Chapter 14: The Changing East

“Has it changed a bit?”

Arriving at the dairy farming city of Hilte, I take a look around the bustling main street.

Originally a trading city, it was reasonably lively, but now it’s so crowded that it’s best described as chaotic.

“It’s because of the ‘Malhas demand.’ Hilte is on the verge of bursting as a trading hub.”

“Is that because of what we pioneered?”

“Yes, that’s right. With the surrounding agricultural products, dairy, labyrinth resources flowing in from Malhas, and lumber, people naturally gather here.”

Even in front of the shops, there are street stalls set up, and horse-drawn carts loaded with goods come and go on the main street.

The Viscount of Hilte must be having a hard time.

“Can we even find lodging in this situation?”

“I’ve already sent a letter by carrier pigeon. Just like last time, we’ve reserved rooms at ‘Hotel Madrena.'”

This kind of efficiency is commendable indeed.

During the “Silhasta” era, Saran was solely responsible for such matters.

Although I’m eager to help, it’s best not to interfere unnecessarily. An amateurs interference can be a hindrance.

“With so many people, there are bound to be many troubles, right?”

“Yeah. When people gather, all sorts of troubles can happen…”

Even when the new city of Malhas was established, it was quite troublesome. In the end, such issues had to be resolved through violence, power, or money, and violence was the most effective and quickest solution.

Considering this, Saran might have been quite astute to appoint me as “Guild Master Pro Tem” so promptly. I wonder how far ahead this sly glasses is looking.

“Hey, sis.”

After leaving our horses and Gregure at the outskirts stable and returning to the main street, a man who looked like a merchant approached Fimia and spoke to her.

Although he looked the part, his eyes were sharp. He didn’t seem like he was doing particularly good business.

“Yes, what is it?”

“How much for that pure white running lizard, Raptor? Will you sell it to me?”

“That child is not for sale.”

I admire Fimia for ambiguously smiling and avoiding the question. She’s truly a “saint.” To maintain a smile even when someone was being so rude to her. If it were me, I’d have already punched him.

“Come on, don’t be like that. If you need a traveling companion, I can provide a horse! But I really want that.”

“Even if you say so, it’s troubling. That child is my precious companion.”

“Come on.”

The moment the merchant grabbed Fimia’s right hand— I jabbed him lightly in the face. I felt the sensation of his nasal cartilage snapping and caving in under my fist, and at the same time, the man fell backward onto the ground. Well, he didn’t fly off. I gauged the strength perfectly.

“Don’t touch Fimia.”

I take Fimia’s hand and shielded her behind me.

Dealing with annoying people like him is my job.

“W-what are you doing?”

“What’s your intention? Trying to make a forceful deal?”

“Ugh, I’ll sue you! If I say the word, you guys…”

The merchant-like man shouts loudly, attracting even more attention.

“This has become troublesome.”

“No, that was good, Jurg. You looked quite dignified.”

I tilt my head slightly at Saran’s words, but it’s usual for me not to understand what he’s talking about. More importantly, I want to do something about this screaming idiot.

“Hey, you there. Don’t you think it’s only natural to suffer like that if you a woman with a partner without permission?”

“But does that mean you have to punch me!?”

“That’s just a difference in interpretation. If I were serious, you would already be dead, you know?”

Saran shoots a glance at me.

Certainly, that’s true. If I had really gone all out, this guy’s head would probably be flying somewhere by now.

“Is this your first time coming to the Eastern Region? It’s a bit careless of you not to know who we are.”

“What are you talking about…”

“I’m saying that you are extremely lucky to be able to touch the Jurg Dreadnought’s woman and still be alive.”

Saran’s threatening words twisted the man’s face into something dreadful.

But he wasn’t lying. This man was indeed fortunate.

He’s still alive after earning my wrath.

“If you understand, please go. Don’t ruin his mood any further, okay?”

“Eek!”

Letting out a small scream, the man runs off into the crowd.

Most of them freeze and can’t move their feet, so he’s quite bold.

“Um, Jurg…”

“Oops, sorry.”

I release Fimia’s hand and lightly pat her head.

I might have surprised her by suddenly resorting to violence.

“Haa… Already running into trouble, huh? Malhas should consider various things.”

“Yeah, maybe. With this many merchants in Hilte, they’ll eventually come to Malhas too.”

“I’ll leave the complicated matters to you and Saran.”

In response to my words, Rolo gives a small wry smile.

“It’s an adventurer’s town, so wouldn’t it be better to be a little more threatening like you did earlier?”

“If that’s necessary, I’ll do it. Right, Saran?”

“Yes. For now, there’s no particular problem, but if necessary, I’ll set up a storefront and establish a franchise. Dealing with lawlessness is your job, after all.”

I see.

He has already anticipated what we’re worried about.

As always, the strategist is reliable and well-prepared.

…Now if only my personality could be sorted out.

“Well, I felt a rude front, you know, Jurg?”

“You’re imagining things. Come on, let’s get going.”

We walk along the streets of the dairy farming city as the veil of night begins to descend.

Even in the darkness, the lantern-hung stalls doing business symbolize the changing eastern region.

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