Published: September 2, 2025
Satou here.
Although I used to engage in intense back-and-forths with clients at work, it seems I got a bit rusty due to living a more relaxed life in this world.
But paradoxically, being in this brutal world now feels like I'm living a more genuine, human life. Or perhaps that's just an illusion.
â—‡
“This is the loot recovered from the thieves’ hideout.”
“Well, not only did you save us, but you even brought back the loot.”
Hayuna-san expressed her thanks as she received the goods. Mr. Tolma, who was peeking at the items from the side, awkwardly asked.
“Um, was there a dagger among the loot?”
“That was all they had in the hideout. I think some of the thieves had a few daggers among their belongings.”
“It was a dagger sheathed in white leather…”
“Oh, that would be the one the bearded leader had. Wait a moment.”
She said that and took a dagger from a toolbox at the edge of the carriage. Of course, it was taken out from storage. The sheath is relatively simple, but it has a tasteful family crest-like design as an accent — quite stylish. The dagger itself isn’t a magical artifact but a beautiful piece made of mithril, forged by a renowned dwarf named Dohal.
“Is this it?”
“Yes, that’s it!”
As Mr. Tolma reached out to take the dagger from me, Arisa’s voice stopped him.
“Wait. This was obtained as rightful reward for slaying the thieves. The knights have confirmed this as well. If you want it, you need to offer a proper price.”
“This has my family crest engraved on it. I can’t just give it away to someone else.”
“So what? It’s good that you’re happy to be reunited, but you haven’t even thanked those who helped you. On top of that, you’re treating someone else’s property as your own without permission?”
“You should speak more politely to your elders.”
“Sorry, but I do that only after negotiations are over. During negotiations, I always talk equally, even if the other party is the king — that’s my style.”
If she spoke to a king like that, she’d probably be beheaded.
Faced with Arisa’s harsh words, Mr. Tolma had no comeback.
Seeing this, Hayuna-san interjected to mediate.
“You should start by thanking them. This person used expensive magic potions to save you from near death. They also saved my life, protecting us from knights and thieves’ swords. Moreover, they risked their own safety to infiltrate the thieves’ hideout and rescue Mayuna. Now, say some words of gratitude.”
“You’re right, Hayuna. I was wrong. Merchant, I, Tolma, am grateful for your kindness.”
The Tolmas bowed together.
“But I really want that dagger back. Of course, I’m willing to offer any reward I can.”
He seems to acknowledge my ownership, but still says “return it” instead of “sell it.”
“Really, anything will do?”
“Uh, but my wife and daughter are off limits.”
Mr. Tolma desperately defends his wife and daughter, trying not to let my gaze fall on them. I hope he doesn’t think I’m some shameless person.
After all, traveling with seven girls of various types might give that impression.
“Well, you don’t have any cash or jewels, do you?”
“No, the thieves took everything.”
“Magical artifacts?”
“Those too, all confiscated by the thieves.”
Arisa shrugged exaggeratedly.
That was obvious from the start, but since he’s a duke’s nephew — a high noble — I guess he’s trying to get a reward from his family.
“I can’t do it now, but if you come with me to the Duke’s territory… no, Baron Muno’s castle, I’ll pay.”
“What? You know the baron?”
“Yes, he’s my father’s lord. Hatoko, to be precise. You shouldn’t call him by his first name; you should use an honorific.”
Arisa ignored Mr. Tolma’s words without hesitation.
“So, how much are you willing to pay for this dagger?”
“It’s a treasured family heirloom, so money is no object. As a token of thanks, I’ll offer five gold coins.”
Arisa glanced subtly at me.
By the way, the market price is thirty gold coins. Although it’s not a magical artifact, that’s an extraordinary price for something like this. Based on the appraisal and AR display info, I made up some embellishments.