Published: January 12, 2026
Two days later, after completing all the assessments, Rango told me the amount.
"Would you sell it for one hundred and thirty platinum coins?"
"Okay."
The deal was sealed.
Though I was nervous, Rango relaxed after getting my approval, while Bell smiled, imagining the profits they would earn in the future.
By the way, although I haven't obtained a noble title yet, when establishing the trading company, Panamera or I made it a condition that each time, they would receive ten percent of the profits.
Since this contract covered all post-establishment earnings, even the profits from the auction’s sales would be included. But Van-kun, whose generosity was as vast as the open sky, said he would offer this as a service, and was revered like a god.
Thus, Rango returned to the capital city to sell the dragon and armored lizard materials.
However, a problem arose here.
The adventurers and merchants Rango had brought along left on their own.
"Unbelievable... What are they going to say to the trading company when they return empty-handed?"
Bell muttered in disbelief at the merchants who took the large transport wagon back empty.
"Most likely, they’re waiting to plead for help. If they can’t transport it themselves, they’ll have no choice but to ask for assistance. In that case, we’ll have to listen to their demands and sell for eighty platinum coins."
Panamera explained. Since they just departed, they were probably moving slowly along the road. We could catch up quickly if we ran, but after hearing this, I didn’t want to rely on them, no matter what.
Van-kun is only eight years old. No sense of maturity.
"Then, I’ll make a wagon, and we’ll use that to transport the materials. If we ask Ort and the others, will they be able to provide escort?"
When I said that, Panamera shook his head.
"No, I will take my private soldiers to the capital city. We need to petition for the boy’s noble title. So don’t worry about the escort or manpower."
"Wow, thank you! If you and your team are with us, we’ll definitely be safe."
Looking straight at Panamera and saying that, he blushed slightly and averted his gaze.
"...Hearing your straightforward trust like that is a bit embarrassing."
Panamera finally showed a softer side. Today’s a festival, villagers. After the harvest festival and carnival, let’s add the great illumination festival to the annual events.
"Um, is it really alright? Transporting dragon materials requires a very large wagon and many horses."
Bell worried.
"It’s fine. I’ll prepare everything from now."
I smiled and answered.
Two hours later, the wagon was finished. Using wooden blocks, it was a large, lightweight, and sturdy wagon with a flatbed. After loading the materials, we covered it with a thin roof, like a canopy.
The wheels were large, so it handled bumps well.
"I’ll prepare the horses. Not just any draft horses, but trained warhorses. Their stamina and speed are on another level."
Saying that, Panamera sent soldiers to fetch the horses.
With a more luxurious wagon and escort than when he first arrived, Rango left the village full of spirit.
The merchants, progressing sluggishly along the road, left the escort to adventurers, used slaves as drivers, and the three of them crowded atop the wagon conversing face to face.
"Are they not chasing us yet?"
Suddenly one asked, and another furrowed his brow and replied.
"Not yet... Hey, are you sure this is alright? What if those brothers stubbornly try something reckless?"
"That would be foolish. Think about it. In a place this remote, there's nowhere to sell dragon materials, and without someone from the same trading company to call on, they can’t arrange a caravan. They’ll soon realize how stupid they were."
The eldest merchant snorted.
A brief silence fell inside the shaking wagon.
Then, the adventurers walking outside gasped in surprise.
The three peeked out and saw several large wagons approaching from down the road, eyes wide.
"W-what is that? I’ve never seen such wagons."
"Look around!"
"Is that the knight order!? Why would they be in such a village...?"