Chapter 289: Something Is a Bit Off
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 289: Something Is a Bit Off
“Sigh, I had a vague feeling this would happen.”
“Isn’t it a good thing? For everyone involved.”
A few days later, the Lymain family’s monster transport schedule was set. Normally, dragging a monster from its native stratum in the labyrinth to the surface was an arduous task that could take dozens of days.
Theodora had plenty to do in Calax, so I accompanied her mother, who happened to have some free time. She seemed quite pleased by the fact that I had become an Orichalcum-grade explorer.
‘If she had two tails, she would’ve taken flight by now.’
Unfortunately, Mother only had one tail, so flight was out of the question. Judging by her beauty alone, she wouldn’t have looked out of place with eight more tails—I wondered if there were any Nine-Tailed Fox beastkin in this world.
“Are you... are you truly saying you can bring a monster from the 27th floor within a week...?”
The deeper a monster lived in the labyrinth, the longer the transport time grew exponentially. Size and weight played a part, and the terrain was another factor to consider.
“This is the Lymain name we’re talking about. Moreover, this is the Chairwoman’s personal selection.”
“I-I see... But you are...?”
An nameless, white-haired old man from the research institute pulled out drawings and an encyclopedia to show me our target.
“I’m the son-in-law.”
“The son-in-law...? Oh, I see....”
We had moved past simple transport; now, we were essentially doing direct delivery of fresh monsters straight from the labyrinth. I could break through most labyrinths anyway, and I needed to expand the variety of monsters I possessed by exploring various locations.
The 27th floor meant it wasn't a small labyrinth. I wondered what kind of standards Calax, Roanmarie, and Hechituk used to measure these things.
They said that once a labyrinth exceeded 50 floors, it was called a Great Labyrinth, and there were only eight such places in the entire surface world. To be honest, just hearing about it didn't give me a real sense of the scale.
How could a mere 20-floor place even be called a labyrinth? That was like a stroll through the neighborhood.
“It’s a Blaze Scorpion. A giant scorpion-type monster shrouded in flames....”
I listened to the various danger factors of the target, but I didn't really care about that.
‘So it secretes flammable oil from the fine hairs on its exoskeleton?’
I was more interested in how a scorpion that was constantly on fire could even exist.
“Is it alright if I bring it back alive?”
“Pardon...? You mean alive...?”
It was almost unheard of for a Stratum Lord-class entity to be brought to the surface alive. Especially when it wasn't a short, single-stratum labyrinth, but a 3rd Stratum one.
“Hoho... If you can truly pull that off, we’ll have to add a significant bonus to the reward....”
The old man laughed hollowly as he spoke, but I caught that last part clearly.
“Oho.”
* * *
“N-No... How is this possible...?”
“Are you really going to give me several times the contract deposit?”
“We don't have that kind of money....”
“Are you saying... the contract was a lie...?”
The scientists at the research institute broke into a cold sweat as they stared at the blazing Blaze Scorpion. The facility was filled with insect-type monsters, though none of them seemed particularly useful.
“I’ve received the deposit in full.”
“T-Thank you....”
Of course, I would have had to kill it if I hadn't used magic to keep it under control, as it would have gone on a rampage immediately. Regardless, seeing them so happy they were practically moved to tears made me feel good.
I’m sure it was worth three times the deposit to them. They certainly weren't crying because they lost money.
“I truly have the most impressive son-in-law in the world.”
“You flatter me.”
“Go ahead and boast a little. Being too humble isn't always a good thing.”
“Haha....”
During my two-month break, my meetings with Mother had increased significantly. Surprisingly, me handling one large transport job was more profitable than her running around to secure multiple small contracts.
There was no need for capital; I just had to go and move the target monster.
“Rumors are starting to spread. I’m getting so many inquiries it’s becoming a nuisance.”
“Isn’t that a good thing? If we can make money.”
“This isn't a feat for the Golden Glove Syndicate; it’s a solo achievement for the Lymain family. Envy is growing within the syndicate. We’re also getting glares from other merchant groups that used to handle monster transport.”
“Is the Lymain family’s status something that needs to worry about such things?”
“Do you think a king stands alone? A country only functions when there are people. I’m not saying the Lymains are royalty, but a monopoly that sours relations with small and medium merchant groups is dangerous.”
“I see. Being a merchant is difficult.”
Despite her words, she had a joyful smile every time gold coins came in. Even though she wasn't my biological mother, it felt a bit like I was practicing filial piety.
“By the way, Mother, you look exceptionally beautiful today.”
“W-What... Enough with the flattery. Is there something you want?”
“No, I was just curious.”
Of course, Mother was always beautiful, but it felt like her outfits were becoming increasingly bold. Was it just my imagination?
I was sure she used to wear mostly suits before, but lately, dresses had become her standard. And quite provocative ones at that.
“Well... isn't it because Theodora officially has a husband now?”
“Huh?”
What on earth did Mother’s bold outfits have to do with me? Was it what I thought it was?
“What kind of strange thoughts are you having...!”
“Uh, no. I really don't get it. What does my presence have to do with your clothing?”
“Sigh. It means Dora’s hand in marriage can no longer be used as bait, you silly boy.”
“Aha.”
The youngest daughter of a great merchant, and a beautiful one at that. A merchant family with a vacant spot for a young noble lady’s husband. Any merchant with a son would have imagined themselves in that position at least once.
Even if a contract seemed a bit disadvantageous, if that deal could leave a good impression on the Lymain family, it was worth it. Most noble marriages were conducted with that kind of feeling.
Even more so for marriages between merchant families. They were people who used every means and method to expand their influence, and marriage was a ritual with incredibly strong social binding power.
Just having a young, unmarried lady of the house gave the Lymain family an advantage in most of their dealings.
“I still don't quite understand. Then, the fact that your outfit has become seduct... no, I mean, more pleasing to the eye...?”
“I don't have any particular intentions, but am I not currently a single woman? A merchant uses every available means.”
“Hmm.”
In reality, Mother had no intention of remarrying into an influential noble family, but just projecting that nuance could serve as bait to some extent.
“Well, anyone trying to snatch up this old widow would surely be after the family. After all, as time passes, the husband’s power would only grow.”
Mother pinched the slightly raised slit of her dress and pulled it down, letting out a deep sigh.
“I don't think so.”
“About what?”
“About how beautiful you are, Mother. This is just a hypothetical... but even if you were an ordinary woman with nothing to your name, I bet there would be a line of men wanting to marry you.”
“That’s enough. Stop the flattery.”
“It’s not flattery. I’m serious. I told you before, didn't I? You look like you could be Theodora’s older sister. If it were me, I’d just—”
Whack!
“I was waiting to see what you’d say, and you!! I am your mother-in-law, you rascal!”
“Ow, my head. That’s not what I meant.”
“Ugh...! My daughter really brought home a foolish son-in-law!”
Wow, that was a heavy impact. With a punch like that, she’s definitely still in her prime. I don't know why such a beautiful woman is so self-deprecating.
Click, clack....
The sight of Mother walking ahead of me was quite something.
‘I hope her tail doesn't fall off, shaking like that.’
* * *
“Excellent. I’m glad we could reach terms that are mutually satisfactory.”
“Hahaha, indeed it is.”
Renart Lymain sat at the negotiation table, slowly looking over the contract. Naturally, the results weren't entirely satisfying, but it would be foolish to show that openly at the table.
A good contract between merchants was one where both parties felt a lingering sense of regret. This was within an acceptable range.
‘That aside, what a blatant gaze.’
The man had a repulsive appearance, with greasy chins stacked in layers. He had very little hair left, which fluttered in the breeze, and he hadn't even fastened the front buttons below the table. More accurately, he couldn't fasten them.
His eyes were constantly fixed on her chest. Unless they were one of the very few eccentrics, the primary reason men sought wealth was for women.
In a human society where strength didn't solve everything, money could buy the favor of a female. Most owners of large merchant groups were like this.
“Since the contract is finalized, I’m mentioning this with no other intention.”
“Please, speak, Sir Magwell.”
“I heard the news that your youngest daughter’s marriage has been decided. It’s a joyous occasion, and I wanted to offer my congratulations.”
“Is that so? I accept your congratulations with gratitude.”
“It is also a bit of a shame. I have a son who is just the right age, and he’s quite a capable boy... You’ve seen him over the years, so you must know.”
She knew all too well. Like father, like son—was he not a troublesome brat whose life was a constant stream of scandalous affairs with women? It was disgusting that he would even mention her precious daughter in the same breath.
“I see. Thank you for the sentiment.”
“I heard the ceremony hasn't been held yet.”
“It’s a settled matter, so there’s no need to rush.”
At Renart’s short dismissal of his loaded comment, Magwell looked away for a moment, feigning indifference, before speaking again.
“How has the Chairwoman been lately?”
“In what regard?”
“Winter is approaching. Since I lost my mistress, that large bedroom has felt quite lonely.”
Magwell’s mistress was said to have died of illness, but there were many suspicious rumors surrounding it. Since then, he had fathered two more children with women who weren't even concubines.
He called her his new wife, but no one had ever seen her. Who knew if she was being used as a plaything in his manor or if she was being treated properly as a concubine?
“Do you not have a new wife?”
“Hahaha... I’m not talking about myself. It’s purely out of concern for the Chairwoman—”
“That’s enough. I’ll be taking my leave now.”
“Hmm....”
Creeak....
When she pushed back from the negotiation table and stepped outside, she found her son-in-law lying on a wide four-person bench. A boring book was draped over his face, and he was swinging his crossed legs back and forth.
“Oh, Mother. You’re out.”
“Let’s go back. I’ll pay you well for your service as a guard.”
“Come on. I don't take money for helping out the family.”
An impressive son-in-law, but one who was a bit off. The male she had told her youngest daughter to go out and hunt for herself, in the hopes that she would find true love.
‘He’s handsome! Truly handsome!’
It was a bit funny how he was carelessly radiating pheromones, though.
“Oh, Mother. Did you absolutely crush the other guy?”
“What makes you think that?”
“Well, you’re smiling a little.”
“...I am?”
Renart lightly touched the corners of her mouth, glanced at her son-in-law, and cleared her throat as she took the lead.
“Ahem...! What do you take your mother-in-law for? Hurry up and follow me.”
“Yes, ma'am.”