Published: January 15, 2026
“Unfortunately, you’ve only obtained partial knowledge. Charcoal and sulfur, and something else I can’t identify—a white powdery substance... I believe these are mixed together to make it.”
Hearing this from Apollo, I slumped my shoulders in disappointment.
“It’s no good if we don’t know what that white powder is. If only we could make the Black Orbs, it would have been interesting to try various things, but it can’t be helped.”
Saying that with a smile, Apollo folded his arms and pondered.
“...Opinions within the commerce guild are divided. Some prioritize relations with the Solstice Empire and advocate full cooperation, while others insist on maintaining neutrality strictly as a commerce guild.”
“So, no one is inclined to side with the Kingdom of Scuderia, right? That’s the difference the commerce guild sees between the Solstice Empire and the Kingdom of Scuderia.”
It can also be seen as unusual for a commerce guild, which trades with various countries, to have voices calling for full cooperation with a single nation. But how advanced are the Solstice Empire’s latest weapons? Depending on that, we might not win with just ballista and catapults.
Feeling a bit uneasy, Apollo gave a knowing smile.
“That’s right. Indeed, conversations within the commerce guild mostly revolve around how far the Solstice Empire will expand its influence. The current situation is about whether to ride that wave for profit or not. So, I’m thinking of siding with Lord Van.”
“...Is that okay?”
I couldn’t help but ask honestly. Apollo smiled happily in response.
“The commerce guild is run by many members, but it’s acceptable for someone like me to exist. However, if the Kingdom of Scuderia grows to surpass the Solstice Empire, all transactions with the commerce guild must go through me, is that understood?”
“Of course! Thank you very much!”
Apollo presented this condition with a slightly mischievous smile, but from my perspective, it was an offer with nothing but benefits. Besides, I had never intended to conduct transactions with the commerce guild without going through Apollo, so nothing would change.
That was my straightforward reply, and Apollo gave a wry smile.
“It seems you trust me greatly. I’m truly grateful. Anyway, now that that’s decided, I will wholeheartedly support you! The thought of crossing a dangerous bridge after a long time excites me more than it should at my age.”
Apollo unusually raised his voice with enthusiasm and laughed out loud. He had cooperated quite a bit before, but probably only within the limits of the commerce guild’s rules. Now, he had essentially declared himself an ally of the Kingdom of Scuderia. A trustworthy partner had been born.
Apollo sold half of the goods procured from the Solstice Empire to Seato Village. In fact, it seemed he had priority rights, so we could purchase everything we deemed necessary. The rest he took to the capital city. Normally, it might be the other way around, but since this was convenient for us, I didn’t point it out.
Also, Apollo bought items from Seato Village. Mainly armor and weapons and some unusual clothing, but even the toys we made out of curiosity sold well.
“Lord Van’s toys are interesting. They’re all things I’ve never seen before.”
Bell and Rango praised them like that, but to me, the world’s unique toys were even more fascinating. There were treasure chests that wouldn’t open unless you cleared complicated processes like a puzzle ring, and they were extremely challenging and fun.
“Well, chess and Othello are certainly deep and interesting. I also put effort into the designs on playing cards...”
“No, I don’t think that’s the point...”
Bell and Rango gave vague answers, but it seemed my toys were well received. Good, good.
Spending a relaxed time in Seato Village after a long while, just before my tenth birthday, a terrifying letter arrived for me.
“Lord Van! A letter from His Majesty!”
“Wow, open it! Read it!”