Chapter 87: Ryuunosuke – Episode 2

<City of Kaemos – Japan Trading Company Branch Office>

In the President’s office

“Well, well, esteemed hero, I apologize for inconveniencing you. I am Ryuunosuke, the president of the Japan Trading Company.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Hayato. We’re fellow Japanese, and since I don’t possess much power myself, please don’t be too formal with me.”

“Hmm, I see. Then let’s keep it that way. Nice to meet you, everyone accompanying you as well.”

Following my greeting, the women standing behind the hero responded casually.

(He has so many women accompanying him. I wonder where he found them… It’s outrageous for this handsome hero to have such a harem of beautiful women. How infuriating.)

I may look young for my age, and my face is considered attractive. However, this Hayato is on another level. He is undeniably a super handsome guy, which makes me even more bitter.

Regaining my composure, I shook hands with each person one by one and exchanged introductions. Of course, it was all to establish their subservience through my mental manipulation skill.

However, it seemed that the unique skills possessed by the hero, “Status Abnormality Resistance” and “Aura of the Hero,” prevented my skill from working on anyone.

I had been aware of their abilities since they arrived in the city, thanks to Misery’s reports. But to have such resistance, they truly live up to the title of heroes.

(If that’s the case, I’ll have to pull them in by my own means.)

“The reason I called you here today is none other than that. As fellow countrymen, I thought I could be of some help. Let’s start by deepening our friendship, shall we?”

“That would be much appreciated. We’ve just arrived in the city and don’t know much, so any advice would be helpful.”

“Of course. Despite appearances, I have branches in all the cities. By the way, I was recently elected as a member of the United Council. So, I believe I can be quite flexible in that regard as well.”

“But… why would you go so far for us, strangers we are? There doesn’t seem to be any benefit for you, Ryuunosuke-san, right?”

(How dare he ask so bluntly! He should show more respect! Seriously, what is this lord of the city doing? He should have ingrained my position more firmly. He’s utterly useless.)

“Oh, it’s not like I’m doing it for free. I’m thinking that it would be great if you could work under me.”

“What kind of work do you have in mind for us?”

“Becoming a hero, saint, or sword saint alone can act as a deterrent to the human race. Well, to be frank, I want you to become a banner for my council under my leadership.”

“Are you asking us to participate in a war? If that’s the case, we would prefer to live peacefully.”

“Well, hold on, don’t rush to conclusions. It’s not like I’m asking for an immediate answer. When the time comes, I would like to seek your cooperation. This is also the consensus of the council.”

Of course, it was a lie, but my decisions were akin to the council’s consensus. Since everyone would follow me, it was not far from the truth.

“I see… If we don’t cooperate, will there be any penalties for us?”

“Well, it’s hard to say. I’ll take care of it, but other council members might interfere. After all, you’re heroes.”

“Our… our wish is to live peacefully in this city. We’ve only just arrived, and it would be troublesome if we were suddenly asked to participate in a war.”

(What’s with this hero? If he knows he’s a valuable existence, shouldn’t he want to stand out more? He’s wasting his abilities.)

Talking to the hero alone wasn’t getting us anywhere. It seemed more prudent to fill in the gaps from the outside.

“What about the women behind you? If they join me, I can promise them a luxurious life even in this world. They can have anything they desire. Of course, war is the last resort. It’s just an empty dream that might or might not happen.”

Upon my question, voices murmuring things like “A luxurious life!” and “Anything we want?” could be faintly heard. It seemed like their interest had been piqued to a certain extent.

“Even if you decide to live independently in the city, you still need money for various things. Whether you become adventurers or work in the city, it would be quite challenging to support this many people… What do you all think?”

“If we all work together, we’ll manage!”

“Y-Yeah, you’re right. We can do it!”

“Yes, yes!”

“That sounds sweet, but I think it’s naive. Many Japanese people were transported here, so there aren’t enough job opportunities. Well, my shop can manage somehow, but…”

“Then why don’t we work at Ryuunosuke-san’s shop? And the heroes can become adventurers!”

“Oh, that might be a good idea!”

“We’re all in favor!”

(Alright, things are going quite smoothly. If I can also win over the heroes…)

“Everyone, hold on for a moment. Relying too much on others isn’t a good idea, I believe. Let’s take the time to discuss it thoroughly. Ryuunosuke-san, may I have some time to think?”

(Hey, who does he think he is! “I am the hero, you know?” Is that his attitude? Even though I’ve made so many concessions, this is unacceptable.)

“Of course, I understand. Take your time to discuss and make a decision. However, I’m quite busy myself and need to return to the capital soon. I would appreciate a prompt response if possible.”

“Understood. We will discuss it as soon as possible.”

“Ah, I’m looking forward to a favorable answer.”

Well, the seeds have been sown. Now I’ll work behind the scenes to push them into a corner and make them beg from there.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up such a topic out of the blue. I apologize if I made you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, your kindness is much appreciated. We just need a little time, so please don’t worry.”

“I see… Well, our conversation will change, but can you tell me about your past until now?”

“Yes, of course. In the beginning…”

During the conversation, I thought I had made them wary for a moment. However, afterwards, we engaged in casual small talk. When the topic shifted to the Nanashi Village located in the Great Forest, the hero’s face lit up with the biggest smile of the day.

I had heard that a Japanese man was the village chief, but my understanding was limited to thinking of them as “those who diligently sell rice and potatoes.” According to the reports from the council, they didn’t possess significant military strength, and their population was less than a hundred people. Even if they were to increase slightly in the future, they were harmless to me. Instead, I could use them as a source of food.

Somehow, it seemed that the dragon had decided to move to the village as well. No matter how powerful an individual may be, in times of conflict, numbers matter. Such a retired soldier is more suited to a quiet life in a remote village.

As irritating as it was to listen to the hero happily talk about the old man in the village, since he was in a good mood, I would let it slide.

“I see, you’ve been through a lot until now… Well, let’s work together from now on. We’re fellow Japanese, and I’m always here to lend a listening ear.”

“Thank you very much. We will focus on building a stable life here, so please support us.”

(Unfortunately, you’re not the protagonist of this world. I’m the one who should become the main character.)

――――

After bidding them farewell, the heroes quickly left. They showed no interest in making any demands or showed indifference towards us, which irritated me.

“Hey, Misery, I’m heading back to the capital immediately. If they don’t join us, do whatever it takes to obstruct them. Peace and taking our time? I won’t allow that.”

“Understood, I’ll inform the lord of this place as well. I’ll also relay the message to the trade company, innkeeper, and the Adventurer Guild Master.”

“Ryuunosuke, even if we can’t get them all, let’s try to get some of them on our side.”

“Of course, especially the women. Use money and power to entice them. If worse comes to worst, seeing the hero’s despair alone will be enough.”

“I will do as you say. I’ll provide regular reports on the situation.”

“Hahaha, I’m looking forward to the report on the fallen hero!”

The hero can envy my splendid life while he falls into despair.

――Soon, this country will be mine. Once I replace the council chairman, I can control everything as I wish.

Hero, you can only continue to decline while being jealous of my glorious life.

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