Chapter 103
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 103
Chapter Title: Let's Buy Daily Necessities - 1
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The Catkit Merchant Company, composed of swift catkin folk, was the only merchant group operating in the obviously dangerous western region.
Of course, even among the Catkit Merchant Company, there was only one traveling merchant who visited Lugeron Village.
That damn cat Pina.
"I bet that bitch took my money and ran."
I'd figured she wouldn't show up in spring because of the winter that dragged on from last year, but with no sign of her even now in summer, she must've pocketed my gold and bolted.
It was a measly five gold coins, but betraying a merchant's trust—which is more precious than their own life—stoked a fury in me far greater than the coins' worth.
"The Holy Kingdom brought plenty of daily necessities, so we shouldn't have to worry for a while."
"That's a relief."
"But they're all consumables. We can't keep waiting around like this forever."
"You're right. The road's still a long way from completion."
Rather than twiddling our thumbs waiting for the Catkit to show up someday, we might need to head out ourselves.
'The problem is, hardly anyone in the village has ever been to a city outside.'
Not just me, who'd survived in the Dark Forest, but most villagers had never set foot beyond the village. The only ones with any outside adventuring under their belts were Carlson, Elsia—who'd traveled everywhere with her merchant father—and outsider Tom. Just those three.
'So we've got to pick one of them, at least.
Elsia's pregnant—pass.
Carlson has to stay and guard the village while I'm gone.
That leaves Tom, but will he even remember the route from twenty-five years ago?'
"I'll come with you."
"Elsia? You're pregnant—don't push yourself."
"It's fine. Still early days, and with the carriage, it won't be tough."
"Even so, I'd rather you take it easy."
"Don't worry. Having you there gives me strength."
"Elsia..."
I couldn't sway her resolve, so I pulled her in for a kiss.
"Fine. But tell me right away if anything comes up. Got it?"
"Yes."
And with that, our city-bound crew was set.
Me, with my <Inventory>.
Elsia, to guide us to the city and seal the deals with merchants.
Her daughter Elin, to assist Elsia.
Senior Nymph Foreth as our liaison and for camping support.
And finally, Nabira—the village chief's daughter-in-law—as our coachwoman.
"Bro! I wanna go too!"
"Clia, this isn't a joyride."
"Ughhh, then why's Elin coming?"
"Clia... if you've got any shame, don't compare yourself to Elin."
Unlike Clia, who mostly goofed off despite her chores, Elin took after Elsia—studying daily and now skilled enough to help with the accounting.
Clia, who'd lounged carefree thanks to her fine brother-in-law, couldn't hold a candle to her.
"If Clia wants to hit the city, start with Imperial tongue. They say you're lagging behind Becky these days."
"Hmph! Bro, I'm pissed. Not talking to you anymore!"
"Then no souvenir for you."
"You're actually my fave, bro. I'm sad 'cause you haven't played with me lately."
Her fake-crying little-sister act twisted me up inside. Adorable, sure—but damn if I didn't wanna swat her one.
Sylvia stepped in for me, pinching Clia's cheek.
"Clia, I said don't hassle Sian."
"Ow, Mom... hurts."
"Good."
"Sylvia, I'm okay. Anything special you need?"
"Nah. Just come back safe."
"Naturally."
After a kiss for Sylvia, I soothed the pouting Clia, crestfallen at being left behind.
"Don't mope too much, Clia. Next time, you're in."
"For real? Swear?"
"Swear."
"Then pinky promise."
"Yeah, yeah."
We hooked pinkies as she demanded.
"Seal it too. Seal!"
"Seal?"
"Like you did for Mom—kiss me!"
"That's..."
I never shied from PDA with my women around family. Watching that growing up, Clia apparently saw kisses as standard family love.
"Why not me?"
"Alright. But you're still a kid, Clia."
Her teary face melted me; I pecked her forehead.
"There. Better?"
"Yup! Promise sealed! You have to take me next time!"
"Yes, yes."
Finally free from my niece-like sister-in-law's ordeal, the beleaguered uncle moved on.
"Eek! Master bro kissed Clia!"
"He does ours too! We wanna go to the city! Seal our promise!"
"....."
I gave Beshi and Beki forehead smooches too, then tracked down Clara and Vivian.
"You two sure you don't wanna tag along?"
"We're good. Not like the northern expedition—it's safe. Clara, Vivian—hold down the fort for me."
"Gotcha."
"Master, safe travels."
"Thanks, Vivian."
The grown-ups didn't fuss like the kids.
Just a touch of reluctance at parting, even briefly.
So I left 'em with some grown-up kisses—proper steamy ones.
Next stop: Chloe.
"Just in case, you keep this."
I handed her Anemoi's necklace, protection from the plague gifted by the first Apostle Clak.
"Can I really hold something this precious?"
"You're a hundred—no, a thousand times more precious."
"Darling..."
After a tender kiss with my love, I headed to giggling Ciel.
"Ciel, Daddy's off."
"Aaah~ ooooh."
"Yeah. Someday, Ciel and Daddy'll hit the city together."
"Hope it's soon."
Chloe eyed the city wistfully too, but bowed out for Ciel's sake. Next chance, a solo date—just us.
"Chloe, anything you want?"
"I'm fine. Oh—Helia's probably got needs."
"Helia?"
I followed Chloe's tip to Helia.
She was miracle-working Ciel's soiled diaper clean.
Dirty cloth turning pristine as new—wild. Man, I'd kill to learn that trick. Think she'll teach me?
"Helia, you need something?"
"Yes, Hero. If it's no bother, some Daywood leaves?"
"Daywood leaves?"
"Staple for baby food. Thrives on sunlight alone, but weirdly absent around Lugeron Village."
"I'll grab 'em if I spot any. Ciel's already weaning?"
"Heehee, she's growing by leaps and bounds daily."
"Huh."
My packed schedule had blinded me to her progress.
'Failing hard as a dad. Missing my girl's growth... Gotta step up from here.'
"No, no. It just shows how devoted you are to the family. When Ciel talks, she'll tell you Daddy's the best."
"Yeah? Thanks, Helia—even if it's just nice words."
Boosted by her solid comfort, I fetched Elsia, Elin, and Foreth, heading to the village chief's.
"Nabira, all set?"
"Ready to roll."
No horse-drivers at our place, so Nabira signed on as coachwoman.
"Sian, take this. Villagers' shopping list."
"Thanks for the legwork."
"Just doing my job as chief."
"But no chief runs admin like you."
"Don't need props from a whippersnapper. And ease up on the freebies for folks."
"Pardon?"
"Noble or not, if you keep handing out charity, they'll expect it. Bad precedent."
"Fair point... I'll watch it."
"Water under the bridge anyway. Safe trip."
"Yes, Chief. We're off."
"Elsia, keep an eye on Sian. Sneaky bumpkin—trouble magnet."
"Hah, Chief—don't dump Dad's baggage on me."
"Baggage? Just recycling his wisdom back at his boy."
Elsia chuckled at our back-and-forth.
"Heehee, no worries needed, Chief. Ian raised him well—Sian stays cool in new spots."
"Wise words from you, then. Sian, earl-to-be or not, you're not there yet. Western nobles' egos bruise easy. Steer clear. More idiots in their ranks than you'd guess."
"You tangle with nobles before, Chief?"
"Be a lie to say no. Power-tripping fools overrun even spots like this. 'Course, Anitul Earl's wipeout's got 'em all jittery—thanks to you."
"Innocent here. His mess, not mine—he blew himself up."
Empire's nymph protection law or no, pulling that stunt made Anitul the king of fools.
But a clown like that dominating western politics? Chief nailed it—western nobles are a joke.