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TL: ALT
Chapter 17 – Mountain Search
Wataru went to see the land.
Because of the amount of land needed for farming, the location had to be outside of Osaka City.
Since it was outside Osaka City, he couldn’t rely solely on trains for transportation.
He ended up renting a car for the trip.
“I never thought I’d be driving again. And this time it’s a six-seater. Ugh, I really don’t want to.”
“M-Master, it’s fine! You did it last time, so you should handle it even better this time!”
“O-o-okay.”
Wataru tensed up as he drove the car.
This time, five people were traveling together: Wataru, Mariel, Aire, Cloche, and Stella. That meant he had no choice but to drive a larger vehicle.
Although he had no accidents or violations, it was largely because he had almost no driving experience.
He drove down Route 13 from Tennoji, slowly moving south at the speed limit.
Once he purchased the mountain, he would likely visit frequently.
That meant he would have to consider buying a car.
For Wataru, who was self-employed, was leasing better than buying?
He had to consider that, too.
Still, once they crossed the Yamato River and entered Sakai City, Wataru finally began to relax.
He had the leisure to look at the surrounding scenery and even make small talk.
“Stella, I know it’s hard having to hide, but don’t be so upset about it.”
“It’s fine. From what I can see, there really only seem to be humans around here. Besides, I’m causing trouble for my senior, Cloche-san…”
“I don’t mind at all!”
Stella had a gloomy atmosphere.
Her distinctive eyes and ears, which usually drew more attention than anyone else’s, now looked no different from those of ordinary people.
The “transformation” ability was assigned to Stella.
Unlike Aire and Cloche, who could hide their ears with hats and their tails with pants, Stella’s ears couldn’t be concealed by a hat.
Wataru also wanted to avoid the real estate agent remembering such a distinctive face.
Still, how effective would that actually be?
After all, Mariel and Aire’s appearances were simply too refined.
With such uniquely beautiful women in tow, it was inevitable that they would leave an unforgettable impression.
“Where are we headed?”
“Toward Wakayama Prefecture.”
“Wakayama Prefecture, huh? Wow, that’s way south of where we live.”
“Yeah. Right now, we’re following the Kumano Kodo Kii Route, an ancient path used by ascetics. This time, we’re looking at the mountains along the route for land that might have been influenced by dragon veins.”
“Huh? Buying mountains?”
“That’s right. Buying mountains.”
Aire, who had been searching on a tablet, was startled.
The price of a mountain varies drastically depending on its asset value.
Those containing valuable timber or other resources fetched high prices.
However, unmanaged mountains, perhaps planted long ago with only cedar and cypress and then abandoned, were worth next to nothing.
“The mountains I’ve got my eye on are all around a million yen. Honestly, we could buy a mountain for about five months’ rent on the apartment we live in now…”
“Thinking about it that way, it’s unbelievably cheap. Why are they so cheap?”
“In Cloche’s world, owning land makes you practically nobility. But in this world, as a commoner, you have to pay taxes on land that no one lives on. Plus, there are minimum maintenance costs, and if any disaster happens, you’re liable for damages, too.”
“Yikes… That’s why they’re letting them go.”
“Yes, but with mountains that cheap, the taxes aren’t particularly high either. Being remote and deserted also makes them perfect for secretly cultivating medicinal herbs. You can install all the security equipment you want, too.”
Of course, there would inevitably be troublemakers trespassing on people’s mountains in the future, but he was already thinking about countermeasures.
As they continued talking, the car moved further into the countryside.
The gradually decreasing number of cars made driving much easier for Wataru.
The scenery visible from the window was lush and full of nature, and the few remaining autumn leaves were beautiful.
Opening the window let in a crisp, cold breeze.
Winter was coming soon.
“There are many forest spirits around here that I’m familiar with, you know.”
“Oh, really? What about magic?”
“I can sense some, but not a lot yet. Still, it’s much more comfortable than the house we’ve been staying in.”
“If you find a place you like along the way, let me know. Even if it’s not listed for sale, there might be a chance to buy it.”
“Understood.”
Both Aire and Cloche could sense the magic, but Stella, being an alchemist, would have the final say.
Perhaps because she felt at peace in this wooded area, Stella looked cheerful as she gazed at the scenery from the car.
After all, this is just like an elf.
They drove on, and then a little further still.
The plan was to purchase the privately owned mountains around Hannan City, Kaizuka City, and Izumi City. They had finally reached their destination.
After meeting with the real estate agent and obtaining permission, they explored the mountain.
They found crude structures barely worthy of being called huts and warehouses.
They checked for essential living conditions: Were there trees that could be used as resources? Was there a water source?
What about water, electricity, and gas?
“There aren’t any…”
“Indeed there aren’t. Might your plan have been flawed, Master?”
“That’s presumptuous, Cloche. There are still mountains to search.”
“It’s fine, Mariel. I was hoping we might find one sooner, too.”
Wataru was visibly exhausted from wandering unfamiliar mountain paths and driving an unfamiliar car for extended hours.
He reflected on the shallowness of his own thinking.
Searchers like Wataru had a tough time, but the real estate agent guiding them must have been exhausted as well.
Still, perhaps because it was their job, they put on a brave face and guided them to the next property without complaint.
And so, they toured five mountains.
“This one! This one’s perfect!”
Stella exclaimed brightly.
They had finally found a mountain that met their needs.
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