第１７１２堀：上はやっぱり難色を示す (Part2)
"It's no good, you know. Traveling merchants have surprisingly tough jobs. If you don't research the local market prices and goods to some extent, people get suspicious. They might bring products from Weed, or say they're from Weed… but have they resolved that issue? Isn't it too obvious?"
It was true, I had heard stories about merchants stopping by Weed.
But Ratz seemed worried about that very thing.
"Hmm, the distance isn't particularly strange, but a village wouldn't normally be a sales channel, would it?"
"Exactly. The profits are higher selling Weed's products in the royal capitals and cities of each country, and the risks are lower. It's not like there's anyone from that village or someone connected to it there. Well, maybe they'd bring something as a special attraction or to draw customers to the village, but..."
Ratz seemed unable to make up his mind and was scratching his head.
I didn't know what to think about that either. I had heard that a merchant who procured goods in Weed had come to Dafio, so it wasn't strange in itself, but when it came to a village...
"Well, we'll just have to say they're pioneering new territory. Didn't they say that because the opening of the gate would eliminate trade with distant villages, Weed would take over that role?"
"Yes, the commercial district of Weed is handling it. They're entrusting it to merchants like Asu."
Asu is the first officially recognized slave merchant in Weed.
Now, in cooperation with Ratz, he has many stores and runs a trading company that handles not only slaves but also general merchandise.
In other words, he has known Yuki-sama longer than I have.
I'm a little jealous.
"Asu, huh? I haven't seen him in a while. I haven't reported on Orelia and the others' progress."
"It's alright, Yuki-sama. We're going to see them."
Yayu replied, but the people who were sold as slaves were going to meet the person who sold them?
I wasn't exactly eager to meet that type of person...
"Eh? You're meeting them?"
"Yes. They were curious about us, naturally. Besides, we became Yuki-sama's subordinates, and they treated us well."
"Ah, that's true about Asu. I see him occasionally too."
Ah, I see. It's natural for Asu to be concerned about Orelia and the others.
Moreover, even though they were slaves, they were introduced, educated, and in cooperation with Weed, they gathered and treated those who were injured or in dire straits. It would be rude to compare them to other slave merchants.
"Ria, you've met him too?"
"Yes, it was when I met everyone who was sold around the same time, or when I happened to be there. Asu sees that sort of thing as good publicity."
"That's right. Ria and the others were the first members I bought as slaves. I don't see them much, but how are they doing?"
"They're all working diligently at their respective jobs. You know, you met the one working at the hotel for important people, right?"
"I did. Maybe I'll bring them some sweets next time."
"Yes. I think they'd be happy."
As I was feeling warm and fuzzy thinking about how Ria's peers were doing well...
"Well, that aside, they're selecting people from Asu's place after explaining our situation, so there shouldn't be any problems. As for what kind of goods they'll handle, that's something to discuss when the merchant arrives. Regarding the budget..."
As Ratz was saying this, Kagura raised her hand and spoke up.
"Yuki, about those supplies, Haiden will provide everything."
"Why? Oh, you're thinking about various things, aren't you?"
Not only Yuki-sama, but all of us understood the intention behind Kagura's statement.
Although this incident hasn't been made public, the major powers have been notified. And for Haiden, who had previously kidnapped Yuki-sama, his wife, and children, it was expected that they would take some action.
If they didn't do something, they would be suspected, no matter what they did...
"Just as Yuki-sama said. We discussed it with Age and others, but in the end, those who want to complain will complain, so we decided it's best to actively move towards a solution."
"I see. If Stasia and the others have decided that, then we have no objections. We will cooperate fully."
When Yuki-sama said that, we all nodded and accepted Kagura's active cooperation.
Simply put, adults are dirty.