The Fate Of Izawa Shizue

by Bisel13

The journey of Rimuru and Hinata, in search of their beloved Izawa Shizue's soul.

15. Chapter 13

I prepared everything I needed for my departure, but actually, I didn't have that many to carry anyway. I didn't even bring any food. And heck, I don't even think I would get a sleep for the next 3 days. I also changed my appearance.

I cut my hair short and painted it black. I raise my height a bit, but still only about 165cm. I also changed my tunic into a white one.

Anyway, if you wonder why or where I would actually go, it has to be explained by what I've discussed with Constance, Billard-san, and Hinata earlier.

A little flashback for now.

---

When Constance ordered Captains Alan and Claune to be summoned, they had ample time to continue the discussion from the previous night.

Last night after they explained the history of the Casland Kingdom and the effort to recreate magic along with the consequences to Rimuru, they started to discuss the way to end this conflict. By the looks of it, there are two ways to end this conflict. One, by defeating Prince Terrace by force, or two, by complicated negotiations.

Of course, by any means, the three of them wanted to end this conflict as peacefully as possible. That means the three of them had already been on the same page about the decision to choose the negotiation path.

But then, the discussion was at a dead end after that decision. There are several concerns about this decision.

The enemy side is already in favor of winning, which means they only have a little chance to demand some rights. This would cause a disastrous agreement where the opponent had the upper hand in almost every aspect.

The uncertainty of the fate that awaits Constance and Count Billard. Although Constance is willing to be sacrificed, Count Billard is still hesitant to give his fate to Prince Terrace's decision. And if the enemy is stupid enough to put Constance's death as one of the terms they demand, the people behind him would not sit back down. It will be more bloody since they will not just fight for their beloved Prince but for vengeance for Constance's death.

The disappointment of Constance's followers. Many of them conscripted themselves and joined to take arms for Constance is mostly urging for battle and total defeat for the enemy. If Constance casts them aside and makes a peace agreement with who knows what would happen during the negotiation, these people who already take arms for him would feel they have not been appreciated. At first, Constance is willing to face these disappointments, but after Rimuru and Count Billard urge him to realize how important to give hope and meet the people's expectations, Constance takes back what he had thought before.

These concerns make them think without any solutions, albeit it is mostly because their fatigue has reached its limit except for Rimuru.

But to say that the discussion didn't bring any solutions is not a right statement as well. Because they had paved the first step to creating a way out of these concerns.

And the best way to make this negotiation path succeed is to gain support from the neutral nobles. There are around 32 noble houses in the nation, and the neutral side has the largest size in this conflict. According to Count Billard, there is around 6 noble house that supports Prince Terrace. While Constance, there's only one, which is Count Billard from the House of Pexsive.

That means, there are 25 Noble Houses that can be negotiated to join forces with Constance.

But what can he offer to negotiate with those nobles?

They cannot promise any triumph since their forces are very small compared to Prince Constance. They don't have any political or economic advantage over 6 other noble houses who support Prince Terrace. They don't have anything to offer.

Offering Rimuru and Hinata's power is out of the question since they didn't want to escalate the conflict into a full war against other nations. Also, Constance didn't want to rely on Rimuru and Hinata as bargaining tools.

And so, the discussion went to a dead end although everyone tried every idea they could think of. But sadly, none of them are good enough.

At that time, Rimuru was actually made an interesting offer. He didn't offer his power to become a bargaining chip, but he offered his knowledge about improving civilization along with the technologies and other vital aspects.

Rimuru promised to use his knowledge to improve the civilization without any involvement of magic and personally lead the process, unlike Velgrynd who just used her power to improve the nation without any legacy to be left behind.

But this suggestion didn't get approved eventually, because it was considered "not enough" to convince the nobles. Why? Because it takes a long time to eventually succeed.

Rimuru admits it. In Cardinal World, Rimuru and his fellows used Skill, Magic, and even help from Spirits to recreate modern technologies. His astonishing feat of improving the civilization of the whole world with a merely less than 5 years is because the nature in Cardinal World was simply different.

And don't get too far with Magic, Skills, or Spirits. Even the composition of each creature in Tempest had a huge role in its development.

They have dwarves for architecture, high orcs for manual labor, lizardmen and dragonewt for irrigation and water problems, various majins for military, and other creatures whether they are human, demi-human, monsters, vampires, demons, etc to work together on the research process. Each of them has a specialization and with good management, they could work together and make a development process at a faster rate.

But the idea of offering knowledge is better than nothing, so they keep it for addition if there are other offers they could make to succeed in the negotiation process. And that's the end of the bright light on the road of negotiation path.

Or so it seems.

The morning discussion took a major breakpoint because there was something more that could be offered, something irresistible.

And that was the new discovery of the new mysterious power that Hinata had told Rimuru last night.

Rimuru thinks that if the mysterious power could be learned, Constance could gain a huge advantage in both negotiation and military campaigns. And that was something that he would use as a trump card during the negotiations with the nobles.

But learning the mysterious power was not an easy feat. Even for magic, there is still endless research about it. It should be able to be defined first before being properly used. And as everyone already knew, they don't even know what kind of power it is.

Nevertheless, the spar between Hinata and Captain Alan was a good starting point. There is also a hint about someone who has been reported as "almost" recreating magic. If these two events turn out to have the same cause, well, the dream of recreating magic might not sound impossible anymore.

Constance and Count Billard were surely shocked by the Rimuru's statement. To realize that the rumors of the possibility of recreating magic were a truth, giving them mixed feelings.

The impact, the benefit, the consequences, all was running through their mind. And Rimuru was also aware of it.

He and Hinata's existence and involvement in the recent clash during the final evacuation certainly would bring a huge backlash around the world. Many nations would do everything to get them on their side, just like what they did to Velgrynd.

It is unimaginable how dirty their scheme would work.

Or, they would be very wary of the Kingdom of Casland. Something that would cause a disastrous effect when it happened.

The impact of the recent clash during the final evacuation to Prince Terrace's side was still unknown, but there's doubt it would change a lot. But for the worst, it would cause paranoia and the whole continent would join forces to eliminate both Rimuru and Hinata, along with Constance.

There is still so much unknown information, but times are still running. Decision has to be made.

That's why, Rimuru decided to gather information as much as he could, learning the mysterious power, and by every hope he could muster, adding more cards up his sleeve for the negotiation.

The conflict between Prince Terrace and Prince Constance must be ended before dealing with another threat that could emerge.

There is little time to do all of this. And it would be a lie if Rimuru didn't miss Souei and his squad in this situation. Because right now, only Rimuru could do such a thing in just a short time.

"Rimuru, are you sure you can do this alone?" asked Constance.

"Of course. And you, you have your own part in this plan. We're going to negotiate everywhere with a lot of nobles. You prepare everything that we need to make it happen. Write a letter of notification, prepare the escort, sort the list of nobles we can negotiate, and make sure everything is all right here. I'll find more bargain tools we could use, so our effort for negotiation wouldn't be for nothing."

"All right, I'm sure I can do those things in 3 days. But if you need more time-"

"Okay, I'll see you again in three days."

"Wait a minute Rimuru! You surely don't think you can do it in 3 days?"

"I'll see what I can do. If I can't, I'll notify you. But I'm pretty much confident I could do it."

Constance was unable to find any more words to say, while Count Billard just kept silent for the sake of his sanity. It's no use to ask to understand the scope of what Rimuru could do.

But then, Hinata let out a statement.

"Then we have to prepare a military action. The negotiation process would surely take time. It would be reasonable for the enemy to engage us in our current position. We need to stall them."

The rest of them are looking at each other. Before Constance was the first to comment.

"Hinata is right. But our troops are so small. What can we do with a small force?"

"We can engage enemy forces with little skirmishes, ambush, and harass their supply. It wouldn't be a decisive move, but it sure halts their advances." Hinata replied.

Constance and Count Billard was pondering about this, but Rimuru soon decided it was a good idea.

"I think it's perfect. And also, this action could also gather information about our enemy's strength. Do you think it's possible to also run a scout mission, Hinata?"

"Yes, it is. We can also spread some scout units around enemy territory."

"That sounds great. Then, I can focus on my search to gather everything I can about this mysterious power."

Rimuru was happy to receive that statement. Hinata nodded, along with the rest.

"All right, let's discuss it with Captain Alan and Captain Claune then." Constance agrees.

"Your Highness, I think I could also give support to the plan. Although I don't have an army, I still have some armed garrison around the territory. I'll make sure the enemy won't reach Cardinalis, and I will do everything I can to fortify my territory. I will make sure everything is all right. So you can focus on preparation for meeting with the other nobles, Your Highness."

Count Billard, not wanting his hand free, offered himself to take a part of the plan.

Constance is delighted and smiles while nodding.

And so, the plan was settled.

---

If you wondered why I was confident when I said I would study this mysterious power and understand it, it was because of none other than the existence of my partner, Ciel.

I'm certain with the help of Ciel, we can unravel this mysterious power.

[Thank you for the trust, Master!]

Of course, Ciel. Let's get it to work.

First thing first, we should know where to go for our first step. I'd say, maybe observing the barrack to see the training might give a clue. What do you think, Ciel?

[There would be no need for that Master. I can see it from Hinata's vision if something is happening there.]

Ah, right. I forgot.

Actually, before I left, I asked to establish a [Soul Connection], an inferior type of [Soul Corridor], with Hinata so I could share some of my magicules with her so she could activate her [Magic Sense]. Hinata's body wouldn't use that magicules for herself since she's immune to them, so the magicules I shared would leak on their own. But that's the purpose of it. With magicules leaked around her, she could improve her senses and make her activity easier.

And with that, I could also access what she sees. Of course, she agreed as long as I didn't use it for fooling around. Rather, she shouldn't be worried about that because it was Ciel who would manage it. I would only see what Ciel's deemed necessary.

I trust you for that, partner.

[Leave it to me, Master!]

Thank you very much!

Now, if the situation around the barracks could be observed via [Soul Connection] with Hinata, where should I go?

Any ideas, Ciel?

[I suggest we go to the former kingdom of Magna, Master.]

I guess I agree with that. It all started from there, right?

[Yes, Master. And I would suggest starting with the Royal Castle.]

Good idea. Sounds like a good plan.

Ahh but, right now the Kingdom Of Magna is no more, right? Who's reigning there? I forgot to ask Constance and Billard-san.

[We should head there and find out by ourselves, Master.]

Hmm… All right, we should head there and do our mission.

Let's fly!

It's been a while since I had spread my wings. I've been traveling with teleportation for a long time. Although it's faster, flying is sure something else.

Let's spread my wings and fly high!

A pair of wings pop out on my back, with a dark purple with several thorns on the edge, with hard skin resembling a dragon. Well, I'm a True Dragon now after all.

Although it's sub-species.

I flew up to the sky, at a pretty much high altitude. I don't really know how high it is though, but for the first time, I can see a whole landscape of this land.

[You're around 1,500 meters above the land right now, Master].

Oh, I didn't expect that. But it also piqued my curiosity. Ciel, how fast am I flying right now?

[You're flying at 500 knots, Master. It's almost 1000 km/h. I suggest you be careful because it could easily miss our destination.]

What? That fast?!

Oh crap, are we already passed the border?

[Not yet, Master. But it is already close.]

Oh right, good. I was planning to descend to the nearest town at the border. And to save time, I think it would be better if I didn't enter some kind of highly defended city or a fort. I just gonna ask for some direction and gather information about the current ruler of the kingdom of Magna.

Heck, it might have already changed its name.

All right, let's continue the flight.

For the next couple of minutes, while I enjoyed the view from up above, I already passed the border. I slow down my speed and start to search for a town.

It took me another 5 minutes to finally find a suitable one.

The town didn't have tight security, and the walls weren't fortified enough. It doesn't look large, but not small either. Perhaps, it sized the same as the early time of my nation before the Charybdis attack. The town itself was located in the meadow, so I had to land pretty far to not be seen by the townsfolk.

After I descended from the sky, I walked my way to the town and it took me 15 minutes to finally reach the entering gate.

The guards simply just look at me and let me pass through without any inspection. Perhaps, I don't look like a bad guy, tee hee.

I decided to walk to the nearby tavern. Why? Because it's simply the easiest place to gather any information.

Oh and by the way, I was given some money from Billard-san. I was given around 300 Zalc. So I could spend the money on this kind of thing.

And if I got some emergency, Ciel over here could make something valuable to trade. Say… something like a diamond?

[It's too much Master. A simple gold would work as well.]

Oh yeah, right. I guess a diamond is too much. My bad.

I entered a Tavern named "Manny's Drink". I guess the owner's name is Manny? I don't know. Let's find out.

As I entered the tavern, it looked pretty much the same as the tavern I had visited several days ago with Hinata at Cardinalis. Only this time, I visited in the daytime. So there was no need for candles, they simply opened every window and the whole room was illuminated by the sunlight.

I walked to the furthest table from the entrance and sat down at the table at the corner at the back of the tavern. It was the one with the lowest sunlight, but it wouldn't be a problem for me.

After I sat down, a little girl wearing a black apron approached me. She looks so young, not even in her 15. Her skin was a bit muddy, but I could see that her original color was bright white. She has long black wavy hair, it's obvious she doesn't comb her hair. Her white tunic wasn't very clean either. But her smile and warm greetings make all of her appearance very charming.

"What can I bring to you, Sir?"

"An ale, please. Two of them."

She looked around, seeing the still less crowded tavern.

"Are you waiting for someone, Sir?"

"Hopefully. I just wished someone would come and talk."

"Oh… I understand. You just want to have someone accompanying you, right?"

I let out a smile at her, and said "Yup, I would love to have a talk right now."

She smiled back, and responded, "If you don't mind, I can accompany you."

Uhh… I mean, with a little girl?

[I guess it's okay since she looks innocent, Master. She won't be suspicious if you ask something sensitive.]

Well, but what I'm drinking right now is alcohol. She looks like still underage.

[I would doubt there is an age restriction for drinking in this world, Master.]

Yeah, well, it's still not right for my conscience. But, what can I say to reject her?

[None]

Don't be like that, Ciel…

[It's worth to try, Master]

All right, if so, let's talk to this little girl and change the menu.

"Umm, sure. But aren't you working right now?"

"Don't worry, Sir. There are fewer people at this time. But if you don't mind, can you also buy me some food?"

"Of course. No problem. But I would change the order as well. Just one ale and two meals. How about that?"

"Are you, gonna have a meal as well, Sir?"

"Yup, I haven't eaten anything actually."

Lied. I already had breakfast earlier with Constance and the rest.

"Okay! Two meals and one ale, then."

"Ah wait! Do you want something else?"

She looks like a good girl. I was actually quite worried when she asked me to buy her food. She seems a bit malnourished. I bet she's hungry right now.

She looked at me with a confused look, as if she was asking me "What are you talking about?"

So I repeat the question, with a better phrasing as well.

"Do you want to order something else too? I could pay it for you."

Now, her eyes were glimmering with happiness. She smiled widely, and answered, "T-Then! Can I ask you to buy me apple juice?! A-And a milk too?!"

I nodded and smiled, then said, "Of course. If that's what you want."

"Thank you! My good sir!"

She immediately ran to the kitchen and gave my order to whoever worked in that kitchen.

Seeing her happy like that, who wouldn't feel happy as well?

I guess seeing a happy child is a blessing, no matter where we are.

She didn't immediately come back. I guess she intended to bring my order as well. Welp, waiting for a couple of minutes surely caused no harm.

After around 20 minutes, she came back with a hand being full carrying everything I ordered. I immediately stood up and helped her carry the food.

We sat together, face to face. She looked a bit embarrassed since I helped her carry my order.

Our table is full of food right now. I was served freshly baked bread, with a hot soup, and a mug of ale. And this little girl also served the same meal as me. But with milk and apple juice as an addition.

All of this cost me 40 Zalc, with the details as; milk cost 15 Zalc, apple juice cost 10 Zalc, two meals cost 10 Zalc, and a mug of ale cost 5 Zalc.

Well, it's quite a lot, but it's worth it because I could see a child happily eating her food.

For the next 10 minutes, we didn't talk to each other. She's too busy shoving the bread and soup to her mouth. I guess she's badly hungry.

After the bread and soup had finished, she got a jolt and immediately looked at me with an apologetic face.

"A-Ah! I'm sorry, my good sir! I was supposed to accompany you but I just ate my meal without paying any attention to you. I'm sorry!"

"Oh don't worry. I don't mind. In fact, I enjoy seeing you happily eating your meal. You really got hungry, do you?"

Her face and ears reddened. "Y-Yes. I haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning. There used to be some leftovers here every night. But last night, there was none."

"My my… It's not good for a child to be left hungry. Do you want to order more food?"

"No! This is already more than enough. I cannot thank you enough, my good sir."

"It's Johan. You can call me that, little girl."

Well, I decided to use my fake name once again. I don't feel comfortable using my real name for someone I didn't get involved in the future anyway.

"Johan… san. Johan-san, thank you very much for your kindness." She smiled from ear to ear.

"You're welcome. By the way, what's your name?"

"My name is Milly. Pleased to meet you, Johan-san."

"Pleasure. Then, can I call you Milly-chan?"

"O-Of course…"

Hehe, she looks cute.

[Master…]

No Ciel, I'm not a Lolicon.

"Milly-chan, do you work here?"

"Yes, I am. I worked here every day."

"Wow… that's… amazing. Where do you live?"

"I live near the second entrance to the town, Johan-san."

"With your parents?"

She shakes her head. And continue, "My parents passed away when I was little, Johan-san. I… I live alone right now."

That surely made my heart sink instantly. And in that moment, I decided to give her something when I finished talking with her. I mean, come on, she looks malnourished, lives on her own, and has to work every day.

"How old are you, Milly-chan?"

"I'm turning 12 this year. But, you see Johan-san, I'm rather short. So I was always mistaken as a kid."

I mean, 12 years old is still a child right?!

"Ehh umm… sure. Do you want to grow up sooner?"

She nodded, and happily replied, "Yup!"

"Why?"

"Because I want to be a beautiful mature girl and married to have a stable life."

She happily said those words, with innocent faces too. I almost got speechless there.

"Milly-chan, marriage is not that simple you know."

"What do you mean, Johan-san? I have friends that had married and now she lives a stable life."

"Well, it depends on who you choose to married with, I think."

"Oh! Don't worry about it. I would marry a knight, like my friend!"

"O-ohh…"

At this point, I don't know what to say.

[Change the topic, Master. You just asking her a personal question since the beginning.]

A-Ah, right, Ciel. Thank you for reminding me.

"W-Well, I hope things are going well for you. By the way, Milly-chan. Can I ask you some questions?"

"Sure! Please don't mind asking anything, Johan-san."

"Thank you. First of all, this town, what's the name of it?"

"Oh? I thought you already knew it, Johan-san. We are in a town named Kel. Is this your first time coming to this town?"

"Yes, I am. I'm traveling around right now. I'm coming from Casland, by the way."

"My! Then, do you want to go sightseeing? I can guide you!"

"I would love to, but I only stop here for a while. Sorry, but I really appreciate your offer, Milly-chan."

"Awww… That's too bad then. Where are you going?"

"I want to go to the capital. I think it's gonna be a good place to visit."

"The capital? You mean, Saltena?"

So the capital's name is Saltena, huh? Guess I have to pretend I know that already.

"Yup. But I don't know the way. Do you know by any chance, Milly-chan?"

"Hummm… I don't really know. But I know people who come from Saltena who live here."

"Ho? Are there many people who live in Kel are actually from Saltena?"

"Mm-hmm!" She nodded, then continued, "A lot of them are also regulars in this tavern. They are nice people."

"Ohoo… Do you think I can talk to them?"

"Of course, why not? But they haven't arrived yet. Usually, they came in the evening, so…"

"All right, I think I couldn't talk to them then."

"You want to leave before evening, Johan-san?"

"Yup, I want to continue my journey. I hope I can reach the next town before sunset. But, is there any other town nearby, Milly-chan?"

"Hummm…." She put her hand on her chin, thinking hard, "I never gone there, but northeast from here, there's a bigger town named Loxcana. I heard that town is a major trading hub."

"All right, thank you Milly-chan. Now I know where I have to go."

"You're welcome, Johan-san. Are you going now?"

"Not yet. I have another question, but please keep it secret that I ever asked you this. Okay, Milly-chan?"

She suddenly looked a bit anxious but still nodded. "I-I have never been entrusted to keep a secret before, but I'll do my best!"

I patted her head, trying to encourage her. What am I going to ask, is going to raise suspicion in anyone who's aware of their standing.

"Then," I move closer to her, then whisper, "Where am I? What's the name of this nation?"

She looked at me with a confused look. She clearly thinks I'm strange for asking that. But, I need to know as well.

Perhaps after seeing my serious expression, she finally answered, "Johan-san, right now you're in the kingdom of Silica."

"Silica… All right. Have you ever heard about the kingdom of Magna?"

"Hummm… Yes. But all I know is that Magna kingdom is the former kingdom of Silica."

"I see. Are you sure you know nothing else about the kingdom of Magna?"

"Umm… I know that the Kingdom of Magna is the former kingdom of Herta and Larana as well."

"So the kingdom of Magna has divided into three smaller kingdoms eh…"

"U-umm! I also know that between the three, Silica is the biggest!"

"Mm-hmm. Do you know how big their territory is?"

She shakes her head, "No… I only know Silica is the biggest. And the kingdom of Silica extends to the western sea."

"Do you perhaps have a map? Or do you know someone who has it?"

Now she showed me another confused look. But right now, it's not with a strange look at me, but a genuinely confused by the question.

"A… map? What is that, Johan-san?"

Ohhh… So she doesn't know what the map is. All right, I guess this is the final line.

"Nothing. Thank you for accompanying me, Milly-chan. And promise me, you'll keep my question a secret. Don't tell anybody that I asked that question, okay?"

She nodded heavily, and said "Yes!"

"Good girl." I smiled and then patted her head. She looked at my hand while I was patting her head.

She looks really cute right now.

"Johan-san, are you going now?"

"Yup, I want to go to Loxcana. And continue until the capital Saltena."

"Then, have a safe trip, Johan-san! And thank you for the treat. It's really one of my best days ever."

"No need to thank you, Milly-chan. Ah, can I trust you for another secret?"

She nodded, and vigorously said "Yes!"

"Do you know what gold looks like?"

"Yes! I ever saw it once in the jewelry store."

"Then, here. I give you something made of gold."

I handed her a bracelet, one of Dord's creations. The gold is from the one we confiscated from Clayman's castle.

Milly-chan looked at the bracelet I gave her, with wide eyes and a gasped mouth. Both of her hands are holding it with great care.

"This… Is this for me, Johan-san?!"

"Yup! Only if you could keep it secret that I was the one who gave it." I smiled cheekily.

"Sure! I would never tell anyone! Thank you so much, Johan-san! I'll keep it as my treasure!"

"Umm… I was actually thinking you could sell it and use the money for you."

I was completely honest with that. Because she looks like she needs money, and giving her a gold would be a quick way. I mean, if I suddenly gave her a pouch of money, she couldn't hide it anywhere.

But if I gave her gold, she could hide it and sell it at a high price later.

You know, I cannot let her carry a pouch of money like that. It could raise suspicion, or worse, robbery.

She looked at me and smiled. A smile that added with a reddish cheek and closed eyes.

Then, she responds "I don't want to. This is too precious. I want to keep it forever."

Seeing that smile, I felt a bit guilty somehow. I guess I took a wrong turn on the way I helped her. It didn't cross my mind that a small accessory like this is too good to be sold. Living a life with luxury in Tempest had probably made me like this.

I held her hand, trying to smile, and said, "I'm glad you like it. However, if you need more money, please don't hesitate to sell it. Do you know why?"

She looked at me with dejected eyes, but she managed to ask, "Why, Johan-san?"

"Because your life is more important. Staying alive, and living for the next day. A child like you still has a long way to go. In the future, who knows you're going to be an important person. A very important person."

I said it as gently as I could while patting her head.

"Important… More important than a wife of a knight?"

"Absolutely! Who knows you're gonna be a knight itself, right? Or maybe you'll be a successful merchant? Or probably you're gonna have your own tavern like this. The only answer to those questions is to stay alive and live healthy."

She looks at her bracelet, playing a little with it. I'm sure not all of my words have gone through her, but there must be something that made her start to think more rationally.

After a while, she looked at me again. This time, her eyes showed more convinced looks.

"Johan-san, I still don't want to sell this precious treasure. But, if I have to sell it, it would be for a very good reason."

I nodded and released the hand that I held before.

In the first place, I wonder why I am concerned about her well-being. Not that I meant I don't have a heart, but many people faced a similar problem like Milly-chan. Or most probably, worst.

I look at Milly-chan again.

Her body is thin, her hair is untidy, her skin is sweaty, and her clothes… well, it looks like she hasn't changed it for a long time.

Maybe this is a common sight in this world. What I define as poverty, is simply just a normal life in this world. It doesn't feel right for me.

I have the power to do the same as Velgrynd-san, but I know it won't end well. But doing nothing is felt like I abandoning my responsibility.

[Master, don't think too much about it. Once our conflict against Prince Terrance is done, we could focus more on developing the civilization.]

…

You were right Ciel.

Sorry.

[No problem, Master. Shall we go to Loxcana right now, Master?]

Yes, we shall go now.

Sorry, once again Ciel. I don't know why my mind is wandering around, I almost lost focus on the original purpose.

All right. I already promised myself too. I would develop this world once I finished helping Constance. Now, let's finish what I've started.

"Now Milly-chan, I guess it's time for me to go. It's almost afternoon, I hope I can have dinner at Loxcana tonight."

Again, I patted her head and smiled wholeheartedly. In contrast, she looked at me with dejected eyes.

"Can we… meet again, Johan-san?"

"Of course. Once I finish my travel, I can see you again."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

She stood up from her seat, and ran toward me, hugging me passionately.

We didn't say anything, I returned hug toward her, and she tightened her grip.

After a while we hugged in silence, she suddenly commented, "You feel like my father, Johan-san."

I didn't reply to that comment, and I think she didn't expect any response either.

She released her hug after that, and I did the same. We look at each other, eye to eye.

She didn't look like going to cry, instead, she was smiling.

"I'll be waiting for you, Johan-san."

"Mm-hmm! See you again, Milly-chan."

For the last time, I patted her head. And I went from the tavern and walked out from the town.

I walked myself for a few more kilometers toward the tree line. I don't want anyone to see I can fly.

After I reached the tree line, I looked around to check if anybody was present. I activated my [Universal Sense] and didn't find anyone, I let my pair of wings pop out and ascended to the sky.

I fly toward the northeast, heading to the town named Loxcana. And with my speed right now, I think I could arrive before afternoon. Even though I don't really know how far it is.

By the way, if the kingdom of Magna has gone and been replaced by three smaller kingdoms, could it be the royal castle was gone as well?

[It's very possible. But we don't know for sure, Master. I hope we can gather more information in the next town, or eventually, in the capital.]

All right, we still have some time though. By the way, Ciel, when I manage to reach the former royal castle, what should I look for?

[Anything suspicious, Master. I hope we can find some documents or hidden archives. There should be anything written about that mysterious man.]

Right, but could it be also saved somewhere else?

[It's possible, but the royal castle is the most possible option right now. If we don't find anything there, we could start searching in another possible place.]

Okay, that's the plan then. Perhaps when I reach Loxcana, I should ask someone who's more knowledgeable. Asking a little child again might not give fortuitous results.

[I have a suggestion, Master.]

What is it, Ciel?

[Perhaps, an information broker also exists in this world. We can try to search for them in the next town.]

Hmmm… Information broker, I don't mind with them but we should pay them a great price right?

[Correct. We could pay them with counterfeit or gold I made, Master.]

All right, I would pretend I didn't hear that C word, but using gold is acceptable. But if I'm not mistaken, I should have some gold right? I mean, I knew I had an allowance but I have several private money I could use freely right?

[If what you meant is the money from the Three Drunk Sages, then yes you have plenty of gold, Master]

Then use it. You don't have to make a new one. Just use what I already have.

[All right, Master]

Okay, that's also settled then. Now, let's continue our flight to the town of Loxcana.

I increase my speed a little, although I don't know how much is it. But I could see I was flying faster than before since the horizon was coming closer in just merely seconds.

I looked down below and saw a savanna. There are fewer trees, and almost nobody lives there. I can see some animals from mammals and reptiles. There are also birds, and they look pretty much the same as the ones that exist on Earth.

But after several dozen kilometers, the scenery changed.

It became a field of wheat.

Brownish-yellow colored wheat covered the whole land below me. Several houses also started to be visible.

In the next few kilometers, it became more populous with more houses. I took a guess there was a village close by. And I was right. Following the road that was visible from up here, I could see several villages along with their people working and cultivating their wheat.

The road itself becomes more crowded with various carts and horses.

I flew following the road and slowed down my speed a little to make sure I didn't miss my destination.

The road is getting more crowded and has a crossroad as well. And several hundred meters ahead, there's a big town. I guess that's Loxcana.

All right, time to find a place to descend.

I fly around the town looking for an empty place, somewhere I wouldn't be noticed by anyone.

After several minutes of searching for the right place, I found a good place to descend. It's behind an empty barn in a nearby village. I didn't see anyone near the barn, so I chose to land there.

I immediately walked away from the barn toward the town's gate after I landed safely.

The security in this town is much tighter than Kel from what I saw. The town's wall is pretty well fortified. The guards were also inspecting everyone who entered the town.

There's a queue to enter the town, and I have to obey it. I don't mind it though, but I'm nervous about the inspection. Ciel, do you think I'll be all right?

[Looks like there won't be any problem, Master. There's no need for an ID card or something similar from what I've seen]

You're right, I don't see anyone bring something peculiar anyway. Most of them are just carrying simple luggage, such as medium-sized backpacks with farming tools. Some were also queueing with their cart and horses. I can see some of them were merchants or farmers who brought wheat.

[Then, perhaps Master's lack of luggage would raise some suspicious questions.]

Ah darn it!

You're right again, Ciel.

I didn't bring anything that made me look like a traveler. I only brought my sword and a small bag around my waist. Inside of it, there's only a pouch of money from Billard-san.

Oh boy.

What should I say, Ciel?

[…]

Oy!

"Hey, you! Move! You're blocking the line!"

I got yelled at by someone behind me. Whoops.

"Sorry!"

I walked forward quickly and faced a guard.

He looks pretty old since he has many wrinkles around his face. But somehow, his demeanor doesn't give any old-man vibes.

"Who are you? I've never seen you before."

He asked with a deep tone and intense looking.

"M-My name is Johan, I'm a traveler. I wish to come to this town for a while."

Does my voice sound nervous? I hope not.

"Traveler? You don't look like one."

Crap, this guard is not an easy fellow.

"Why is that, sir?"

He inspected me. He moved around, looking at my sword and the little bag I carried. And finally looking at me again, in the eyes.

"Didn't have a horse, didn't have a luggage, and didn't dirty. What are you up to?"

"I-I…"

"Where you from?"

"I came from-" No, wait. I cannot say I was from Casland. Just like he said, I look too clean for a traveler. If I said I came from Casland, it would be wayyy suspicious.

Oh crap, what should I say?!

"Are you from one of those villages?"

Suddenly, another guard showed up. He looks younger than this old man, but his demeanor is pretty much the same. He's still a strict man.

I had no option, so I said, "Yes."

I was kind of nervous since I didn't know what would happen if I answered it like that.

"Bastard, we got another one." The younger guard turns his head toward the older guard.

"These young'uns are always a pain in the ass."

Huh?

Umm… what's going on? What do they mean?

But I can't say that aloud. Instead, I was standing there like a kid who was caught red-handed after stealing some cookies. Even though I didn't steal anything.

Those two guards are looking at me again, with a more intense gaze.

"Listen, kid, you can't fool us with traveler lies. You're obviously too young for that. And that little bag, I bet it's your parent's money that you stole to buy alcohol, right?!"

Eh? EH?!

"N-No! What makes you think I'm stealing money?!"

"Because… that's what has been going on since years ago! You teenage kids always sneak inside the town and get drunk with your parent's money. Sorry kid, I can't let you in."

Whoa whoa whoa! No way! I was mistaken as a runaway kid to get drunk?!

"No sir! I swear, I won't drunk!"

"Liar! Everyone who came here to drink always says that!"

"I swear, sir! And by the way, why are you so wary of me getting drunk?!"

"Because we're tired of dealing with a drunkard! Especially with people like you who carry a weapon!"

Ah crap, so this is why I cannot enter the town. Oh boy, should I skip this town?

[Please no, Master! I found a place that has an information broker in it.]

What? Seriously?

Oh, man… How can you find it anyway? No, wait, don't think about that now. Right now I should think about how to get into the town.

"U-Ummm… Please, sir. Believe me, I won't get drunk. I promise!"

"No luck, kid. Go away. Better leave now before I put you in jail."

Oh crap, it's getting scarier. Think, Rimuru, think!

I looked at my sword. Hmm… if I handed over my sword, would they allow me to get in? I mean, they also got wary of me because I carried a sword. They seem to have some trauma from dealing with a drunkard with weapons.

It's worth a shot, I guess?

"How about I handed you my sword so if you found me got drunk, I have nothing to fight you?"

Both of the guards in front of me are looking at each other after I ask that question. But only a few seconds later, they looked at me again.

"If so, how about you also handed over your money? We promise we won't take it for our own. But that would also make sure you are unable to buy any drinks."

Good, progress. But if so, I don't want to hand over my sword. I was carrying my Dragon Blade right now, I don't want it to be loose from my hand.

"Then, how about I handed over every money I carry right now but the sword is still with me?"

They looked at each other again. This time, it took them pretty long. I can hear some whispers between them. Something like, "this never happened before", and "he doesn't look like lying".

After several dozen seconds, they finally look at me again. This time, their face isn't as fierce as before.

"Kid, what actually you gonna do?" The younger guard asked.

Okay, chances!

"I'm going to meet someone I knew."

"Friend?"

"More less, sir"

"Is it someone you have to meet with a sword in hand?"

Crap, just when I thought I can slip this guard.

"No, actually no. But I would feel safer with a sword in my hand."

"You're not gonna kill anyone inside the town, right?" this time, the older guard was the one who asked.

"No sir! I dare not to kill!"

They looked at each other again, and finally, they lowered their tone towards me.

"All right, leave all your money here. We promised we wouldn't take any of it. But with one condition."

"What is it, sir?"

"Get back home before sunset. I'm tired of looking person from a village."

"Okay, I promised."

I handed over the pouch of money that I had inside the little bag to the older guard. He certainly looks surprised by how heavy the pouch is, but he just sighs and doesn't pry any further.

"Remember, get back outside before sunset, Johan." The younger guard said.

I nodded and said, "Sure! But I hope when I get back, you won't be mean like this again."

Honestly, I gamble to joke around. But I guess it's worth a shot since I don't want them to get suspicious about what am I gonna do.

And turns out, that luck is on my side right now! The younger guard seems to be smiling.

"Sorry kid, too many young'un from the village got drunk inside the town. I'm too tired to deal with them."

"I promise I won't get drunk inside the town, sir! But, why did the drunkard become a problem here?"

"Hmmm… Now I believe you're not gonna cause a problem. Look, kid, in this town, alcohol is the cheapest commodity. You can buy a wine for just 10 Zalc in here."

Huh?! Wow! I mean, that cheap? How?

"You looked surprised," the older guard came back after putting my pouch of money somewhere, "and that's strange. You farmer's brats should know better. We have a lot of grape fields here, that's why many distilleries were doing business. That's why the wine is cheaper here."

Wow… I don't know what can I do with this information, but I think it is still good information for me.

Wait, no, this is actually gold. If I can make some relation here, I can make a trade with Casland later! It could also be one of my cards to negotiate.

All right! Now I'm more fired up.

"I see… So many people would come here and get drunk?"

"Exactly, kid. The mayor has put up a rule of age restriction. But that doesn't reduce the drunkard significantly." The older guard said with a sigh.

"Okay, I understand. But once again, I promise I won't get drunk inside this town, sir."

"Yeah, we got your money confiscated anyway. Now go. Do whatever you need. We'll remember you, so we'll know if you don't come back before sunset."

"All right, sir."

Although it was a bit awkward, I bid my farewell to them. And worst, turns out my inspection was drawing quite a lot of attention.

Hahhh… there's no way out of this now. Ciel, tell me where I could meet these information brokers.

[Just walk straight ahead before that little alley near the crossroad, Master.]

Oh right, I saw the crossroad several hundred meters in front of me. So, without any further ado, I walked my way there.

I looked around, seeing people doing their job. I saw people riding horses, carrying a minimum of weapons with a small bag on his waist. I saw people hitting their hammers into steel that laid upon an anvil. I saw a store baking bread. I saw a store full of hats. And many more.

I reached the crossroad and found the small alley that Ciel had mentioned before. The alley is certainly narrow. It won't fit for two horses to pass by. Is the place somewhere inside this alley, Ciel?

[Yes, Master. Walked straight ahead until you found a door with a red dot on its handle.]

Amazing, how can you find that, Ciel?

[I use [Universal Sense] Master. I found several people trading information for money in this place. I thought this place might have some information broker.]

All right, I'll take it. Although if I have to be honest, I have a feeling Ciel got something wrong, but let's take a shot.

[Rude]

I pretend I didn't hear that.

I walked inside the alley, searching a door with a red dot. And this alley isn't particularly quiet either. There are quite a lot of people walking by, but many more are just standing still. Those who standing still on the side were staring at me.

I can feel their gaze are headed toward me. Now I'm certain, I was in a pretty dangerous place.

But not that I worried about myself though. I just want to keep myself out of trouble right now.

I walked for several meters more and finally found a door with a red dot on its handle. I haven't reached it yet though. I only saw it with the help of [Universal Sense].

There are, however, some issues…

I saw around 5 muscular men with various weapons, standing in front of it. No mistake, they guarding it.

Oh boy…

Am I going through the same problem as before at the entrance gate?

[How about bribing them, Master?]

Uhhh… You know, I'm an honest person. I don't like things such as bribery. But, do you think I can get through this without any trouble by being an honest person?

[The chance is small, Master. But if that's what you want, I would follow you.]

Right, you're my partner after all. But, in case I need to bribe or worse, a brawl, let's prepare it. Ciel, please let out several gold bars I have.

[On it, Master]

I can feel my waist bag getting heavier. I took a peek inside it and saw 5 gold bars of mine. In case you wonder, these gold bars are 1kg each. It's my personal wealth. I didn't use it before not because I'm stingy, but because I think it would be no fun to just use my personal gold reserve.

Yosh, let's give it a try.

I continued my walk toward that place. I tried to look tough and confident, and I didn't want to repeat the same mistake I did before. I wouldn't look confused and draw attention even if I got a trouble. This place doesn't look like a joke.

After I reached the place, I stopped in front of the door.

2 men immediately approached me. While the other 3 are starting to look at me intently.

"This is not a place for you. Get lost, kid." One of them said that to me.

"I have a business to do here," I respond, firmly.

They stopped for a while before one of the three men who just stayed before came right at me.

"What you got, kid?"

Ummm… gold? I mean, this place is for trading information, right? So I can buy some information here, right?

"I need some information from this place," I answered. I'm not gonna mention about gold for now.

Some of them snickered, including the one who's asking me right now.

"This place doesn't give you any information for free, kid. If you don't have any money, get lost."

"I have money."

"I don't see one."

I opened my waist bag, immediately. I showed them what I got.

And their faces are indescribable. They were stupified for several seconds there. Their eyes were opened wide, with some having their jaws dropped.

I closed my waist bag and put it back. I look in their eyes as if I'm saying "Now let me in."

They all looked at each other and nodded.

"All right, get in."

I nodded and didn't say anything. I move my feet forward towards the door.

But suddenly, the door got slammed by one of them. I looked at the man who slammed the door, and I saw a disgusting smile on his face. Without any seconds for me to ask, he already said,

"Only if you share one of those bars."

I sighed.

Well, no surprise actually. But really, I wish it wouldn't have to be like this.

Anyway, this is better than having a brawl.

So I took one of my gold bars and gave it to him. I didn't say anything but I didn't turn my eyes from him.

He looked satisfied and let go of his hand from the door.

"Get in," he said.

This time, I didn't give him a nod and just walked straight inside. While I'm walking, I can hear chuckles behind me. Those guards must be laughing happily after getting some gold. Well, I'm not in a loss anyway. I have many more.

The place I entered was looking shabby, but well illuminated by candles. There's no window and no fireplace. But there's some bar desk, and some tables across the room.

Each table has two chairs, all wooden ones. And on each table, sitting on one of the chairs, one person is waiting. In my sight, there are around 5 people who act as the information brokers. 2 of them are already occupied.

And I could feel the rest who still had their tables empty was directed at me. I sighed internally.

I look around, watching the rest 3 available information brokers. I mean, which one I should pick?

Ciel, any recommendation?

[The one with a thin mustache in front of you probably can be trusted, Master.]

I immediately found him. He's sitting right in front of me. I can't be sure how tall he is, but I'm sure he's only a bit taller than me. He wears a fancy tunic, with red-colored along with black pants.

Hoo… Why is that, Ciel?

[He looks more honest than the rest]

Okay, I'll trust your judgment, Ciel. Let's give it a shot.

I walked my way toward the men. He's looking at me with a curious look while sipping a glass of wine. I sat down on the chair in front of him. We immediately sat face-to-face. His eyes look sharp, a bit red-skinned, and his gaze is aimed at me.

"I know you," he immediately said something out of the blue.

It would be a lie if I didn't surprise or get cold sweat from that sentence, but I tried to look calm and firm. It's impossible that he knew that I was from another world, right?

"You do?" I asked.

"Yes. You're the one who caused a ruckus at the entrance gate a few whiles ago."

Fiuhhhh….

Unconsciously, I let out a chuckle.

"I don't know what's funny for you, but I don't care. What do you want, Johan?"

"Straight to the point, I like it."

"Sure, time is money. What do you want? Did you get interesting information? Or do you want to inquire some of it?"

"I want to inquire some."

"That would need some payment."

"I know. Do you want money first?"

"Up to you. I would only state the cost of my answer."

"Fair enough. Then, get me the answer first."

"Speak."

Anyway, in case you wondered, I already got a list of questions from Ciel. So this situation is already handled.

"Where is the former royal castle of the Magna kingdom?"

"That would cost 20 Zalc. Almost everyone knows it."

"All right, but I don't. Anyway, I don't have 20 Zalc."

"Then I won't ans-"

"But I got this." I handed him one gold bar.

He certainly shooked, but immediately calmed down. He looked at me, with an annoyed look.

"I don't have change."

"Then use that for answering my other questions."

"Done."

Actually, I want to know how much that gold bar is worth in Zalc. Is it a good idea to ask that as well?

[It's worth to try, Master]

Got it.

"How much that gold bar's worth?"

He frowned. But immediately answered, "48.000 Zalc"

Whoa… It's… Overpriced? No, let's forget it. Continue. Hehe, I have a good amount of money right now.

"All right, answer my question before."

"The former castle of Magna Kingdom has become a ruin, at the forest of Lomia."

"Where is that actually?"

"46 kilometers south of the town named Jarken."

"Where is that exactly?"

"North from here."

"How far?"

"4 days by horse."

"All right. Is the ruin intact?"

"Some places are still unexplored. I estimated some underground places are still hidden."

"Give me a map of that ruin."

He stood up and walked to another room. I guess he's taking the map.

And my guess is right.

After 2 minutes, he came back and handed me a piece of paper with a castle design.

"Don't complain about its accuracy, the ruin was at least 300 years old. And just so you know, that map cost 5000 Zalc. It's the best map we have. But I still owe you 42.250 Zalc. So ask me more. I don't like debt."

"All right. Is there any treasure in that ruin?"

"A lot. Be more specific."

"Archives about the unknown man who almost recreated magic."

He falls silent immediately. He looked at me with a suspicious gaze for a moment. But after looking at the gold bar on the table again, he leaned back on his chair and took a deep breath.

"I could be wrong, but you're looking at the wrong place."

"Explain it to me."

"You should look for it at the castle of the three kingdoms that were born when Magna fell. Silica, Herta, and Larana. I could give you the blueprint of each castle. Should make it easier for you to locate the archive room."

"I'll take it."

"All right, wait here."

He stood up again, walking to the same room as before. So I waited.

But unlike before, I could feel the other broker's gaze toward me increase. I guess seeing my information broker getting back and forth to the same room has piqued their interest.

After 5 minutes, he came back with 3 bundles of paper. This one has better drawings than the paper before.

"1000 Zalc each. Still, I owe you more. Any questions?"

"Yeah. You said you could be wrong if I searched at the ruin of the former castle Magna Kingdom, is that mean I could be right to look at some lost archive there?"

"Yes. As I said, it's estimated there are some unexplored underground places. Besides, those archive in the current three castle was not complete."

"What makes you think like that?"

"The real identity of that man is still unknown."

"So, the rest is already uncovered?"

"Define 'the rest'"

"What has he done, actually?"

He snickered, I don't know why though. But he still answered, "He has some kind of… energy around his body. That energy allows him to do inhuman things. Sorry, but each thing has a cost since I have a valid answer. Want me to answer?"

"Is my gold doesn't enough?"

"If I tell you everything, your gold won't suffice."

"All right, how many gold bars do you need?"

"One."

"All right, here." I handed him another gold bar.

He didn't look surprised this time, instead, he smiled.

"Good, wait here."

He went to the same room again. And again, a gaze from another information broker. Guhh…

This time, however, he took a longer time. I don't know why, perhaps he's gonna hand me over hundreds of papers. Geez, I hope not.

After 20 minutes, he came back with a dozen of papers. Oh boy, it looks like it's going to be quite messy.

He handed me those papers, with a smile on his face.

"I gave you some bonus since I got a good mood right now. Those papers are taken from Herta's Kingdom. It describes that unknown man's capability. Unfortunately, that's not the real one. It's a copy, and incomplete. Still, what's inside is valid."

I looked at those papers. It was a document about reports from military officers who pursued him. It has various reports, including some deaths when the pursuit was held. But I guess these papers would be more effective to be analyzed by Ciel.

[Certainly, Master!]

All right, please analyze it later, Ciel. I still have some business with this man.

"What makes you think it's valid?"

"It's the only well-written source. And the original one has a seal from Magna Kingdom."

"How do you know that?"

Again, he snickered. This time, his smile didn't vanish while looking at me.

"Because I was the one who copied it. Almost got busted by the guards. This is the best I could do."

I see… this guy is a traitor. It got me interested, to be honest. But let's put it aside for now.

"How about the archive from the other two kingdoms? You have some?"

"Sadly, no. I only have this one."

"How about your colleagues here? Any of them has it?"

"I knew they don't. Nobody's more interested in this than me."

"How am I supposed to know you're being honest?"

"Lying is not my type. Besides…" He lifted the two gold bars on the table, "Nobody's gonna lie to someone like you."

"All right. I believe you, for now."

"Good. I still owe you. Your two gold bar is a bit overpriced. So ask me."

"So one gold bar is insufficient, but two are overpriced, huh?"

"Yep." He sipped a glass of wine after saying that.

"This is my last question. What else do you know about this unknown man who almost recreates magic?"

He smiled, pouring a wine into two glasses. One for him, one for me.

"Here," he handed me one. "On the house."

I drank it slowly. And it's delicious, more than the wine I bought at Cardinalis.

And it gives me some more ideas to ask.

But I won't ask it before he answers my previous question.

"Sadly, Johan, that's all I know. And I hate it since that means I still owe you a lot."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Aside from these… reports, you don't have anything else?"

"No."

"How about another archive from the rest two kingdoms?"

"Not in our hands."

"But you know they exist?"

"Yes, because after the kingdom of Magna fell, three noble houses, House of Silica, House of Herta, and House of Larana got independence and took every archive they could gather from the former royal house. I don't know how much they got, but it's certain they have a piece of information about it."

"How can you be so certain?"

"I ever worked in the royal castle of Herta Kingdom. I overheard some discussion about the remaining archive. I heard some… various content about it. Not in details, but quite give a general depiction."

"All right. What do you hear?"

"Aside from the real identity, I heard the truth about his fate. Something like where he escaped, who caused the mass killing, who's helping him, where he is hiding during the pursuit, and this…" he pointed to the paper in my hand, "is the paper about his capabilities. The rest, I don't have it."

"Okay, I guess that's enough."

"Really? Nothing else to ask?"

"Actually, there's some."

"Speak."

It's about the idea of trading some cheap but high-quality wine with Casland. I mean, I don't know much about this town's distillery business. If possible, I want to make a trade with them to add my cards to the negotiation later with Constance.

"Say, is this town had a trade deal with other places about their wines?"

"Not much."

"Why?"

"The mayor is stingy."

"Tell me more."

"Not much I can tell. The mayor, Rodeanne-sama, is obsessed with 'specialty'. He thought that this wine was the town's specialty. He didn't want to share any. He wants to make this town always appear on the map. By making cheap delicious wines."

"No matter how much the offer?"

"Not even 100 gold bars would make him stutter if you talked about wine trading."

"I see. So he just wanted his town to be renowned?"

"Yes."

Hmmm… By the way, since I am new in this world, I have to know how much worth this town is. Is the mayor also a big shot though? Well, better ask him now.

"How famous this town is?"

"Famous throughout the Silica Kingdom. Some other nations also recognize this town."

"Who is this Rodeanne?"

"He's Duke Kannavil's youngest brother. Rodeanne-sama didn't have a good line to inherit the title, but he got the privilege of becoming this town's mayor."

"Is this Duke a big shot?"

"His authority was second only to His Majesty."

"Say, if I can get close to Rodeanne-sama, can I also get close to the Duke?"

"Small chance. Rodeanne-sama and the Duke were not close."

"All right. So what kind of person Rodeanne-sama is?"

"Stingy, cunning, yet… simple. Strangely he wasn't too fond of money. But he hates if someone puts dirt on his name."

"But if I got into his good side, what's the benefit?"

"You can have many gold bars in your hand. This town's money circulation was no joke."

"Anything else?"

"Depend on how good you are with him."

"All right, I'm gonna be cut to the chase. I want to make a deal on wine trading with him. Is that putting me on his good side?"

"Probably. And that's not the problem. Your problem is on how you can cut a deal with him."

"Let's say, I have a good offer for him."

He looked at me with a curious look. Perhaps he's somewhat feeling that this conversation is intriguing.

"To be honest, if I didn't have any debt to you, I would buy your idea. But I gotta let it go for now. All right, say you have something good to offer. And you make a deal with him. It's surely profitable."

"Explain it to me."

"The wine from this town is famous enough as the most delicious. And although Rodeanne-sama was just a mere town Mayor, he's a pretty famous figure. You can say, you gain prestige if you can make him your friend."

"Prestige?"

"Yeah, at least you'll be known by various nobles from Silica Kingdom."

"Good. Can I meet him?"

He looked at me with a confused look. He sipped his wine, and said, "With some connections, yes."

"Can you?"

"No, but I know who can."

"Take me to him."

He frowned. But didn't say anything. After several seconds, he responded, "You gotta need another gold bar."

"How much?"

"Don't ask me."

"So, it's not for you?"

"No. And I'll take you to him."

"When?"

"You decide."

"Now."

"All right." He stood up, taking another sip of wine. "I'm telling you, I still owe you. Gonna do something about that?"

"It's all right. You can have it."

"Really? I still owe you more than 30,000 Zalc."

"Just take it."

"All right, you said it. So don't come back to me again bringing up those numbers."

"Deal."

"Deal. Follow me."

He walked away to the exit. I followed him behind.

I'm excited. Why? Because I have a good idea to seal the deal with the mayor.

I think I found a light at the end of the tunnel when he said that the mayor just wanted to make sure his town's existence would always be renowned. I know the way to achieve it while opening the wine trade with Constance in the future.

Wanna know how it is? Easy.

I'll share my knowledge about brandy.

Ciel, prepare the process of making brandy on paper, stat!

[Right away, Master!]

Thank you.

Now if the mayor, Rodeanne-sama could agree with this new beverage, I'm sure the wine trading is as good as open to me.

We came out to the same alley as before, and I noticed that the sky was still pretty bright. I got relieved since it's still not a sunset, yet.

He walked to the main road, sometimes looking behind to check if I still following him.

We walked for several hundred meters before we stopped in the luxurious manor. It has four floors and a huge entrance gate at the front. He talks to some guards and after a few seconds, the gate is opened.

"Is this the mayor's house?" I asked.

"Yes, but only through his butler we can meet him unofficially. Rodeanne-sama trusted his butler the most. So if we can get close to his butler, you can get close to him. Good luck."

"Wait, you're not gonna accompany me?"

"Your business. Mine's done. The butler is gonna coming soon. Just wait here."

"Hmph, all right. Thanks for the service, then."

"Thanks for the payment as well. Oh, wait," he walked towards me, and whispered "Your identity is also worthed to sell. I'm being a good guy right now, so I'm gonna tell you. I won't snitch anything about you. So don't worry about me selling your identity and… well, purpose. I cannot guarantee it for my other colleagues though. Who knows they eavesdropping."

"Thanks, that means a lot."

"Good luck with your search, Johan." And then he left. I can only see him turn into another alley. After that, he's gone from my sight. Although I can still find him through my [Universal Sense], I didn't get interested. So I let it be.

By the way, I don't mind he's snitching about me. Because I can change my appearance as much as I like. But I surely felt relieved I decided to use my fake name and not a real one.

And back to the current situation.

He said the butler would come soon. But "soon" is pretty vague. I expected him to arrive in less than 5 minutes, but after 12 minutes he hasn't come yet.

I waited and waited.

Until another 10 minutes passed.

I saw a well-suited man who's in his 40s, coming from the inside of the manor. His suit is pretty much similar to the one Diablo's wearing. So I guess he's the butler I've been waiting for.

And I was right.

"Do you have something important to tell the mayor?" he suddenly asked me, without any introduction.

"Yes, can you take me to him?"

"For the right price."

"How much?"

"2,000 Zalc if you want to meet him. 10,000 Zalc if you want to meet him now."

I looked at my bag, and I still had 2 more gold bars. So I showed one of them to him.

"You can have this. If you could help me convince my deal."

I tried to make a bargain here. I hope I succeeded.

He is certainly in a dilemma. He looks happy seeing those gold bars, but I can sense he knows what am I going to do. But does he have some counteroffer?

"Tell me your business. Depend on what you asked, I would know if I can help you or not."

Fair enough. Besides, I know something to make the mayor make a deal with me.

Ciel, are the papers ready?

[Already inside your bag, Master.]

I checked and it's true. A list of processes, including the tools on how to make the brandy. The ingredients, tools, tools's blueprint, and even how to consume them were already written there.

Good job, Ciel!

[Thank you, Master!]

"I know how to make a better liquor than a wine."

I don't know what my face looks like, but I guess it shows a smug face.

"That's impossible."

"Then check this first." I handed him a bundle of paper that Ciel just made.

And by the way, the paper from that information broker was already stored somehow inside my imaginary space. I guess it's Ciel's doing too.

The butler took the papers from my hand and read them carefully. He examines each paper one by one, flips it inside out, and even sometimes rotates it up and down. I don't know why he does that though.

I thought it was going to take more time since there were a dozen papers there, and he examined them in good detail. But turns out, after several minutes, he looked at me and said, "This is promising."

Yosh!

"Then take me to him now. Can you do that?"

"Rodeanne-sama is having lunch right now. Would you mind if wait for several minutes?"

"As long as I didn't have to wait here."

I mean, right now I was standing at the front gate. I look like a troubled kid and I'm afraid I would catch a lot of attention. Those information brokers are pretty scary when I remember how fast they could gather it.

"All right, I'll take you to the guest room. May I, please?"

He raises his right palm while looking at the gold bar in my hand. Ah, he wants the payment first eh?

Without any words from me, I handed over the gold bar. Then, I was escorted to enter the mansion, guided by this butler.

"You're not gonna introduce yourself?" I asked when we started to walk.

"Hmm… My name is Hitch. What about you?"

"Johan. That's my name."

"Any affiliation?"

"That's secret."

"But I need it to help you right now."

"Why?"

"Rodeanne-sama would want to know who's he dealing with."

"Then, just let's just say I'm independent."

"Independent? You come out of nowhere with a gold bar and a process of making new liquor. You need a better background if you want to lie."

Hmm… How about it, Ciel? Should I just say that I'm on Constance's side?

[We don't know where Silica Kingdom's stance is in this conflict, Master. Better to hide it still.]

All right. We better put a new alibi for this. How about if I introduce myself as a fellow merchant?

[Merchant who has a connection with nobles might be work, Master]

Right, let's give it a shot.

"Well, just tell him I'm a merchant who likes to experiment with things. I made this liquor but I'm not sure how to sell it. So I better make a deal with Rodeanne-sama."

"Understood. That would do."

"You won't ask me where I got the gold bar?"

"Rodeanne-sama never knew I received… gifts. All he knew was I found a promising person to work with."

Sigh…

I knew in every world has a scumbag, but I still can't get used to it. Maybe I was lucky to have subordinates who never did something like this on my back.

It makes me miss my subordinates somehow. Even right now, I was slightly thinking that Souei and his team might be doing a better job of gathering information if they were here right now.

I didn't say anything for the rest of the time. I waited inside the guest room. The room is spacious with many decorations made from glass. There's a painting of a young man drinking a bottle of wine with every joy he can show. I sit on one of the two sofas in this room. In front of me, there is a long table made of wood with various bottles of wine on it.

This place is weird. No, this town is weird.

Well, no time to think about that. Let's think about how to talk with the Mayor. I have a general plan for it, but I'm kinda afraid it won't work as I planned.

[Don't worry, Master. The brandy would work without a problem]

I hope so. But I need something more than just trade. I mean, if I could cut a deal with the Mayor, I would be renowned by the nobles in this kingdom. It surely brings more chances for demand. Can I use that somehow?

[Depend on what stance they take in this conflict, Master. We don't know about it, yet. But if we got the name here, it could be a good start for the next level of negotiation.]

Right, I still haven't figured out if this kingdom is on Prince Terrace's side or not.

Perhaps, my goal right now should just focus on making a trade about his wines and making a name for myself. I shouldn't ask for more right now.

"Johan-dono, I presume?"

Suddenly a voice came out from my back.

I saw a man in his early forties, with thin brown hair, a slim body, and a suspicious smile on his face. I see… he must be already been informed about my brandy. From his smile alone, I can feel that he wants to take every advantage of himself.

This should be a little fun.

"Yes, I am, Rodeanne-sama."

"I know every person that Hitch brought would always be interesting," he paused for a while and took a seat on the sofa in front of me, "but this is the most interesting so far. Tell me, what do you want?"

Again, cut to the chase. Very wise as I remember I don't have much time either.

"I want to make a trade deal."

"With my wines?"

"Yes. I want access and a fresh product from the distillery itself."

"What's in it for me?"

"You have your own brandy distillery."

"You could make it on your own."

"Then I would outperform your own fame."

"Isn't that more beneficial for you?"

"Not if that means I'm making you my enemy."

He leaned his back on the sofa. He got silent for a while, pondering things.

You know, what he said was actually true. I could make my own brandy along with the industry to support it, even with the weakened state at Constance's side. But do you remember the last time I make fine products that unintentionally pissed off some nation that leads to a massacre of my own people?

I won't do that again.

Better make a deal with this guy, not for the amount of profit I could make, but to reduce the possible nasty rival. And seeing how obsessed this guy is to make a name for himself, I doubt he recognizes a healthy rivalry.

"Do you have this… brandy?" he finally stopped his silence then asked.

Ciel! Hurry, put some brandy I have inside my bag!

[On it, Master!]

"Yeah. Here, inside my bag."

"Show me."

I put my hand inside my waist bag, and I pull out a small bottle of brandy. Thanks, Ciel, you saved my face.

[Anytime, Master.]

I gave the bottle to him. This one type is Cognac, but I won't tell it to him for now.

He pours it into a nearby cup and immediately sips it. He moves his tongue around inside his mouth, tasting every bit of it.

He looks at me with a serious look, starting to see me as a potential threat.

"I hate to admit it, but you're going cause serious damage to my name if you make this on your own."

His voice had some anger in it, but on the other hand, I smiled.

"That's the face I don't wanna make on you. You'll surely retaliate on me in every possible way."

"No doubt. Wine is the only way that makes me and my town renowned. I'm amazed you chose to give the recipe to me."

"You know that's not for free."

"I don't like it. Better be cheap."

Sigh… He seriously needs to be able to hold his word.

"Like I said, give me your fresh wine and I'll sell it on my own. I won't take all of it, but I want it to be free. And I want you to send it to me as long as I live here."

"20% of my total production."

"50%"

"25%"

"50%"

"25%"

"Look, 50% and I will demand nothing more from you. I would handle the transportation as well."

"All right, 50% my wines and 100% production of brandy."

Hmmm… It's not fair and I felt like it would be a huge loss if I gave him all the profit from the brandy. But my goal right now is to make a deal about the wine with him, not making a deal about the brandy.

[Continuing the negotiation would make his mood sour, Master. I suggest we back off for now, and start a trade war later.]

You're right. I only lost my Cognac anyway. I can still make many other kinds of drinks and products to offer at the negotiation. All right, I'll back off for now.

"Done. 50% of all your wine production will be sent to me from now on."

"Tch, all right. But remember, the wine is STILL made by me. You just sell it somewhere else. Don't ever say that you're the one who made it."

"All right, I won't ask for the recipe. And you, I promise I will retaliate if you don't send the right amount."

"Breaking a promise would only tarnish my name. Don't be stupid."

"Nice. Then, we're good?"

"Yeah," he pours the remaining brandy from the little bottle I gave him into his cup and drinks it in one gulp, "and that means I own this drink now?"

"Go ahead. You have the papers I made?"

"I have. Hitch would handle the rest. He surely says good things about it. Quite satisfying indeed."

"So how I can get my wines?"

"Just talk with Hitch later. I'll tell him to prepare it for you."

"All right, and just to remind you, every profit I made from those wines would fall into my pocket. No share with you."

"I don't care, as long as you said those wines are from me."

"All right, deal."

"Good. And if you excuse me, I gotta start to make myself more famous."

He stood up and walked toward the door at a slow pace. I guess he wanted to check if I still had something to say, but I guess I don't have any for now. The rest would lie with the butler, Hitch.

He exited the room immediately after I gave him a nod, signaling that I was done. And on an instant, Hitch entered the room from the same door that Rodeanne had used to exit. He didn't immediately say anything, only looking at me with a strange gaze.

It seems he wanted to ask something, but hesitated.

"What's wrong, Hitch?" I asked since it got me curious.

"You just gave all your chance on making a profit from the brandy you made. Why, if I may ask?"

Ahh… he got curious about that. But I can't tell you the reason for now. Better make it a secret.

"I can't tell that for now. But I want to ask something as well."

"Go ahead, Johan-dono."

"This deal, would it be publicized?"

"Certainly. Your name would be renowned by many nobles in this kingdom, especially Duke Kannavil."

"Good. Thank you. By the way, what should I do now?"

"I will arrange the wine production right now. I will divide it between the one we would sell in this town and the one we would send to you. My apologies, but it will take time."

"How long?"

"2 days, minimal."

What a coincidence. I mean, 2 days? I should be heading back at that time. So I should visit this place once again on my way back?

"I'll come back here in two days, at the same time as today."

"Understood, Johan-dono. I'll do my best to prepare it. But according to the deal, you'll handle the transportation as well?"

"Yup, no problem."

"All right. The deal would be valid for… how long, Johan-dono?"

"Until I said it's done."

"Understood. Please come back again in two days."

"Will do. Now if you excuse me, I have to get out of this town before sunset."

"Follow me, I'll escort you to the exit."

He immediately walked to the entrance, while I tagged along behind him.

When I reached the front yard, we bid goodbye and I walked my way to the town's entrance.

For some reason, my mind got a bit blank after leaving that manor. I didn't feel tired at all, I just felt like… everything is unreal. I mean, I just got out from Constance's place this morning right? And somehow, not even at the end of the day, I have faced many things!

This morning I just got a happy yet sad emotion seeing meeting Milly-chan. This afternoon I got myself arguing on misunderstanding with the town's guard, and continued with the cold, static, and suspicious talk with the man I don't know. And now, I just finished talking with someone with a megalomaniac and somehow managed to secure a deal with him.

Man…

Just how far I could go?

But you know, this is also, strangely fun…

It gives me the impression that adventure was not always a journey wandering around the world slaying enemy. But meeting people halfway is the real meaning of adventure.

Today, I met with various people, and not all was good person. But that's the thing, right?

"Hey! Kid! Good to see ya! You fulfilled your promise."

I heard a shout from the front of me. Turns out, I was already near the gate. And the one who shouted at me was the younger guard from before. I increase my walking speed and greet the guard. I don't see the older one, but this guard looks pretty delighted to see me.

"Here, your money." He handed me over my pouch from Billard-san. When I checked inside, the whole money was still intact. Seems like this guard also fulfills his promise.

"Thank you, sir. My day in this town has been amazing."

He smiled, then replied, "Good to hear. Next time you come, you can keep your money. You can buy those wines."

Hahaha… I hope he knew what I just did…

I giggled after hearing that line, of course, I would take some wines next time.

To Be Continued

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Hello everyone!

A little surprise for you all...

Turns out, I got some time to make updates. So here we are, a new chapter!

I have to be honest about something in this chapter. Guys, I seriously, don't know anything about alcohol :D

I never tasted beer, wine, or brandy. I'm completely dry. So I only talking some crap about these wine trading, lol. But I obviously do some little (very little) research about brandy. So if you guys who ever tasted some alcohol, or worked with it, please let me know every mistake I made :D

Again, I want to say thanks to everyone who read my story. Thank you so much, fellas.

And for your reviews, here's my reply.

Sol4g: My friend... Thanks for always reading. Surely, I would continue this story as far as I could. I have a lot of ideas to continue this story :D

dotunalabi07: Thank you! But don't hesitate if you want to point out where's my error. I would love to find out where my errors are. And by the way, I also checked your profile on Wattpad. Sad I haven't read your stories, but I'll read them soon!

TubeWorm21: As someone who enjoys tea on an everyday basis, I am totally offended by your comments!

LOL, just kidding bro.

But jokes aside, I think Rimuru would also prefer tea, you know? Because... do you remember that on the LN, Rimuru was always got served a tea by Diablo, Shuna, and Shion? Heck, even Testarossa showed her willingness to acknowledge of Rimuru's superiority towards her by making him a tea. So I guess, Rimuru was getting used to drinking tea rather than something else.

But thanks for your review :D

gamero44444: Hummm... Let me think about it, should I spoil it for you? Hmmm...

No.

Lmao.

But no, I am really thankful you're reviewing me like this. Because, from your review, I could see you took the details in my story, and I'm very happy about that :). So in return, let me tell you something about my plan for ending this conflict.

I give you a hint. The negotiation would be a key point. I may not be able to build it up as well as Walpurgis, but I tried my best :D

So Rimuru's departure right now would be important for the upcoming negotiation with various nobles in Casland.

I hope you enjoy it.

Guest: My my, thank you so much! I hope this chapter could fill your time with joy!

---

Oh yeah guys, please let me share something as well. I'm a big fan of the Tensura series. BUT, I enjoy it more since Rimuru is not the typical OP MC in every series we know. Rimuru is OP as hell, yes, but that's not the only good thing he has.

He's a king, he's a ruler, and he has people under his reign. He's not a hero who slain the enemy of humanity. I mean yeah, he's a slime. But that's not the point. Rimuru is a ruler, so he knows how to handle people. He knows how to make people work together. He pays great attention to his people's well-being. So, he would do anything to get his people's trust. He has that ability, to make friends, to make people believe in him.

Also, he's a good sales. He knew money was essential. He's not just some homeless or NEET who stumbles upon cheat skills and gets billions of gold out of a sudden. He earns that money through doing business. So, he's rich.

The point is, that he has many traits that not many MCs have as far as I know.

And this is why I write a story with less action and more talk. Because I think it would show the rest of his traits other than his OP ability.

I hope you enjoy the story, see you again in the next chapter!