New chapter of Single Old Man is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Progress and the Four Great Merchant Associations

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

It had been 25 days since I came to Leredore.

In the Edelstein Kingdom, winter was about to end, and spring would soon arrive. Although it was still a month too early, the thought of spring coming already felt strange. Yet, in the Snowden Kingdom, where it was winter all year round, snow continued to fall today as well.

I sat beneath the kotatsu, drinking hot sake while petting Daifuku, who was curled up like a box cat on my thigh. I was relaxing as I read the newspaper at a leisurely pace. Daifuku purred pleasantly whenever I stroked him, and that sound was utterly adorable.

Then, the intercom rang.

“Coming.” (Gentoku)

I gently moved Daifuku aside and went to the entrance.

Standing at the door were Aries, Sandrone, and Richter.

I guided the three of them to the living room and served them tea. Ah, Daifuku had already moved over to Sandrone’s side. Meanwhile, Shiratama was lounging on the cat tower.

“Gentoku. The land leveling and foundation work have been completed. Construction will begin next. At the same time, we are also improving the highway that connects the Snowden Kingdom and the Edelstein Kingdom.” (Aries)

“That was fast. Wait a moment, the work started only about two weeks ago, right? Has it already advanced that far?” (Gentoku)

I was astonished. When I looked at the plans, the scale of the super public bath project was comparable to that of a large university in a city. To think that they had finished land preparation and foundation work in just about two weeks.

Aries smiled faintly with a confident, almost roguish expression.

“Do not underestimate me. I am an Elf who has lived on this land and cultivated it for two thousand years. Land development magic is my greatest specialty.” (Aries)

“O-oh. Now that you mention it, elves are supposed to be geniuses at magic, right?” (Gentoku)

“Ahem. In addition, I have already hired lumber merchants and carpenters from the Edelstein Kingdom to process all building materials in advance. The moment the resources arrive here, construction can begin immediately. Furthermore, there 200 beastkin divided into four teams of 50, working in 12-hour shifts so that the work continues without rest.” (Aries)

Incidentally, there was a village near the construction site of the super public bath. That was where the workers rested and slept. Sandrone had opened temporary taverns and eateries there and had even arranged lodgings for the laborers.

Aries continued speaking.

“Everything is scheduled to be completed within two months. After that, the Alexandrite Company will take the lead in promoting the ‘Snowden Kingdom Hot Spring Tourism Tour’ in the royal capital.” (Aries)

“Indeed. I have recently launched a new tourism division within the Alexandrite Company. Gentoku, I would like you to think of some convenient magical tools that could be used for travel.” (Sandrone)

“I see. If they are meant for use in the Snowden Kingdom, perhaps things like hand warmers, heated vests, or gloves would be useful.” (Gentoku)

“What are those?” (Sandrone)

“They are warm clothing items. You know the hot carpet, right? It is the same concept but applied to jackets and gloves.” (Gentoku)

“I see, that is an excellent idea. They would not only be useful for tourism but also sell well within the Snowden Kingdom itself. Kotatsu, air conditioners, hot carpets, and floor heating… yes, this is wonderful.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone’s enthusiasm was palpable.

She looked toward Richter and said…

“You heard that, right?” (Sandrone)

Richter nodded.

“I will report it to Yeran.” (Richter)

Well, if Yeran was handling it, things would go smoothly.

“Say, the journey from the royal capital to the Snowden Kingdom takes about a week, doesn’t it? And it is about three days’ distance from there to the super public bath, right? If you are planning to organize tours, you will need proper places for the travelers to rest.” (Gentoku)

“That will not be a problem. The route has already been designed to pass through towns and villages within the Snowden Kingdom.” (Sandrone)

Well, such matters were precisely Sandrone’s area of expertise.

Still, a thought came to mind.

“The Alexandrite Company is growing rapidly. Are you not expanding your business a bit too widely?” (Gentoku)

“On the contrary, it is not enough. Listen well. Becoming the top trading company in the Edelstein Kingdom is only my first step. I intend to make our name known throughout the entire world.” (Sandrone)

“Oh, Sandrone. So, your aim is to join the ranks of the ‘Four Great Merchant Associations’, I take it.” (Aries)

“Yes.” (Sandrone)

As Aries said that, Sandrone nodded firmly.

“There is someone I must surpass, no matter what.” (Sandrone)

Sandrone clenched her teeth slightly as she spoke, her expression tense.

We had known each other for about two years now, but this was the first time I had seen her look like that.

“The Four Great Merchant Associations? What are those?” (Gentoku)

“Allow me to explain.” (Richter)

Richter spoke as Shiratama climbed onto his thigh and began to play around.

 

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The Four Great Merchant Associations.

They were the most famous and wealthiest trade associations in this world, known to everyone.

First. A grand trading company that manufactured and sold weapons and armor across the world. It was led by Bahamut, the Dragonkin King who commanded the Dwarven race. The association was known as the Adraiggoch Arms Trading Company. 60 percent of the weapons distributed across the world were said to be crafted by the Dwarves under the Adraiggoch Arms Trading Company. Weapons and armor supplied to nations were mostly produced there as well.

Second. A commercial organization that established the system of banking and operated independently from the Merchant Guild, with branches all over the world. Strictly speaking, it was not a trade association, but it was still considered one of the Four Great Merchant Associations. The Golden Dawn Grand Bank was led by the Elven chairwoman known as the “Witch of Cancer”, Crepes Cancer.

Third. A massive food-trading company comparable to a convenience store chain from another world. Known as the Wenties Food Trading Company, it was founded by the Fairy race and led by the company president Wenty Laplayer, who managed thousands of stores across the globe.

And the fourth, by this point, the amount of information was already exhausting. The Klein Magical Trading Company, a firm specializing in magical tools, where aspiring magical technicians sought their first contracts. Its president was Michaela Klein.

These four associations and their respective leaders were said to be the Four Great Tycoons of the World, the Four Great Merchant Associations.

Honestly, that was far more information than I would ever need in my lifetime. I would probably never have anything to do with these people.

Wait a sec…

“Michaela? That name sounds familiar. Ah! Hey, Richter, by any chance, does this Michaela have long pink hair? And a handsome bodyguard?” (Gentoku)

“Eh? Yes… Abel-san, you mean? But how do you know that?” (Richter)

“I happened to run into them once while wandering through town.” (Gentoku)

“I see.” (Richter)

Richter glanced briefly at Sandrone, who looked rather frustrated.

“You know her?” (Gentoku)

“In a manner of speaking, yes.” (Sandrone)

That sounded troublesome. I decided not to pry any further and changed the subject.

“So today was a progress report, right? Well, I only provided the ideas, so you do not have to worry about me. Just pay me my royalties and idea fee. I will leave the rest to you, Sandrone.” (Gentoku)

“I see. Ah, by the way, that Crepes I mentioned earlier seems to have taken an interest in you. When I told her that you repaired this Azco shoulder guard, she said she wanted to meet you.” (Aries)

“Oh… well, if she comes to the royal capital’s shop with a repair request, I will fix it for her.” (Gentoku)

Whatever that shoulder guard was, I had no idea. There was far too much information being thrown around today. I would rather postpone dealing with any of it.

“Besides, it will soon be January. I should start thinking about returning to the Edelstein Kingdom. Maybe I will talk to Rosso and the others tomorrow.” (Gentoku)

“What? You are returning? Then we will not see each other for a while. Gentoku, would you join me for drinks tonight? My treat, of course. Sandrone and the others should come too.” (Aries)

“That sounds good. Heh, should we go to my favorite bar or yours?” (Gentoku)

“You have truly become a man of this town. Then, let us go to your favorite first, and mine for the second round.” (Aries)

And so, my final night with Aries was spent together at a tavern.

It was almost January, and I would soon have to return to the royal capital to resume work.

“Oh, Sandrone, there is one thing I would like to ask before I go.” (Gentoku)

“What is it?” (Sandrone)

Ah, right. Before leaving, there is something I needed to take care of.

 

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