The Freed Slaves Are Obsessed-Chapter 140: The Ruthless Merchant (2)

The crooked merchant, Bipen.

He operated primarily in Aisengar, surviving by exploiting the northern folk. At Lake Fortress, conflicts arose between him and the residents. Then, upon seeing Ashies, he suggested selling her but was, of course, rejected.

In retaliation, he ceased his regular trade with Lake Fortress. The player's task is to connect Lake Fortress with a new merchant.

And that new merchant is me.

In the game, you could establish a branch in the north and lay the groundwork to assist them, but that’s out of the question now. Setting up a building and preparing it takes too much effort.

In the game, a store would appear in just one day with a single click, but this isn’t the game anymore. Unnecessary effort is something I avoid.

So, the method I chose was to find someone to take on my role.

“Hey, scum. Why exactly do I have to come along with you?”

Rinbar, sitting in the cargo bed of the wagon, grumbled irritably. We were leaving the village, heading toward a city in Aisengar.

The party consisted of a dwarf driver, Ashies, Rinbar, and me.

“Ferka was dying to come along. Why didn’t you bring her instead of dragging me?”

Apparently, Rinbar had introduced herself to Ferka in the meantime. She really must only dislike me.

“Miss Ferka has a record, so she’s paying for her crimes. Miss Rinbar, on the other hand, is coming along as a witness.”

“A witness?”

“A witness to tell the villagers how virtuous a slave trader I am. Moreover, this is a matter for the village’s sake. Isn’t it only natural for someone to come along? It wouldn’t make sense for only us outsiders to handle it.”

“Well... you’ve got a point.”

Even though she hated me, it seemed her conscience wouldn’t let her refute this. Rinbar reluctantly nodded and cast a sideways glance at me, looking as though she had something to say.

“Feel free to speak your mind.”

“Is it true that the goods we offered could’ve fetched six months’ worth of supplies?”

She seemed curious about whether they had been swindled.

“It’s true. And that’s considering the geographical disadvantages of the north. In a more active trade area, the value would’ve been even higher.”

“So that merchant bastard was trying to scam us?”

“Not trying—he’s been doing it consistently. Given how little contact you have with the outside world, you wouldn’t have the eyes to assess the value of goods.”

“That son of a... chewing him out wouldn’t even begin to cut it.”

Fuming over having been taken advantage of, Rinbar ground her teeth, her face twisted in anger.

Then she sighed, her expression softening as she turned to me with a more appreciative look.

“Thanks... for saving us from being scammed.”

“Ha, it’s nothing to thank me for. This trade was an extreme case. While the fur was valuable, the wyvern’s wing membrane is an incredibly rare material.”

“Really?”

“Yes. The moment he saw it, his mind must have gone blank. If he had moderated his greed, he could have made a significant profit, but his excessive avarice caused him to trip over his own feet.”

Thanks to that, I earned an opportunity to improve my reputation.

“If you truly want to thank me, you can help me persuade the chief to part with some jewels.”

“You always have to add something unnecessary and make yourself hated, don’t you? If you’d just kept quiet, I might’ve seen you differently. Ugh, typical slave trader.”

We arrived at Brund, the central city of Aisengar.

Just as large cities coexist with indigenous villages in Africa, the same applies to Aisengar. While some northerners adhere to tradition, others live ordinary city lives.

Among them, Brund is the largest city in Aisengar, though it wouldn’t qualify as a metropolis compared to other regions.

“What do you think? It feels different from Doomheim, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah...”

“Each city has its own charm. Traveling between them is quite enjoyable.”

“What are you, my dad?”

You just don’t understand.

This kind of small talk is crucial.

While the main story is important, the mundane aspects of daily life also play a significant role in freeing Ashies.

“Rami... are you my dad?”

“Ha, I’m closer than a dad—I’m your master.”

“Enough nonsense. What are we here for?”

“There’s a place I need to visit.”

Just as successful restaurants expand by opening branches in other areas, major trading companies also establish outposts in remote regions like this for profit.

The place I sought was Seolwoonhoe (Snow Cloud Guild), the Aisengar branch of Cheonsangru.

The building resembled a giant igloo. Inside, beastfolk from the polar regions were busy with their work. A walrus, looking like it couldn’t be bothered with anything in the world, approached me.

“What brings you here?”

“I’d like to meet the branch manager.”

“Hm, I don’t recognize your face. Do you have an appointment?”

“I haven’t made one.”

“Our branch manager isn’t someone who just sits around idly. Don’t waste my time—off you go.”

The walrus, exuding reluctance to deal with me, let out an exaggerated sigh and waved me away dismissively.

As expected.

Good thing I came prepared.

I pulled out an item I’d kept securely hidden in my inner pocket.

“W-what is that?!”

The walrus, who had been indifferent until now, recoiled in shock.

An octagonal badge adorned with the image of a pure white fox.

It was a token given only to those trusted by Yuhwa, the Celestial Fox, and served as a free pass to enter Cheonsangru without restriction.

“I’ve been dispatched from Cheonsangru. I’m here to see the branch manager... may I enter?”

An inspection officer has arrived.

"Welcome, Inspector! It must have been quite a challenge to come all the way to such a harsh place. Please, though it’s humble, take the seat of honor and make yourself comfortable!"

The branch manager of Seolwoonhoe, a polar bear beastfolk, ushered me to the head seat.

I carried a badge that granted me direct access to Yuhwa. To my knowledge, the only other person in possession of such a badge was Hilde. There was no way a mere branch manager could refuse a meeting. To him, I was an inspector dispatched by Yuhwa herself.

"If only you had informed us beforehand, we could have prepared a more lavish reception...."

"No need for a reception. I’m here strictly for business."

"And what business would that be...?"

"Haha, no need to be so worried. It’s not what you think. I’m sure someone personally chosen by the guild leader is performing admirably."

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"Ah, of course! Naturally, that must be the case."

The branch manager let out a sigh of relief, visibly easing up.

Well, in truth, anyone working under Yuhwa tended to be quite competent. With her foresight, she could see the future consequences of hiring someone unfit, so hiring incompetents would indeed be the strange thing.

"So, what brings you to Aisengar, Inspector?"

"The guild leader wishes to expand operations—specifically, to establish trade routes with Aisengar’s tribes and broaden the network."

"With those savages, you mean?"

"What? Savages? Did this bear just say all he had to say?!"

Rinbar sprang to her feet, outraged.

"I-Inspector, who is this...?"

"She is a Nosgard from Lake Fortress. My companion for this journey."

"I-I apologize. That was an inappropriate comment. Please accept my apology."

The branch manager bowed his head in contrition.

Seriously, beastfolk, who are themselves often subjected to oppression, never miss a chance to look down on others. Clearly, I’m the only one who treats everyone equally.

"Let’s get back on topic. Seolwoonhoe wishes to establish trade relations with the tribes of Aisengar. The plan is to purchase byproducts from their hunts and provide them with resources of equivalent value."

"And why should we do that...?"

"Hmm, perhaps if everything goes smoothly, I might mention to the guild leader how capable Aisengar’s branch manager is...."

"Ahem! Well, it’s true that the byproducts of northern magical beasts are highly valuable. We were, in fact, already eyeing them."

At least he had some common sense.

"Then we can proceed immediately."

"Well... we would like to, but...."

"Is this because of Bipen?"

The branch manager nodded and, after taking a sip of water, continued.

"That’s not entirely incorrect. It’s true that Bipen and his merchant guild operate primarily in the north. But on their own, they pose no obstacle. After all, we’re a branch of Cheonsangru."

"Then what’s the problem?"

"The issue lies with their backer, Grand Chief Zeke."

Zeke Snowsvine.

The grand chief of Frost Hollow, the largest group in Aisengar.

"Attempting to trade with the northern folk while opposing Zeke is contradictory. He has an enormous following among the northerners. Moreover, getting on his bad side could impact ongoing operations...."

"So, in other words, we just need to deal with Zeke."

"Essentially, yes. Among the northern folk, no species is better adapted to the polar regions than beastfolk. Once the path is clear, transportation will be readily available."

"Good. Then the course is set."

Dealing with Zeke.

Reorganizing the hierarchy of Aisengar’s tribes.

And placing Lake Fortress at the top.

"But Zeke is undoubtedly the strongest warrior in the north. Angering him recklessly could—"

"Shh."

I pressed a finger to my lips, shaking Yuhwa’s badge before the branch manager’s eyes.

"Are you doubting me?"

"N-no, that’s not it...."

"The guild leader herself sent me. To doubt me is to question her judgment. Shall I inform her that the branch manager in Aisengar harbors dissatisfaction with her decisions?"

"Absolutely not! Never! The guild leader surely has a plan! It will all work out, yes, absolutely!"

I smiled slyly.

"I’ll send word again soon. Be ready by then."

"Safe travels!"

With the branch manager’s polite farewell, I left Seolwoonhoe.

The matter had been handled smoothly. Power truly is a wonderful thing.

"You seem like quite an impressive person. That bear seemed pretty high-ranking, but he didn’t dare say a word."

"It’s nothing grand. I simply borrowed someone else’s authority. The important part is what comes next."

Concern flickered across Rinbar’s face.

"Are you seriously planning to go after Zeke? I hate to admit it, but Zeke is the strongest among the Nosgard. Even the late Lord Baskal could barely stand against him—and he never won."

"It’s fine. I have Miss Ashies, who’s stronger than I am."

Rinbar shot a quick jab, muttering, "Why are you bragging about someone being stronger than you...," but she didn’t deny my claim. After all, she had witnessed Ashies’ power firsthand.

"There’s no need to delay. Let’s head straight there."