Chapter 260: Beltrek, the Hub of Transportation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 260: Beltrek, the Hub of Transportation
Though other races might be jealous to hear it, I have a particular fondness for beastkin.
Individually, a beastkin is nothing special. But the beastkin race branches out into many different types, each with its own unique characteristics.
If there are hundreds of animal species, then there are hundreds of beastkin species. That overwhelming diversity offers a master a rich variety of experiences when it comes to raising them.
Furthermore, beastkin are also exceptionally versatile.
What I mean is, a dog beastkin can guard the house in place of a dog, and a cow beastkin can provide milk instead of a dairy cow.
Even setting aside my personal tastes, their usefulness in a tycoon setting is off the charts.
And it's not just in games. The exploitation of beastkin labor to squeeze out maximum profit is happening all over the world.
The place we’ve come to now is no different.
All roads lead to Beltrek. The post town of Beltrek. A hub of transportation where travelers and merchants rent carriages or stop for a rest.
In a world without more advanced means of transport, carriages capable of moving large quantities of goods at once are indispensable.
The same goes for the horses that pull those carriages. Since transport times vary depending on the horse's capability, those who consider time to be gold pay a high price to rent superior horses.
Just as other beastkin take the place of animals, the 'horses' pulling carriages also include horse beastkin. It's easier to handle a horse beastkin that can talk than a horse that can't.
The post town of Beltrek buys horse beastkin in bulk and works them as slaves. The beastkin slave I'm looking for is among them, which is why I've come here.
“Are you saying the slave you're looking for is here in Beltrek, Master?”
“That's right. A horse beastkin, pure white with golden eyes. She should be pulling a carriage somewhere around here, so let's take our time and look around.”
While searching for the slave, I took the opportunity to look around the city with Narsha for the first time in a while.
Wide boulevards of white stone opened up the view in all directions, with carriages constantly coming and going.
Most of those pulling the carriages were horse beastkin. They're smaller than horses, making them easier to manage, and they cost less to feed, so they're a popular choice.
As slaves, of course, not employees. Shackles were fastened around their necks to prevent them from escaping. You couldn't find a trace of life in the slaves' expressions.
In the middle of the road was a small, circular plaza, and at its center stood a tall stone statue of a winged carriage.
Behind it, a large building was visible, emblazoned with the crest of a wagon wheel. Outside, many carriages and horses were waiting, ready for use at any time.
“That's the headquarters of the Mercurius Wagon Wheel Association. They're the merchant association that controls Beltrek. Shall we go in?”
“Why not?”
Inside the building, employees in green uniforms bustled about.
“They operate regular carriage routes to all parts of the continent, build roads, and also manufacture and sell carriages. Their quality is so exceptional that all the carriages in our merchant group were made here.”
“Hmm~”
There was really no one as talented as Narsha to have by my side. She was so knowledgeable that there was no risk of being scammed, and when we went to a new place like this, her knowledge was impeccable.
In terms of competence, wasn't she the best of all my slaves?
“Since we're here, why don't you ask for information about the slave you're looking for? If she arrived recently and you have a clear description, there's a high chance they'll know something.”
“Good idea.”
“Then, before you go, take this…”
Narsha handed me a platinum wagon wheel seal.
“What's this?”
“Think of it as an identification card for use in Beltrek. It's platinum, the highest rank. With this, you'll be welcomed anywhere in the city.”
“Where did you get this?”
“I brought it from my father's belongings when I was sorting out the Dawn Travel Company. He no longer has any use for it… An item should belong to someone who needs it.”
“Wise words. Thank you. I'll make good use of it.”
I went straight to the counter where the employees were sitting.
“Welcome. What brings you to the Mercurius Wagon Wheel?”
“I'm here looking for a slave. I'd like to see the acquisition and transfer records for horse beastkin who have recently arrived in Beltrek.”
“I'm sorry, but that information cannot be shown to outsiders.”
I nonchalantly took out the wagon wheel seal Narsha had given me. The employee's eyes widened upon seeing it.
“So you are someone with a precious connection to our Beltrek. My apologies. Please wait just a moment.”
The employee excused himself and left his post, returning shortly with a man who appeared to be his superior.
“Welcome. I heard you have our association's seal. Would you mind showing it to me?”
“Here it is.”
“Ooh, it's unmistakably the association's seal. My apologies. Please, allow me to escort you inside.”
The man guided us to a VIP room on the second floor.
“A pleasure to meet you. I am Baren, the general manager of the Mercurius Wagon Wheel Association.”
“I am Karami.”
“According to the employee's report, you wish to see the records for recently arrived horse beastkin. Is that correct?”
“That's right. A child I know seems to have been sold to Beltrek, and I'd like to confirm it.”
Baren nodded.
“I see. I understand the situation. As you are a valued guest of Beltrek, we can certainly show you that much.”
“Thank you.”
“However, even if she is the child you are looking for, she is now strictly the property and a member of Beltrek. Please keep in mind that you cannot simply take her away.”
“Understood.”
Soon, Baren brought the documents.
I began searching for Miro's name in them.
After flipping through the pages for a while, I found a familiar name.
There she is.
-Name: Miro
Age: 16
Race: Horse Beastkin
Gender: Female
Origin: Former student of Beastalis Academy
The information of a beastkin named Miro was neatly organized.
Beastalis was an academy in the beastkin nation of Vestia. Miro had been a student there as well.
It matched the information I had on her.
So she really was sold to Beltrek.
“This child, Miro. Can you tell me where she is now?”
“New carriage pullers train by pulling carriages within the city to gain experience. Once they have enough, they are sent outside the city.”
“I'll be taking this child.”
As if he'd expected it, Baren let out a shallow sigh.
“I don't know what precious relationship you may have had before she became a slave, but she is now a slave of Beltrek and our valuable property. No matter how esteemed a guest you are, you can't just take her because you want to.”
“That's just a formality, a rule that can be changed at any time, isn't it?”
Though I gave no signal, Narsha, who was standing behind me, placed a money pouch on the table with perfect timing.
“I've put in enough so you won't feel short-changed. With this money, you could buy several dozen beastkin.”
“Hmm…”
Baren opened the pouch and checked its contents.
For a moment, his eyes widened, but he quickly regained his composure.
He looked back and forth between me and the money pouch.
“I'm sorry. I'm afraid this won't be enough.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Maintaining my smile, I gauged Baren's true intentions.
Not "no," but "it will be difficult." It meant the money wasn't enough.
But the pouch I'd offered was filled with gold coins. It was an amount so large that he could never claim it was insufficient for a single beastkin.
His intention was obvious.
He wants more money.
Because I had offered so much, he was, in turn, reassessing Miro's value.
He's paying this much for a single beastkin?
Is there something I don't know?
If he's willing to pay this much, I can probably squeeze more out of him.
A hidden value, unseen until now, was beginning to emerge.
This is why I hate dealing with merchants.
Well, it's fine for a merchant to do his duty, but he should know who he's dealing with before getting greedy.
I gave a slight nod, and as if she'd been waiting, Narsha moved.
Swoosh!
A gust of wind stirred.
Hearing the jingle of colliding coins, Baren turned around, a moment too late.
Narsha, who had been behind me, was now standing behind Baren in the blink of an eye. The money pouch was in her hand.
Baren stared at his now-empty hand.
“Wh-When did you…?”
“Manager Baren.”
At the sound of my voice, Baren's head creaked as it turned back to me.
“When I acquire a slave, paying for them is a matter of conscience. It's to avoid disrupting the world's order just to satisfy my personal desires. After all, what's the fun in living without risks or restrictions?”
“What… are you saying…”
“Therefore, I can tolerate a certain amount of loss. Within a reasonable range, of course. Oh, and my definition of 'reasonable' is quite generous, you see.”
I continued, giving a smile to the bewildered Baren.
“But if you make a demand that goes beyond reason, or show greed that crosses the line, I'll have no choice but to respond forcefully. Do you understand what I'm saying?”
“……”
Narsha once again placed the money pouch on the table.
“By my standards, the amount seems to be more than sufficient. Manager Baren, what do you think? Is it still not enough?”
“…It is sufficient. More than sufficient.”
“I'm glad you're satisfied. For a moment there, I thought I might have offended you with my offer.”
“Haha… Of course not.”
Baren took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat drenching his forehead.
The deal was done.
Now, it was time to meet my cute daughter.
No matter how many times I do this, my heart always pounds with excitement.
“Now then, would you tell me where the child I've purchased is?”