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Chapter 4 – Junk Mood and a New…
The escort unit went out for field training outside the town and began delivering land monsters and gathering resources. Reconstruction is progressing smoothly. That’s when I came up with the idea to further strengthen Gothenburg with equipment. Somehow, the conversation shifted towards me gaining rights from that. Since it’s not a cash profit, I’d like to think it could be recorded as a charitable expense.
“Hmm… It’s true that this is my request, and it could be seen as part of maintaining the commerce network. However, it’s also true that it significantly deviates from what could be considered normal support. Very well. I will recognize the expenses Wataru incurred as charitable expenses.”
Huh?
“Why are you so surprised?”
“Ah, no, I mean… I was expecting negotiations to start here, so I was taken aback.”
After discussing the matter with Donatella-san and Mear-san, I immediately went to the church. Through the favor of the benevolent God of Light-sama, I managed to secure an audience with the God of Commerce-sama.
I knew that if I put it off, I would likely mess up again.
I understood that my request had its dubious aspects and that there was a risk the seemingly strict God of Commerce-sama might reject it.
So, I resolved to negotiate hard. It would probably be tough given my negotiation skills, but I’d beg if I had to just to get it recognized as a charitable expense.
Even if getting all of it was impossible, I wanted to get at least half. That was my mindset going in. So, the immediate acceptance was unexpected—no wonder I was shocked.
“True, if you were lavishly scattering platinum coins, I couldn’t recognize that as charity. But the original purpose was to return the platinum coins floating in limbo to the mortal realm. If it genuinely helps the people below, I won’t be so harsh about it. What do you think of me, Wataru?”
The God of Commerce-sama looked utterly exasperated.
I understood what he was saying, and it was probably true that he genuinely felt that way.
However, I couldn’t take his words at face value and casually start booking everything as charity expenses.
If I crossed that line, the God of Commerce-sama would set aside all sentiment and past dealings and pursue me relentlessly.
This time, I just happened not to cross that line. That’s all it was. That’s why I agonize and feel tense every single time.
“Um, could you clarify the line between charitable work and regular business?”
If I could understand that, I could carry out charitable work with more ease.
However, given the amount involved, it would only reduce my worries slightly. The more charity I do, the heavier my burden becomes, so it’s only a small comfort. Still, it would definitely make things easier.
“There are indeed standards, but they vary depending on the situation. You wouldn’t be able to memorize them all. In the past, it might have been possible to implant those standards, but that would interfere greatly with the mortal world.”
Implant? If I were implanted with that much information, wouldn’t my brain explode?
Yeah, that’s not happening.
“Hmm. I could teach you the criteria while I stay on your ship, but it would take quite a while. Do you want to try learning it?”
“No, that would be too difficult. I’m sorry to trouble you, but when I’m unsure, would it be okay to ask you each time?”
This is my chance at a carefree life. Besides, if the God of Commerce-sama is staying on a luxury liner, then the God of Light-sama and the other goddesses must be staying there too. I’d be too distracted to study anyway.
Besides, wouldn’t it take centuries, not just decades, to finish learning those standards?
The fact that it doesn’t seem impossible, given that my lifespan is extended, is a little scary.
It’s not impossible, but asking if I have that kind of patience is pointless; it’s meaningless speculation.
“Well, that’s probably the safer approach.”
The God of Commerce-sama seems to understand and accept my personality without fuss.
I’m fortunate to be able to communicate with the gods. There’s no reason not to leverage that advantage—it’s practically a cheat code.
I do feel indebted, but I can’t say that I don’t harbor some resentment toward the Creator God-sama. I wonder if that counts as cheating. The benefits are real, though, right?
After finishing my conversation with the God of Commerce-sama, I greet the God of Light-sama, who is in a great mood. I ask her to bring my consciousness back down to the mortal world.
By the way, she’s in such a good mood because she’s successfully controlling the Creator God-sama, and her vacation has been confirmed for the near future.
That vacation is my reward. She told me she was looking forward to it, smiling brightly. This makes me determined to do my best. I need to prepare a few plans.
After all, it’s a whole week, and only the God of Light-sama, the Goddess of the Forest-sama, the God of Gastronomy-sama, and I will be there—no other gods. Isn’t that exciting?
＊＊＊
“Wataru-san, please handle these documents.”
“Ah, yes…”
Back in reality, a pile of paperwork awaited me. The mortal world is harsh.
I was originally told the paperwork would be minimal, but I ended up suggesting unnecessary ideas, which increased the workload.
Before I made those suggestions, the paperwork was truly minimal—barely a token effort—so Donatella-san and the others weren’t lying.
However, providing equipment and securing rights in return for it must be handled as official transactions, with proper records kept as proof for the government. That inevitably means more paperwork.
In short, it’s my own fault.
Still, compared to the hellish paperwork in the Beastmen Town, this feels like child’s play. It’s painful, but I’ll handle it.
If the paperwork in the Beastmen Town was like the workload of a salaryman fighting a 24-hour battle, then my current workload is just the level of hardship you’d face during a busy period at a part-time job. So it’s only natural.
“Phew, it’s done.”
My shoulders are stiff from all the paperwork. Maybe I’ll go to a spa today. Nah, I’m in the mood for junk food today.
First, I’ll take a bath in the Stronghold, then I’ll enjoy a beer from the vending machine in the vending corner.
After that, I’ll relax in the massage chair.
＊＊＊
Man, yesterday was a blast!
It should have been just another ordinary day, but when I told everyone that I was having a junk food night, they got excited, and a feast broke out.
We washed fried chicken and potatoes down with beer and snacked on takoyaki with chuhai. Carla-san went all out by conquering cup noodles, hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled rice balls. It was wild, but fun nonetheless.
It’s not great for the body, but I think it’s acceptable since it nourishes the soul every once in a while.
I’m afraid I didn’t quite make it to the point of zoning out in the massage chair, but I can enjoy that tonight.
“Master, you seem to be checking your status constantly during breaks today. Is something troubling you?”
While I was lost in thought when transporting monsters, Felicia, who was accompanying me, spoke up.
“No, it’s a worry, but a pleasant one, so don’t worry.”
I spoke with the God of Commerce-sama, and he confirmed that the expenses will be recognized as charitable donations.
When you have some breathing room, it’s human nature to want a little luxury.
In my case, my desires lean toward appetite and lust, so naturally, my thoughts turn to buying a ship.
As for my sexual desires, I have Ines and Felicia, but I also have to consider other women like Alessia-san and the others. Plus, I have upcoming events with the God of Light-sama and the other goddesses, so I can’t and won’t do anything reckless.
Given that, it’s only natural that my desires turn to appetite.
When it comes to satisfying my appetite, I end up buying a ship, which would normally make people think I’m crazy.
But it’s a pleasant kind of worry. Thoughts like “I want this ship, oh, and that one too, but this one…” probably caused Felicia to worry.
“I see. That’s a relief.”
She seemed relieved to learn it wasn’t a serious concern. The fact that she didn’t relentlessly press me about what was troubling me is what sets her apart from Ines.
Not that I dislike Ines being so pushy, mind you.
“Well, then, let’s get started.”
I finished today’s work, took a bath, had dinner, and left Rimu and Pent with Ines and Felicia. All set.
Relaxing in the massage chair, I opened the ship purchase screen.
My budget is around thirty platinum coins, but there’s no need to spend it all. Buying too many ships would dilute the enjoyment of each one, which would be a waste.
The actual budget ceiling isn’t just thirty platinum coins, but spending that much would lead to debt and extra work, so I can’t push it.
Still, having that kind of limit makes choosing what I want more fun. Without limits, I’d buy everything that caught my eye.
When I open the ship purchase screen, I check whether any unfamiliar ships have been added.
With so many ships available for purchase, it’s easy to miss things. New ships can sneak onto the list without notice, so I can’t let my guard down.
I suspect that, like new movies or shop items, new ships added on Earth are gradually being added to the list.
Sometimes Japanese ferries or luxury liners appear without me noticing. Japanese ferries and luxury liners are incredibly tempting with their delicious-looking cuisine. However, when considering impact, my eyes gravitate toward foreign ships. I’m such a sucker for trends.
For example, when I found a ferry with a vending machine from that famous gyudon chain, I agonized over it for three days and even dreamed about it.
Buying a ferry just for gyudon is excessive, so I put it on hold. Even now, I occasionally get the urge to buy one, which is a problem.
That said, it doesn’t seem like every ship is added. Luxury liners probably aren’t added easily, so I can’t say for sure, but smaller ships should definitely be added more often.
The ship purchase screen seems to work like an AI, suggesting ships it thinks I’d like and adding them. I’ve noticed more Japanese-style ships, like houseboats, appearing lately.
Since that suggestion is spot-on, I’m happily overwhelmed with too many ships to choose from, but that’s fun, so it’s not a problem.
Now, will I be able to decide which ship to buy today?
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