ALL NOVEL Chapter 170
Chapter 170. The Bumpy Family And Transport Duty
“I’ll give you the payment in advance.”
“Huh? In advance?”
It was young Giro who blurted out, but the men also wore surprised expressions.
“Without payment, it’d be hard to even eat lunch, wouldn’t it? There’s no soup kitchen at midday, after all.”
“We mostly eat twice a day. And a lot of people in the slums only eat once a day, or less.”
“Well, whether or not they have lunch is up to them.”
Unconsciously, I had a cigarette in my mouth. As I reflected on it, I inhaled, pulled out some silver coins from my pocket, handed two to each of the four men, and one each to Giro and Clary.
Remaining balance: 1,807,988 yen.
Quest: 48,000 yen.
Everyone’s expressions lightened now that they’d received cash upfront. Hopefully, they’ll take the job seriously.
As this was the first time, I led the way, and we all set off in a line. We took a relatively safe route, one Rotten from the Adell Trading Company had taught me. Giro and Clary, carrying the mirror between them with serious faces, made for an amusing sight.
When we arrived at Adell Trading, taking care to move slowly through the crowd because of the fragile item, I introduced them as the transport team. Arrangements were made so they’d be recognized on sight from now on. After finishing moving the mirror into a back room, they all let out a deep sigh of relief.
Just as they were about to leave, Rotten called out to me, so I stayed behind while the others returned to the base with only blankets in hand. I instructed them to move at their own pace until sunset. I made sure to call Giro and Clary aside, telling them to take it slow and not to worry too much if anything got damaged—they should just let me know.
“So, Rotten, what’s this about?”
“Ah, I thought I’d hand you today’s payment.”
He took out a small pouch, likely filled with gold coins, from his pocket.
“But we haven’t finished the entire delivery yet?”
“That’s fine. After all, it’s you, Akira-sama.”
“…You saw them, didn’t you?”
“Yes. Not a job one would normally leave to folks from the slums.”
Despite the content, he was smiling.
“I’m happy for the trust, but are you sure?”
“I’m not worried at all. No, I trust you, not them.”
That was unexpected. You could say he saw right through me.
“Well, if any issues come up, I’ll make sure to fulfill the required number.”
“Yes. I believe you.”
With a gentle smile, he handed me the pouch, and I counted the gold coins, theatrically. Thirty shiny gold coins—quite the deal.
Remaining balance: 1,807,988 yen.
Quest: 3,048,000 yen.
I’d surpassed three million, but no voice chimed in, so it’s probably aiming for ten times the 700,000 yen initially deposited in the quest wallet.
“I’ve received it.”
“…Do you think there’ll be any issues?”
“To be honest, in some form, yes.”
People in this world generally handle things carelessly.
“As long as the final count is correct, it’s no problem on our end, but won’t the losses be considerable for you?”
“I’ve factored that in to ensure profitability.”
“That was a pointless question. Care to observe until the next batch is ready?”
“I’d appreciate that. I’d like to study the types of goods that circulate here.”
“Right this way, then.”
He led me with a smile so bright it almost produced a sound effect like “grin.” Given his position, it seemed I was being very well accommodated. He even showed me items on the edge of what would be considered acceptable in their trade.
After about forty minutes had passed, four porters, led by a bald man, carried in the mirror.
“…Wait? Where are Giro and Clary?”
The two were missing.
“They fell behind when we were heading back to the slums.”
I see, they couldn’t keep up with the adults’ pace… Still, I couldn’t tell the men to look after their fellow slum residents, as I’d told them to move at their own pace.
“Got it. Keep at it.”
“Yeah.”
They went back with their blankets in hand. Apparently, they’d take the direct main road this time. It’s best to leave those things to the locals.
As I was about to say goodbye and head back to the base—
“Akira-niichan…”
Giro and Clary entered the trading company, faces soaked in tears.
“…! What happened!?”
The two slowly set down the blanket on the floor, and a clattering sound revealed everything.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… We were being careful, but someone suddenly jumped out, and we couldn’t avoid it…”
“Hey! Your arm’s covered in blood!”
“I was going to leave it by the side of the road as told, but when it fell, the blanket came off, and people saw the broken mirror… Then lots of folks tried to pick up the pieces… I picked up as much as I could…”
Giro, sobbing as he apologized. Clary, while not bleeding, seemed to be in a similar state.
“It’s all right. You did well. Now, let’s treat those wounds. Rotten, could I borrow a chair and table?”
“Certainly. I’ll bring cloth and water.”
“No, that won’t be necessary.”
The offer was appreciated, but the water and cloth here wouldn’t do. I pulled out a first aid kit and a bottle of water from my leather bag. First, I rinsed Giro’s arm with water.
Fortunately, the injuries weren’t deep. Only a few shallow cuts on his fingers and two on his arm—thank goodness.
Though Rotten looked interested in the bottle and first aid kit on the table, I ignored him this time.
I took an alcohol swab from a plastic bag and disinfected his arm down to his fingers. I covered his fingers with bandages and wrapped gauze and bandages around his arm.
This should prevent any bacterial infection.
“Glad the wounds were shallow. Doesn’t hurt?”
“This is nothing, but… you’re not mad?”
“Why would I be? You reported it to me properly.”
I’d love to have subordinates capable of thorough communication…
“But… wasn’t this an expensive item?”
“Didn’t I tell you it’s fragile? Damage was expected. Just be careful next time.”
“…Yeah…”
I tousled both their heads.
“You both did something important.”
“Important?”
“Yeah, the worst thing you can do is hide a mistake. Those who cover up their failures lose trust and don’t grow. Being honest makes you both remarkable. So don’t worry.”
“I’ll try harder! Akira-niichan!”
“If you get too fired up, you’ll just break something again, won’t you?”
“What?! Now, of all times?”
Not just me, but Rotten laughed too. Giro and Clary soon joined in with smiles of their own.
“By the way, Rotten, could I leave the disposal of this broken mirror to you?”
“Certainly. I’ll take care of it.”
I was sure he could repurpose the broken mirror skillfully as merchandise.
“I’ll adjust for the loss later.”
“Understood. We’re not in a rush here.”
“It’s really more for my own purposes.”
“Things on your end are already in motion, so no worries.”
As Giro and Clary looked confused by my cryptic exchange with Rotten, I thought, “I’ll tell them soon enough.”
“Is the injury all right?”
“Yeah! I don’t really get it, but this is amazing! The bleeding’s stopped!”
Once I learn to control waves, I can stop minor wounds like these on my own.
“The wound’s not closed, so don’t move it too much. Are you ready to continue?”
“Yeah! Leave it to me!”
“Good. Then take this.”
I purchased a blanket through the leather bag and handed it to Giro. The previous one had glass shards, making it unsafe.
Remaining balance: 1,807,988 yen.
Quest: 3,043,010 yen.
“Alright, we’re off!”
“Got it. Do a good job.”
After waving them off, Rotten came to my side.
“Those are some fine kids.”
“They’re not originally from the slums.”
“I thought so. They had slightly better clothes. …Was it for their sake, perhaps?”
I didn’t answer, only responding with a mischievous smile.