TN: Please read my translations only on my website nyx-translation.com since I never give my permission to any site to host my translations. And if you like my translations, please support this site on Ko-fi and Patreon to read several chapters ahead!
Sponsored chapter by Patreon. Enjoy~
TL: ALT
Chapter 16 – Two Matters for Discussion
Wataru, who had bought a see-through string dress, did not get up from his seat.
William, who had expected Wataru’s business to be finished, showed a surprised expression for a moment but quickly hid it behind a gentle smile.
It seemed that he had guessed from his many years of experience that some customers like to take their time.
Behind Wataru, Mariel and Aire held the dresses they had bought and made noises like “Uhyah!”
“Actually, shopping isn’t the only reason I’m here today.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“I have two things I need to talk to you about, and this is the first.”
“Let me take a look. Is this some kind of pattern? What is it?”
“I’m trying to figure out what it is. Is it a letter or just a pattern?”
“You’re interested in unusual things, aren’t you?”
“Do you know anything about historians or archeology, William-san?”
Even though he thought it might be a rude question, he couldn’t discuss the matter further if this premise wasn’t accepted.
Without seeming to be offended by Wataru’s question, William nodded.
Wataru breathed a sigh of relief.
The minimum requirement for discussing the matter had been met.
“Well, to a certain extent. Since I’m dealing with a wide range of products, I have to know a little bit about the history of the country. Otherwise, I’ll be tricked. There are more unscrupulous people than you think who try to sell you fraudulent products.”
“I see. Buying things is also difficult, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s not easy. There was even a time when I was almost stared down by the guards because I tried to exchange stolen goods for cash.”
William also seemed to have a lot of trouble.
Not everyone who uses the buyback service is a good person.
Even bad people find the place attractive.
Wataru asked for the paper he had handed over to be returned, carefully refolded it, and then explained his reasons.
“This was found in a very old building, and I really want to know what it means for personal reasons. Do you know anyone who is a researcher or scholar?”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know anyone like that. You should go to the capital and look into it. There are national academies and research institutes there, so I’m sure there will be a place that can help you.”
He seemed to think hard for a while, but William’s answer was that he didn’t know.
Speaking of the capital, that’s where Mariel was studying.
The reasons for going to the capital were growing.
So far, there have been various reasons for wanting to go, but the secrets of the Jizo statues and shrines are extremely important and urgent matters.
It is necessary to find time to visit them somehow.
“One more thing, is there a cafe in this town?”
“Hmm, there is. It’s not a very big place, though.”
“I was thinking of selling wholesale to a cafe like that, but first, I thought I’d have William-san check out the products as well.”
“Isn’t it possible for us to sell them here?”
William’s expression looked worried for a moment.
The profits that Wataru brought in were enormous, so the thought of the source of that wealth passing into other hands was a source of terror in itself.
William had originally shown Wataru other products during his first visit.
Among them were backpacks that were superior to Wataru’s, but he knew that Wataru had various unknown things.
It was natural for him to feel uncomfortable.
It is probably William’s true intention to keep Wataru at his side by any means.
The fact that he doesn’t is largely due to William’s own goodness.
“It wouldn’t be good for the whole town if only one shop got rich, would it? And William-san runs a cafe, too?”
“No, that would be difficult… But I could deliver the goods.”
“In that case, there will be a middleman fee, and the price will go up, right? Besides, I’m not planning on doing any big business, especially because of transportation.”
“Is that so…”
“Please don’t be so depressed. It’s not a bad business for you, William-san.”
“Really? Then I’d like to hear the details.”
When a real businessman realizes he is about to make a profit, he immediately becomes full of energy and motivation.
As William leaned forward, Mariel and Aire couldn’t help but giggle.
The sound of their laughter filled the reception room.
William must have been aware of the situation, so he wiped his forehead with his handkerchief, looking embarrassed.
“What I want to sell this time is a drink from my country called coffee.”
“Coffee, is it? That’s a product I’m not familiar with.”
“Yes. Coffee is made by pouring hot water over roasted beans, and it has a number of health benefits.”
“Really? Like what?”
“The most famous is that it helps you stay awake. It also has a fatigue-reducing effect. Originally, it was drunk by monks and warriors, but later it became popular with people who had to do a lot of desk work, such as scholars and bureaucrats.”
Coffee has also been shown to have a wide range of other effects, including a reduced risk of death from heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disease; prevention of colon and liver cancer; improvement of blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes; and prevention of obesity by promoting fat burning.
Although none of these effects are particularly outstanding, they are effective in reducing risk.
Above all, it tastes good, and many people find it appealing how it makes their mouths feel smooth and their hearts feel at ease when talking to others.
“But what does this have to do with my business?”
“You once said that you put sugar in your tea, William-san. Sugar and milk also go well with coffee. And the combination of coffee and sugar is also addictive. So…”
“Hoh! Hoh!”
“If you drink it a lot, it becomes a habit, and you can’t stop. If you leave a long time between drinks, some people can’t help but want it. So it has long-term benefits.”
“That’s a wonderful point of view!”
“As for the taste, maybe you can tell when you actually try it.”
Mariel is already drinking it, so it’s been confirmed that it’s good for people in this world.
Besides, they want to give William, who has started to show a lot of interest, a taste and see how the locals react.
“Can you take it out, Aire?”
“Yes.”
At Wataru’s instruction, Aire quickly took the coffee beans out of the backpack.
If you like my translations, please support me on Ko-Fi and subscribe my Patreon to read several chapters ahead!
Thanks for the treat
LikeLike
Hmmm, coffee☕. I prefer black coffee.
Thanks for the treat.
LikeLike
Another consumable to drag along in bulk. But why coffee and not chocolate first? Or just cocoa powder. Or spices absent from the target world, like curry mixtures. Coffee is more troublesome to prepare well and is a hit or miss with most people. Powdered coffee needs to be kept contained and dry the whole time to retain the aroma, and selling whole roasted beans requires some specialized tools on the receiving end.
LikeLike
It’s true. In addition, brewing skill also matters. Simply pouring boiling water on coffee is called office coffee or ”spit coffee“. That’s because you’re spitting grounds. For this you need paper filters or very fine strainers. He could also sell lever coffee makers, where you pour boiling water into a container and then press a lever that pushes the boiling water through the coffee and a beverage is made. All kinds of electric coffee makers are out due to the lack of electricity. From myself, I would add that he could do a better business on at least pepper and paprika, and on tea, of which there are so many varieties: black, red, blue (oolong), green, white.
LikeLike