ALL NOVEL Chapter 169
Chapter 169. The Bumpy Family And The Slum Relief Plan
“Hold on, before that—Giro, Clari. You two interested in working?”
“Work?”
“Yeah. But you’ll be splitting the pay for one person between the two of you.”
“Clari, what do you think?”
“…We get paid, right? I’m in.”
“Akira, big bro! We’ll do it!”
“Alright then. Depas, could I trouble you to gather four people? Preferably strong and trustworthy ones.”
“You’re looking for trust in this slum?”
Depas crossed his arms and sighed.
“I know it’s a tall order. Ideally, someone with a family who’s genuinely job-seeking.”
“Always so picky.”
“I’m counting on you.”
“…Hmph. Give me a minute.”
Depas stood up and disappeared into the slum.
By the way, though it might not matter much, we were talking in a shaded spot next to the camper van, where we usually eat. For soup kitchens, we operate on the opposite side of the camper.
“Hey, bro, I’ve heard someone’s been selling that white bread you’ve been giving out.”
“White bread? Oh, you mean the sliced bread.”
Makes sense—we were distributing it until yesterday.
“I figured someone might do that, but who would actually buy bread?”
“That bread’s rare and delicious, so there are buyers. But apparently, they get ripped off.”
“Well, a plain slice of exposed bread, yeah…”
“But now it’s changed to this soggy stuff, huh.”
Soggy, huh.
“Not to your taste?”
“No, not at all! It felt strange at first, but you get used to it, and it’s good!”
“Glad to hear it.”
“It’s like millet but way better.”
“Millet, huh?”
“I heard it’s being slowly grown after being brought from Lake Rel. A few people from the slum got hired as farmers.”
“Interesting…”
I recalled millet thrives in hot, dry conditions. If they can irrigate from the river, it might grow well.
“They’re also importing some from Lake Rel? It’s cheap enough that people here occasionally buy it. Not too tasty, though.”
“Mixing it with rice makes it passable, but eating it solo is… rough.”
Being more accustomed to bread, millet doesn’t seem to suit their tastes.
“Anyway, I’ll go prep now. Be back soon.”
“Okay.”
I headed to the warehouse extension, grateful for Hag, who had even found a proper door. Rice was stacked in a corner.
“This should do.”
I spread a blanket on the floor—an old one I used for sleeping. I also bought six new blankets. Total cost: 49,990 yen × 6 = 299,940 yen.
Remaining balance: 2,512,978 yen.
I began laying out 100 mirrors over the blanket. I needed a second one.
Remaining balance: 2,507,988 yen.
The mirrors cost 6,420 yen each—totaling 642,000 yen. But since it was tied to a quest that required tripling 300,000 yen, it came from a special wallet containing 700,000 yen.
Quest wallet balance: 580,000 yen. Main wallet balance: 1,807,988 yen.
With 100 mirrors, the quantity took up considerable space. Five blankets were placed over the mirrors, and one was tossed into the camper’s sleeping area.
When I went outside, Depas was bringing four men along.
“I called them over as you asked.”
Though Depas played it off, the men had robust builds and healthy complexions despite their slum origins—clear proof he’d chosen wisely. Muscles weren’t necessary, but better safe than sorry.
“Alright, let’s discuss the job.”
I lit a cigarette and sat down, while the four men, Depas, Giro, and Clari seated themselves nearby.
“The task isn’t complex. Transport the goods in that warehouse to the Adeal Trading Company northwest of here.”
“That’s it?”
One of the four, a bald man, scowled.
“Two silver coins for a day’s work—sound fair? If you’re in, I’ll give details.”
Two silver coins equaled about 2,000 yen—a decent rate, given heavy labor usually netted 3,000 yen. Giro and Clari would split 1,000 yen each.
The men exchanged looks before nodding.
“Follow me.”
I stubbed out my cigarette and led them to the warehouse, aware of curious onlookers.
“You’ll be moving these. As you see, they’re fragile and valuable, so handle them carefully.”
Their faces paled at the sight.
“Hey, are those… mirrors?”
The bald man asked.
“Correct. They’re delicate—treat them with caution.”
They can cause injuries when broken.
“Hold up! Aren’t mirrors super rare? Only nobles have them!”
“Apparently.”
“But… who are you?”
“Just a merchant. You saw the camper—ah, that odd vehicle? I trade in valuables.”
“But still…”
Seems this guy grasped their worth.
“Want to back out?”
“…No, I’ll do it.”
The bald man whispered.
“Won’t you suspect us of stealing such luxury goods?”
If they had that intent, they’d do it silently.
“You can steal if you like…”
““What!?””
The young pair exclaimed.
“But how do you plan to sell them dressed like that?”
They looked down at their shabby clothes.
“Even underground buyers would shortchange you. Worse, you’d be exiled from this place.”
Betraying Depas’ trust would make the southwest slum hostile. Connections are inescapable here.
The younger duo listened intently; the older ones sweated.
“Well?”
“…We’ll do it.”
“Yeah, count us in, big bro!”
“Good. Each carries 20 pieces, one at a time—so, 20 trips total.”
Mirrors aren’t heavy, but crossing town will be work.
“Wrap them like this in blankets. It hides them and offers protection. They’re fragile—assume a bump will break them.”
The men swallowed hard.
“If it breaks, just tell me.”
“Compensation… we can’t possibly…”
“Don’t worry. There’ll be no penalty—unless carelessness or deliberate damage is evident. Not reporting breakage means instant dismissal.”
Mirrors might hold more value than lives, but for me, it’s just a few meals’ worth. Reliability is key.
“That’s reassuring. Even if it’s just to ease tension.”
But I doubted they’d believe me.
“Just be careful. Broken glass cuts deeply—if it happens, leave it by the roadside, wrapped.”
“What if it’s stolen?”
“If it happens, it happens. Better no severe injuries.”
Ideally, they’d have a nearby shop keep an eye on it, but trust their judgment.
“Let’s begin.”
Thus, the first phase of the slum relief plan commenced.