READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 70 - Episode 70: Busty Merchant Girl
Episode 70: Busty Merchant Girl
“Are you telling me that we’re going to handle demon diplomacy? Can that really be profitable?”
As expected of Merchant Namba. The criteria for discussing matters depend on profitability. My choice of personnel seems to have been correct.
“In addition to a monthly salary, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the buying and selling of goods within the Demon Duke’s territory.”
“Huh? W-What do you mean?”
I spread out a map on the table.
“Take a look at this. This entire area is my territory.”
“Woah! W-What’s this? It’s huge! This isn’t just a duchy, it’s a kingdom!”
“Currently, we’re in the midst of invading the Demon King’s territory.”
“W-We’re invading the Demon King’s territory!?”
Every time she gets surprised, her busty chest jiggles like crazy. At this rate, will they pop out? If that happens, it’s inevitable. Exciting… No, now’s not the time to be excited.
“W-Wait a minute. What do you mean by you, a demon, invading the Demon King’s territory?”
External parties don’t know that I’ve betrayed my own kind. I need to explain it from there.
I recounted the entire story.
“So, yeah. I defeated Hero Cea. For the Demon King, the mark of a hero was a threat. Now that the threat is gone, my position as a Demon Duke became a hindrance. Therefore, he tried to make my territory his own. I couldn’t accept that, so I rebelled against the Demon King and decided to rule the Demon King’s territory.”
“I see… That’s a ruthless story.”
“So, we’re currently in the midst of invasion. Of course, there have been no casualties.”
“Huh? N-No casualties? So, no one got injured!?”
“Of course not. My subordinates are excellent. They’re not the kind to lose to the Demon King’s army.”
“B-But… We’re facing the Demon King’s army, right?”
“That’s right. That’s why we’re proceeding with caution.”
“Hmm… Even though I may not look it, I’m the guild leader.”
Oh, I didn’t know that. I believe she’s 17 years old. Her character is set to become an ally of the hero to bring peace to the world for the sake of adventure. In theory, she’s supposed to be a mid-boss aiming to defeat the demon duke Zaus. It’s kind of strange to be recruiting such a character as an ally.
Now, if she’s the guild leader…
“Is it related to business?”
“Yeah. Namba’s Guild. You see, about a hundred merchants belong to it. Well, there’s no actual building. It’s a fictional guild.”
“I see. So, do you handle work through verbal agreements?”
“Yeah, that’s right. Since there’s no receptionist, I handle all the business matters. Well, even though I’m called the guild leader, it might just be in name only. People in Kasegi Country are aware of these fictional guilds. Even though I’m the guild leader, I’m also affiliated with other guilds.”
“Hmm. It’s an interesting system. It means that there are trade routes and connections in each guild.”
“That’s right. But my dream is big. I want to open a splendid tavern in the future. And I want to be the guild leader there.”
That’s a nice dream.
“You’re the one who’s been interfering with my business, Demon Duke Zaus. What do you have to say for yourself?”
“Huh?”
“Well, ever since you inherited your title, things have been peaceful. There hasn’t been much damage, but your presence has always restricted our trading range. Your existence has been hindering our business.”
“I see.”
In the game system, the existence of the demon duke is like a tutorial for the early stages. It’s problematic that people from this area can’t just go about anywhere. Initially, there were significant restrictions on movement, supposedly due to the threat posed by my father, the former demon duke, Gozack.
“Becoming your ally means expanding our trading range.”
“That’s not the only benefit. All the goods from the plundered territory will flow through your guild.”
“Hmm…”
She narrowed her eyes.
“What’s wrong? Isn’t this all beneficial to you? Expanding your business territory, expanding trade routes. You’ll reap the benefits from the untouched Demon Duke’s territory. It’s guaranteed profit. Your dream could come true soon, couldn’t it?”
“Your offer is too good…”
“Hahaha. It’s because I trust in your abilities.”
“Hmm… If we’re part of the foreign affairs team, what exactly will we be doing?”
“Primarily, negotiating over the invaded lands.”
“You mean, the former Demon King’s territory, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Isn’t there a danger involved? Like, assassinations? Trading with a former enemy country… Sounds dangerous, no?”
“Well, that’s where the foreign minister comes in. You won’t need to appear on the front lines.”
“Huh? Then what are you asking for?”
“Your high calculation ability and business sense.”
“S-Sense…?”
“Yeah.”
Hehehe. I know she has exceptional business sense. In this game world called Brekue, you quickly run out of money after the story begins. And she, the expert money-maker, solves that financial problem.
“Hmm… Business sense, huh? It’s embarrassing when you put it that way.”
“How about it? Will you do it?”
“…Sir, you’re a demon, right?”
“Can’t you tell just by looking?”
“Hahaha. With your blue skin and a horn on your forehead, you definitely look like a demon. That’s why it’s strange.”
“What’s strange about it?”
“Don’t you usually use force for this kind of thing? Like, kidnapping me?”
“I hadn’t thought about that. Alright, I’ll resort to force now. I’ll restrain you, torture you, and make you say ‘yes.'”
“Eeeeh!? W-Wait, have mercy!!”
“Just kidding. If I were going to do that, I would’ve done it already.”
“Why haven’t you then? With your power, you could have, right?”
“There’s no benefit in that.”
“Huh?”
“If I force you to work, you won’t do a good job willingly. Moreover, you’ll always be looking for opportunities to rebel or betray.”
“T-That’s true. If you force someone to do something, they’ll want to escape.”
“It would be pointless. If you were able to accumulate power to rebel secretly, even I wouldn’t have a countermeasure. I can’t keep checking on my subordinates all the time. Even though I don’t feel like losing to you in a dispute, it would definitely lead to significant losses.”
“Losses?”
“Recruiting you, investing time in training… Even the time spent talking to you right now. If you were to betray me, it would all be for nothing.”
“I see! So, you’ll need to scout new talent again. Mr. Zaus, you really have a great business sense!”
“If you’re going to invest time and effort, it’s more efficient to focus on excellent talent from the start.”
“Excellent talent…”
Namba blushed.
“Well… I guess… you noticed my sense. I’ll give you that.”
“So, will you do it?”
“Hmm… I’m still not sure. Let me see the details at least. Then I’ll decide.”
“I see.”
“Then let’s prepare for the journey. Shall we leave first thing tomorrow morning?”
“No, if we’re going, let’s go right away.”
“Ah, that’s why I said first thing tomorrow morning. It takes quite some time to reach the Demon Duke’s territory. It’ll take over a week even with a carriage. We need to procure food and supplies.”
“I see… So, if I refuse, I’ll need to be prepared to turn back.”
“Well, that’s how it is. The most important thing in work is to be cautious, even if you only say good things on the surface.”
“Yes, caution is a good thing. I don’t mind.”
“Well then, see you tomorrow.”
“No, let’s finish it in one day. We shouldn’t waste each other’s time.”
“No. That’s why we need to prepare for the journey! —”
I lifted her up.
“Hey! Wha-!? Mr. Zaus!? W-What are you doing!?”
“I’m recruiting you, obviously.”
“I-Isn’t this a mistake in kidnapping!?”
“Then just stay put for a bit.”
“Huh? W-What are you doing!?”
“Acceleration Accelerator.”
I started running with acceleration magic.
Vrooooom!!
“H-Hey, this is too faaaaast!! W-What’s going on!?”
Hmm.
We’ve arrived.
Screeeech!!
“Alright. We’re here.”
“Eh!? Huh!?”
“Don’t cling to me, just get off.”
Her chest is hitting me.
I’m too lucky.
“W-What, what is this place!? Where are we!?”
“It’s my territory.”
“Huh?”
“Welcome to Zaus Town.”
“Eeeeeh!? W-We covered that distance in an instant!?”
She needs to make up her mind by the end of today. If Namba joins the foreign affairs team, there’s no doubt that it will reduce the burden on other members.