NOVEL NEXT Chapter 97 - Chapter 97: Organizing the Issues
Chapter 97: Organizing the Issues
(Back to Bonus’ perspective)
According to Hajiramu, the current problems seem to be roughly consolidated into three.
The first is the lack of personnel to secure the base. It seems that we, the Bonus Trading Company, will address this by joining in. It feels a bit optimistic, but I also think that with Kuro and the others here, we’ll somehow manage.
The second is the means of transportation after securing the base. They want to arrange camels and their handlers, but it seems there are no transporters willing to send camels to the dangerous east side of Savoie. They’ve been trying various connections, but so far, they’ve all been turned down. Indeed, apart from the villagers, the only people we’ve encountered east of Savoie have been Menas’s caravan or thieves. Well, this is something to discuss with Menas…
The third is the lack of someone to lead the village’s reconstruction. Basically, it’s best to return the village to its previous state, and politically, it’s not good to expand or reduce the village’s size haphazardly. If we were to provide funds to the villagers and let them do it themselves, it should be fine, but apparently, it’s not that simple. According to Hajiramu, if you give a large sum of money directly to the villagers, chaos will almost certainly ensue. They might be coerced into buying useless things in the town, and in some cases, they might get involved in crimes, not to mention the risk of wasting money or even endangering lives. Of course, if that happens, the relationships between the villagers will also deteriorate… It’s a story I heard somewhere recently. It’s too convincing.
“Well, that’s why we need to lead the villagers to some extent here. But even so, this is beyond my expertise. I plan to delegate it to the acting lord. But… the acting lord isn’t knowledgeable about such matters either… it’s a difficult situation.”
“Once we decide on the priority of reconstruction, as long as we have materials and manpower, I feel like we can somehow manage…”
“It’s not that easy. Originally, where were the buildings located? What functions did they serve? Who lived in each building? The names, ages, genders, occupations, and family compositions of all the villagers, and even their diseases… If we’re going to assign tasks to the villagers, we don’t even know who can do what at the moment.”
…Yeah,well…if that’s the case, I don’t understand.”
“Hmm? What do you mean…”
“Well, we do have a map of the entire village. It shows where each building was located, who lived there, the names, ages, genders, occupations, family compositions of all the villagers, and even their diseases. As for transportation… I might be able to ask my acquaintance about it.”
Hajiramu is blinking with a blank expression. It’s a bit amusing. Gisella is laughing as she looks at his face, but Zamza has a strangely proud expression. Kuro and Shiro seem to be getting bored and playing with Kohaku. Piri seems to think his role is over. He’s making a futile effort to look serious, but it’s clear he hasn’t really been listening. It’s a face I used to make a lot during meetings. Sometimes, he twists his neck while sniffing his own body odor as if he suddenly remembered something.
“This is the power of the Bonus Trading Company!”
“Why are you acting so high and mighty… hey, speaking of which, didn’t Zamza have the blueprint?”
“Yeah, I always use that as a reference.”
Come to think of it, while we were away, Zamza has been constantly making a map of the hideout. It’s still incomplete, but surprisingly accurate, surprisingly. It’s filled with incredibly detailed drawings and texts that you wouldn’t imagine from his large body, such as distinctive trees, rocks, fruits, and vegetables that can be harvested. After dinner, he happily comes to show us the progress, and the time spent gathering around the drawing as it slowly takes shape is invaluable to me. Sometimes, someone else joins in, pointing out new information we didn’t know before and adding it to the drawing, and we often make plans for our days off.
“Bonus… what are you…?”
“Well, you see, when I went to the village before, I was bored. So, I made it with Zamza.”
“Zamza is… an oni, right?”
“Yeah, that’s right. I’m Bonus’ disciple oni.”
“Hey, Zamza. Weren’t you supposed to be a hero?”
“Y-yeah, cut it out…”
Zamza covers his face as he speaks. It seems he’s given up on being a hero.
Shiro and Gisella laugh as they watch Zamza’s reaction.
“Bonus… Tomorrow, I have plans to discuss the future direction with the person acting as the lord’s representative. Could you come with me?”
“Umm… well…”
“He’s a calm person. He’s sincere to his allies. At least, he won’t do anything that would disadvantage you.”
I remember the advice I received from Marie before. Indeed, it might be a good idea for me to secure a solid backing. After all, we’re claiming to be a trading company with this many people. Forces like ours, with moderate power, risk being eliminated if they’re feared too much. Even today’s behavior was a tightrope walk. And now, I can build a relationship by showing gratitude. Even if I’m incorporated into authority, it’s still easier to handle.
“Alright. I’ll cooperate.”
“I see… That helps. It would be quicker if someone who could help with transportation could also attend, but…”
“That’s not something I can answer. I’ll ask, but I can’t guarantee their presence.”
“Understood. Still, I appreciate your help.”
“Well then… Azir seems to be rolling his eyes. Should we call it a day?”
“Hey! Azir!”
“Huh? I’m awake, aren’t I?”
“Sleeping with your eyes open… quite skillful, huh?”
Azir insists he was awake, but until just a moment ago, his mouth was half-open, drooling, and his eyes were rolling back. It was quite a dangerous sight, enough to make Piri grimace. It seems everyone’s concentration has reached its limit. I also want to go back to the hideout early and relax. The places I got punched are starting to hurt again.
“Well then, let’s disband.”
“Sorry about that, Bonus. But really, I appreciate you coming. Thank you.”
“Well, it seems like you had a lot to deal with too… So, what should I do tomorrow?”
“We’ll head to the market stalls around noon.”
“Got it. See you tomorrow! Piri, we went through a lot today, but… let’s work together again!”
“Hmph! Unbelievable… I’ve been a mercenary for a long time, but you guys are the first bunch to be like monsters… But well, as allies, there’s nothing more reliable than this. …I’m counting on you… Hey Bonus! You’re making a face like you’re the only sane one here, but you’re definitely the craziest!”
“…Are you serious?”
“Well then, Bonus. Good luck with the next expedition. Ah, I’m sleepy…”
“Azir, you were asleep most of the time… Well, see you next time for the expedition.”
Exiting the tavern, we return to the market stalls. While complaining about the tavern’s food, we felt oddly watched on the way back. Kuro and the others stand out quite a bit. Especially after getting new clothes, they attract even more attention. Perhaps, walking with such a group of people, even I, who is quite inconspicuous, attracts some attention…
Returning to Misharl market, we see Menas and the others are still there. It’s been about an hour since we left the stall, but they seem to be having a lively discussion with Melanie and the other regulars.
“Ah! The mad dog Bonus is back! Hey hey, did you half-kill the mercenary leader!? I heard you gouged out his eyeballs and swallowed them! Tell us all about it!”
“Uh… what’s with that scary story…”