Published: September 10, 2025
“Alright then, I’m going to buy the covered wagon. What about Arisa and the others?”
“Huh? What do you mean, what about us?”
“If you’re tired, you can just rest in the room.”
It felt a bit much to go to the Commerce Guild in a big group.
“I’m fine, but what about Lulu?”
“I-I’m fine too!”
Lulu said that, but she looked completely worn out from all the trouble since last night.
“Both of you, Master’s orders. Sleep well until I get back. I’ll leave bags with food and water, so eat if you get hungry.”
Arisa seemed energetic, but I felt she was about to run out of steam, so I said that and left the room alone.
“—Master!”
When I went to check on the stable, Liza, who had been dozing while holding a stick, suddenly jumped up.
At her feet, Pochi and Tama were curled up asleep on the straw.
They looked so cute sniffling and scratching their noses, probably because straw was tickling them.
“You’re tired, so don’t bother waking up.”
I told Liza I was stepping out for a bit and left food and water for them too.
“P-please wait!”
Liza tried to follow, but she seemed worn out, so I ordered her to ‘protect Pochi and Tama’ and forced her to rest.
Well, I’m tired too, but I can handle it since I’m used to pulling all-nighters from my death march experience.
“—There it is.”
Following the directions I was given, I arrived at a grand building just before the Noble District.
I entered the Commerce Guild.
Inside was bustling, filled with crafty merchants negotiating with sharp eyes.
Glancing around, I noticed counters like those at a bank or city hall reception.
I followed the signboard hanging above the counter and lined up in the new registration queue.
The line was short, but it took longer than expected.
“What can I assist you with today?”
The receptionist—a slightly tired-looking young woman—asked.
“I want to get a covered wagon and horses. Can the Commerce Guild arrange that for me?”
When I stated my business, her eyes sparkled brightly.
“Absolutely! Great! We just happen to have a seller looking for a buyer! Chief! A customer wants to buy Sniffune-san’s covered wagon!”
Apparently, it was a matter handled by the Commerce Guild chief. I received a letter of introduction from him and headed to the trading company where the seller, Sniffune-san, was.
“Quite young… Well, if you have the guild’s introduction, that’s fine.”
Sniffune-san showed me an old covered wagon. It was quite spacious inside.
“It’ll cost 10 Large Copper Coins. A young or strong horse can pull it alone, but for long distances, it’s better to have two.”
“Can I pay in jewels?”
I didn’t have much cash on hand.
“I can’t appraise jewels. Sell them to someone in the company and bring me the cash. If you want old horses, I can sell you the two that pulled this wagon. How about that?”
Each horse was 5 Large Copper Coins.
More expensive than a human slave.
Before deciding, I asked to see the horses. They looked calm, so I decided to buy them with the wagon.
“Will you take the wagon immediately?”
“I can’t drive a wagon, so can I come back later to pick it up?”
“Is there anyone who can drive?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
Since Lulu had experience as a wagon driver, I thought to leave it to her.
“I’m free today, so I’ll deliver them myself. I want to take them out for one last run too.”
Thanks to Sniffune-san’s kindness, the wagon and horses were brought to the inn.
He also taught me how to harness and groom the horses.
I’ll teach Lulu and the others tomorrow. Well, Lulu might already know, since she has experience.
“Satou, any work after this?”
“No, I’m just going to eat dinner and sleep.”
“In that case, let’s go drinking! I’ll teach you the quirks of the horses and travel tips!”
—So it ended up that I went drinking with Sniffune-san.
I returned to my room once, left a note for Arisa saying I’d be late, and left a small amount of money in case she wanted to eat out.
The beast girls were sound asleep, so I didn’t disturb them. Since the three can’t read, I couldn’t leave a note for them. If Arisa goes out to eat, she’ll probably invite Liza and the others too.