Published: August 15, 2025
Today, three chapters are updated simultaneously.
This is the second chapter.
After the meeting with the guild masters, when I returned to the security company, I found out that the slave trader, Mr. Orest, had come to visit... So right now, I’m getting off the carriage I came with him in front of a certain restaurant.
Why? Well, the reason and circumstances are simple. Mr. Orest invited me to a meal.
Although there was a tea party after the meeting, I hadn’t had a proper lunch, so somehow I just went along with it, and it was decided that we would eat. That’s why I’m here...
“Now, let’s go. The reservation has been made.”
“To think you made a reservation before even inviting me, what would you have done if I had refused?”
“The result is that you came with me, so no problem.”
No, that’s not really what I want to say, but it’s probably useless to explain.
However, of all places, this restaurant...
“Welcome, Mr. Moulton. We have your reservation.”
The doorman standing in front of the restaurant bowed politely and opened the door leading inside with a refined movement.
Mr. Orest, familiar with the place, entered the restaurant without hesitation. I bowed slightly so as not to lag behind and followed him.
The interior was decorated luxuriously with expensive-looking carpets and furnishings, but it wasn’t the tacky ostentatiousness of a newly rich person just gathering expensive things. There was a sense of unity, a sophisticated and tasteful decor. Moreover, probably because it’s “a place for dining,” a calm and composed atmosphere was created.
...But that’s only natural. This restaurant is the most (...........) high-class restaurant in Gimul Town, a super famous place even I know. Naturally, there’s a dress code, and I’m really glad I had a suit tailored beforehand.
“Please this way.”
While I was thinking about those things, Mr. Orest exchanged words with the restaurant’s owner, who was inside, and we were personally guided by the owner to a private room deep inside the restaurant.
“Well then, please relax and enjoy yourselves.”
After taking our seats, the owner gave a brief explanation about ordering food and the call bell, then left. I finally relaxed a little. He seemed to notice that moment.
“Are you uncomfortable in places like this?”
“Uncomfortable isn’t quite right. I just don’t have many opportunities to come to such high-class places, so I’m not used to it.”
“Oh, but you seemed quite composed to me.”
“Rather than being visibly flustered and awkward, I just put on a brave front.”
I took a sip of water prepared on the table to wet my throat, then asked what had been on my mind.
“By the way, Mr. Orest, why did you invite me to this meal?”
“To deepen our friendship. Since the last time I saw Lord Ryoma was at the Gaunago store.”
“You came all the way to Gimul for that?”
“There’s a meeting held regularly in Gimul nearby. Unless there are special circumstances, I have decided to attend that meeting.”
“A meeting... I’ve heard about it occasionally. Mr. Serge, the guild master Ms. Griciela, and also Mr. Pioro from the Saionji Trading Company mentioned something like that before.”
“You know about it? The three people you just mentioned also attend if they can. The participants are current or former business owners active in their respective fields, exchanging information and sometimes cooperating.”
Mr. Orest is one of them, but also Mr. Serge, Mr. Pioro, and Ms. Griciela-level people gather at this meeting.
“That sounds like quite an impressive gathering.”
“They’re all battle-hardened merchants. I attend in place of my father, and every meeting is a learning experience. If you’re interested, would you like to participate?”
“Me? Participate? No, I couldn’t possibly join such an amazing group of business owners.”
“There’s no strict criteria; if you are introduced by a participant, you can join. Whether others accept you is another matter.”