Goblin Gains and the Orc Outbreak
Delros Trading Company's employees bustled in and out of the ruins, desperate to salvage anything they could. They were dragging out goblin corpses and harvesting the mana stones from their chests—little more than money trees, really. These goblins had built a proper nest and even had a shaman, so the haul of mana stones wasn't insignificant.
"...Does this all count toward the deal?" Delros asked Ian, still looking dazed. The joy of getting his daughter back was short-lived; now he had to finalize the new contract with Ian and Tavi. And on terms overwhelmingly in their favor.
"Don't worry. We'll cover labor costs and bonuses."
"Ahaha..." Facing the lord's satisfied expression, Delros could only muster a wry smile.
Well, it's not like there's zero profit in it for us. The price was jacked up way higher than usual, guaranteeing a solid income. Plus, trading in bulk mana stones alone boosted their value. Larger deals meant skyrocketing external credibility for a mid-tier merchant house like his. For outfits like Delros's, name recognition was a far more enticing asset than a few extra gold coins right now.
But that wasn't even the biggest win from this venture.
...I got to know Lord Ian, one way or another.
The lord of Armeyna was no ordinary man. The martial prowess to storm a goblin nest solo and rescue the hostage without a scratch. Swift judgment, decisive action, negotiation skills and knowledge on display during the contract. And that subtle charisma radiating from him just standing there—probably helped by his looks. Under normal circumstances, it'd just register as "this rural lord's pretty capable."
But these weren't normal times. With gates popping up everywhere... this was the kind of figure who shone in chaos.
If he's the lord here, Armeyna's going to keep growing. We might ride that wave too.
A rural territory and a small merchant house joining forces to rise together. Delros figured this lord was worth betting on.
"Ehhh? What's with that look? You aren't mad at your 'lifesaver' for giving you some work, are you?"
"Ahaha... Of course not."
...Or maybe not? This guy's personality screamed "tread carefully."
Of course, the contract made escape impossible anyway.
"I was just thinking you're different from other nobles, my lord."
"Am I?"
"Truth is, I already asked the neighboring lord for help. He made every excuse in the book and refused."
Delros's words carried a hint of resentment. He'd poured plenty into this territory for the company's growth. And now, when things got dicey, they straight-up ignored him.
Lord Ian shrugged lightly. "Eh, that's just how the world works. Rotten heads at the top aren't exactly rare."
...A sentiment plenty would agree with. But hearing it from a lord felt oddly surreal.
"Not just nobles— the whole world's like that. Human greed has no end, and your own problems always look biggest. Expecting anyone to help you? Big mistake."
Delros couldn't help but chuckle at the lord's casual delivery. Part of it was the absurdity of someone Rana's age talking like a world-weary veteran...
"...Why're you laughing? You're making me self-conscious."
"No, no. But didn't you rush off the second you heard my daughter was kidnapped? Like not a second to waste."
"...I had to. Called in your caravan—if you didn't show, it'd delay everything."
The lord scratched his head awkwardly. Money was probably part of it, sure. But his face back then wasn't calculating profits—it was all action. No matter how vital cash was, it didn't trump lives.
Mouths off rough, but he puts people first in the end. From what his secretary said, he steps up personally in the territory too.
The more he learned, the more he liked the guy. As a person, not just a lord or business partner.
...Though thinking of that contract still made his stomach ache.
"My lord, they've moved all the items and bodies from inside."
"Quick work. Good job, Tavi."
"Not at all. I just helped with coordinating."
The lord's secretary had been overseeing the employees, getting a read on the site. She was impressively efficient—Delros would've scouted her on the spot if she weren't the lord's exclusive aide. Maybe the workers had extra motivation with that sleek beauty watching.
"Take a look. There's stuff you'll want to see yourself."
The clearing was littered with goblin junk. One side had workers extracting mana stones; the other, the fallen guards laid out.
As Delros watched with a heavy heart, he noticed the lord close his eyes, clench a fist, standing solemnly before them. Unlike during the contract, his back looked like a devout worshipper's.
"My lord?"
Called out unconsciously, the lord turned his head slightly, face grave.
"Just observing a moment of silence. They died fighting monsters, end of story."
"...Damn. You really put me in a tough spot, my lord."
Lifesaver who rescued his daughter and honors the rank-and-file like this. How could he resent the "unfair" contract now?
Delros joined him in silent prayer. Strictly speaking, they'd just done their jobs—and failed to prevent the kidnapping. But they'd risked it all to save Rana. He felt genuine regret toward them.
"About their bodies..."
"Ah... I hate to say it to you, my lord, but they..."
"Put honoring them ahead of business."
Delros stared at Ian in surprise.
"They deserve to set foot on home soil intact. Families and friends waiting, right?"
"...Thank you. Lifts a weight off my chest."
Delros had braced for "territory business first." Who bothers with details like this? A lord who did... no wonder his secretary trusted him so fiercely.
"Anyway, looks like my part's done here. How about we swing by that neighboring territory together?"
"Pardon? I'll go for Rana's sake, but why you...?"
"Our secretary got banged up on the way here. Better have a doctor check her, just in case."
"Then we'll go together. I'll prep the finest horses."
They could stop by the territory while the employees wrapped up. The four of them mounted the best-conditioned horses and hit the road.
"Um..."
An adventurer approached along the path, looking awkward. A three-person party clutching weapons.
"The lord said to come here since he had business."
"Hmm..."
Delros could only wryly smile. Obvious rookies—those three in a goblin den? Total wipeout. Made the neighboring lord's incompetence crystal clear.
Lord Ian of Armeyna really is something else.
****
"Man~ Turned out great in the end. Never expected this much profit. That merchant isn't a total pushover, is he?"
"...Mr. Delros can hear you from back there."
"That's why I'm whispering."
Tavi and I rode together toward the territory. I figured she could ride, but she insisted on sharing mine.
-"Ouch! My hand hurts again...!"
First time on horseback, that soft press against my back made me swallow hard, but I adapted quick. Her body clinging closer than necessary? Probably imagination. The tight grip on my arm, those sensual thighs brushing mine. The faint tremble in her arms, ears flushed red—yeah, all in my head.
Rescuing the merchant's daughter was the right call. Not just as lord, but personally. The goblin subjugation rewards were juicy.
Never dreamed we'd score a subspace pouch.
A subspace pouch stores tons of items without adding bulk or weight. Perfect for hauling gear into gates.
Not top-tier, so there's a weight limit, but still plenty useful.
Worth the trip alone. I'd stock it with spares—weapons, emergency rations. Restock those smoke bombs too. Money? We'd make plenty.
"Goblin mana stones plus the revised contract—huge profits, right?"
"Need exact figures, but it'll be massive. Especially with the confiscated goods from those corrupt nobles."
"Kuh~ Sweet. Territory budget just ballooned. Life's all about the big score."
Plenty for slush funds without notice. System built, capital secured—no worries for a while.
Maybe scout a resort? Chilling seaside sounds nice.
Lost in vacation thoughts, my gut twinged with déjà vu.
"...Hmm."
"Something wrong, my lord?"
"You said that territory's lord is incompetent?"
"Seems so. Sending three rookie adventurers for 'support' against a goblin nest says it all."
"Then we hurry. Hold tight."
"Kyaa!"
Whipped the reins and spurred the horse. Bad vibes. And greeting us at the territory...
"A gate?"
Another one had burst open here. Not goblins this time—orks roamed with weapons drawn.
"No way. Those adventurers we met didn't mention this..."
"Wasn't like this when they left. Gates pop suddenly by nature."
Armeyna's second gate had appeared a while back too.
"Uwaaaah! Help!"
"O-orks this time? Why are orks in the middle of town?!"
"M-Mommy! Mommmy!"
Screams erupted everywhere. Orks were already hunting people.
Drew my sword and swung. Shwaaaaack!
The ambushed ork split clean in half.
"If we want even one doctor alive, we handle this first."