By the Grace of the Gods: Volume 2

by Roy

  He seemed to be saying that seriously...

  “In this case, I would recommend that Master Ryoma registers at the Merchant’s Guild.”

  “The Merchant’s Guild?”

  “Yes. There’s a branch in this town as well, so you can register right away. Each kingdom has their own Merchant’s Guild that manages all the trade of the kingdom, from peddlers to stalls and carts. You must go through the guild to start a business.”

  Eh?! Then...

  “Then, was I about to do something illegal?”

  “No no, the guild manages the trade of the kingdom, but that doesn’t mean it oversees everything. Remote villages can sell things to each other of their own accord, and you’re also permitted to sell medicinal herbs you gather to an apothecary. There’s no issue in children or adventurers doing jobs for compensation without going through the guild either. As long as it isn’t an extravagantly high price, it isn’t considered illegal, and there’s no problem as long as both parties agree. However, based on what you have said today, there is plenty of possibility you’ll be making quite an income. You may attract the guild’s attention for finding a new source of money.”

  “That was close... Thank you, Mr. Serge.”

  “Not at all, it seems like I had underestimated you, Master Ryoma. I never imagined you would have such a mind for business. I omitted information about registration, believing you were just making pocket change between your time doing adventurer work.”

  No, it was exactly as you presumed. I hadn’t thought very far earlier... But for now I’d take him up on it.

  “In that case, if I were to run a laundry service I should register with the guild. I’m already registered with the Adventurer’s Guild and Tamer’s Guild, would that be a problem?”

  “Rest assured, I will put forth a recommendation for you when you register, so you won’t face any issues. Having people across different guilds brings in more information, so it’s actually welcomed. How would you like to go register tomorrow? I shall accompany you.”

  “Tomorrow... I still have adventurer work, so I’ll only be back around the same time as today.”

  “That is fine. There are always several employees staffed in the Merchant’s Guild, so registration can be completed at any time. For merchants, information is our livelihood. We need to be able to deliver information while it’s still fresh.”

  A 24-hour business...?

  “In that case, if it’s all right with you.”

  “Why, of course!”

  Whoa?!

  “The laundry service you’ve formulated is a wonderful idea! It has the potential to bring in a large profit, no other merchants are yet to set their eyes on it, and it could create a stir among the business in this world! I, Serge Morgan, will gladly lend you what little power I have!”

  He started giving some grand monologue?! I didn’t expect such a fuss... I was only hoping for a little extra pocket money...

  “Th-Thank you very much. That’s most reassuring.”

  “Your words are wasted on me. Now that it’s come to this, we must think about where to open your store.”

  Store?! I hadn’t planned on doing anything at such a large scale, though!

  “Hmm... That look on your face tells me you weren’t planning on doing anything so grand, am I correct?”

  “Yes. I was only thinking of earning the minimum amount of money to survive, at most. That’s why a stall on a street corner would have been fine, or I could have gone around to each household myself. If I had a storefront, I wouldn’t be able to work as an adventurer.”

  “I see. However, if it’s management of a store, you needn’t worry. I can lend you some of my store staff.”

  No, that wouldn’t work.

  “Even if I had a store, leaving it to other people is a bit...”

  When I said that, Serge gave a bitter laugh and said, “Hmm... I think I’m starting to understand what the Duke’s people were saying... Master Ryoma, there’s nothing untoward about leaving the management to others, you know?”

  Huh?

  “While it’s true that most people start their own stores by doing the management themselves, when you reach my level you may have many branches. In which case, it would be impossible for me to oversee all of the stores by myself. Ergo, I select subordinates I can trust, train them, and leave them in charge instead. What would be so strange about that?”

  When he put it that way, he had a point... It was common in Japan for chain stores to have hired store managers that weren’t the owners either...

  “True, there’s nothing strange about that.”

  “That’s right. Furthermore, there are people in this world who are more suited for management, and people who are less suited. Rather than having someone unsuited force themselves to do it, it would be better for the store to simply hire someone suitable instead.”

  “That I understand, too.”

  “As for you, Master Ryoma... At this point in time, I cannot make a judgment yet. Your ideas and practical business mind makes you suitable for management in a way, but I don’t see you being able to size up your competitors. Your thoughts can be clearly read from your face.”

  Was I really that obvious?!

  “Considering your age, I’m sure you’re able to hide more than someone else that young would, but it wouldn’t work on any veteran merchant.”

  “I see...”

  I was fairly confident in my poker face in my past life too... Was it all just my imagination?

  “Also, I am not lending you my personnel entirely out of my own goodwill either. Lord Reinhart ordered me to help you out if you ever came to me, and I also believe in the promise I see in you.”

  “Promise... you see...?”

  “Yes. Even without Lord Reinhart’s recommendation, I would have had my eye on you for inventing waterproof fabric and thread, as well as creating all those ingots at such a young age. On top of that, I can also expect today’s discussion to lead to great profits in the future. There is no way I could ignore this as a merchant. I want to be involved in any way possible, even if it were through paying for a bag of my own at your store. If you need opening funds, I’m also willing to invest in it.”

  ...If he’s willing to go that far, then I guess...? But still...

  “What if you invest into the store and it fails?”

  “It would be impossible to open a store while fearing failure. Even merchants with relatively large stores are burdened by some kind of risk or another. More than anything, I believe there is a high likelihood that your store will bring profits. Even in the case that it fails, you can simply repay the loss to me by making iron ingots and waterproof fabric and thread. Operation fees should be quite low if you’re leaving the cleaning to your slimes, so the damages won’t be as great. There’s a high chance of success, and there’s even a way to make up for failure. I can’t imagine any of the usual traps would apply here, so no real merchant would pass up this chance.”

  I see. I certainly could make money if I made iron ingots...

  “I understand. I shall lean on you for your assistance.”

  “Do you now see things from my point of view?”

  “Yes. However, I’ll hold back from accepting any financial investments for the time being. Fortunately, I have some funds from bandit bounties I earned in the past.”

  “Then just the personnel?”

  “Please. Also, if you could let me buy any miscellaneous items needed for a store at your shop, starting with the bags. I will bring ingots in when I have time, separate from this discussion. I was planning on making them in the first place, since I was left in charge of the mines.”

  “Thank you. I hope good business comes to both of us in the future.”

  Thus, with the conversation wrapped up, I purchased the bags from Serge and left the store.

  ■　■　■

  After walking along the dark path back, I was met by a fuming Eliaria waiting at the inn.

&nbs
p; “My lady...?”

  “Ryoma, what were you doing out so late? I was worried...”

  Eliaria’a fuming aura settled, and then she started crying. It seemed like after everything with the goblin king yesterday, she had been really worried.

  My bad.

  Accepting my fault, I silently listened to her scold me through her tears. Eventually, she was worn out by her own crying and anger and said she was going to bed, leaving me to watch her walk away with the maids.

  “I’m very sorry for worrying you.”

  “It’s all right now, it seems Elia has scolded you enough for it.”

  “It’s true that we were worried, though.”

  “Take more care next time.”

  “Yes, I shall bear that in mind.”

  “And? What were you doing out this late?”

  I explained how the carriage broke down and I dropped by Serge’s shop when I was walking past.

  “So you were at Serge’s, huh? And I see you’re already thinking about your new job.”

  “I’ll probably be back late again tomorrow. I’m sorry, I know I was just scolded today...”

  “As long as you let us know in advance, it’s fine. What are you doing tomorrow?”

  “I’m going to register at the Merchant’s Guild with Mr. Serge. While we were discussing things, the scale grew larger and larger until it required registration at the guild.”

  “What? Wasn’t it just an odd job to add to your living income?”

  “That’s what I intended on at first, but I was talked into opening a store by Mr. Serge.”

  “A store? Your discussion must have progressed quite a bit.”

  “Mr. Serge said he could see a ‘prosperous future in store.’ The store attendants will also be provided by his shop.”

  “To think Serge would say such high praise... So when will you open?”

  He just asked about the opening date without batting an eye?! I expected more shock.

  “There are still many things to decide about the store... But how come none of you are surprised that an 11-year-old child is saying they’ll open a store?”

  “It’s not like there’s an age restriction to these things, after all. Children your age have stalls all the time, and many of them act as store attendants too.”

  “While there aren’t any that can open their own store at 11, we are talking about you here.”

  “You aren’t a regular child, after all. If Serge has given his stamp of approval, then it should be fine. But if anything happens, make sure you lean on us, okay? Don’t forget to contact us regularly.”

  Was that really okay?

  “I understand.”

  After that, I returned to my room in a daze and finished letting the leftover slimes from yesterday’s split, forming contracts with them.

  The updated slime count went like this:

  Sticky Slime x907

  Poison Slime x666

  Acid Slime x666

  Cleaner Slime x22

  Scavenger Slime x3033

  Healing Slime x2

  Metal Slime x1

  Slime x1

  The number of sticky slimes had exceeded 900, nearly reaching 1000.

  The poison slimes and acid slimes had reached the same number. But 666 was a little unlucky...

  I was happy to see the cleaner slimes double in number. And the slimes seemed to be stronger, perhaps because of the goblin fight yesterday? Their physical attack resistance in big and huge slime form was good. But I had never imagined slimes could learn staff mastery and spear mastery or unarmed combat...

  I’d thought of many things to teach them, but I didn’t expect the slimes to pick up these skills. I should try to teach them more things in the future...

  Chapter 2 Episode 21: Instant Decision

  Monster Subjugation, Day 4.

  After finishing work at the mines, I returned to town and headed for Serge’s place.

  “Good evening, Mr. Serge.”

  “I’ve been waiting for you, Master Ryoma. Shall we get going?”

  The carriage that was prepared took us from the center of town to a little towards the south.

  We eventually reached the Merchant’s Guild, a plain building that was simple but sturdy, faint light shining out of the front door. Though sparse, I could hear the sound of people other than employees within, too.

  When we walked up to the reception, they let us straight through to a room further inside. In response to the experienced manner he conveyed his business, the receptionist lady bowed her head politely. Seeing that exchange made me wonder if Serge was treated as a fairly important figure.

  He was the president of a large trading company, so I guess so?

  Several minutes later, a scrawny man and an old, hunchbacked lady entered the room. The two of us both made to stand up when the old lady stopped us with a hand and the man opened his mouth.

  “What’s this, Serge? Been a helluva time since I last saw ya’s. Ain’t heard yer name on the grapevine lately, jes’ been wonderin’ what’cher up ta nowadays.”

  He said in a... fake-sounding accent? There was a nostalgic lilt to his words that made me wonder how it was being translated in my ears. I used to have a boss who sounded like this...

  “Long time no see, Pioro.”

  “What are you here for today? It’s rare to see you around these parts outside of guild gatherings. I haven’t met that boy there before, have I? I’m Glissela. The hag in charge of this Merchant’s Guild.”

  “I’m Ryoma Takebayashi. I’ve come to register for the Merchant’s Guild today. Though I am still inexperienced, I humbly ask for your guidance and instruction.”

  “Oh my, what a polite greeting. Serge, is this boy one of your servants?”

  “Bingo. Howdy, name’s Pioro Saionji. If y’need anything from me, I’m happy t’indulge ya.”

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Ryoma Takebayashi.”

  Saionji? That was a very Japanese-sounding last name. His black hair and eyes almost made his appearance look Japanese... Was he a descendant of an otherworlder?

  “Ryoma. Roight, I’ll commit that t’ me mem’ry. So, like the ol’ crone Gli said, what brings ya ’round here, Serge?”

  “We’re just here for Ryoma’s guild registration. I’m simply an escort.”

  At Serge’s words, the other two looked at me. Then, the guildmaster peered closely at my face.

  “Hmm... Wait a minute.”

  After saying that, she picked up her staff and bopped Serge on the head with it.

  “You fool! What are you doing, making a child act in consideration of you!” she scolded.

  “Ow, guildmaster, not the staff...”

  “I don’t know what the situation is, but he seems like an earnest child. Being revered by a decades older man like you will only make him feel awkward and uncomfortable.”

  How did she know what I was secretly thinking?! Could she read minds?!

  “Ryoma, was it? I can’t read minds.”

  She clearly could!

  “I may be old, but my merchant senses are still sharp as a tack. You seem like the honest type, so I can read you a fair bit.”

  “I see...”

  “Terrifying ol’ bint, ain’t she? She always tells people that, but I jes’ about figger she can read minds.”

  “Rather than terrifying, I think it’s amazing. But I’ve always been bad at reading other people’s thoughts.”

  “It’s all experience. If you place yourself in the right environment, you’ll gradually learn with time. You’re only just starting out. It seems like things have happened in your past... but your future starts now.”

  “Thank you... Are you sure you can’t read minds?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I could tell because of the distant look in your eyes when you mentioned other people’s thoughts.”

  Seriously?!

  “Did I really have such a look in my eyes?”

  “It reminded me of a middle-aged man
looking back on his past.”

  She’s right!

  “Now, set your shock aside. You came for guild registration, yes? The night’s getting late, so let’s get it done with.”

  She handed me the registration form.

  For some reason, she had one on hand... Could she really... Oh well, guess I’ll fill it out first.

  “Hmm... What does it mean by occupation type? Isn’t a merchant an occupation?”

  “You write the business you want to do there. So if you want to sell weapons, you write in ‘weapons merchant.’ You can write more than one, and you can always add more later, so you don’t have to write any you’re unsure of right now. Basic types of occupations are listed on the back, so you can reference those.”

  “I understand.”

  Come to think of it, I’d heard of adventurers working as peddlers before... For now, I’ll add that... And for my main store, a town merchant? I wrote that down too.

  ...What was this bard occupation? I knew what the word meant, but was this a merchant too?

  As I thought such things, I finished filling in the registration form and submitted it to the guildmaster, who looked at it and said, “Oh, you’re an adventurer? Take care of yourself out there; there’s no coming back from death. And you want your own store?”

  “Actually, I had a bit of a different idea for a store. I was thinking of doing it as a side job between my adventurer work at first, but Mr. Serge told me to register at the guild and do it at a larger scale.”

  “Serge did?”

  “Oh? How curious. What kinda business?”

  “A laundry service.”

  “Laundry service? You’re going to take money for washing? ...Serge, why would he need registration for that? There’s nothing to lose by registering, but it’s not something to go out of your way to do.”

  “I thought the same at first. But after listening to Master Ryoma, I realized he had the potential to make enough profits to be a problem if he didn’t register.”

  “...He got that much potential, y’say?”