Let’s Create a Dungeon is out! (3/4 chapters)

 

 

Secret Negotiations

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(POV switch – Claas)

I have asked the Demon King to wait for a bit while I prepare the trade samples. However, I never expected that I would have to find the carpenter myself. All the effort I had put in earlier was for nothing. The list of carpenters I had gathered while the Demon King was touring the town has now become useless. But perhaps this was for the best. While gathering the list, I had briefly looked into their personalities, and none seemed brave enough to follow the Demon King. That Dwarf, too, had apparently been drunk and half-asleep when the offer came. In reality, it would take that level of persuasion to get someone from the human race to work under the Demon King.

Now, I must focus on something else.

“Ah, you there. Excuse me, but could you take this medicine to my lord, please?” (Claas)

By now, the Border Baron’s stomach must be in turmoil. But right now, I don’t have the time to deal with him. The trade samples have already been gathered. However, it’s not time to load them onto the carriage just yet. There’s something I must do first.

“Thank you for coming. My name is Claas, and I serve Lord Farce, the border baron. May I have your name?” (Claas)

“You should be thanking me, right? Well, whatever. The name’s Todon, a blacksmith… or rather, let’s leave it at that. I’m just a Dwarf.” (Todon)

I would have liked to ask about his past, but for the sake of our future relationship, I need to maintain friendly ties. I don’t want to unintentionally provoke him by prying too much. However, Dwarves are quite useful. It’s not hard to build a relationship with them.

“So, what do you need?” (Todon)

“I have a small favor to ask. But first, I’d like to confirm—there are no objections to working under Maou-sama, correct?” (Claas)

“So, you’re checking up on me. Well, I get it. The Empire’s going to establish relations with that Maou, right? I understand that you’d be concerned about sending someone like me who doesn’t have a clear background. But don’t worry. I didn’t want to be in a place where people could see me either. It was a perfect opportunity for me.” (Todon)

For a moment, I wondered if he might be a criminal, but Todon quickly noticed my gaze and waved his hand in denial. However, since he didn’t explain further, it seemed there were things he didn’t want to discuss.

“I understand. Now, for the favor. Could you write me a letter once a month? A letter about your recent circumstances would be fine.” (Claas)

“Huh? That’s a strange request. Are you into penpals or something?” (Todon)

It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t understand. It would actually be more troublesome if he figured things out. Also, there’s a special magical phrase I can use with Dwarves.

“As a reward, would alcohol be suitable? By the way, do you brew alcohol at the Maou-sama’s place? If not, that could make trading difficult. But if the Maou-sama has never drunk alcohol, there’s no way it would make it into the trade goods. Someone needs to point that out.” (Claas)

“Alright, I got it. I’ll write the letter. Once a month, or once a week… whatever, I’ll do it.” (Todon)

How great the magical words are. I don’t drink much myself, so I don’t fully understand Todon’s feelings. But I can sense his enthusiasm to accept the offer.

“Thank you very much.” (Claas)

I said, and added the alcohol item to the catalog of trade goods I could offer. Of course, I made sure Todon could see it.

“Now, could you take this to the Maou-sama’s place for me? I have other matters to attend to.” (Claas)

“Sure thing, my friend! I’ll do anything for you, just for the sake of the alcohol!” (Todon)

Todon grabbed the catalog and started walking. Well, he was trying to run, but it was painfully slow.

With this, I now have a way to keep track of Maou’s situation, at least within my reach. I can leave the rest to the border baron or the emperor. Afterward, I instructed the servants who had been waiting to carry the trade samples and went to check on the Border Baron’s condition.

—

“Was that Dwarf someone you arranged for me?” (Farce)

The very first thing he did upon meeting me was make a suspicious remark.

“To be doubted like this, after all the loyalty I have shown until now, is rather unfair, don’t you think?” (Claas)

I pretend to cry, making an “oh dear” face.

“Hmph, loyalty, huh? That’s laughable. So, what does that mean?” (Farce)

“Please think about it logically—it’s impossible. What I managed to do in that short time was simply list up the carpenters. There are hardly any who can speak the Demon language. Well, if I were to say if it’s normal for a border baron to not part with stomach medicine, that would be a different story, so please rest assured. I’m not asking for any logical thinking from you.” (Claas)

I wonder if that Dwarf can speak the Demon language. Well, if needed, he would likely learn it, and if Maou-sama is around, there may not be a problem after all.

The Border Baron, with a furrowed brow, looked like he had something he wants to say. Seeing this, I decided it was time to press on.

“By the way, Milord, wouldn’t it be better if you returned to your office? There are Maou-sama and the Emperor-sama outside, after all.” (Claas)

“Those two seem to have become unexpectedly close, beyond my understanding, so there’s no problem. In fact, my presence would probably be a bother. And besides, I need to give Maou-sama the catalog of the trade goods we can offer. But where did I put it?” (Farce)

So, he’s been sidelined. Ah, the poor Border Baron. It’s no wonder he looks inferior next to the Emperor-sama and Maou-sama. That’s just how it is.

“Regarding the catalog, I’ve already arranged for it to be delivered to Maou-sama.” (Claas)

“What! What do you mean by doing things on your own!” (Farce)

“And, I took the liberty of removing the alcohol section that was originally included and used it as a negotiating point with the Dwarf. It seems he’ll be sending me a monthly update about his situation.” (Claas)

He’s likely angry, but he can’t really be too angry. That’s the situation. I can imagine the Border Baron probably wanted to deliver it himself to make a good impression on the Maou-sama. It’s not a bad approach, but compared to mine, it doesn’t have much substance. In other words, he can’t complain.

“The sample goods should have been starting to be loaded by now, so wouldn’t it be better for you to return soon?” (Claas)

“Yeah, you’re right. I should at least go see them off. Hopefully, there won’t be any more irregularities this time.” (Farce)

“I’m not the one causing the irregularities. If I were causing them, they wouldn’t be irregularities.” (Claas)

I don’t want to be given any more work than necessary, and I don’t want the work I’ve already done to be rendered useless. It’s not only the Border Baron who wants everything to go as expected.

“Then, let’s go. You should come along too. Maou-sama might like you.” (Claas)

“It would be the greatest honor.” (Farce)

I hope that everything will go smoothly and that nothing goes wrong when we return to the dungeon. Even if something happens, I hope it’s something that only the Border Baron will have to deal with.

—

TLN: This pick is only to support me as a translator on voluntary basis. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.