Chapter 516: The Giant Who Sells Goods
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 516: The Giant Who Sells Goods
In the past, Krais used to grumble whenever the city turned into a ghost town at the first whisper of war.
"Why is it so damn hard to find any decent stock?"
Yet, his profits had always risen in tandem with his complaints. After all, was it not a law of nature that goods became more expensive as they grew scarce?
Compared to those days, the city was unrecognizable. Shops had multiplied, and on one side of the street, merchants gathered to hawk their wares from stalls. The area was divided into neat, orderly sections, with soldiers standing guard at regular intervals.
Encrid even spotted a familiar Frok. What was his name again?
"I have no intention of fighting."
The Frok, marked by a prominent scar running across his face, spoke while showing his pale palms to demonstrate he was unarmed. Encrid dug through his memories to pull out a name.
"...Meelun?"
"Oh, right."
He had heard that Meelun had joined the Gilpin Guild under Krais. His cheeks were glossy, looking as if he thoroughly enjoyed the comforts of city life. They said a healthy Frok had glossy skin—a bit of trivia Encrid had learned from Luagarne, whose own cheeks had long since dried up in the arid climate.
"I'm off."
Passing Meelun, Encrid noticed Beastmen, Elves, Dwarves, and Froks occasionally mingled among the humans.
A Giant, too.
Though they were often branded as red-blooded demonic beasts, Giants were not a monolith, just as humans and Elves were not. Some of them pursued paths other than war.
This Giant seemed to be one of them.
He walked past with a bundle of black cloth slung over his shoulder—a roll so thick it could easily be mistaken for a club. Their eyes met by chance, and the Giant’s gaze was uncharacteristic of his kind. It reminded Encrid of the gentle, honest eyes of the cattle he had seen in the West.
"Greetings."
Though their eyes met only briefly as they passed, the Giant offered a polite greeting before making his way to a spot in the vendor area and sitting down.
A few nearby merchants looked terrified, but others remained indifferent.
"You're late," one merchant called out familiarly. He was a peddler whose rough appearance made him easily mistakable for a mercenary. Since peddling in the wilds required a fair bit of combat skill, many of them were practically indistinguishable from soldiers of fortune anyway.
"I managed to get my hands on something good," the Giant replied.
Seeing him exchange pleasantries with the human merchant next to him, it was clear this wasn't his first time in the Border Guard. The fact that the nearby guards didn't breathe a word of protest confirmed it.
Intrigued, Encrid approached. The Giant unrolled the cloth he had carried on his shoulder. That single cloth served as his entire inventory. Inside were pouches large enough to fit a grown man and a stool that looked as if it had been carved straight from a massive log.
A Giant peddler. It certainly wasn't a common occupation for his race.
"Care to take a look?"
The Giant’s voice was deep and resonant, echoing as if from the depths of a cavern. Encrid stood there blankly for a moment before nodding.
The Giant didn't seem to recognize him. While some of the patrolling soldiers might have known his face, fame didn't mean people could identify you on sight in this era. Unless one possessed exceptionally unique gear or distinct features, it was hard to stand out. And while Encrid’s black hair and blue eyes were somewhat unusual, he didn't immediately draw the eye in such a crowded place.
"Since you said you found something good."
When Encrid repeated the Giant's words, the merchant untied a large leather pouch and began pulling items out: a few large stones, uncut gemstones, and a couple of rolled-up bundles of leather.
Which of these was the "good" item?
Encrid was a mercenary and a swordsman. He had an eye for quality, but he was no merchant. At a glance, the Giant seemed to be a supplier of raw materials. Unless it was a finished weapon or armor, Encrid shouldn't have been able to recognize its value.
Yet, one of the leather bundles strangely caught his eye. Compared to the Giant’s massive frame, the bundle looked small, but its exterior was a thick, dark brown. It looked incredibly hefty.
"You have a keen eye, mister," the Giant said. There was no trace of a smile, nor any particular friendliness in his tone. He didn't seem like the type to engage in the usual sweet-talking of a merchant.
"Is that so?" Encrid replied, shifting his gaze to the Giant.
"Do you know of the Black Leather Guild?" the Giant asked, his voice booming.
How could he not? There were a few names one inevitably heard while wandering the continent: the Shepherd of the Wilderness, the Black Leather Guild, the Glacier Rangers. Among them, the Black Leather Guild was known for employing the finest hunters in existence.
"I got this from them. I don't know what beast it came from, but it's tough and light."
The Giant stared intently into Encrid’s eyes, pausing to pinch the leather bundle between his thumb and forefinger to lift it.
"And expensive."
Price was of no concern to Encrid. He held out his hand, and the Giant placed the bundle onto his palm. Unrolling it, he saw perfectly tanned leather. Just as the Giant had said, it was incredibly light. It wasn't just light because of the Giant’s strength; it felt far lighter than its appearance suggested. It had no foul odor, and it was just wide enough to cover his forearm.
"It's unusual."
"Because it's not a common item."
"You're unusual, too."
"Does that matter?"
"You stand out."
The Giant showed no reaction. So what? Are you buying it or not? As a merchant, that was all that mattered to him.
"I'll take it."
Encrid liked the item. He already had a rough idea of how to use it, and he certainly didn't lack the Krona to pay for it.
"Twelve gold coins."
It was an exorbitant price—and a strangely specific one. Why twelve? For a piece of leather barely long enough to wrap around a forearm, it was a king's ransom. If it were for someone like Audin, it would probably barely cover his fist.
"Very well."
Encrid didn't haggle; he saw no need to. However, there was a problem. He searched his waist and pockets, only to realize he hadn't brought any Krona with him.
— Do people not tell you that you're a bit slow in the head?
Having realized the situation, Aker vibrated with a low, mocking hum. Hadn't they said that once this damn sword's ego awakened, its thoughts would gradually scatter in less than a month? Why did it have to take a whole month?
Encrid continued to search his person, but no matter how hard he looked, not a single coin clinked. As he stood there empty-handed, the Giant’s eyes narrowed.
Is this bastard a thief? Or a robber?
It was an absurd thought. This was the Border Guard. It was a place where pickpockets had their wrists severed and robbers were a rare sight. It was a city where trying any tricks in the back alleys meant facing a Frok, and where soldiers wouldn't accept even a single copper coin as a bribe.
The Giant crossed his arms. Conveniently, two guards were nearby. Should I call them?
The Giant hesitated for a moment, giving him one last chance. "If you don't have Krona, get lost."
"...I'm actually friends with Leona."
Encrid spoke quietly. It was the truth. Twelve gold coins were nothing; he could bring them over in minutes. He would have done just that, if not for a merchant from another guild who suddenly cut in, his face practically dripping with greed.
"I'll buy it. Seven and a half gold coins."
This bastard?
Encrid felt a prickle of irritation. Can't you see I'm in the middle of a transaction?
Since flaring his Will would be considered a threat, he held back and simply stared. The merchant stared right back, tilting his chin up defiantly.
"What?"
What are you going to do about it?
Because the security was so excellent, the Border Guard was a paradise for merchants. Swindlers and robbers found it impossible to make a living here. The Gilpin Guild, whose primary business used to be illegal, now acted as the watchmen of the night, while the Border Guard Standing Army guarded the day. Everyone was doing their job.
"I'll be right back, so if you could just wait a moment..." Encrid said. He sounded pathetic, but he had no choice.
"Hey, if you don't have the money, just step aside. I'm busy as hell here," the grumpy merchant interrupted.
Encrid’s hand twitched. The merchant had a face like a toad and spoke with Krais’s exact tone. When Krais did it, it was tolerable, but hearing it from a man bloated with spite and greed made a surge of murderous intent rise within him.
Appearance isn't everything, but it certainly has an effect.
Encrid suppressed his anger. This wasn't worth getting worked up over.
"And you're friends with the master of the Lockfried Merchant Guild? Pfft, then I'm General Encrid's uncle."
Should I kill him? Would it be okay to kill him? If I'm the general, shouldn't I be allowed to kill a bastard like this?
As the atmosphere grew tense, the two nearby soldiers approached. Neither of them recognized Encrid.
"If you start a fight, we'll have to determine who's at fault. That won't end well for either of you."
"Just so you know, the Castellan of the Border Guard doesn't take sides."
Fairness is cold.
That was the motto hung in the Border Guard courthouse—a warning that it was best not to let things escalate. This atmosphere was also Krais’s doing. Holding trials required manpower, so he had implemented heavy fines for anyone bringing trivial matters to court. This ensured only those truly wronged would come forward, while weeding out those trying to abuse their power.
Encrid, however, didn't know much about those rules.
Well, they'd take my side eventually.
After all, he was the one positioned above the Castellan. But if he revealed his identity here... Wouldn't that damage my honor?
— Hey, rather than revealing your identity here, you'd be better off biting down on me and jumping off a cliff.
Aker’s advice was as sharp as ever. Encrid decided he would rather throw the sword off a cliff than repair it. It was already losing its edge, wearing down into a useless piece of iron anyway.
— Don't think foolish thoughts. Let me enjoy my remaining month.
Ignoring the ego sword, Encrid looked at the Giant. He tried to speak with his eyes. Look at me. This is a gaze of faith.
"What?" the Giant asked.
"...Never mind."
The Giant’s gaze shifted to the toad-like merchant. "I'm not selling to you either."
"What? Twelve gold coins for that leather is highway robbery!" the merchant flared up. To Encrid, it looked like a calculated act—a trick to gain the upper hand in negotiations.
The Giant wasn't fooled. He shook his head. "Not selling."
"Aren't you affiliated with Lockfried?"
"So?"
"I'm Malton. I've been trading with the Lockfried Merchant Guild for years. This could become a problem for you later."
Is he threatening him now?
Perhaps considering this still within the realm of haggling, the two guards stepped back. Encrid just watched. His position was too awkward to intervene. If he stepped in now without money, he’d just look like a thug.
"I don't care," the Giant said, unyielding.
"This son of a..."
The merchant fumed with genuine rage, but he didn't dare make a physical move. The guards were watching, and picking a fight with a Giant was a death wish. After the toad-faced man stomped off, muttering threats, Encrid spoke to the Giant.
"Is that alright?"
"Why wouldn't it be? I may be affiliated with Lockfried, but buying and selling is my choice."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I sell good items at the price I set. That is my way of business."
Though his "gaze of faith" had failed, Encrid liked the Giant. He liked his integrity and the way his eyes shone when he spoke of "good items." A Giant sourcing and selling goods—that couldn't have been an easy path to walk.
"Do you have a dream?" Encrid asked.
"Why do you want to know?"
The Giant’s attitude remained consistent. That, too, pleased Encrid. He needed to grab some Krona. Where was Krais? No, he could just go to Graham.
Just as he was about to turn around, a familiar voice came from behind. "Buying something?"
It was someone who had been missing since dawn, claiming to be busy.
"The Black Flower," someone whispered.
The robe she wore today was closed, but her skirt had a dangerously high slit. Her pale legs were fully visible, drawing the eyes of everyone nearby, regardless of gender.
"You shouldn't pluck out their eyeballs just because they're looking at your legs," Encrid said.
"Why would I do that? Does your head hurt?" Esther replied, blinking innocently.
He only said it because of her past tendencies, but Encrid let it go. It seemed today was just one of those days.
"How much is it? I'll pay."
Encrid felt awkward. To think that Esther, who looked like a mystical sage from a mountain, was handing over gold coins while he just stood there. She counted out the coins and handed them over.
"A good trade."
Only then did the Giant smile. He handed the leather to Esther, who passed it immediately to Encrid.
"It's a gift. I'm busy."
It was a whirlwind encounter. Esther prepared to leave as quickly as she had arrived.
"Lady Black Flower, please accept my love!"
A well-dressed man suddenly appeared, dropping to one knee and offering a bouquet of flowers. Esther looked at him. Encrid resolved to protect the man's eyeballs if things went south.
But Esther simply said, "I'll think about it," before striding away.
"Aren't you leaving? You're disrupting my business."
As Encrid stood there in bewilderment, the Giant merchant nudged him along. Encrid began to walk toward his original destination: the blacksmith's workshop.
He couldn't shake the feeling that today was a very strange day. That feeling persisted even after he arrived at the workshop. Inside, a human, a Dwarf, and a Frok were sitting together.
Among them, the human artisan recognized Encrid’s face. He was the master smith from the royal palace whom Krang had sent some time ago.