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TL: ALT
Chapter 6 – Regarding the Negotiation Partner
To continue the conversation, it was essential to know who the other person was, their character, and what they liked.
Collectors show strong interest in the things they like. Still, it’s not uncommon for them to have absolutely no interest in different genres.
That’s precisely why knowing their hobbies, preferences, and character is essential.
Fortunately, Maso knew him well enough to deal with him directly.
There couldn’t be a more reliable source of information.
“Who exactly is this nobleman?”
“Hehehe, prepare to be amazed—none other than the lord of the Rosen family!”
“The Rosen family? General Etgar!?”
“That’s right! That’s a good reaction!”
“I-I’m impressed by your connections!”
Judging by Maso’s smug expression and Mariel’s strong reaction, General Etgar must be quite a prominent figure.
Surprisingly, even Aire and Cloche showed slight surprise.
“Does Mariel know him?”
“Know him? He’s one of the country’s greatest nobles and the leader of the military faction. He was one of the six most meritorious vassals at the nation’s founding, and his family has been a ducal house ever since.”
“Grandpa said the Rosen family employs formidable tactics, so be careful.”
“My father also advised caution.”
He wondered if he was the only one who didn’t know, but it made him realize just how formidable Maso must be to negotiate effectively with such a prominent figure.
Who exactly is this person?
“Being from the military faction means they’re a family that values military strength. Why would they have an alchemist slave?”
“Perhaps they prioritize enhancing abilities through alchemist-imbued items or focus on crafting healing potions. Or maybe they didn’t value alchemy much, which is why they agreed to trade their alchemist slave for a collectible.”
When Mariel turned her gaze toward Maso, Wataru naturally looked that way, too.
Maso shrugged and shook her head slightly.
“I haven’t heard the details of that situation, you know. It’s rude to pry into every little thing. I can confirm that she has no issues with her skill, hasn’t committed any crimes in the past, and has no major character flaws.”
“That’s enough for me. As for the Rosen family, Mariel, do you know them personally?”
“They’re people above the clouds. I doubt someone like me—the daughter of a poor noble from the frontier—ever entered their field of vision. As for his taste in hobbies, I’m afraid I don’t know either.”
“Well, that’s unfortunate. Do you happen to know, Maso-san?”
“Yes, Lord Etgar seems to favor historical items, like rare weapons and antiques. He prefers subdued, simple pieces to brightly colored ones. In that regard, even among fellow collectors, his sensibilities differ from those of the more modern-taste-oriented Lord Moye.”
At the mention of antiques, Wataru’s expression clouded over.
Even if he managed to acquire an antique in modern Japan, he had no way of knowing how much Etgar would value it, given the cultural differences.
For example, Meiji-era Japanese ceramics sold well in Europe due to their beauty, but primarily as decorative pieces, rather than for everyday use.
Large pieces, such as platters and jars, reportedly fetched high prices.
However, if he were to search for rare items in this world, his greatest asset—traveling between this world and Earth—would be useless.
Even the glassware that Moye had liked would likely be seen as a novelty here.
“Also, he loves liquor. He must have an eye for fine liquors.”
“Liquor? That might actually be easier to come by.”
Wataru felt relieved upon learning about a potentially viable product.
There isn’t a significant difference in taste between this world and Earth.
The way that rare or high-quality alcohol is evaluated is probably fairly predictable.
“Thank you for the information. I’ll look into finding something decent.”
“Do you think you’ll actually find it?”
“I think it should be fine.”
“All right, then. I’ll leave it to you. I could look for it myself, but if I do, the price will reflect that, so just understand that.”
“Understood. Thank you for everything.”
Wataru didn’t know how much profit Maso expected from this deal.
However, it was clear that he was causing her a great deal of trouble.
He figured it wouldn’t be priced like Mariel’s or Aire’s deals.
〇〇〇
Wataru and the others left the slave-trading house and headed straight for the lord’s residence.
They hadn’t made an appointment, but one of the greatest advantages of being an official merchant was the ability to hold urgent meetings.
They were now on their way to meet with Moye.
“Hey, why are we going to see Lord Moye? This has nothing to do with him, right?”
“Even so, considering how I got my official merchant license, I figured I should let him know beforehand. Otherwise, he might get upset. He might ask, ‘Did you sell rare goods elsewhere without consulting me?’”
“Huh, being an official merchant is surprisingly troublesome.”
“Well, Lord Moye has helped me out, starting with tax-free passage and also with Mariel’s parents’ situation. I can’t be ungrateful.”
Since he’s done him a favor, he must return the favor.
Obligations are troublesome, but they’re also the lubricant of human communication.
Fortunately, Moye was staying in Southern Ship Town.
He was planning to head to the provincial capital the next day, so they wouldn’t miss each other.
It’s good luck.
Carefully explaining the situation meant that he didn’t upset Moye.
The fact that Moye couldn’t provide a replacement alchemist was also significant.
In his domain, alchemists were plentiful and formed a major industry.
Because of this, even if they acquired an alchemist slave, they wouldn’t keep them as slaves. Instead, they would provide support or free them, allowing them to establish workshops.
Once the alchemists became citizens, not even a lord could issue unjust orders.
However, his relief at obtaining permission was short-lived, as Moye made an astonishing statement.
“I know General Etgar well. To ensure that you, as an official merchant, are not treated unfairly, I shall accompany you.”
“Y-yes. It would be an honor.”
Wataru thought, “Ah, he just wants to watch this himself,” but he possessed enough sense not to voice it.
〇〇〇
After their brief meeting with Moye, Wataru and the others slowly and wearily returned home.
They decided that Wataru would search for the goods first. Once he found them, he would take them to the capital to meet with Etgar.
Etgar primarily stayed in the capital, entrusting his domain to capable vassals.
Thanks in part to its exceptionally high utility, the duchy was said to be thriving.
Mariel, whose development in the frontier had always been limited, no matter how hard they tried, looked a little sad as she explained the situation.
“Hey, Master, wouldn’t seeing it right in front of him make him want it even more?”
“He probably thought it was better than just hearing about it?” Wataru said.
“No, probably not.”
“I agree. I think he has other intentions.”
Mariel and Cloche dismissed Wataru’s prediction.
Could they see through Moye’s thinking?
“What do you mean?”
“From Lord Moye’s perspective, it doesn’t align with General Etgar’s tastes. Unless it’s an extraordinary piece, he likely wouldn’t envy it much.”
“Rather, he wants to boast that he’s the one who spotted a merchant capable of acquiring such a masterpiece as his official merchant. He wants to show off that if he wanted to, he could get his hands on all sorts of other things too.”
“I see. So it’s less about a one-off contest and more about gaining the upper hand in a long-term relationship.”
Do collectors really try to outdo each other like this?
On one side is a great lord and general since the nation’s founding, and on the other is the country’s leading minister, whose momentum could knock birds out of the sky.
They are comparable in terms of power and influence, and they are both pillars supporting the nation.
No matter how rare the items he brings, Wataru has no foothold whatsoever in this other world and is nothing but a flimsy existence that could be blown away.
He sincerely wishes he could avoid attending such a gathering.
“Ugh… Moye sounds kind of like Moye-mo-ye, doesn’t it?”
“As Onee-sama says, it does!”
“…What on earth does that mean? I don’t get it at all. How come Cloche understands?”
“It’s love!”
Cloche declared with unwavering conviction, her tail wagging vigorously. Wataru couldn’t help but feel a little envious.
Then, as autumn deepened and the chill of early winter enveloped them,
Wataru and the others were scheduled to meet Etgar and the others in the royal capital.
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