"Anne. Are you coming with me?

　Kalia said, grasping her new hand as if to check its sensation.

　At the gate that separates the inside and outside of the city walls. In front of the still closed gates, Largd Ann cowered as if she didn't expect it.

I'm not a fighter, and I'm only a guide. I'm not going to do anything more than that. I'll use my free time today to visit my other business partners.

　Largd-an's small fingertips, holding a large barrel, pointed as if to mean outside the city walls.

　Outside the city walls. It's early in the morning and the gates are closed, so we can't see it, but there is another city, or should I say dwelling place, or whatever it is.

　Only citizens who have obtained citizenship can live within the city walls. Only citizens, or licensed merchants and adventurers, are allowed to live within the walls. The rest of us are not allowed to even take a step beyond the walls. However, people without jobs or skills, hearing only of the booming economy of Galuamaria, go in search of jobs, hoping for a glimmer of hope.

　The result is the favelas around the city walls. The depths of poverty. The outcasts that neither the governor nor the citizens of Garouamalia will ever acknowledge. People who just go about their daily lives. The thought of their lives reminded me of my own, and my eyes narrowed.

　But it seems that Largud'an is not a man of peace, as he has business partners in the poorhouse. Perhaps I should have guessed from the fact that she was introduced by Mr. Nines.

　I guess Kalia is not so interested in the poorhouse. She nodded lightly at Largud Anne's words, and said, "Well, it looks like it will be useful. Just so you know, your purchase was the most expensive. Don't complain one bit.

What do you mean? I understand the common people's aversion to luxury, but not spending money on necessities is no longer the virtue of temperance, but the vice of stinginess. You, Lugis, are the one who buys things for which you have no idea of their usefulness.

What do you say, Kalia? A new weapon, especially a knife, is important. Even chewing tobacco is more than a luxury item, it's a convenience. And, yes, adhesive fluid is also useful when camping.

　When I responded by showing off my purchase as if I were proud of it, Kalia cowered deliberately, as if to say, "I can't help it.

　I don't know what it is, but it doesn't make sense to me. Why does this guy act like he's a sensible person?

　--go on ...... go on ...... go on ...... go on

　While I was asking and answering these questions, the bell that heralded the morning sounded all around me. At the same time, the guards began to move the mechanism to open the great gate.

　While many people were passing in and out of the city, a clear voice struck my ear.

The second bell was still ringing. The second bell hasn't rung yet.

　A woman in a red and black coat raises her hand. It's Fiorato La Volgograd, the sorceress herself. The pattern of the coat contrasts well with her black hair and eyes. She is dressed rather heavily, as if she is preparing for a journey.

　And next to her, swaying her blond hair, slowly following from behind. Next to him was the blond-haired Herd Stanley, slowly following behind. His appearance was that of a man on a journey. He has a sword on his hip and enough gear to keep him moving.

I'm ready. I swear I will not slow you down.

　Gong ...... Gong Ong ....... The four heads gathered at the gate, listening to the sound of the bell.


　.

"Wait a minute. I don't know anything about the common sense of the request, but I think it's too heavy to include a vow as a condition. It doesn't add up.

　Herdt Stanley's words were met with a moment of silence, as if the place had been flooded with cold water.

　Yes, I knew that. I knew it. I knew too well that you were the kind of person who would bite on a story like this. I knew too well.

　The oath. A phrase used when a sorcerer makes an important contract with a higher being, the reason for the world, or something similar. It is undoubtedly an oath, a chain that binds the sorcerer, and a powerful potion that sometimes even changes the way he lives.

　Therefore, what I said earlier is not wrong. In fact, I have never heard of a sorcerer taking an oath to make a single request. But precedent is of little importance in a contract. And he's not my negotiator or anything. It doesn't matter how unbalanced the deal is, if the negotiator nods his head, it's a legitimate deal.

　That's true. There are those who will sell their dignity for a piece of bread and those who will sell their bodies for a few coins. It is rather rare for a transaction to be balanced.

"Held Stanley. I'm not making a deal with you. I'd appreciate it if you didn't stick your nose in my business. I'm taking a risk here, remember?

　Pointing to his sharp face, he responded with narrowed eyes.

　No one wants to be a sorcerer's bodyguard. They are always fond of deception, deviating from humanity, and dealing with demons. At least, that's how it's widely thought by adventurers.



　So there is no one here who would nod to a request from someone like that, even if they were willing to pay a little money for it. The oddballs and full-time people who do are in the mages' guild.

　So, if you want to make a request, the least complicated way is to go to a dedicated guild, not just the guild of commerce and industry. Even if you don't know how to make a request, you should know that much. Yet Fialaat La Volgograd has not taken that step.

You must have your reasons. After all, there are many guilds of sorcerers in this city. I'm sure you're not the only one.

　This is undoubtedly the weakness of the other party. If the negotiation is to dredge up their feet, they will come on board even if the balance is not there. You have no choice but to come on board. I'm sure she's aware of that, because she's here.

　Herd Stanley's cheeks contort for a moment. Isn't she biting hard enough? You've got a great heart. Yeah, but it's a little late for that, Lord Savior.

"- You need to shut up, Stanley. He's right, it's a mutually dangerous request. I have to take mine, or the scales will never be even.

　Fialaert's words were a sobering reminder of his determination not to be bent. Even Helt Stanley had to obey those words. In this transaction, she is the master and he is the servant.

　And given his personality, he knows exactly what he's going to say next. Godd*mn it. So repulsive.

"Then--then allow me to accompany you. I can't just stick my beak in and pretend I don't know what's going on. At the very least, it's not the behavior of a gentleman with dignity.

　The words almost fell out of my lips. I knew that if I gave you these conditions, you would offer to go with me. For better or for worse. That's Helt Stanley. That's the messiah.

　Oh, my God, that's disgusting.

All the way to the cape.

　It's a day's ride by carriage to the cape. Of course, not many people go to such a place and there are no carriages to share. Therefore, we had to rent a carriage and make the journey on a large scale. I don't have good memories of horse-drawn carriages, but if you can ride in one for free, it's not bad.

　The carriage for the four of us was not so cramped that it was uncomfortable, but it was close enough that we could see each other. It was not a lively ride, and we just listened to the sound of hooves and wheels as we traveled.

　At first glance, it might seem peaceful and nice. A journey where there are no disputes, where you can surrender to the sounds of nature.

　--But to me, it was like a burning fire erupting from the pit of my stomach, and not just my stomach, but my lungs, and all my organs.

　That's right. We don't have everything. But take a look at who's here. Kalia Vadnick. Fialaat la Volgograd. Held Stanley. And me.

　Yeah, yeah. I can't help but remember. The journey, the pain and the humiliation. The agony of having my dignity trampled beneath my feet and my whole body thrown into a yard of needles.

　I can't seem to swallow my spit properly. If I'm not careful, a sob will crawl up from the pit of my stomach with emotion. I rubbed my chin with my fingers and bit down hard on my back teeth.

　I remember. You don't know. But I remember.

　The sound of hooves pounding the ground and wheels turning nimbly continued to echo around me.