LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 261.1
Chapter 261.1. Cunning Plans
Today’s guard is enjoying a delicious sukiyaki meal. Clearly, it isn’t any suspicious meat. This is marbled beef, genuine marbled beef. Not the pure white marbling resembling a snowy surface, but the type that retains a rich red flavor and releases a juicy savoriness with each bite.
Delicious. Utterly delicious. Words fail, but it is that good. It has been decades since having sukiyaki with marbled beef, which moves me a bit.
The reason for eating sukiyaki is that I’m being entertained. And the one entertaining me is none other than Otomo Sorin.
A few hours earlier…
At the lodging prepared for me, I sat deep in thought. The creaking of the worn-out sofa springs mixed with the flickering light of the wood stove.
“This place is kind of run-down. There’s a spiderweb in the corner. No wonder Fuuka just popped her head in, made a face, and left.”
I speak to Yukihana, sitting near the stove warming her hands, and to Ohki-kun, who’s grinning oddly as if recalling something. Shingen and Baba are outside, overseeing the soldiers, so they aren’t here.
“Indeed. This lodge is vast, but it feels like a school trip’s dormitory. It’s not quite fit to host the likes of you.”
Yukihana wrinkles her nose at the soot-streaked stove. Where did they even find such an antique? It’s oddly impressive.
“Hey, aniki? Where’s Sei staying? It can’t be here, right? I was thinking of guarding her; she smiled when I offered, but does that smile mean she likes me? She even let me use her name. Hehe.”
Without listening to others, Ohki-kun wriggles in delight, wrapped up in springtime fantasies. I take it upon myself to kindly enlighten him about Sei.
“Well, it doesn’t matter much where, but it’s intriguing if they’ve separated the guild and my company. Also, Sei allows anyone to call her by name and smiles kindly at everyone.”
Ohki-kun stiffens in shock, showing signs of turning into a plant, but I don’t dwell on it and return to thinking.
“I came all the way to Hakata, and yet, the Amatsugahara Corporation hasn’t gained much from the adventurers’ guild. Something needs to change.”
I cross my legs and observe the bare concrete walls. What a bleak room. A spacious area with a wood stove and dated furnishings—usable but worn. Here, I ponder how to get the Amatsugahara Corporation deeper into Hakata.
Our key assets are cores, then food. We can sell soba, corn, and potatoes in abundance. Our cultivated land surpasses all others in Kanto. It’s about time to introduce flour and rice to the core store. Those with vested interests should be appeased by now.
We also sell magical tools, so aside from cores, I, as president, want to expand sales into other cities. Of course, on terms favorable to Amatsugahara Corporation. Business should be based on honesty and trust? Mutual profit? Sure, I’ve heard that before. It sounds sensible. Looking ahead, it’s the best approach. But I’ll start by seeking favorable profits and regret later.
So, this is our first other-city foray aside from Narashino. Time to make a splash in this market.
A knock at the door interrupts. We all turn to it.
“Enter.”
“Excuse me.”
A visibly tense employee in combat uniform enters, wearing a complex expression. Something must’ve happened.
“The envoy of Otomo Sorin, the mayor of Hakata, is here!”
“From Otomo Sorin? What for? Did he say anything?”
I tilt my head, puzzled by the employee’s salute.
“He insisted on conveying it directly to the president…”
“Hmm… I wonder what it could be? Is it really that serious?”
The matter with the adventurers’ guild should be resolved. More bribes? That would be troublesome for Otomo Sorin. Accidents, illnesses…
“Well, let’s hear them out.”
Standing, I stretch and walk toward the meeting room, with Yukihana and Ohki-kun tagging along since they’ve nothing better to do. This lodge is unnecessarily spacious—and cold.
“Master, how about using some magic? It’s chilly.”
“If I warm you by shoving my hand in your chest, will it help? Wear thicker clothes.”
Yukihana shivers beside me, flashing hints of skin through her modified kimono. She needs a sweater.
“How about giving Sei a gift from me to make a strong impression?”
Ohki-kun asks with a serious face. The answer is obvious.
“Cash. Load up a suitcase with bills; she’ll love it.”
“A suitcase full, huh… Would a small case suffice?”
“A few million yen should be fine.”
“You two… You aren’t joking, are you?”
Yukihana, half-lidded, scolds us. Money’s a versatile gift; buy anything you want later. It’s perfect in this world.
When I argue back, Yukihana launches into a lecture on gifts’ meaning. Sure, I get it. But in dramas, would you rather smile while poking a plush toy or a wad of cash? I think cash wins.
We arrived at the meeting room, and our teasing halted. Opening the faded door, a few suited men await us.
As we enter, they exhale dramatically. All eyes on us—condescending ones. What’s their deal?
“Apologies for the delay. You had a matter to discuss?”
“Indeed. When an envoy arrives, you should come immediately, don’t you think? Have you heard of ‘manners’?”