can drop by again in the evening. I should be able to give an estimate by then. By the way, what will it be used for? The plans can change depending on how it is going to be used.」 (Domoor)

「For workers……housing for slaves. For about, 15 people. That is why it needs to be able to keep out the cold and rain. Try to keep the cost as low as you can.」 (Haruto)

Upon Haruto’s reply, Domoor began to ponder something.

「I see, understood. I will keep that in mind.」 (Domoor)

The matter about the slaves’ lodging has been settled.

「As for the factory, it also needs to be able to keep out the rain. There is no need to do the flooring, just the roof. Fire will be used, so, a structure that will let smoke out it necessary.」 (Haruto)

「Understood. Leave it to me.」 (Domoor)

Domoor replies with a smile. This man will complete the job reasonably enough. Haruto is glad that he chose to request the job from Domoor.

「Thank you. I will entrust the job to you.」 (Haruto)

「Um, have no worries. I will get it done.」 (Domoor)

Domoor expressed his gratitude upon Haruto’s expression of gratitude.

Haruto leaves the shop along with Lora.

「Well now, that part is done with. Next up is securing the pot. We can try checking out the blacksmith that Wujek recommended.」 (Haruto)

The two of them head towards the blacksmith’s place. After a short walk, they arrive at a sturdy stone building.

When they opened the door, a hot gust of air blew in their face. It was considerably hot.

「Huh? Who are you, a customer?」 (???)

A boorish sounding man appeared. He had an intimidating air about him.

「Are you Bacchus (バッカス)? I have a job for you.」 (Haruto)

「I see, have a seat.」 (Bacchus)

Haruto sat down in the specified chair. As there wasn’t another chair, Lora had to remain standing.

「Well, what do you need made?」 (Bacchus)

While listening to Haruto, the man brazenly crossed his legs and smoked his pipe. Haruto talks about what he had previous thought about on this way over here.

「I want 7 pots, each 1 meter tall.」 (Haruto)

Six of the pots will be used for making soap while the last one will be used for cooking. To make everything in one go, a large pot is needed. Haruto had taken into consideration that a child will be using the pot; therefore, a pot 1 meter tall would be suitable. All-in-all, it was a necessary item for the slaves. It would also be good if one of the slaves had cooking experience.

「Hmm, that is alright and all, but what do you plan to use it for?」 (Bacchus)

「Manufacturing goods. Please make it as solid as you can.」 (Haruto)

Upon hearing Haruto’s request, Bacchus stands up.

「Who do you think I am? I’m a craftsman. I will do my job properly. It will cost you 250,000. Come back in 3 months.」 (Bacchus)

Despite his appearance, the person has the soul of a craftsman. Haruto pays the 250,000 fee and they exited the shop.

「Scary……」 (Lora)

Lora mutters, after leaving the shop.

「What are you afraid of?」 (Haruto)

Being frightened of Bacchus, she had curled herself up. Anyhow, it is only natural to be afraid of Bacchus’s intimidating attitude.

「Haruto-san, how is it you’re not afraid and are able to converse so fluently with someone you have just met?」 (Lora)

「Do you recall how I told you that both my parents are deceased. I grew up while being raised by my relatives, so, I am used to such social differences.」 (Haruto)

While his foster parents (father and mother) were kind, Haruto was rather reserved. He didn’t treat his foster parents the same as his real parents. Haruto always took their feelings into consideration. Perhaps, his sudden disappear has caused them trouble.

「Ah, I see……」 (Lora)

The air became slightly heavy. Being wary of the mood, Haruto was quick to change the subject.

「What now, there is still time before evening?」 (Lora)

「You’re right. We haven’t secured a supply of olive oil, salt, or ash yet. What to do?」 (Haruto)

Olive oil, salt, and ash are the ingredients needed for making soap. There is no point in securing the equipment without having the ingredients on-hand.

「Umm, know any place where we can buy olive oil and salt in bulk? Although, securing ash will be a problem.」 (Haruto)

「Why will securing ash be a problem?」 (Lora)

Ash is fundamentally waste (trash). Obtaining it is rather simple. Lora couldn’t understand how it would be a problem.

「It would be easy to collect ordinary ash but seaweed ash is a better material to use in soap. If it was for personal use then ordinary ash would do but as this will be put on sale, I plan to use ash made from seaweed.」 (Haruto)

Naturally, if he plans to use seaweed ash instead of ash from wood, Haruto needs to get into contact with a fisherman.

「Seaweed……we would have to go to a fishing village and make a direct request from them. Although, it is already too late in the day. It will have to wait until tomorrow.」 (Lora)

「So, we won’t be able to secure the ingredients today…… then, what should we do?」 (Haruto)

「The place (shop) that Wujek lent us could use a good cleaning. We could clean up the parlor room and make it livable.」 (Lora)

If they continue living at the inn, it would eventually become an unexpected expense. However, if they clean up the parlor, Haruto and Lora could stay there starting tomorrow.

「You’re right, that wouldn’t do. Shall we spend the evening cleaning the place up?」 (Haruto)

The decision was made rather quickly. While holding cleaning equipment, they head towards their shop.

「It sure is dirty. For now, today, we will be focusing on cleaning up the parlor room.」 (Haruto)

「Yeah. Cleaning up the warehouse today would take too much time. Let’s hurry and get started.」 (Lora)

With cleaning tools in hand, Haruto and Lora begin to sweep up the dust. As there is no furniture, it was easy to sweep up the dust.

「Haruto-san, what about the bed? I prefer a single bed that we both can lay on.」 (Lora)

「A single bed for 2 sounds good. But, why does it have to be a single bed when 2 beds can be brought instead?」 (Haruto)

They continued their conversation while Lora scrubbed the floor and Haruto wiped the windows.

「But Haruto, if it wasn’t, you wouldn’t be able to embrace me every night.」 (Lora)

「Lies. Don’t try to gloss over the topic.」 (Haruto)

Haruto denies it with a forceful voice.

「It’s true. You would also feel up my breast.」 (Lora)

He has no memory of doing such things and it left him feeling uneasy.

「Why not? It is warmer that way and it would save us money.」 (Lora)

「If you say so. However, it will be a double bed as a single bed is too narrow.」 (Haruto)

Having touched her body, Haruto has no choice but to consent to Lora’s request. Or, so it seems.

「What is wrong with us being closer together.」 (Lora)

「As it is currently the 4th month, the temperature will gradually become hotter. And, I dislike the heat.」 (Haruto)

Lora dumps the dust from the dustpan out the window. Haruto finished wiping the windows and squeezed out the rag.

「It is still early in the evening. Shall we go buy a bed?」 (Haruto)

◆◆◆

Haruto and Lora headed to a furniture store to buy a bed.

「Haruto-san, this one comes with a closet. Buy this one.」 (Lora)

「You’re right. We should buy one bundled with a dresser(s).」 (Haruto)

Because they don’t have any furniture, he wanted to purchase a set. Eventually, they ended up buying a closet & dresser, desk, and chairs.

「That bed looks good.」 (Lora)

In the direction Lora is pointing, there is a bed with a pink heart shape sheet cover.

「Idiot, who would buy something like that? We’ll be getting a normal bed.」 (Haruto)

Saying so, Haruto goes over and purchases a normal bed with a white sheet cover, Lora made a disappointed expression.

「Thank you very much for your purchase.」 (salesperson)

They are unable to take the furniture with them as furniture is fundamentally heavy.

「Is it alright if I come and pick up the furniture tomorrow morning?」 (Haruto)

Haruto tried asking just in case. Although, this practice is normally acceptable.

「Yes, that is alright. Then please, come back to this store tomorrow morning.」 (salesperson)

The salesperson expressed their gratitude.

◆◆◆

Haruto and Lora exited the shop. Upon leaving the store, before Haruto’s eyes, the scene of a child receiving an allowance unfolds.

「Lora, here.」 (Haruto)

「Huh? This is…… a silver coin. What is this for?」 (Lora)

She is puzzled by his sudden action. Haruto response with a smile.

「That is your salary for this month. I forgot about it until now.」 (Haruto)

「Haha, I don’t particularly need a salary but…… thanks, I’ll graciously accept. That’s right! May I use it now?」 (Lora)

Haruto is dumbfounded by how easily Lora switches gear.

「It might be pointless to say this to you but…… it’s your money, use it as you please.」 (Haruto)

Upon his response, Lora makes a delightful smile.

「Understood. I’ll meet back up with you at Sylph’s pavilion.」 (Lora)

After parting ways with Lora, Haruto headed to Domoor’s place.

「Oh, you came at a good time. I am preparing the estimate now.」 (Domoor)

Haruto sits down in a chair and listens to what Domoor has to say.

「The building is broken here & there; however, the foundation only needs a little repair. It will cost about 500,000.」 (Domoor)

It was cheaper than Haruto had guessed. He is relieved that the run-down building didn’t need to be rebuilt.

「What about the factory?」 (Haruto)

Haruto wanted to hear the estimate for the factory.

「The floor is okay; the roof can be easily fixed for about 1.5 million. In total, the cost of all the repairs will add up to 2 million. Is 400,000 in advance alright with you?」 (Domoor)

Haruto hands over 4 gold coins. A big smile appears on Domoor’s face.

「Thank you. Now that I have received the money, I will get to work. Please, come back in 3 months.」 (Domoor)

Fast. This person is quite capable. The timing is similar to when the pots will be ready.

「Okay. Thank you.」 (Haruto)

Haruto thanks the man and then leaves.

◆◆◆

「Ah, Haruto-san, have you finished everything up?」 (Lora)

Upon being a few steps away from the entrance, Haruto was greeted by Lora.

「Oh yeah, I’ve prepared the hot water.」 (Lora)

Lora is as attentive as ever. On a closer examination, her hair appears to be damp. She has probably already washed up.

「Really, thanks. I’ll go get the soap, a towel and a change of clothes.」 (Haruto)

「There is no need to. It has already been prepared.」 (Lora)

The set of items is handed to Haruto. He thanks Lora once more and then goes to wash his body.

After he finished washing up, Haruto bumped into Hannah inside the inn.

「Ah, perfect timing. It has been a week since then. What do you plan to do for tomorrow?」 (Hannah)

Incidentally, a week has passed. It was a long yet short week for Haruto.

「I’ve found a place to stay. I will be moving there.」 (Haruto)

Haruto explained the details to her. Hannah showed a disappointed expression when she heard the news.

「I see. It will be lonely without you here. You’re welcome to come stay here anytime.」 (Hannah)

「Alright, thank you very much for everything. I’m going to go eat at Undine now.」 (Haruto)

When Haruto said this, she made a delightful smile.

「Really, I am glad.」 (Hannah)

Haruto bids his farewell to Hannah and he goes to have his meal. Afterwards, Haruto and Lora returned to their room.

「This will be the last time we sleep in this room. Well, I barely stayed in this room for more than 3 days.」 (Lora)

「Yup. It is already dark, shall we get to sleep. Tomorrow, we will have to carry in the furniture. And then, in the afternoon we can go secure the ash stock.」 (Haruto)

Hearing him say this, Lora immediately crawled into bed.

「Understood. We can borrow a dragon-carriage from Wujek-san. Now then, hurry up Haruto-san.」 (Lora)

Haruto got into bed as he was told. The lamp is switched off and the two of them stare at the ceiling.

「We will be riding the dragon-carriage for a long period of time; will you be alright?」 (Lora)

「I’ll manage somehow. Don’t worry, I will prepare a barf bag.」 (Haruto)

「So, you are assuming you’ll vomit…… please don’t have lunch.」 (Lora)

「Of course, now go to sleep.」 (Haruto)

「Yes, good night.」 (Lora)

The two of them close their eyes.

====

Income: 0

Expenses: 1.96 Million (total)

Slaves (1.2 Million), Pot (250,000), Furniture (100,000), Salary (10,000), Repair cost (400,000)

Debt: 5 Million

Remaining Balance: 3.83 Million

(Actual) Assets: -1.17 Million

Other Assets:

16 Slaves

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