1-20 Dazzled by the Harbor Lights
It had been a week since the escort mission began, and that morning...
Droplets of water began to patter against my cheeks. The weather was unfortunately dreary, but the massive city sprawl ahead was shrouded in mist from the rain, giving it an almost fantastical air.
The port city stretching out before us had undergone repeated expansions and rezoning, divided into multiple districts.
The area we could enter through the outer wall approaching in the distance was known as Commercial District 2.
It was mainly for merchants trading with the western cities. Naturally, it was well-equipped with inns and entertainment districts to welcome travelers from the west.
That said, not all travelers from the west stayed in the commercial district. Just before passing under the outer wall, there was a cluster of homes called the New Town, where cheaper inns had gathered.
The New Town was the collective term for areas outside the walls where residents had started settling without any urban planning. It was simply a phenomenon born from the city being unable to accommodate its population—not quite a slum, nothing that chaotic.
By this point, the monster threats had thinned out, so plenty of people figured it was fine to stay outside.
In fact, the outer walls of Kyures Port—an important stronghold of the Kyures royal family dating back to the days of the ancient empire's nobility—seemed designed more for defense against people than monsters. Fear of enemies seizing it had led to frequent rebuilds and additions, making the structure unnecessarily complex.
Occasionally, they'd even discover defensive installations that not even the royal family knew about.
Anyway, we of the Emond family escort team couldn't just disband in the New Town. We had to deliver our VIP, Lady Aawinda, to the Emond house's base in the commercial district, so we joined the long, long line snaking toward the interior of the walls.
I'd wondered how long it would take, but whether because they only did cursory checks or the staff were just that efficient, our turn came surprisingly quickly. The fact that the line was so long at all was proof of how much traffic there was.
Our group passed inspection without issue, reformed our formation, and proceeded at a measured pace down the main avenue toward the massive trading hall in the prime spot of the commercial district. Needless to say, it was the Emond Merchant Association's Kyures Port branch building.
Though called a branch, since the various associations operated with a degree of financial independence, it might not match the Earth concept of a "branch." Think of it as a merchant house in Kyures Port run by the Emond clan.
As soon as we pulled the carriage up to the entrance, servants swarmed out from inside, taking the luggage and hauling it in. After handing off the horses and dismounting, I stood watch at the carriage door for appearances' sake. Gotta look professional in front of a major trading house.
Before long, a refined man in a snug suit-like outfit emerged to welcome Lady Aawinda. Probably the butler or equivalent.
I followed Lady Aawinda inside. The entrance was laid with thick red carpet. At the counter in the back stood a receptionist in a flowing dress-like gown, smiling warmly. She noticed our gaze and gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.
Hmm, the picture-perfect high-end trading house. I was definitely sticking out like a sore thumb.
"You must be tired from the long journey. Lord Ted awaits you in the second-floor reception room."
"Oh, thank you. My feet are killing me."
"We'll prepare a foot bath shortly."
"Please do. Is it just me he's called for?"
"No, the escorts as well... And he wishes to settle payment here for those you hired this time."
"I see. A bit rushed, but understood. We'll head up right away—will you all join us?"
Lady Aawinda turned back to the mercenaries behind her as she asked.
No reason to refuse, but she was showing consideration regardless.
"Graciously."
"No objections."
Elliott and I answered, then headed to the reception room via the staff passageway.
"Oh, Aawinda. It's been a spell."
"Uncle, it's been too long."
Lady Aawinda embraced the elderly man waiting in the reception room—the chairman, Ted Emond. In this world, a firm hug was a common sign of affection among family.
For non-family, even close friends, it could come off as rude. Something between Japanese and Western culture.
"Five years, eh? You've grown a fair bit since last I saw ya."
"Yes, naturally. I've even completed the blessing rite."
"I see, I see..."
They were exchanging affectionate touches, but Ted and Aawinda were distant relatives—nothing deeply intimate. Like that uncle you saw a few times as a kid: not close, but family you had to deal with. For pre-adult Aawinda, meeting five years ago was practically a non-memory...
"Now, I've heard the details from young Dorutoku. Treat this as your home till ya head to school—make yerself at ease."
"Yes, Uncle. Thank you."
"Heh, a genius from our clan headin' to upper school. Call it an advance investment."
"Oh my."
Aawinda could chat so warmly with a distant relative she barely knew because she was a proper merchant's daughter, I suppose.
I was lost in such thoughts when the topic suddenly shifted to us. Whoops.
"...Yoyo, was it?"
"Ah, yes, sorry—what is it?"
Elliott elbowed my side, and as I flailed, I caught Aawinda stifling a laugh.
"Lord Ted is praising you—mind your manners."
Dammit. Made a fool of myself in front of the trading house chairman. Epic fail.
"Sorry."
"Hah hah hah, long trip'll do that—tired, eh? No worries."
"Y-Yes..."
Ted played the jolly old-timer, lightening the mood. But successful types like him often sized people up behind the smiles. Tricky.
Even with my limited life experience, I'd run into that before.
Well, no use moping.
"I called ya all here to confirm the escort contract's end. And to settle the pay pronto."
"Uncle, in such a hurry? Couldn't it wait?"
Aawinda interjected, perhaps out of concern for our fatigue.
"Hmm, fine for merchants. But for mercenaries, we Emonds calculate on the spot, pay in cash—no debts hangin'."
"I spoke out of turn."
"Naw, naw. I get the sentiment. So, shall we tally now?"
"Yes."
Elliott and I overlapped.
"Right. First, daily rates..."
Ted signaled a servant behind him, and papers with figures were distributed—to everyone, slaves included.
"Yoyo here: 3 silver coins a day. Total 21."
Pre-prepped, no doubt. The servant placed silver coins on the desk as he explained.
"Plus 4 silver success bonus. Makes 25 silver."
Nice. At 10,000 per silver coin estimate, that's 250,000 yen. The clinking pile was getting me excited. And that matched the paper.
"On hazard pay: we've reports of the road events. Confirm the timeline."
He signaled again, and a servant ran through the incidents chronologically.
Skipped the bypassed thieves, but covered the intermittent early monster attacks, the rock dog kill; the nighttime harpuadon, fang dog, and goblin swarm—and my solo goblin stand.
Listening, it all came back. The flattery made me sound like a hero, which was embarrassing.
"...Monsters were expected, but rock dogs and multi-swarm ambushes upped the risk. Hazard pay accordingly."
"Graciously."
"Heard your nighttime heroics saved the Emond privates from worse. A little extra, eh?"
"Yes."
Ted—er, Lord Ted—waved, and a servant hauled in a heavy cloth pouch.
He took it with a flourish and thunked it on the desk.
"Check: 25 silver."
"25 silver..."
250,000 yen, then.
"Total with prior: 50 silver. Objections?"
"N-No."
I had no idea of rates—maybe could've haggled—but no will for it.
Lord Ted's showmanship had me hooked. Still, double the base plus success bonus. Plenty.
"Good. Next, Elliott..."
After that, I dazedly listened to Elliott's payout while eyeing my silver.
"...Wrapping at 2 gold."
"Overly generous, but if Lord Ted insists, I'll accept with thanks."
Gold for him, huh.
Makes sense: skills, rep, group size. Emond wealth on full display—one escort netting gold coins easy.
"Yoyo, silver or half-gold? We have it."
"Y-Yeah, half-gold."
Impulsively agreed; they cleared the silver and handed an irregular coin—gold bisected.
"...Half-gold."
"First time? Merchants handle 'em more."
"One equals 50 silver, right?"
From context.
"Aye, state-minted—solid. Some foreign spots balk, but bring to Emond for exchange."
"Got it."
Emond branches abroad too? Vast reach.
"Many thanks this time. Don't get dazzled by harbor lights—rest proper tonight."
Lord Ted said it with gentle warmth and humor, capping with a cheeky wink. Cute old coot.
I didn't get it then, but "dazzled by harbor lights" meant blowing cash on Kyures Port's famed nighttime temptations—this major tourist hub's allure.
Heard Elliott's stock reply, gave thanks, and excused ourselves. Callwing entered as we left—probably for the debrief. Quick nod; he passed without a word. Farewell to him too. No great loss.
"What now for you lot?"
Outside, pondering, Elliott asked.
"Dunno. Monster hunt nearby, or check out that monster-hunting holy land."
"Not heading back to Slagee?"
"Was gonna, but now wanna poke around here first."
"I see... I'm off to visit contacts, then probably the capital."
Invite myself along?
Tempting, but leeching off Elliott too much? No permanent party intent—doubt he wants that either. Better grind solo here.
"Guess this is goodbye, then."
"Yeah... Thanks for everything."
"Nah, I owe you big. Emond intro, real help. I was the weak link, caused trouble."
"Just how it went. Skills... low level's unavoidable, but you pulled more than expected."
"That so? Good then."
"Sudden farewell feels off. Dinner tonight?"
"Hell yeah—don't know local spots. Meet up?"
"Store rendezvous? Meat Owl Pavilion on main drag—sunset bell. Famous; ask anyone."
"Got it—around here?"
"Bit of a walk, not far."
"Cool. See ya tonight."
"Yeah, tonight."
Saw Elliott's crew off to their friend's, then time to move.
No time for harbor lights. Inn first—ASAP.
"Nice room."
I took a tout's pitch on the main drag and ended up here.
Small inn, five rooms tops, but simple and spotless. Double bed—no springs, but fluffy like down, crisp white sheets screaming clean. Deep breath: faint sun scent.
Secured it first for one reason: escort duty blue-balled me hard. That. On the verge. Time now.
"Master, um..."
"What? Something wrong?"
Pulled Sarsa close, shoved her on the bed—but she resisted more than usual today.
"Since yesterday, it's..."
"Yeah?"
"Started."
Started? Oh. Girl time.
"...No helping it, then."
"Sorry."
Sigh—bad timing. Not her fault. But this libido: bottle it, and harbor lights'd dazzle for sure.
"Mouth, then."
"Yes."
Line to bend a normal girl's nose—or dump you. Sarsa prepped unfazed. Predicted it.
Guess normal romance ain't for me. Good thing: slave isekai.
Long-dry, my piece lasted under 10 minutes before blowing.
"...Shit, early again maybe."
Training wasted—back to square one?
"Fine. Better than first time, Master—you held out."
"Yeah?"
Maybe. Call it nearly 10.
More in tank, but save for night. Plan ahead—total blank now.
Recall: magic practice. Research to wield Mage job properly.
Monster holy land too. No local hunts? Head there. Scout what/where first.
Upgrade gear—income allows. Backup sword priority—mine could snap anytime. Restock Sarsa's arrows, magic gun maintenance.
But first: status check while chilling. Rinsed mouth, pulled Sarsa back to bed, hugged tight. Grope the butt too.
Skills:
Shooting Slight Boost
Subjugated by Yoyo
Archer up one level, Attack to G-. Could level more, but word is years for Lv10. This is fast.
"Um, more...?"
Sarsa blinked, flustered by the sudden hug. Ignore.
"Sarsa, leveled up—congrats."
"Ah, yes... Thank you?"
Not clicking, but fine. Duo from here—her role grows. Level fast.
Skills:
Status View II, Status Manipulation, Job Addition II, Status Display Limit
Slash Slight Boost
Magic Shot Slight Boost
Subordinates: Sarsa
No bonus changes for me.
Lv10ish often adds skills—Magic Gunner due? Pair with Mage practice, push it. Feels easier than Swordsman—despite more sword time.
Mage + Gunner rear-guard suits?
But Sarsa's Archer too—no frontliner.
Wait.
Earth bears = monsters, but hunters? No armored tanks eating hits. Rifle squads, traps, ranged sniping.
Rear-only common for hunts. Minimize risk: unilateral distance attacks.
Up close = disaster, but hunters plan to avoid.
"It's about ingenuity, huh? Your take, Sarsa?"
"...Not following the flow."
"Swordman for magic warrior, or gun/mage sniper? Which?"
"Yes."
"Rear duo—scary if closed in?"
She tilted her head, pondering.
"Premise:"
"Yeah."
"No party? Or more slaves?"
"Party as needed, but prefer self-contained. Slaves if cash flows."
"Top combat slave frontliner? Pricey... Tough."
"Yeah. Duo goblin-style clears fine."
"I see."
"So?"
"Few numbers standard, right?"
"Yes."
"Head-on always bad—even you front. Fire-focus rear, avoid direct—safest."
"Makes sense."
Specialize over mediocre all-rounder. Master Mage, then. Wait—Mage rear-only? Game bias?
Front viable? Short range maybe.
"...Gotta research magic."
Conclusion reached.