Trantor: SFBaka


    Editor: Thors Stone


    (Oi, oi, is it really okay to choose that person to cooperate with? Or are you saying that was merely a rumor and the truth of the matter is otherwise?)


    No, its probably true. Actually, he seems to advocate a rather high-handed approach when ites to collecting donations from some believers and practically extorts considerable sums from them.


    (Un, I see. So hes a guy who moves for money huh. But still)


    Even so, he seems to be rather respected by those close to him and treated as a virtuous clergyman.


    (And whys that?)


    He spends most of the churchs earnings as well as his own personal wealth to support orphans. He is the actual owner of all the orphanages scattered around the royal capital and the neighboring cities.


    (Hou, so thats how it is huh.)


    The money was mostly earned through unsavory means, but if most of that money was used to support orphans, then that painted a different picture. For people like me who werent so into religion, he might certainly appear to be more virtuouspared to your typical clergyman.


    Hmm. But if he really was a devout believer of the church, then how could he bear to make use of it for his own personal ends, even if the goal does seem to be noble?


    Theres a possibility that he really wasnt such a devout believer after all and was just conveniently taking advantage of the churchs established system.


    I guess he thinks the end justifies the means.


    (I understand. Ill try to get in contact with this person then.)


    Its decided. My n for tomorrow is to walk around the royal capital.


    *Baron Volkers POV


    I went to the castle at exactly 10 in the morning, and I was allowed to enter inside as soon as I told the castle guards that I was summoned by Marquis Burke. It looks like they were already informed of my visit. The chambein met up with me as soon as I stepped inside and led me to the marquis office.


    It seems that the marquis was in the middle of a meeting with two men who were unfamiliar to me. The moment I was shown inside, the two men immediately excused themselves and left the room.


    I knelt in front of the marquis and bowed my head down.


    Volker huh. You seem to have returnedst night.


    Yes. I was safely escorted back to the royal capital by n-dono and his n, Shining Star.


    That seems to be the case. So how was it? Did you seed?


    Unfortunately, the negotiations regarding the dragons magic stone fell through. I am truly sorry for my failure.


    Hmph. He seems to be acting rather high and mighty for a mere adventurer. So, which territory did he choose in the end?


    n-dono seemed to be rather interested in the Great Demon Forest, so I tried to rmend granting it as his territory.


    When I did so, he seemed to be really taken with the idea, so we reached a deal with the condition that he will be able to expand hisnds without limit as long as he is able toy im to thend through his own strength.


    In exchange for allowing him to expand technically without limit, he agreed to give us both dragon fangs in return.


    The Great Demon Forest, you say!? Well now! This certainly is a masterpiece! To think hed actually choose that damned forest! As I thought, uneducatedmoners really just amount to this much. Pah. A forest! And that forest to boot! Fuhahahaha!


    Hmph. If you really underestimate n-dono as someone uneducated and without sense, he will probably pull the rug from under you when you least expect it.


    A leader who managed to assemble such a formidable force under him cannot be a mere lucky fool.


    The trust and loyalty of his men toward n-dono were quite considerable. But if the rumors about n-dono were all true, then that really wasnt so surprising.


    The story I rted to the marquis earlier was something n-dono came up with. He strongly insisted that I give my report in this manner.


    To be honest, I have no idea about what n-dono is actually thinking. Why go through all this trouble to lower his worth in the eyes of others?


    Its possible that he may just be doing this as a favor to me, but I do not think he is a man who would purposefully lower his standing just to sell a favor.


    I could not fathom his intentions no matter how I thought about it, but I will dly follow his instructions for Rinas sake.


    However, Volker, I did not think you would be such a capable man. It seems I have misunderstood you. Well done.


    I thank you for your praise, My Lord.


    As promised, I shall let the matter regarding Rina slide. However, do not think for one moment that you are now considered a part of our n with this. I merely acknowledge you as Rinas partner and nothing more. Understood?


    Yes. I understand.


    Very well. I now feel like meeting that man called n myself. Have hime see me tomorrow morning. I shall prepare the contract with the conditions you agreed upon, so have him bring the dragon fangs with him as well.


    Certainly, My Lord. Um, what about the matter of n-dono taming a dragon?


    Ah, yes, I have heard of it. However, I have only heard of such a story through unreliable rumors.


    When I conducted an investigation in Gantz, I was able to find many witnesses who imed that they personally witnessed a dragon carrying another dragon and dropping it near the city.


    That seems to be the case. But the words of meremoners are simply too unreliable. I have already sent my men to gather intelligence, and they will be returning soon. Do you have anything else to report?


    No more, My Lord.


    Then you may go. Ah, and take this with you.


    The marquis took a leather bag from the drawer and threw it to me. Judging from its weight, it seems to contain quite a number of gold coins. It was rather surprising for me to receive this much as a reward for my services, especiallying from the marquis.


    I truly thank you for your kindness, My Lord! I shall be excusing myself.


    I left the office immediately in order to avoid offending the marquis.


    Haah. Its finally over. Im sure Rina will be quite happy. Oh, right. Ill buy Rina a bunch of her favorite lily flowers before going home.


    Just as I decidedst night, I will proceed with walking around the royal capital today. Well be staying here for quite a while, so it would be better to get an adequate grasp of they of thend before anything else.


    Cleria and the others said they would be shopping today, so we decided to split up. First, I need to pay a visit to Katolles uncle together with him and his merchant team.


    Katolle seems to have visited the royal capital three times in the past already, and he seems to have a good handle on the ce. Katolles uncle who was living here was actually Tarus-sans younger brother. He was apparently five years younger than Tarus-san.


    This is my uncles shop.


    Hou, he has quite the big establishment. I already anticipated it wouldnt be a small shop, but this is more than I expected.


    Its a specialty store that mainly handles grains. If its limited to trading grains, my uncles store would be able topete for the number one or two spot in the royal capital.


    Hou, that sounds pretty amazing.


    We promptly entered the building, and Katolle announced the purpose of our visit. We were then guided to what seemed to be a consultation room. It looks like the employees were rather familiar with Katolle and treated him appropriately as their bosss rtive.


    Before long, a man in his forties who looked a lot like Tarus-san entered the room.


    Whats going on, Katolle? And, pardon me for asking, but who is this person?


    This person is Shining Stars n leader, n-sama.


    Ooh, so this is him! My name is Turner, Katolles uncle. Im very pleased to meet you.


    Im n. Im d to meet you as well. Weve really been in your care yesterday. Thank you.


    It wasnt much. Please do not hesitate to consult me about anything at any time. You are looking after Katolle as well after all. And if its for you, the vaunted Bandit Hunter, n-sama, I would be willing to go the extra mile no matter the request.


    We were served some tea and started to chat. He seems to be really interested in the rumors surrounding Shining Star that were circting in the royal capital.


    It looks like weve really be the talk of the town. However, it seems that rather than Shining Stars aplishments, what they were particrly interested in more was our earnings.


    Well, the merchants who participated in the auction should all have a rough idea about how much money we managed to earn for ourselves.


    If you go to a bar in the capital, it seems that this topic was the most popr one.


    After chatting with Turner-san for an hour or so, we decided to leave so as not to disturb his business further.


    When I told him I would be visiting the church, Katolle disyed aplicated expression and said he would be collecting information about the royal capital in his uncles store instead, together with the rest of the merchant team. It looks like Katolle and the others werent exactly devout believers huh.