Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 83: Questions and Answers
That night, Owen had already finished dinner and was resting in a lounge chair by the fireplace.
Interestingly, during the meal, Euchina had curiously tasted some of the food. Her eyes suddenly lit up, and she reached out, grabbing the food and eating ravenously.
Although vampires must drink blood to survive, it’s not that they can’t eat human food—it’s just usually unnecessary.
The maid watching from the side frowned deeply. That table manner is just awful!
It seemed like it was time to ask Ryan to give Euchina a proper lesson in dining etiquette.
Just then, a personal guard came in and reported.
“Marquis, sir.”
“What is it?”
“Chief Lusha is at the castle gate with three elder lizardmen. He says they have urgent business with you.”
At this hour? What could be so urgent that they have to see me tonight? Can’t it wait till tomorrow? And he brought along elder lizardmen too… Could it be…?
Thinking of a certain possibility, Owen suddenly sat upright and turned to the guard.
“Let them in. Take them to the reception room.”
“Yes, sir!”
As the guard left, Ryan didn’t even need to be told—he immediately brought the maids ahead to prepare the reception room.
Owen stood up from the lounge chair and had just reached the door when a small, cold hand grabbed his left hand.
“Hm? What is it?”
Owen looked down at the vampire girl who appeared like a little child.
Euchina was now wearing a clean dress. Her long, fluffy hair had been brushed and tied with a ribbon, revealing a cute and obedient face.
Compared to how dirty she looked when they first met, her condition had improved significantly. Her once thin face had filled out, and her red pupils now sparkled with life.
She looked so cute—tempting enough to bite. Er… better not. She’d definitely bite back.
Euchina blinked her big eyes and tightly held Owen’s large hand.
“I… come too.”
After thinking it over, Owen agreed.
“Alright then—but you have to sit quietly on the side. No talking, understand?”
“Mm.”
Euchina nodded.
She hadn’t yet fully adjusted to a normal sleep schedule and wasn’t very tired at night.
Not long after, Chief Lusha and the three elder lizardmen were brought into the reception room by the guards. Judging by their clothes, the three seemed to be two males and one female.
Besides Ryan and the maids, Lusha also noticed Euchina’s presence.
But he didn’t mind and walked directly over, taking a seat opposite Owen.
The three elder lizardmen followed and stood behind Lusha.
“My apologies, Lord Eisen, for coming at such a late hour.”
Lusha said with a guilty look.
“No trouble at all. I haven’t gone to bed yet.”
“These three are elders from the Sinking Sand Tribe.”
Lusha explained, turning toward Owen.
“When I’m not around, they are the ones who handle the tribe’s affairs.”
Owen found the two male elders familiar—right! He had seen them during the agreement signing before winter.
“Elders, good evening.”
He nodded to them in a friendly manner, then asked.
“So, what brings you all here tonight?”
“Lord Eisen, do you recall asking me whether I’d be willing to pledge loyalty to you?”
Lusha said seriously.
As expected, it’s about that, Owen thought. He had anticipated this.
“Of course I remember. Have you made your decision?”
“Yes. However, the three elders still have some concerns and would like to ask you a few questions.”
“That’s fine. Ask away.”
Owen slightly raised his head and looked at the three Lizardman elders.
The elder on the far left stepped forward first and asked.
“Lord Eisen, you said you would help us take revenge on the Black wind Tribe and reclaim our homeland. You won’t send manpower but will provide weapons. May I ask, what kind of weapons?”
“Firearms. More specifically, muskets. In addition, I will also provide training for your warriors to ensure they quickly master how to use them effectively.”
That elder had clearly heard of muskets before. His eyes immediately lit up with a burning hope for revenge.
He was already very old and had long assumed he would never return to his homeland. Now that such a chance was before him, he naturally wouldn’t let it slip away.
“How many can you provide?”
He pressed further.
“That depends on the actual circumstances. But I can guarantee I’ll supply enough to suppress the Black wind Tribe.”
The elder on the far right was the second to speak.
“Once we pledge loyalty, the Sinking Sand Tribe will be required to obey your commands. What do you hope to gain from this? I believe humans never help others without wanting something in return.”
“Joint development of forest resources.”
Owen replied.
“The Labyrinth Forest is a treasure trove that many desire. However, if humans try to exploit it recklessly, it would anger the Black Dragon King and bring about a devastating retaliation. You Lizardmen are different. You’re a part of the forest itself—you should be able to carry out small-scale development safely.”
This was a land the King of the Dawn Kingdom had dreamed of tapping into, so of course Owen had to find a way to utilize it.
“What, you want us to be your laborers forever?”
The elder challenged.
“No, as I said, it’s a joint development—mutual benefit. You’ll provide me with the raw materials I need, and I will pay you accordingly.”
“What do you mean by mutual benefit?”
Asked the elder on the left.
“Mutual benefit means that both sides profit from the deal.”
To every question, Owen patiently gave a detailed response.
“Mutual benefit, huh? But what use is human money to us?”
The elder on the right couldn’t help but argue.
“It’s very useful—you can use it to purchase daily necessities from us. You’ve been living in Bianshu Town for some time now, so surely you’ve noticed how life here is much better than it was back in the primitive forest tribes, right?”
“Then why not just barter goods directly?”
He asked, confused.
“Bartering is an ancient form of trade, but it’s not always fair or equal. Once the Sinking Sand Tribe pledges loyalty to me, you will inevitably come into contact with other humans. It’s important that you become familiar with our monetary system now—otherwise, you’ll suffer major losses in the future.”
Indeed, once they pledged allegiance to Owen, interactions with human society would be unavoidable. It was essential to understand human customs and systems as early as possible.
“……”
This time, the elder on the right finally had nothing to say.
“If possible, I also hope you can unite all the Lizardman tribes. That way, we’ll have enough manpower to fully develop the forest.”
“Don’t be ridiculous!”
The rightmost elder, who had a rather impatient temperament, retorted.
“There aren’t many of us left in the tribe. We don’t have the strength to govern the other clans.”
“Well… even if unification isn’t possible, you can still try to form an alliance with them. Since they’ve all been defeated by the Black wind Tribe before, there’s still a chance to win them over.”
Owen said, stroking his chin.