Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: If It's That, I Think I Can Help
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"It's Dran Oil imported from the country of Inda. I believe it's the same oil you were researching. For some reason, even though you have plenty of talent, it seems like you stopped pursuing it further."
"Is there any reason I should tell you about that?"
Oilie scowled and downed the rest of his beer in one go.
"If cost is the issue, I'm saying our merchant group is willing to fund your research. Don't you want to keep going with it?"
"What makes you think I'd jump into your merchant group just like that? Especially after you've gone snooping into my background."
Esther sat there silently without budging, but Oilie firmly stated his refusal.
"My mind's made up. Staying longer won't change a thing."
"If things stay like this, our merchant group will go under soon. We need your help. Couldn't you at least think it over one more time?"
"I feel for your situation, but there's no guarantee things will get better even if I join. It's late—head home before your parents worry."
"......My parents aren't around anymore. No one to worry about me."
"What? Oh, sorry."
Caught off guard by the unexpected reply, Oilie slipped into casual speech and ruffled his own hair.
"It's the place my father devoted everything to in his lifetime. I can't let go of what he left behind at the end. Other people's livelihoods depend on my decision. Couldn't you reconsider, just once more?"
"......"
"And I'm certain that if we work together, we can solve this. I want to continue your research on extending the shelf life of Dran Oil, Mr. Oilie."
"What makes you trust someone you've just met like this?"
As he kept knocking back drinks, Oilie looked at Esther sitting across from him and sighed. After hearing her full story, it was hard to chase her away harshly.
Besides, there wasn't a hint of hesitation in those eyes that claimed to believe in his abilities. Only conviction flickered there.
"Please, Mr. Oilie."
"......"
Suddenly, Oilie wondered where that conviction in her eyes came from.
Why she trusted him so completely. Why she went this far for someone even he couldn't trust in himself. He wanted to know the reason.
And her words stirred up useless memories. He missed those days when he'd chased his dreams, immersing himself solely in research.
No, truth be told, Oilie had never forgotten. Those times that made him feel truly alive kept coming back to him. That's why he was still...
"Argh!"
Was it a sudden whim fueled by the alcohol? Or had he fallen for her persuasion?
"......I'll take a look, just once. Nothing more. Even if you keep coming back, it won't change my mind, so don't show up again."
As if she'd been waiting for those words, Esther beamed and bowed her head.
"Thank you. Please come to our merchant group anytime. The sooner, the better. Or even now..."
"I'll come tomorrow evening, so quit nagging and head home yourself."
"Yes. Don't drink too much yourself, Mr. Oilie. See you tomorrow."
As Esther stood to leave, Oilie, feeling finally freed, downed the rest of his drink.
"Oh, Mr. Oilie."
"What? I said I'll come tomorrow, so don't worry. I keep my word."
"It's not that..."
Esther reached into her pocket, pulled something out, and smiled brightly.
"I'll cover the drinks."
Without hesitation, she paid at the counter and left the tavern.
"Guild Master, that man you mentioned yesterday is here."
"Okay, I'll come down."
At the news she'd been waiting for, Esther practically flew down the stairs to greet Oilie.
Seeing him standing at the entrance with a grumpy expression, she swallowed a surge of emotion—everything really was falling back into place—and approached him.
"You came."
"So, where's the oil?"
"We're storing it underground because it's sensitive to sunlight."
"You seem to know your stuff. So, how do I get to the basement?"
"This way."
Bitterly amused that he didn't realize she'd learned it from him, Esther led him downstairs.
"Carter, this is Mr. Oilie."
"Nice to meet you. Carter Rekun."
"Ah, uh... nice to meet you."
Watching people who'd been so close in her previous life act awkward nearly made Esther burst out laughing, but she barely held it together.
Unaware, Oilie focused on talking with Carter.
"......Is that Dran Oil you're holding?"
"Yes."
"Mind if I take a look?"
"Ah..."
Esther nodded to Carter, who was silently asking if it was okay to hand it over. He passed the bottle to Oilie.
"Double-wrapped in newspaper, and the temperature feels just right. Mind if I smell it?"
"Go ahead."
"Smells fine. Taste okay?"
"Yes, go ahead."
With Carter's permission, Oilie popped the lid, closed his eyes to sniff, then scooped a bit onto his finger and tasted it without hesitation.
"Never thought I'd see Inda's specialty like this—fascinating. The climate difference must make it tricky, yet you've imported so much... But you haven't mixed it with anything."
"Mixed with what?"
Carter already had a notepad and pen in hand.
That sharp gaze felt quite intimidating to newcomers, and Oilie flinched under the intensity before speaking.
"Mixing it with Cham oil in a certain ratio can extend the shelf life. It's not impossible to find, though..."
Realizing Carter's fervor was passion for learning, not anger, Oilie met his eyes more comfortably now.
"Figuring that out just from a taste—impressive. And you're the first customer to recognize it as Dran Oil."
"I never expected to see it here either—fascinating."
Esther quickly inserted herself between the two, who were already chatting naturally.
"As thanks, we've prepared a meal. You seem to like drinks, so we have those too. Why not eat before you go?"
"No need for that..."
Yet he didn't shake off her arm, so Esther swiftly led him to the reception room. Oilie's plan to just glance at the oil and leave crumbled completely.
An hour into the meal, the atmosphere had completely shifted. Precisely because of the drinks Esther had intentionally prepared.
"She's around my daughter's age, so I couldn't ignore her. Didn't expect this, though."
"We've known the Guild Master since she was young, so we get it."
No trace of awkwardness remained between the two as they clinked glasses.
"If we'd had someone like you, we wouldn't have made those mistakes..."
"Argh, everyone slips up sometimes! No need to mope over it!"
No, even Carter venting his regrets and Oilie consoling him felt like old friends who'd known each other forever.
With his face flushed red at Carter's ongoing lament, Oilie finally bellowed.
"If I can help... I'll... Argh, fine, I'll help!"
With those words, Oilie passed out.
The merchant group flipped upside down the next morning from Oilie's scream upon waking.
That evening, despite his upset stomach and insistence on at least having breakfast before leaving, Oilie returned to the merchant group. Loaded with bags in both hands and a large one on his back.
"I'm just taking responsibility for what I said!"
As Esther entered the reception room, Oilie yelled his excuse, and she couldn't hide her joy, bursting into laughter.
"Let's sign the contract right away. Before the Guild Master changes her mind—better hurry."
"Thank you so much for this tough decision, Oilie. Looking forward to working with you."
"C-contract, let's do it now! Keep this up, and I'll just leave!"
His dishonest words contrasted with his reddened ears, betraying his true feelings. Despite the grumbling mouth, he was a good man at heart.
"For now, the known best ratio is 7 to 3, so let's try that."
"Sounds good. I'll prepare it at that ratio."
The group quickly accepted the earnest and diligent Oilie.
Less than a month later, seeing him fully adapted eased Esther's mind.
And it took just a week to perfect the oil mixture ratio.
"Everyone's amazing. You did this in a week?"
"All thanks to Mr. Oilie. He helped a ton."
"Nah, you all worked together, that's all."
Everyone burst into laughter at Oilie's bashful mumble.
Watching them, Esther felt like the old days were back and made the same proposal to the group.
"Ah, you've all worked hard—how about a group dinner tonight?"
"Yes!"
And just like back then, they cheered toward Esther.
"Her praise for your skills was spot on."
"Right?"
As Carter walked beside Esther, who smiled back while the excited group headed for the dinner, he spoke.
"Guild Master, got a moment?"
Oilie, who'd been mingling moments ago, was now at her side.
"Something wrong?"
"I need to head home for a bit. Might find a way to extend the shelf life further."
Though she'd asked before, memories of his previous disappearance darkened her face. Seeing it, Oilie hurriedly continued.
"You guys have the ratio down without me now, and things are stable, so I can step away briefly. But my home's far—need about two months' leave..."
"Two months?"
"......A fast route to Falcon would be great."
"If It's That, I Think I Can Help."
Esther turned at the familiar voice behind her worried self. There stood Noel, smiling.