第１５２６堀：本当の交渉？ (Part1)
Chapter 1526: A Real Negotiation?
Side: Kagura
Before my eyes, Bamai-dono signs the contract.
The finer details are for later, but essentially, it is a contract stating that he will cooperate with this venture. Of course, it can be nullified if there is a valid reason. Naturally, that applies to us in Haiden as well. It is a mutual agreement that we will not switch to another merchant guild—specifically, one cheaper than the Danaddemi Merchant Guild—led by Bamai-dono. With this, we shouldn’t betray one another... I think. Unless something truly catastrophic happens, at least.
For Yuki and his group, this was merely a side quest, but for the Princess of Haiden, it is a monumental undertaking. What was once essentially support from Weed has now become a direct line to the Danaddemi Merchant Guild; one could say she has forged this connection through her own efforts. Well, it is true that none of this would be possible without Weed’s gate, but securing a contract with a reputable merchant guild from another continent is a significant achievement. If the crops and imported goods can bolster the national treasury, it will be an even greater boon. Or rather, if it doesn’t result in a profit, the Princess’s standing will suffer. Thus, this contract is truly vital in its own right.
But for Weed, the real business is just beginning.
"It’s wonderful that we’ve come to an understanding~. Now then, I have a question I’d like to ask you, Bamai-san, if you don’t mind~?"
Lilishe-sama speaks up. Even with a smile on her face, her presence is overwhelming. It’s truly incredible how Yuki can brush off this kind of pressure so casually.
"Lilishe-sama, you wish to ask me? I don’t mind, but is this really the place for such a conversation? The people of Haiden are present, after all."
Even a merchant as seasoned as Bamai-dono seems surprised by the sudden shift. It is, indeed, unheard of for Lilishe-sama, who came as a mediator from Litea, to engage in such talk with Bamai-dono during a negotiation with Haiden. Well, that was the intention. If we didn’t do it this way, the Dark Guild might catch on. Though, given that Bamai-dono is here, if there were a connection, they would likely already be suspicious—yet, their movements have been strangely sluggish. I can see why Yuki and the others are tilting their heads in confusion. That is precisely why we are forcing the issue from our end.
As for the continuation of the conversation:
"It’s fine~. You know that these girls are Yuki-san’s concubines, don’t you~?"
"Well, I am aware of that, yes... I see. And what might your business be?"
"Do you know the reason why we participated in the auction in the town of Wean~?"
"Yes. Primarily to secure rare species, and if possible, to secure talent as well, correct?"
"That’s right~. In this coming era, people will be arriving from different continents, bringing with them different cultures and perceptions~. For those people—no, even for us—rare species are easily targeted by bad people, aren’t they~?"
"Indeed, there is value in rarity alone. Unfortunately, such kidnappers still exist in the Rogali continent. Or rather, there are those who simply kidnap anyone they can find."
At Bamai-dono’s bitter smile, both Micos and I wear troubled expressions. It’s not just rare species; even common kidnappings are rampant in non-allied nations. Even in Rogali, where Yuki has been for some time, the situation remains this dire. Who knows when slavery will truly vanish? Well, Yuki himself once said that even if the word "slave" disappears, people will simply become bound by employment. I don’t know what "employment" entails, but I want to believe it will be better than the current state of affairs.
While I was lost in thought, Lilishe-sama and Bamai-dono continued their exchange.
"Exactly. That’s why we participated in this auction—to hunt down those bad actors~. You know about Suurus, don’t you~?"
"Yes. A Great Outbreak in a mere grassland with no dungeon. Taking advantage of that, Irinau and Kinauf advanced their armies. On the surface, it might seem like a response to the Great Outbreak, but the reaction was far too swift."
"You’ve done your homework~. You’re a good boy~."
"Haha, I am no match for Lilishe-sama. However, I see where you are going with this. You mean to say those bastards are behind it."
She is likely referring to the Dark Guild. "Those bastards"—he must really despise them. Ah, but then again, it’s only natural to hate them. Which means...
I glance at Micos, and after confirming her nod, I look toward Lilishe-sama, who also nods with a smile.
"That’s right~. It seems none of the participants in this auction had any ties to the Dark Guild, though~."
"That is only natural. I personally supervised this auction from the shadows. There is no way those bastards could have infiltrated it."
"You’re as strict as ever when it comes to the Dark Guild~. But the fact that you aren’t surprised to hear about the shadows means..."
"Yes. The destruction of their headquarters was widely publicized, and as for the branches, I have been cooperating to crush every one I know of. I believe you heard that I handed over a list of those involved?"
"I heard~. But I didn’t think you were convinced that there were survivors~."
"What are you saying? If those bastards were so easily wiped out, my merchant guild alone would have finished the job. That organization truly has roots that extend into every detail. Judging who is truly involved is incredibly difficult."
"Meaning?"
"The 'headquarters' of a branch—though that is a strange way to put it—is where the orders are issued, so they can be identified as the Dark Guild. What they do is pitch black, after all. But when it comes to the details, the periphery, it is hard to judge whether they are truly committing crimes or not."
I see. This is the topic Yuki was talking about. People who were merely trading or gathering supplies cannot simply be labeled criminals. It is possible they were just ordinary merchants buying and selling for profit. I can understand why Bamai-dono feels it would be too extreme to purge them as Dark Guild factions.
"Then~, is that the reason why the Danaddemi Merchant Guild has been increasing its transactions and influence, or rather, its sales lately~?"
"Ah, I see. Looking at the movements of the Dark Guild, it does look suspicious that my guild’s sales are rising."
Wow, Lilishe-sama asked so directly, and Bamai-dono answered just as easily. Micos looks over at me in surprise. I wonder if my presence and Micos’s were even necessary, but since we have to verify this properly, I decide to speak up.
"Excuse me, Bamai-dono. Judging by your words, it sounds as though you are hunting for the Dark Guild, is that correct?"