Allen the Reincarnated Merchant: A Plan to Get Rich in Another World

“What did you do exactly? I received a report from the guild that the royal family and the Castellano Marquisate wish to support us…”

After the grand event of meeting with Ray Castiano and Chris Ireisa Kainriese, two of the kingdom’s most prominent figures, the relatively peaceful routine returned. However, I was suddenly summoned by Saioji, the commander of our brigade.

Wondering what it could be about, I headed to Saioji’s office in the team house. Inside, I found Saioji, looking slightly fatigued as she spread out some documents on her desk.

The papers Saioji spread out were imbued with a magic oath, a special type of paper used for important contracts in this world. The fact that it was such a rare and expensive item indicated that this was undoubtedly a crucial matter for the brigade.

Before speaking with Saioji, I briefly skimmed through the content written on those documents.

“Well, a lot has happened…”

The papers handed to me by Saioji contained the handwritten signatures of the kingdom’s second princess, Chris Ireisa Kainriese—more accurately, Sakakibara—and the heir of the Castellano Marquisate, Ray Castellano.

The content of the documents was about providing various forms of support for the Akatsuki Brigade’s activities in the capital.

In simple terms, it was a proposal to become the brigade’s sponsor.

“We’ve always had to be under the influence of some faction or another to operate in this capital. That’s why we put our adventuring on hold. But thanks to you, all our plans have been completely derailed.”

“Did I mess things up?”

Saioji grabbed a few sheets from the stack of papers on her desk and tossed them aside. The papers, filled with writing that appeared to be Saioji’s, indicated just how much effort she had put into this.

Saioji’s expression was a mix of various complicated emotions, hard to describe in one word, but if I had to, I’d say it was a look of “worry for nothing.”

“No, honestly, it’s a huge relief. No matter how much fame you gather elsewhere, in this capital, you’ll still be looked down on just because you’re a woman. I’ve tried contacting various merchants and nobles, but none of them were decent people.”

“Is that so?”

“Men are always like that.”

From Saioji’s complaints, I could sense that she had been under considerable stress.

According to Saioji, in order for an adventurer team like ours to work in this capital, we need not only considerable strength but also the backing of influential figures in the capital to function smoothly.

This involves everything from procuring supplies to securing blacksmiths in the capital to repair our equipment.

In smaller cities, it was enough to get the approval of the local lord, but it seems things aren’t so simple in this capital filled with monsters and demons.

That’s why Saioji had been contacting influential figures in the capital, searching for someone who would sponsor the brigade.

“It’s like Japan from a long time ago.”

“When it comes to male chauvinism, it’s worse here. Especially the wealthy merchants in the capital who hold power.”

According to Saioji, in Asphial, the idea that men work outside while women stay at home is still deeply rooted everywhere.

This tendency is even stronger among commoners than nobles. Since arriving in the capital, many people we’ve encountered have dismissed us just because we’re an all-female adventurer team.

“If you want our support, send me or one of your members… I’m confident in my looks, but this was the first time I’ve received such a direct proposal.”

“What a reckless fool.”

“Indeed. It was the first time someone dared to underestimate me like that.”

In a world filled with handsome men and beautiful women, Saioji’s appearance was particularly outstanding. Her glossy black hair was striking in Asphial, where most people had tea or reddish-brown hair. She was called the “Black Princess” in the city of Eracton, known for her extraordinary beauty.

Knowing Saioji better than a stranger would, I could never bring myself to say something as brazen as “become my woman,” but it seems there was a remarkably reckless merchant out there.

The insult was so great that Lafin, our vice commander, who was present, lost her temper, and the negotiations broke down.

I’ve heard Lafin dislikes men, but anyone would be angry at this, even if they didn’t.

“By the way, what’s that person’s name?”

“It’s Alex Bern, the chairman of the Bern Trading Company. A disgusting, middle-aged man.”

“Alex Bern… Is he a noble?”

“No, apparently he rose to prominence by exploiting a financially troubled knight family. Originally, he was involved in transportation between the capital and rural cities.”

With a name and a family name, I wondered if he might be a noble, but Saioji said otherwise.

The Bern Trading Company… I etched the name into my memory, making sure to watch out for them in future activities in the capital.