SWNOVELXO Chapter 96
Chapter 96. Hitting It In The Wilderness
The date changes to the next day.
So, today is the preparation day for the stall.
We spent a little on miscellaneous expenses like breakfast. I tried to give Yaralai 20,000, but he firmly refused, saying the usual amount was fine. He even said the back payments weren’t necessary. This elf, who saved my life, truly deserves a bonus. Instead, I decided to treat him to breakfast.
I planned to visit the trading company today, but since Cherina wasn’t there, I didn’t intend to have breakfast there.
As usual, I cooked breakfast on a stove with a view of the harbor. Breakfast cost 810 yen.
My remaining balance is 4,471,733 yen.
“Thank you for the meal.”
During our post-meal coffee time, I remembered another matter I had forgotten.
“By the way, Yaralai, the language you’re speaking is Midal, right?”
“That’s correct.”
Yaralai nodded.
“I have a small request. Could you speak in your native Elvish?”
“Is there a reason for that?”
He raised an eyebrow and looked at me.
“It’s a small test. If you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it.”
“Alright then…”
Yaralai glanced up diagonally before speaking. In Japanese.
“This is the language called Elvish that is used in my homeland. However, Midal has reached the village, so there are almost no elves who speak only Elvish. I’m quite fluent in Midal because I’ve traveled around various countries. So, friend Akira, is this good enough?”
Wow.
He started speaking fluently. In Japanese. I want to point this out, but it’s confirmed. It seems I can understand perfectly thanks to the gods. Then the next experiment is…
“Ah, lifesaver Yaralai. I’m surprised by your fluent speech. I’m speaking in Elvish now, but can you understand me?”
I spoke Japanese while thinking of Elvish. To see if it was understood… Well, looking at Yararai’s face, it was obvious. He was wide-eyed with surprise.
Even when the buffalo appeared or during the revolution, he was almost expressionless. Did it surprise him that much?
“…Ah, yes, I can understand. I’m more surprised. I never thought Akira was so proficient in Elvish. Occasionally, a human with an interest would learn it, but usually, it’s broken.”
Hmm. I want to capture this face on my phone. The battery is dead, though.
“It seems to be one of the abilities given to me by the gods. SHOP, container, and translation, perhaps?”
Another ability might be an adapted body for this world. Considering I haven’t caught a cold, I think I have resistance to pathogens. Also, I’m not spreading diseases, so my body seems significantly altered. Like Shocker.
He folded his arms and nodded…
“Hmm.”
“Is that so… As expected of a divine blessing.”
“Indeed. I should be grateful for that. If I couldn’t understand the language, I’d be doomed. By the way, from now on, we can speak in Elvish when we’re alone.”
“Then let’s do that.”
Yes. It’s difficult to understand in a broken speech otherwise.
“Well, let’s head to the Veliero Trading Company.”
Cherina isn’t here, but it seems they’ve arranged a guide. Maybe Melvin?
I put out my cigarette and started walking.
――――
“Akira-san, did you sleep well last night?”
Hey.
“I had so much to do, I didn’t get enough sleep.”
Hey.
“My husband wouldn’t let me sleep…”
Why are you blushing? It’s just work-related.
“So, it’s about the stall, right? Where shall we start?”
Why are you the one handling this?
It was in the trading company’s conference room while I was having a smoke. A knock on the door came a stunningly voluptuous beauty far surpassing Cherina.
She exuded a dangerously seductive aura, captivating everyone who saw her, like a witch or Medusa. I almost retorted, “Why are you here?” but managed to hold it back.
According to Cherina last night, her mother should be managing the trading company. So why is the top person here? I don’t get it.
A man from the trading company followed her, but he was almost invisible.
“Uh, excuse me, you’re Cherina-sama’s mother, right?”
Last night’s round table meeting had her standing next to her husband, smiling alluringly like a siren.
I didn’t quite understand her position, but she wasn’t someone who should appear before me.
“Yes. I’m Friena. I’ve heard my daughter owes you a lot.”
She gave a bewitching smile that could ensnare any man. Terrifying.
“No, it’s me who owes Cherina-sama. I’m very grateful, Mrs. Veliero.”
“Please call me Friena. Veliero is too broad, you see.”
Her eyelids drooped languidly, and her moist lips curved up gently. This is a weapon.
“Uh, then I’ll call you Friena-sama. Why are you here? Cherina-sama said you’re currently the head of the trading company…”
Cherina and her father should be working hard to stabilize the chaotic country.
And the wife should be managing the trading company in their absence. Today is practically the first day. I can’t imagine how busy it must be.
“I’m here to guide you. Is there something wrong with that?”
There’s plenty wrong. Look, even the man following you is flustered.
“Well… I did ask Cherina-sama to send someone from the company, but…”
A small apprentice would suffice for explaining the stall. Even Melvin is an exaggeration. So why are you here?
“Yes. That’s why I’m your guide.”
What a ripe, luscious smile she has.
“Uh, Friena-sama, you’re very busy. Having you guide me is too much to ask…”
The man nodded vigorously. Help me out here. Convince her with me.
“Unfortunately, everyone else in the trading company is busy… I may not be suitable for Akira-san, but I’d appreciate it if you allow me.”
Damn. I can’t outright deny it. I can’t call her a liar or refuse here.
Cherina, you’re a witch’s daughter… I understand why you’re so strong now.
“Well, then… please.”
I don’t think I can win.
――――
Her outfit is based on this country’s traditional dress, but it’s designed to emphasize her cleavage.
The bold slit on her thigh seems to entice men. Her lightly wavy reddish-purple hair flows down to her waist, shimmering and swaying with each step.
Her walk emphasizes her hips, almost like a courtesan, but her inherent elegance dispels that impression.
Noticing I had just been smoking, she took out a kiseru and elegantly exhaled purple smoke. Even the smoke from her moist peach-like lips was beautiful.
Walking with such a stunning beauty, it’s only natural to draw attention.
I walked beside Friena. Yararai followed right behind. Further back, Friena’s attendant carried a large wooden box. We were more conspicuous than a marching band.
Speaking of which, I haven’t seen a marching band recently…
As I was escaping reality, she entwined her arm with mine and leaned on me. Don’t mess with me.
“Uh, madam. It’s hard to walk, so if you could…”
“Friena, remember?”
Damn. I can’t take the lead. I’m sorry for feeling envious, Cherina’s dad. This must be tough.
Out of ten people, thirteen turned around to look. Some even checked three times. I get it.
Finally arriving at the central square, the podium used for the speech was gone.
Though fewer than usual, some stalls were open. The faces of the people were cheerful, and the atmosphere seemed more vibrant than it appeared.
“The atmosphere is nice.”
“Oh, you can tell?”
Not as much as you, though.
“Well, can you show me the stall location?”
“Yes, this way.”
Friena pulled me along without releasing my arm.
Those soft things, you know, they’re weapons. I get it. Damn.