SWNOVELXO Chapter 109
Chapter 109. Buffalo Jerky In The Wilderness
Cherina confirmed with a slight surprise.
“500 kg of buffalo jerky?”
“Yeah. It depends on the price… I’ve been running low on funds.”
“Normally, the price would rise around this time, but thanks to the two stray buffalo being hunted, the price has stabilized. It’s a good time to stock up, but why the sudden interest?”
Cherina looked up at me curiously. Indeed, there was no need to force this…
“Well, isn’t it a basic practice for traders to buy goods and sell them elsewhere?”
“That’s true, but Akira-sama, you don’t really need to stock up.”
Indeed, I have a SHOP. However, using it constantly can cause problems. Even if this transaction is just a drop in the bucket, it’s better than doing nothing.
“My container has a quirky usability. It can hold large items if packed properly, but the in-and-out process is troublesome. It’s not a power I can use freely in town.”
For small items, I can pretend they are from my item bag, but I can’t hide items weighing hundreds of kilograms.
“So, if the price is right, sell it to me.”
She looked at the trailer and then back at me.
“Understood. I’ll have it ready by today, so we can load it tomorrow morning.”
“Thanks. And the price?”
“Well…”
She smiled wryly. Perhaps it was because of her different outfit; she looked cuter than usual.
“For buffalo jerky, I’ll wholesale it at 3000 yen per kg. Usually, it’s around 3200 yen, so this is a bit of a discount.”
“That’s appreciated.”
“So, 150 kg will be 1.5 million yen. How about it?”
“I’ll buy it.”
I decided immediately. Cherina’s quality is trustworthy. In fact, jerky was served as a snack at last night’s party. It was quite tasty, albeit a bit salty and simple, and it has a long shelf life.
Now, to the main point.
I paid 1.5 million yen in “silver coins” and “copper coins.” It was a staggering amount of small change.
Remaining balance: 379,299 yen.
This means I’ll have to start living frugally from today.
“Akira-sama?”
Cherina was speechless at the pile of coins.
“I used the container’s ability, so the price should be accurate. I know it’s a hassle, but please count it by tomorrow.”
“I don’t mind, but… why the small change?”
“Well, I’ve sold quite a lot recently. Normally, this money would circulate back into the town, but I’ve been shopping at the SHOP. The town’s small change is disappearing. If copper coins become scarce, it could disrupt daily life. It’s a small measure, but using these might help.”
She looked at me wide-eyed.
“Akira-sama, how did you know about the coin shortage?”
“I didn’t. I just noticed a huge amount of small change piling up in the wooden box when I ran a stall.”
“I see. So, 100,000 copper coins and 500 silver coins. Silver coins can be brought in by traveling merchants, and gold coins can be managed by releasing those held by the Velliero or Rettel families, so this amount of copper coins is very helpful.”
“Glad to hear it. Also, can you advise me on the selling price of the jerky?”
Cherina’s expression softened unusually. Despite the business talk, she seemed relaxed and naturally smiling, making me a bit uneasy.
“Well… within the buffalo’s range, the selling price would be 5000 to 7000 yen. Retail can go up to 7000 yen, but selling in towns might be difficult due to guild restrictions. For wholesaling to a trading company, aim for 5000 yen.”
“Got it. What about outside the range?”
“In Sebites, the price is about the same. Going east of Sebites, it can be sold for 7000 to 10,000 yen. In those areas, it’s more of a luxury item. But food is abundant there, so selling in large quantities will be tough.”
Makes sense. There’s no need to buy expensive food when there are plenty of other options.
“That’s helpful. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
After purchasing burlap bags and packing the coins, I left them in the corner of the warehouse. The bag costs were covered as expenses.
The jerky would be loaded into the container by tomorrow morning. The boy who was called (the usual one) widened his eyes at the camper, but when Cherina put her finger to her lips, he nodded vigorously, blushing. He looked like he could make a shota-lover go wild.
“Sorry, but can I leave the vehicle here until departure tomorrow?”
“Understood.”
With the business done, it’s time to leave. I don’t want to disturb their holiday.
“Akira-sama… you have a rest day today, don’t you?”
Before I could say goodbye, Cherina spoke up. I wondered how she knew, but it was probably from the tavern talk last night. I wasn’t hiding it.
“Yeah. It’s a free day to prepare for tomorrow. Yaralai and Hagg probably have some preparations too.”
Especially Yaralai, who has been guarding me without any free time. I hope she can relax today.
“I see. So, you’re alone today?”
“That’s right.”
Being alone once in a while is nice.
“Then I’ll escort you.”
“What?”
I looked at Cherina twice. Her face was inexplicably red.
“A-Akira-sama lacks some common knowledge here. I’ll help you gather the necessary items for the journey.”
“That’s kind of you, but it’s your precious day off. You should take it easy.”
“Walking around the town is a good change of pace for me.”
It’s hard to argue with that.
“Are you sure you want to spend it with me?”
“Y-Yes! I have no choice but to!”
“Alright then.”
I’ll take her up on her offer.
“T-Then, shall we go…”
She extended her hand gently, palm down. What does she expect me to do?
I looked at Cherina, but she averted her gaze. Please explain.
“M-Men should escort in times like this!”
She snapped at me for some reason. I thought she was going to escort me. Well, no point in arguing.
I sighed and took her hand.
“Shall we, my lady?”
“Y-Yes!”
Why is her voice cracking? Seriously.