The Adventurer Who Lacks Magic Power

Waiting for the carriage to catch up, I intended to explain, but I was preemptively apologized to.

“Kaito, I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. The last time I went to that shop, I was blocked and kicked out. I wanted to convey that, but I guess I was a bit too slow. Let’s make arrangements for another day and visit a different shop.”

I was dropped off in front of the hotel, bidding farewell to the two.

Now, if there’s a Magic Pouch, I want to get my hands on it. With dimensions of 6 to 8 meters in length, width, and height, you can carry a small house resembling a rock without having to consume magic power to create a campsite every time. Not having to consume magic power to create a campsite every time is a big advantage.

However, light novel authors aren’t typically individuals reincarnated from this world to Japan. I’m fine as long as I don’t hear about demons or heroes.

Now, for the enhancement of magical power, shall I become a shut-in again? I wonder where to go this time.

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“The master of the Hohen Trading Company, the chairman, wishes to apologize to Hyalda-sama and Phine-sama and is requesting an audience. How shall we proceed?”

“Tell Hohen Trading Company to bring Hyalda and Phine.”

“Is it about father?”

“What does father want?”

“Hohen Trading Company’s chairman wants to apologize to you two. Any idea who that might be?”

Hyalda explained the events that occurred when she visited the Hohen Trading Company and the information she got from Kaito.

“This company has a bad reputation, so maybe it’s time to crush it. It seems unnecessary in this city. Bring Hohen here.”

“Lord Hamawarl, I apologize for inadvertently causing discomfort to your siblings. I am truly sorry.”

“Hmm, I’ve heard the story. You scolded Kaito twice, who is our benefactor. It might be forgiven as a mistake the first time, but to treat our house’s benefactor disrespectfully twice within ten days is unacceptable. Do you plan to apologize to them first? If you’re going to apologize, there’s someone else you should apologize to first. Also, the rumors about you and your store are quite bothersome. Perhaps it’s time for you to retire or close the store?”

Hohen’s chairman’s complexion turned paler and paler.

To think, it’s just about one kid. He thought he could get away with apologizing to the siblings and downplaying it. Retire or close the store? What a bad rumor.

“You seem to act as you please when I’m not looking, but I’ve been hearing various things about your actions.”

Hohen’s complexion changed from blue to white, and his knees trembled.

While staring coldly at Hohen, Hamawarl asked Kaito and the two what business they had at that store.

“We wanted to show them our Magic Pouches, and he seemed interested, so we guided him to the Hohen Trading Company. But suddenly, he started yelling about Kaito. When we visited before, the hotel manager introduced us to the shop, and the staff shouted, ‘Don’t bring that filthy brat into the store!’ from the back. I didn’t know, but I was foolish to guide Kaito to such a store.”

“If it’s about a Magic Pouch, I would have given it to him with a word. He’s still as uninterested as ever.”

A foolish voice leaked from Hohen’s mouth. Giving a Magic Pouch to a brat who isn’t even his child.

Hohen, now realizing how the boy he had despised was treated by a noble family, couldn’t stop cold sweats.

The Magic Pouches dealt by Hohen’s store were high-quality items with dimensions exceeding 8 meters in height, width, and length. The price of a Class 8 Magic Pouch, also known as an 8-meter class, is no less than 700 gold coins. Even 6 or 7 Class items, let alone 8, are something that top adventurers would struggle to obtain. Even high-ranking adventurers usually have only 4 to 5 Class items. Hohen made a desperate plea in a trembling voice.

“Lord Hamawarl, please… please intercede for Kaito-sama.”

Hohen’s chairman knelt before the viscount as if bowing and desperately begged. From Lord Hamawarl’s words, he interpreted that failing this would lead to imprisonment or confiscation of property and a future as a criminal slave.

Desperation was apparent, clinging not only to Lord Hamawarl but also to Hyalda and Phine.

Looking down at Hohen in such a state, Lord Hamawarl glanced at Hyalda and Phine, revealing a wicked smirk.

Understanding the meaning behind the smiles, Hyalda lightly laughed at her father’s smile, and Phine tilted her head at the two but started to understand the meaning of their laughter.

“Come to think of it, Kaito’s interest in the Magic Pouch was not for storing herbs or adventurer essentials, but because he said he could carry a small lodging resembling a cabin. What I saw in Kaito’s camp that day was a basement larger than a hotel room, complete with beds for more than 20 knights. Since it’s a hassle to build something like that every time, he said it would be easier to put it in the Magic Pouch.”

Phine exaggeratedly recounted Kaito’s story, and Hyalda also joined in, amplifying the mischief.

“If you see Kaito’s camp, you’d understand. When he learned about the Magic Pouch, he immediately said he would buy it if it wasn’t at least a Class 10 or 11. Even Count Hamawarl casually followed the conversation.”

Lord Hamawarl casually followed the conversation.

“Kaito would probably make such a purchase without hesitation. Carrying a room the size of a hotel for camping.”

“This camping was comfortable, Father.”

She conveyed the thoughts of camping without leaking any emotion.

“He wants to carry that thing around?”

After apologizing to Viscount Hamawarl and his siblings, Hohen thought that it would be easy to settle the matter by simply handing the boy 10 or 20 gold coins. That was Hohen’s miscalculation.

Arrest, imprisonment, asset confiscation, and the words “criminal slave” echoed in his mind. If he could be saved with a high-quality Magic Pouch, he was willing to offer five or ten of them.

“Hohen.”

“Yes.”

“First, go to Kaito and apologize, seek forgiveness. Apologizing to Hyalda and Phine is a matter for later. Kaito has been given a room at the Egdran Hotel. He said it’s too formal to live in this mansion. Get his forgiveness first, then come back. Now, go!”

Prompted by the butler Efor, Hohen stumbled out of the office. As the door closed, Hyalda burst into laughter.

Led by Hyalda, Phine started laughing, and Viscount Hamawarl also forced a smile.

“Hohen Trading Company’s bad rumors were troublesome without evidence, but thanks to Kaito, it seems we can settle it.”

“Is it that bad?”

“Fraud, assault, violence against women, rape, confinement, human trafficking—there are plenty of rumors, but they’re not straightforward. When he comes to apologize to you two, prepare to restrain him immediately, and conduct a search of his store and mansion. Keep it a secret from anyone but Orland; it seems there’s a traitor among us.”

“I understand. May I temporarily seal the gate at that time?”

“Permitted. I want to see your skills.”

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As Hohen left the viscount’s residence, he briefly considered escaping altogether. However, he had too many things to leave behind, and the attachments held him back. Besides, dealing with a brat should be manageable. Hohen thought that if he handed over a bag of gold coins with the Magic Pouch the boy desired, things would be resolved. Although he had considered using seduction if that failed, he now understood that overt tactics would lead to his downfall.

Returning to the store, he took a Class 8 Magic Pouch from the safe in the basement with iron grating. Recalling Hyalda and Phine’s words, he reluctantly chose the highest quality, a Class 12.

Considering Kaito’s financial power, even the highest quality would be a laughable apology if he went to apologize with just one Magic Pouch. With trembling hands, he opened the door next to the safe where the Magic Pouch was stored.

Leather bags were neatly arranged on thick wooden frames and shelves. He hesitated a bit while putting one bag into the Magic Pouch, but when he glared at another bag on the shelf, he gritted his teeth, put another one in, and left the basement.

If only he had stored his entire fortune in the Magic Pouch, he regretted. However, if he tried to escape now, it was clear from the viscount’s tone that he would be arrested. He needed to lower his head to the filthy brat and somehow weather this crisis. He ordered the store staff to prepare a carriage and headed for the Egdran Hotel.

Kaito had just finished a slightly late dinner and was enjoying some tea.

“Kaito-sama, I would like to meet you.”

Turning towards the reception counter, he heard a voice and saw a face covered in cold sweat, a face he did not want to see. The owner of that undesirable face rushed over, knelt down on both knees, and shouted apologies.

“Kaito-sama, I must humbly ask for your forgiveness for the numerous discourtesies, though I was unaware. The employee who acted rudely has been dismissed immediately. It was solely due to my lack of education that this result occurred, and I apologize sincerely.” 

All I can do is sigh at this fool!