New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (1/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 179

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

The contract details were far more intricate and exhaustive than I had ever imagined. I thought I might lose my sanity trying to comprehend them. Still, I supposed these things are necessary.

The outline was as follows.

First, the costs and means of transportation, the assurance of travel safety, and the duration of travel were all to be included within the contract. This meant that we were to be returned to the point of departure without even a single second of delay once the assignment concluded. It did not mean that our freedom during travel would be restricted. Rather, it was a safeguard to prevent us from being detained by extensions.

Second, accommodation and daily expenses. The cost of our stay would naturally be borne by the other party.

Third, clarification of the target of conquest and presentation of the necessary information. This clause ensured that we would not be told something absurd such as “Please conquer the entire dungeon”. It also required that the necessary information be gathered beforehand, since it would be inefficient for us to arrive and begin collecting data only after reaching the site.

Fourth, rights concerning items acquired within the dungeon and measures regarding their removal. Each nation imposed its own taxes and regulations on dungeon items, so this clause required that the contracting party comply with ours. Some countries imposed heavy export taxes on dungeon items. China, for instance, had even prohibited taking them abroad, though that rule was hardly enforced.

Fifth, withdrawal and cases where completion of the request became difficult. If fault lay with the other party, there would be no issue. However, if no mistake could be attributed to them, we would pay a penalty of roughly ten percent.

Sixth, the method of reward delivery.

I had expressed a preference for receiving equipment rather than cash. It was said that some contracts delayed payment intentionally, so we decided that the payment would be transferred first either to Germany or Japan, and that we would receive it only upon completion of the task. Since we had no intention of accepting requests from nations with dubious credibility, that arrangement provided reassurance.

Ambassador Fisher explained that such contracts would be drawn up and signed on our behalf by the embassy. There were apparently more minor stipulations as well, but those were beyond my comprehension.

That was quite enough for me. I decided to leave the details to them.

“Hmm, this should suffice for now. If anything new arises, we shall discuss it at that time.” (Fisher)

“I appreciate your assistance.” (Kouta)

“I have heard a brief account from Luca, but would you mind if I sat in on this discussion?” (Fisher)

“Not at all.” (Kouta)

Now, the true purpose of my visit could finally begin.

It was not that I wished to sell information, though there were indeed some I might part with, such as details regarding the equipment we had recently obtained. Once the footage of those items circulated, people would begin estimating their capabilities. It would be better to sell such information quickly.

However, today I had come to hear the results of an analysis I had long ago requested, a study of the dungeon plants that Muze and I had been gathering little by little.

“Well then, Intelligence Officer Luca, what were your findings?” (Kouta)

“They are remarkable. Everything was almost exactly as you had described, Kouta-san. According to scientific analysis, the plant consists of over 90 percent water. It does contain some nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, but it is more akin to water than a vegetable. However, the effects on the human body were extraordinary. We requested the cooperation of several soldiers possessing skills for this test.” (Luca)

“I see. I am truly sorry for imposing upon them. How did the results turn out?” (Kouta)

I spoke with genuine gratitude toward those soldiers who had cooperated. Gratitude costs nothing, after all.

“The results were outstanding. Every participant exhibited improved mana recovery!” (Luca)

“Oh!” (Kouta)

“What!” (Fisher)

Huh? Did Ambassador Fisher not already know? Perhaps he had not yet received the final report.

“T-this is of tremendous significance!” (Fisher)

Please, Ambassador, calm down. Your usual gentlemanly composure is vanishing, and your voice is cracking.

“Please compose yourself, Ambassador. You are in front of Kouta-san.” (Luca)

The Ambassador looked back and forth between Luca and me several times before releasing a long, weary sigh.

What is that expression supposed to mean? Surely, he must be thinking something rude. He looks utterly exasperated.

At last, he muttered quietly.

“…Please continue.” (Fisher)

The Ambassador, who had moments ago appeared every inch a gentleman, now looked more like an exhausted office worker.

Truly, he and Mira are alike. They both wear the same expression of weary endurance.

“The duration of the effect is approximately 12 hours after ingestion. The potency increases gradually, reaching its peak after six hours, and then fades little by little.” (Luca)

“That forms quite a graceful curve.” (Kouta)

I replied while studying the report Luca had handed me.

“The maximum increase is 60 percent. Perhaps it would be best to take it before departure or rather, first thing in the morning, depending on the day’s schedule.” (Kouta)

“That may indeed be the case. Shall I continue?” (Luca)

“Yes, please.” (Kouta)

“With careful adjustments, we also conducted experiments on excessive intake. Here are the results.” (Luca)

I received another document and examined the graphs and dosage times. The new chart resembled the earlier one but with bulging curves, as though the data had been layered atop itself.

“From this, we learned that consuming beyond a certain amount yields no additional benefit. The recovery amount does not increase. Only the duration of heightened recovery extends. For some individuals, that extension alone might be valuable.” (Luca)

The optimal dose appeared to be roughly 50 grams at a time, varying slightly by physique. Essentially, eating a succulent moss plant about the size of a rice cracker before setting out increased mana recovery. There was no reason not to take advantage of it.

In that sense, smaller bodies like Mira’s were at an advantage.

“No short-term side effects were observed. Continued long-term monitoring should allow us to report further findings.” (Luca)

Luca hesitated slightly before continuing.

“However, we are running out of the plant in question.” (Luca)

“Ah, yes. I only provided a small amount. If each person consumes 50 grams daily, that is 350 grams in a week. Moreover, securing cooperation from skilled soldiers makes continuation difficult.” (Kouta)

It was a research effort of great significance, and I would have liked them to continue monitoring, but to be honest, the cost must have been considerable. I could not afford to shoulder such expenses myself.

“That is unfortunate. For now, let us publish our results up to this point. Others interested in the topic may carry the research forward.” (Kouta)

“That is truly disappointing. When do you plan to make the announcement?” (Luca)

Luca’s tone was full of regret, but she managed to set aside her feelings and proceed with professionalism.

“Anytime will do. Please publish it whenever convenient for you.” (Kouta)

“Are you certain? If you do that, Germany will take all the credit!” (Luca)

“That is fine. Now that we know it has no harmful effects on humans, that is enough for me.” (Kouta)

I had been worried about potential side effects on myself, of course, but above all, about Muze. It had become one of the few things she could eat, and she had been consuming it heartily. If it ever harmed her, I would never recover from the guilt.

“Hold on. Is there not someone right here capable of securing funds or arranging a research budget?” (Fisher)

Ambassador Fisher finally joined the conversation again, though his usual sharpness had yet to return.

“Even so, would it not be better to announce the findings first?” (Kouta)

“Indeed, that would make it easier to persuade others.” (Luca)

“Hmm, that is true. In that case, let us return to the party hall and announce it immediately.” (Fisher)

How bold of him. But at least he seems to have recovered his usual spirit.

Afterward, we returned to the party venue and made the announcement. Mira appeared to be pressing her stomach, though perhaps she had simply eaten too much.

 

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