Published at 20th of February 2020 6:52 am

Chapter 13 – Mercenary

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

MTL: uniquegasuki

Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)

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「There is nothing to do.」 (Haruto)

「What is the matter, Haruto-san?」 (Lora)

Haruto is laying in bed, grumbling. While Lora is sweeping, Haruto tried asking her a question.

「Is there anything else I need to do?」 (Haruto)

「Let me see, well, you have already met with the other merchants (shopkeepers) and finished selling soap to Hannah-san. What else…… ah! The ash is supposed to arrive today.」 (Lora)

「Oh, you’re right but it only needs to be carried into the storehouse (warehouse).」 (Haruto)

「Haha, that is way I am sweeping.」 (Lora)

As they were conversing, a knock came from the front door. It seems the ash has arrived.

「Your order for ash has been delivered.」 (young man)

The person who had brought the ash is the very same young man that Haruto had first encountered when he went to the fishing village.

「Thank you and sorry for the trouble. The storehouse is that way.」 (Haruto)

Haruto casually returned the barrel of ash back to the young man and directed him towards the storehouse. The young man frowned but obediently carried the barrels inside.

「Thank you very much. Here, this is your reward.」 (Haruto)

Haruto gives the young man 1 silver coin. Because of his enormous debt, Haruto has an unusual sense for the value of money and is rather loose with it. However, it is not like the fisherman village isn’t having debt troubles of their own as they are experiencing a food shortage.

The young man accepted the money with a sparkle in his eyes and then left.

「Now then, I am completely free. What to do?」 (Haruto)

「Even if you say that…… well, are you not just going to go play around?」 (Lora)

「Doing what?」 (Haruto)

「Well then, how about going shopping.」 (Lora)

Haruto thought about Lora’s suggestion. Ever since being transported to this world, there had been many things needed to be done and he has not had the opportunity to go sightseeing nor go shopping for fun.

「I could…… you don’t seem to be doing much. Will you be coming along also?」 (Haruto)

「Yes!」 (Lora)

◆◆◆

「Now, where to start?」 (Haruto)

「Alright…… would you like to go around and see the tourist attractions? I will be your guide.」 (Lora)

And so, they set out. Lora stopped in front of the water fountain erected in the central plaza.

「Perhaps, is this place famous?」 (Haruto)

Upon Haruto’s question, Lora gave a wide nod.

「Yes, this fountain was made 400 years ago, after the 4th eastern expedition, while this place was still under the Empire’s rule. In those days, the Emperor, Andros (アンダールス) the 4th was very ambitious. He wanted to conquer the world. The 3rd Emperor had previously captured the Germanian (ゲルマニス) region (the Kingdom), the Kiricia (キリシア) region (the City-State Union), and the Shirina (シルニア) region; putting the entire west under their control. Afterward, they crossed over the large mountain range in order to capture the east; however, the vast desert proved to be too severe. They were forced to withdrawn by the desert’s inhabitance and people. This water fountain was constructed as a memorial to those who died during that expedition. You may ask, why a fountain? Well, most of the casualties were caused by dehydration.」 (Lora)

Having heard the story, he could see the historical value. Although he doesn’t know about this world’s history nor its historic background, Haruto could still understand how amazing it was. As he looked at the fountain’s sculpture, he could tell that it was a fine work of art.

「Phew, is that Andros person famous?」 (Haruto)

「Yes, Haruto-san you are about the only person who doesn’t know about him. That person is as famous as the founder of the Empire, Emperor Almus (アルムス) the 1st.」 (Lora)

It could be compared to not knowing of Japan’s historical figures; Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It would be really embarrassing for him to not know of Almus the 1st and Andros the 4th and thus, Haruto etched it into his mind so that he would not forget.

◆◆◆

Afterward, they when around seeing the other famous landmarks. But because Haruto is unable to ride on a carriage, they had to walk the entire time. Naturally, they became hungry.

「I’m hungry. They are serving dough-sweets over there, would you like some?」 (Haruto)

「It seems so. Then, I will go buy some.」 (Lora)

Lora goes over to the cart and purchases some dough-sweets. When Haruto stared at the dough-sweets, he was overcome with an indescribable feeling.

「After coming to this world, this is the 2nd time I’ve eaten dough-sweets.」 (Haruto)

He holds the dough-sweets in his hand and brings it to his mouth. It is as delicious as he remembered.

「This tastes like a food called a doughnut in my home world. The name is also similar but the shape is different.」 (Haruto)

「Eh, there might be an unexpected connection. This has existed since Almus the 1st’s time. Although, this one is an imitation of the original.」 (Lora)

The two happily eat their dough-sweets. When she was about halfway finished with her dough-sweets, Lora stopped eating and held it firmly in her hand.

「Haruto-san, ah.」 (Lora)

「Huh? Aaah?」 (Haruto)

Haruto opened his mouth by reflex and then, Lora thrust the dough-sweets inside his mouth. Her finger touched his tongue.

「Unn!?」 (Haruto)

Seeing the surprised Haruto, she made a broad grin and then licked her finger. Haruto instinctively blushed when he saw her did this.

「You 12-year-old child!」 (Haruto)

「Fufu, was it delicious?」 (Lora)

Seeing her smiling and laughing so heartily, in turn, Haruto shoved his dough-sweets into her mouth.

「Unn!?」 (Lora)

Upon receiving an unexpected counterattack, her eyes widened. Haruto made a broad grin and laughs. Along with the dough-sweets, he had also inserted his fingers inside her mouth.

「Well now, the dough-sweets is delicious, yes. What’s wrong Lora? Your face is red. Do you have a fever?」 (Haruto)

Boarding onto his provocation, Lora thrust a dough-sweets into Haruto’s mouth and naturally, Haruto counterattacked with the same.

In respect, neither wanted to admit defeat. Before they knew it, the remaining dough-sweets had been swiftly eaten until none remain.

「Tsk, it is a tie.」 (Haruto)

「I’ll win next time,」 (Lora)

What sort of victory is she referring to?

After the suppose fight, Haruto and Lora who had both calmed down, they noticed their surrounds. From the sidelines, it appeared that the two were a flirting couple.

「We should get moving.」 (Haruto)

「Y-you’re right.」 (Lora)

Haruto and Lora hurried and left the area.

「We have more or less seen all of the famous landmarks so what’s next?」 (Lora)

Haruto confirms with Lora as to their next destination.

「Let’s see…… well, how about we go shopping?」 (Haruto)

「What would we buy?」 (Lora)

Upon Lora’s question, Haruto answered it with a smile.

「A maid uniform.」 (Haruto)

「You must like them a lot……」 (Lora)

◆◆◆

「How is this?」 (Lora)

「Umm, it looks good. Let’s buy it.」 (Haruto)

Haruto decided on buying 5 sets of maid uniforms. He wanted 7 maid uniforms, one for each day of the week.

「Anyhow, why does a store like this existed?」 (Lora)

Haruto and Lora are at a store that specializes in maid uniforms. Since maid uniforms are their specialty, they have an abundance in stock.

「Well, this is a store that someone like me would regularly visit.」 (Haruto)

While fitting a maid uniform, without putting it on, by holding it against his chest, Haruto gazed at it.

「……I have to say, I don’t want to see you wearing it.」 (Lora)

「Of course. It is not good unless it is a proper maid; otherwise, it would be unpleasant to see.」 (Haruto)

Lora was pleased that the maid enthusiasm Haruto wouldn’t be trying one on.

「Ah! But maybe, I had better have a closer look……」 (Haruto)

「Haruto-san!!」 (Lora)

「It is a joke.」 (Haruto)

As they converse, he searched for the last maid uniform.

「Umm, this design seems familiar. As I thought, it is better to choose a different design.」 (Lora)

「I like the mini skirt ones. Anyhow, it is not easier to move in a short skirt? What about a long skirt one?」 (Haruto)

「Well, as long as no one tries to look up the skirt, a mini-skirt would be easier to move in.」 (Lora)

Haruto casually says his opinion. Disregarding the matter, he continues to look for a pair.

「Ah! This could work. The blue would bring out your natural color.」 (Haruto)

Haruto shows a maid uniform with a blue pattern design to Lora.

「Is this not a little on the revealing side?」 (Lora)

Certainly, the maid uniform that Haruto presented is fairly revealing. It is sleeveless and the strap extends from in-between the underarm & wraps loosely around the side of the arm.

「Nope, the weather will become hotter so won’t this be fine?」 (Haruto)

Currently, it is spring. Afterward, it will be summer and the weather will steadily get warmer. As such, the more areas that are exposed, the cooler it will be.

「Really?」 (Lora)

Eventually, Haruto bought the maid uniforms that he wanted. By the way, it is only natural that the maid uniforms were paid for by Haruto as it is his hobby.

「Wear this starting from tomorrow.」 (Haruto)

「Ahh, that is fine, but.」 (Lora)

Because all of the maid uniforms are of such lovely design, Lora wasn’t dissatisfied with them either.

「It is already dusk. Let’s go home.」 (Haruto)

The two returned home.

◆◆◆

「Too slow!」 (Wujek)

When Haruto and Lora returned, Wujek was waiting by the entrance with an imposing posture, Rusk and Pudding were also nearby.

「What are you doing here?」 (Haruto)

Upon Haruto’s question, Wujek made an ill-humored expression.

「We need to talk.」 (Wujek)

「Here you go.」 (Lora)

Lora brings Wujek tea. He slowly drinks the tea that was served to him.

「Would you like to employ these two?」 (Wujek)

「Huh?」 (Haruto)

Haruto was baffled by the sudden request. The two that Wujek is referring to is Rusk and Pudding.

「I don’t understand, can you explain.」 (Haruto)

Hearing so, with a displeased expression on his face, Wujek begins to explain.

To sum things up, Rusk and Pudding wants to cancel their contract. The reason is, Rusk doesn’t want to catch and sell children anymore because he loves children. In the first place, there was nothing that could be done about it as Wujek is not breaking any laws. Rusk could only bear the fact that children were being used as collateral. There was no way he could protect the children and there was nothing he could do when they were sold off. However, this only brought him heartache. In Pudding’s case, if her brother did not want to continue, she would not either. That is why the two of them have canceled their contract with Wujek.

「I see. Then, why do you want me to employ them?」 (Haruto)

When Wujek heard this, he frowned.

「Although you may be just starting out as a merchant but it is humiliating for a merchant to have their mercenaries run away from them.」 (Wujek)

Haruto expression showed that he didn’t understand thus Lora gave him an explanation.

「A mercenary will do any job they are paid for. For example, they would commit even a crime if there is enough money. In other words, if mercenaries runaways, then they were either not paid enough or simply not paid. Figuratively speaking, these types of rumors would spread.」 (Lora)

Upon Lora’s explanation, Wujek gave a wide nod.

「That is right. You are probably aware of it but we are associates, are we not?」 (Wujek)

「Well, yeah.」 (Lora)

Hearing the insensible remark, Lora makes a dodgy laugh.

「So then, why is it that I must be the one to employ them?」 (Haruto)

Upon hearing Haruto’s inquire, Wujek angerly responded.

「Jeese, what a dense guy you are. If these two are dismissed as is, bad rumors will spread. That would be a big blow to my reputation as the top moneylender; therefore, I can’t simply dismiss them thus I am turning them over to you. You see, sometimes mercenaries would be assign to new merchants (shopkeeper). All in all, this will suppress such rumors from spreading.」 (Wujek)

Haruto confirmed that he understood Wujek’s explanation. Anyhow, as children will be working at the factory, it might be necessary for them to be guarded by mercenaries.

「How much will it cost to employ you?」 (Haruto)

Upon Haruto asking, Pudding replied with laughter.

「Let’s see, Wujek-san was paying us 300,000 a month. The average pay for a mercenary is 100,000…… well, how about no less than 150,000 a month. We are quite capable, you see.」 (Pudding)

150,000 a month is 300,000 for two people; totaling 3.6 million per year. Haruto has not started up his business yet thus that amount of money will be difficult. But on the other hand; 300,000 is maybe considered cheap.

「Let’s see, I am indebted to Wujek. So, alright. You are hired; however, you will be employed for the first 3 months without pay.」 (Haruto)

Hearing Haruto say this, Wujek’s expression slightly softens.

「I see. Excuse me. They will be delivered along with the slave children.」 (Wujek)

Saying so, Wujek left.

「Well~, thanks~」 (Pudding)

「You have my gratitude.」 (Rusk)

Pudding and Rusk bowed.

「Don’t worry about it. I just thought I will be needing mercenaries.」 (Haruto)

In truth, he never considered that fact but there was no need to mention it.

「Are you really alright with a 150,000 salary?」 (Haruto)

「I would rather it was more but from our standpoint it is fine!」 (Pudding)

「Not a problem.」 (Rusk)

Haruto was relieved that there wasn’t a dispute over their salary and the matter was settled.

「Hey~hey, now that that is over with, do you want to go drinking? I believe that it would deepen our friendship and understanding of one another. My brother and I will treat you. How about it?」 (Pudding)

Haruto was surprised by their sudden invitation. By drinking, they meant alcohol. Wavering for a moment, Haruto took into consideration that this place is another world before replying.

「If you are paying then okay. I haven’t eaten yet! Lora, go change into a maid uniform!」 (Haruto)

Hearing him say so, Lora showed a wry smile.

「Understood. Then, please wait a bit.」 (Lora)

And thus, the group headed to a tavern.

◆◆◆

「Oh my~, Haruto-kun you remembered about the thing with Lora-chan (maid uniform) and also about us drinking together.」 (Pudding)

「Yeah, by the way, where are we headed?」 (Haruto)

Rusk answered Haruto’s question.

「I highly recommend the place. The place is kept in order and the food & drinks are good.」 (Rusk)

Rusk replied.

Shortly after following Rusk and Pudding, they arrive at the tavern.

「I see, this is the recommended place…… wait, is this shop not Undine.」 (Haruto)

「You’ve heard of it?」 (Rusk)

Rusk turns his head to ask Haruto.

「Yeah. We would have our meals here.」 (Haruto)

The group enters the shop and are greet by a man with a scary face…… Marceau.

「Welcome! Ah, Haruto-san & Lora-chan, and Pudding-san & even Rusk-san. What a strange combination we have here.」 (Marceau)

He showed a puzzled expression for a while but Marceau seemed to come to an understanding shortly after.

「That remains me, you 4 have a connection to Wujek-san.」 (Marceau)

When the 4 took their seat, Maria came rushing over.

「I will be taking your order. By the way, Lora-oneechan, why are you dressed like that?」 (Maria)

「Umm…… this is Haruto’s preference…… well, you’ll understand when you get older.」 (Lora)

Lora avoided the question with a smile.

「I never drank alcohol before…… can you take the order. I’ll leave it up to you.」 (Haruto)

Hearing Haruto saying so, Pudding grinned and chuckled.

「Alright. Well then; this one, that one, and this one too. Perhaps that one also?」 (Pudding)

「Okay.」 (Maria)

Maria skips off.

「Then, while we wait for the food shall we introduce ourselves? I am Haruto Asuma, please to meet your acquaintance. This is Lora.」 (Haruto)

「Please to meet you.」 (Lora)

Lora bows.

「How do you do. I am Pudding. I came from the Kingdom. Please to meet you!」 (Pudding)

「I am Rusk. I’ll be in your care.」 (Rusk)

After they finished their greetings and chatting, the meal had been carried out to them.

「Oh my~ drinking alcohol while eating grilled skewers is the best~」 (Pudding)

Saying so, Pudding begins to eat.

Haruto stared at his cup of alcohol and prepared himself before gulping it down.

「Ah, delicious.」 (Haruto)

「My, what a nice manner of drinking. Would you like to have a drinking (chugging) contest with me?」 (Pudding)

「No thanks, I will have to refuse.」 (Haruto)

Haruto politely declined. He learned his lesson after drinking it in one gulp.

The group continued eating their meal. As they drank, they would chat and be merry.

Near the end stage of their meal, Lora came to address Haruto.

「Delicious right, Haruto-shwan.」 (Lora)

Lora’s face was colored red.

「Was this your first time drinking?」 (Haruto)

「Yeews? That’z wight.」 (Lora)

『Yes, that is right.』, it what was said. It seems she is drunk.

「There was no need to push yourself.」 (Haruto)

「What’z this!? Therez are 3 Haruto-san(s)!?」 (Lora)

She seems to be out of it. Haruto stands up.

「Lora is out of commission. I’ll be returning now so excuse me.」 (Haruto)

「Go, go. Hurry and take Lora-chan home. It will be troublesome if she vomits.」 (Pudding)

「Sorry for forcing you to come along. It is no problem so go ahead. We plan to stay here and drink more, anyhow.」 (Rusk)

With Lora on his back, Haruto parted ways with the two.

「Really now, settle down. Don’t nibble on my ear!」 (Haruto)

「Ah! Thiz spot is lovely!」 (Lora)

「Don’t lick my neck!」 (Haruto)

In all the clamor, they made their way back.

◆◆◆

The next day.

「Uh, my head aches.」 (Lora)

「That’s because you drank despite still being a child. Yesterday night, you were really a handful. You nibbled on my ear, licked my neck and sucked on my finger. Next time don’t drink any alcohol. Here is some water.」 (Haruto)

Haruto laughed as he handed water over to Lora.

◆◆◆

And then, 3 months passed.

====

Income: 0

Expense: 30,000 (maid uniform)

Debt: 5 Million

Current Balance: 3.8 Million

(Actual) Assets: -1.2 Million

Other Assets:

16 Slaves

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