Allen the Reincarnated Merchant: A Plan to Get Rich in Another World

The Japanese restaurant at Zerad Spaceport that I was shown to was a serene, elegant establishment that perfectly embodied traditional Japanese aesthetics. There were no excessive decorations, but the absence of such adornments did not leave the space feeling barren. It was a true masterpiece of balance, crafted with skill and precision.

Upon entering the restaurant, Yuzu, who had been leading the way, naturally stepped back. Along with Eri, who had joined us midway, they both waited discreetly at the rear. Though no explicit instructions were given, it was clear that I was to proceed to the back of the restaurant on my own.

The interior was devoid of customers, with the only audible sound being the gentle trickle of water from a pond set in the restaurant’s courtyard. This upscale establishment reminded me of the high-end restaurant I once visited with Chairman Ryugen back in the modern world. However, without the presence of other patrons, the atmosphere here was less tense.

“We’ve been expecting you, Lord Allen,” a voice greeted.

As I walked through the spacious interior, I arrived at an area marked by a large wooden shoe rack. Beyond this point, the floor transitioned from what looked like polished marble to wooden planks, leading down a corridor.

“Thank you, Eri,” I replied.

Past this point, it seemed the seating was arranged in a traditional Japanese style. Understanding the protocol without needing to be told, I removed my shoes.

“It’s my duty,” Eri said softly as she stepped forward and placed my shoes into the rack before I could. I thanked her for the gesture and, without hesitation, stepped onto the wooden corridor ahead.

“Excuse me,” I said, announcing myself.

Several sliding shoji doors lined the corridor, and at a T-shaped intersection, one door stood out, illuminated from within. Beyond that lit door awaited the descendant of the Saioji family. I couldn’t help but feel a touch of nervousness.

Before I could proceed, Yuzu stepped forward and spoke briefly. A young woman’s voice answered from behind the door.

“It is an honor to meet you, Lord Allen. I am delighted to finally meet you in person,” the voice said.

Inside the tatami-lined room, a man sat at a table directly across from me, flanked by a pair of men and women standing attentively behind him.

The young man who had greeted me stood up from his seat and approached me.

“I’ve been looking forward to meeting you as well, Minato,” I replied.

The man—Saioji Minato—was strikingly handsome, his features refined enough to captivate anyone. His tall frame and surprisingly robust build, however, lent him a masculine and commanding presence. In person, he exuded far more gravitas than the impression I had formed from his image on a screen.

“Please, have a seat. The meal is ready,” Minato said warmly.

Following his lead, I took the seat he offered, and he returned to his spot across the table. Once we were both seated, the formal introductions began.

“The two behind me are Kisaka and Takeda, my subordinates,” Minato introduced, gesturing to the pair kneeling behind him.

“I am Yuichiro Takeda,” the man said.

“And I am Sachi Kisaka,” the woman followed.

Both spoke briefly and bowed in perfect unison. Their black hair and skin tone revealed their Japanese heritage.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I said politely, acknowledging them with a slight bow before turning my attention back to Minato.

“Since we have a meal prepared, let’s enjoy it while we discuss matters. It might make for a smoother conversation,” Minato suggested with a smile.

With a clap of his hands, Minato signaled the start of the meal. The shoji door behind him slid open, and a woman dressed in a deep-red kimono entered, pushing a cart laden with dishes.

“Sukiyaki, huh? So this dish survived even in this world,” I remarked.

On a shallow black iron pot, an array of ingredients was artfully arranged: large cubes of tofu, bundles of shirataki noodles, cross-scored shiitake mushrooms, scallions, and sprigs of mizuna. The star of the dish was the finely marbled slices of beef, comparable in quality to the premium wagyu I once served during the Brigade’s welcome banquet.

“Yes, Japanese cuisine is one of the roots of our empire’s culture. Would you like to use raw egg as well?” Minato asked.

“Please do,” I replied, intrigued that even this detail had been preserved.

A wooden container held steaming white rice, which the kimono-clad woman served with practiced grace. The sight of such careful preparation only heightened my anticipation, though it also left me a little self-conscious.

(Even after thousands of years, there’s no trace of Ryugen Chairman or Saioji’s features in Minato…)

Minato was undeniably an attractive man, but after millennia, it was unsurprising that the familiar faces of those I once knew had faded from existence. Yet, the commanding aura Minato exuded was reminiscent of those who were born to lead.

“Please, don’t hesitate,” Minato urged with a smile.

Following his encouragement, I dipped the thinly sliced beef into the raw egg and brought it to my mouth. The combination of flavors and textures was so nostalgic that I felt the urge to shovel rice into my mouth immediately. I restrained myself, eating with as much decorum as I could muster.

“Do you drink, Lord Allen?” Minato asked.

“No, I’m fine, thank you,” I answered, wary of the possibility of losing control. Despite my enhanced resistance to toxins and alcohol in this body, I didn’t want to risk any mishaps. Minato, however, indulged in a small cup of sake, downing it effortlessly.

“As a member of the Saioji family, it is truly an honor to meet you, Lord Allen. This sentiment is not mine alone but shared by everyone present,” Minato said, his tone turning solemn as he set his sake cup down.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I feel unworthy of such praise. I’ve yet to achieve anything remarkable,” I replied honestly.

Minato shook his head gently. “That is not the case. Your great achievements began the day you met Lord Ryugen Saioji.”

“The day we met?” I asked, puzzled.

“Yes. In Lord Ryugen’s personal writings, he stated, ‘On that day, I met Kaimei and regained the treasure and resolve I had lost. From that moment, my life began to move forward once more.’ Scholars in our empire continue to debate the meaning of the ‘treasure and resolve’ he mentioned. Do you have any thoughts on this, Lord Allen?”

I recalled that “Kaimei” was the name I would adopt in the future. The “treasure” Ryugen mentioned was undoubtedly his daughter, Saioji Shizuku. As for the “resolve”… perhaps it referred to his renewed commitment to the interdimensional enterprise.

(Does the lack of the Saioji name in this world mean it was deliberately erased?)

It was unclear whether the Saioji family had failed to return to Earth or if Ryugen had intentionally obscured their legacy. Either way, their existence seemed deliberately hidden from history.

“I’m sorry, but I cannot speak on that,” I said carefully.

Minato relaxed slightly, his stern expression softening. “Of course. I understand you must have your reasons. I’ll look forward to the day our historians unravel this mystery.”

Minato smiled faintly and shifted the conversation to another topic.