Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 10
Let’s clarify the current situation.
First, this job was basically: “We want to transport most of our goods to the neighboring country’s capital, Lindblum, so please provide escort.”
Normally, it would be impossible for a rookie like me to join an escort mission, but originally a veteran party was assigned, and I was squeezed in there somehow.
This was thanks to my fake background that painted me as a “pitiful guy,” and also because it was unexpectedly proven in tests that I could actually fight.
The escort was supposed to be only up to the border. Once past the border, knights from the neighboring country Lendia patrol the highways, so the danger level drops significantly.
Then, the plan was that I would transfer to the Lendia guild after crossing the border.
“So, that’s why I’m moving to the other country now.”
“Is that so? Then you have to find a new home.”
I started to wonder how much this traveling companion actually understood the situation…
But since she seems truly alone in the world, honestly, I want to take care of her at least until she can manage on her own.
“Same-san, our trading company also handles real estate. If you plan to settle over there, we can introduce some properties. About that rough gem… if you reconsider and sell it to us, we can definitely auction it off and bring better profits to your side.”
“Hahaha… I’ll think about it.”
Last time, I found those gems in that dungeon at the bottom of the valley — or so it was said. This time, I have two new rough gems: an emerald and a somewhat large sapphire.
Apparently, the trading company especially wants to sell the sapphire rough.
“Actually, you might know this, but the color used in the Lendia flag is deep navy blue, a dark blue. Because of that, blue jewelry is very popular among the nobles there. A sapphire rough of this size… if auctioned, nobles who have jewelers will all bid fiercely. Then the crafted oversized sapphire jewelry might be presented as a gift to Her Majesty the Queen at the year-end national founding festival — that’s a very plausible scenario.”
“Now that you mention it, you did say something about the year-end before.”
Is it already close to that year-end? Honestly, I don’t even know what season it is or how long a year lasts here.
But judging by their tone, it doesn’t seem strange to start preparing jewelry now — maybe it’s around autumn?
“…Could it be that at the national founding festival, we might get an audience with the Queen?”
“Hmm… If that jewelry catches the eye and is officially presented, the craftsman who made it might be able to attend the audience as well. But bringing in such a large sapphire… there’s indeed a chance to be granted an audience.”
Hmm… If we want to sell the dungeon core directly to the country, maybe this is the best approach?
Or should we go through the guild? I still don’t know how much influence the guild as an organization has, how trustworthy it is, or its relationship with the government, so I can’t act carelessly yet.
Wait…
“Hmm…”
“Is something wrong?”
“Same, what’s up? Cold stomach? Want me to wrap my tail around you more?”
So kind. No, wait!
Lately, my thoughts don’t feel like my own.
I’m a high school student, right? A second-year, just turned 17.
Then why am I thinking so carefully and cautiously?
Was I ever this thoughtful?
And why did I suddenly want to take care of this girl Melt?
“…Character correction… assimilation of experience, thoughts, and knowledge…?”
Could it be that because I’ve been using this Same body for so long, the knowledge and experience that this character should have are being fed back to me?
Sure enough, the online game I played had each created character set with a “background.”
You can customize jobs somewhat freely, but the background is fixed accordingly.
Same’s jobs are “Swordsman” and “Thief.”
That automatically sets his background: if you choose “Swordsman,” you get the setting of a noble’s second son.
Combined with “Thief,” the story is like “a fallen noble’s second son who steps into the underworld to survive.”
Because of that, when I try to remember the past deeply, I get memories of an unknown family and an unknown house.
Apparently, this fallen noble second son aimed to make his way in the underworld using his sword skills, learned thief skills, and acted like a kind of vigilante.
I believe that story also appeared in quests specific to the character.
So, this thoughtfulness, caution, and compassion toward others… maybe these feelings and experiences that Same should naturally have are being fed back to me?
It’s a little scary — like I’m not myself anymore.
The wish to “become my online game character” wasn’t just about having the same appearance, power, or items.
Literally, I’m becoming the character. Experience, memories, emotions, and thoughts are integrating with me… that’s the power of that malicious devil. It definitely put a trap on my abilities.
But at least it might be a useful side effect to live in this world.
At least I get hard-earned life experiences as a bonus.
“…I have to try various things next time…”
“Hmm? What will you try? If you plan to take those rough gems to other trading companies or guilds, be sure to observe their reactions carefully and check who they are before showing the actual gems. The capital is vast, full of all sorts of people.”
“Oh, sorry. That’s not it. Regarding the rough gems, I’m positively considering selling them to you.”
Oops, I said what I was thinking out loud.
But indeed, the only people I can trust to sell to right now seem to be this trading company.
This “Pigeon Trading Company” has enough power to hold sway in the capital of the Golda country, so they probably have a decent position in Lendia as well.
Even if not, they seem trustworthy enough to give me advice like this.
“Really!? Once contracted, we’ll make sure to get a high price at auction! But… I never imagined such an opportunity would come our way…”
“I’m honored that you’re so happy about it.”
“Of course! Our recognition in Lendia is still low, so if we handle an item that could become the highlight of an auction — possibly something that catches the princess’s eye — we’ll definitely gain some respect.”
I see… It seems wise to keep a good relationship with this Pigeon Trading Company going forward…
“What have you been talking about all this time?”
“Hmm? We were just discussing how to sell the treasure I found.”
“I see. It’s probably going to fetch a high price, right? Maybe you could even buy a house with it.”
“Hehe, of course, young lady. I’ll find you a truly magnificent mansion.”
Well, I’m not sure if I’ll settle there permanently yet.
Also, please spare me the mansion. I’m just a high schooler who used to live with my family in a 2LDK apartment…
“I’m looking forward to it— a city bustling with people. It’s my first time entering a city or going to places crowded with people.”
“Oh? Is that so? Melt, weren’t you an adventurer from Golda?”
“Ah, no. Melt is from deep in the mountains. I took her under my protection and we’ve been traveling together for a while.”
“I see, that’s how it is. Hmm, it seems you two have quite a bit of promise as adventurers. If you explore dungeons or take on requests at the guild in Lindblum, please be sure to buy what you need from our trading company. Naturally, we’ll also buy anything you acquire.”
“Ha ha, I’ll remember that.”
I probably need to have Melt be more careful about various things.
Anyway, once we arrive, I have to submit my transfer request to the guild and also get Melt registered there.
The transfer request feels oddly real…
Then, the three-day journey from the border to the capital Lindblum was truly peaceful.
There were managed camping spots scattered along the way, and knights of the country were stationed there, so we didn’t even need to keep watch all night.
Security is definitely better in this country. Life from now on will surely improve compared to before.
Especially for Melt. Since she couldn’t enter the city, she camped outside and survived by buying food from passing peddlers.
And it seems she was charged quite a lot.
“We’re almost at the capital… Lindblum, right?”
“Yes, Lindblum. It’s a pretty cool-sounding name for a capital.”
“Yeah! It’s named after the dragon that once ruled the continent, so it must have an amazing history!”
“Really?”
“Yep!”
Wow, Melt is surprisingly knowledgeable. That caught me off guard.
“Want me to tell you about it? Want me to teach you?”
“Hmm… sure.”
I decided to encourage the grinning Melt further.
“Lindblum was the name of a giant dragon that ruled the southern part of the continent back when it was a dangerous wilderness no one could live in. But it was defeated by Goldion, a giant who ruled the northern part. Goldion also died from incurable poison at that time. That’s probably where the name ‘Golda’ comes from.”
“Wow… you really know your stuff… I’m impressed.”
“I read every book in my hometown’s village library. I was bored for years, after all.”
“I see…”
That’s some serious thirst for knowledge… or maybe she just read everything out of pure boredom until she memorized it all.
Maybe Melt is a lot smarter than I imagined…
“If there’s something you don’t know, just ask me anything.”
“Ha ha… I might take you up on that.”
Still, it seems she didn’t even know what kind of country the neighboring land was, so probably not much about recent history.
With all that, listening to Melt’s stories here and there, we safely arrived at the capital of Lendia, Lindblum.