Monologue of Fat Rall


　At first, I doubted if this guy really killed the orcs in a single blow.
　But there's no way the mayor would disguise his information and it was a tasty deal to hire an adventurer with that much skill as my bodyguard for a single gold coin.
　I thought he was a nobleman since he used a baby dragon as his valet and his language was not adventurer-like.
　But no, I think he's a strange fellow with a strange charm.
　He's not a man of many words, but I like the fact that he clearly expresses his opinions and is a good cook.

　And most importantly, he was a great worker.

　While playing the role of an escort, he never stopped training himself.
　Seeing him unperturbed even when he was depleted of magic power, I began to suspect that his talent was due to 【Effort】.

The person with the [Hard Work] talent that appears before you will be an indispensable part of your success as a merchant.

　I couldn't help but be amazed when I heard a sign from God like that.
　And seeing him continue to work hard every day, my suspicions were confirmed.

　The voice of God was right, and someone with the talent to work hard had appeared in front of me.
　There's no way to escape .

　There are so many inns in Weminia, it's difficult to locate them without knowing where they've stayed.
　That's why I gave him the inn.
　He says I'm a good guy, but I'm not.
　He's a calculating man who only cares about profit.
　...... But if he says I'm a good guy, why is it that I want to try to be one?

　With that in mind, I went to see him with a potion.

　I was surprised when he said he would make salt.
　I was even more surprised when ...... showed me how to make it.

　I wondered if magic could be that useful.
　No, he might be special.

　I didn't know what to do when he began to suffer to carry the salt.
　He was screaming and I was cheering him on so hard.
　And then I thought.

　Why was he able to work so hard?　And.

　And I wanted to help him.
　And if helping him was essential to my success as a merchant, I would be happy to help.






　◇





　When I heard the message that the Item Box was acquired, I suddenly lost strength.
　I fell to the ground and lay on my back.

"...... are you okay?

　Lal spoke to me worriedly.

"...... Yeah, do you have any extra potions?

I've got one... yes.

　Lal took a potion out of his bag and handed it to me .
　I opened the lid and drank the potion in one gulp, and sighed with a huff.
　I felt very calm.

"Are you okay, Alright?

I'm okay. I'm fine.

"Aruji!

　Kyu jumped into my chest.
　Maybe I shouldn't make a hard effort in front of people .
　Even if it was to carry salt, Raru would have had a bad time.

"Ral ......, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you look unseemly.

I'm good at this. I mean, you're gonna keep trying, right?

'Yes, but ......'

So you're gonna have to try harder. So how well do you know how to haul salt?

　I was expecting to be more angry, but it was a surprisingly normal reaction.
　I'm very grateful.

''Yeah. I got the Item Box skill. I can afford salt.

...... was able to get the Item Box in such a short time?　Not a skill that any merchant would want!

Oh, I didn't know. You know, it's a useful skill.

　You can store items in a space without the concept of time, so you don't have to worry about food or anything else.
　If you don't bother to prepare preserves, you can store your food in the item box and eat it freshly prepared at any time.

I feel numb when I'm with Revell: ......



　I put the salt in the Item Box and carried it to Weminia.
　Lal bought me 100 kilograms of salt for 50 gold pieces.
　We'll have a sumptuous dinner now.



　



　The next day .
　I walked out in front of the inn to find a grim-faced Kurt and Ral.

"Revell!

　When they saw my face, they both smiled and spoke to me, but their voices were humming and they became sullen again .

'Why are you calling Revell's name?'

That's because I'm a friend of Revell's.

I see. By the way, Revell, I think we're ready to travel, so let's leave today.

So Kurt's been waiting for me. Okay, let's go.



Well, wait!　As I recall, Revell was planning to head to the Fleaparra, right?　Would you mind if I came along for the ride?

Dismissed.

Why the hell would you say no?

That's because I'm traveling with Revelle. And I already have the carriage for you. There's no room for you. Give it up.

"Oh, well, then I suppose I'll just have to get a better carriage for you. I'll take you to the Fleaparra in the finest carriage my firm can provide.

RAL. You still seem to be a bit of a quitter.

Yes. I'm a very serious merchant to the core.


　...... Somehow the two of them don't seem to know each other and don't get along .
　But the addition of Ral to our traveling companions is a great personal help.
　I'm sure that Ral's skills as a merchant will be useful in other areas of our lives as adventurers.


...... Kurt, I'm sorry, but will you allow me to accompany Ral?

Nah, you're the leader of ......, so if you say so, I don't blame you.


　When did I become a leader?


'Yay!　Thanks, Revell!

Kurt and Ral don't seem to be getting along, but I hope they take the opportunity to get to know each other.

I don't think so.

　Hamo again: .......
　Aren't they close in a roundabout way?　But they don't seem to be in a very good mood.


"Aruji!　Sounds interesting!'


　For some reason, Kyu was happy to see them.