Chapter 16 - Money and Connections
With that, the thief is no longer our concern. Next up is the truck driver.
This mustache-twirling old man owes us for involving us in his mess. He looks relieved, but he damn well better not think he can walk away scot-free.
"Hey, you! Do you understand the situation? You brought a whole gang of thieves down on us and caused a major hassle. How do you plan to pay for that?"
I loomed over the slumped old man, my voice cold.
If he's too dense to get it, I'll just have to knock some sense into him.
"A-Ah, of course! I'll certainly show my gratitude, even if you're a woman. I owe you a debt of thanks!"
"Gratitude, huh? We risked our lives, even a child's. I won't settle for anything less than a suitable compensation."
I leaned in, lowering my voice to a menacing tone. If he underestimates me, I'll show him the error of his ways.
"I-I understand. A man of commerce doesn't go back on his word! In fact, I serve as a director in the Exenbra Commerce Guild. I can pay you immediately through my Record, but perhaps I could do you a favor instead? It seems you're heading to Exenbra. That might be more beneficial to you ladies."
His manner suddenly became more composed. He might actually be a merchant.
If he's up to something, it'll only cause trouble. I might want to avoid getting too involved.
"...A director of the Commerce Guild, huh? Can you prove it?"
"I have my Guild Card. Here, take a look."
I checked the card he handed over, and it indeed confirmed his claim. His name is Jallens. When I showed it to the others, they didn't find anything suspicious.
"Alright, I believe you. But if you double-cross us, there will be consequences. Don't forget that."
I glared at him, making sure he understood I was serious. If he betrays us, he won't get off easy.
"I swear on the merchant's god, Creva, that I will not betray you. A merchant's reputation is everything. I cannot betray my benefactors."
"If that's the case, I'll do you a favor in return. Here, take this as a token of goodwill."
I handed him a high-grade healing potion I always carry. He looks bloodied, but he's conscious, so it's not a severe injury. However, he might take a turn for the worse if he hit his head. It's best to keep a useful contact in good shape.
"Is this a healing potion? I am grateful. Cough... It's wonderful."
It's a top-notch potion. He should be thankful.
"So, what were you doing out here alone at this hour, a director of the Commerce Guild?"
"Huh? Oh, right, I must hurry!"
"What? What's the sudden rush?"
"I apologize, but I have urgent business! I must return to Exenbra immediately! Could you help me get the truck started?"
"Fine, but you better explain later!"
Pushed by his urgency, I decided to help. I'll collect on the favor later.
I immediately cast a spell to raise the truck. I pushed it upright, not caring about the dents since it was already damaged.
"Is that good?"
"Thank you, thank you! I won't forget this! Until we meet again. By the way, my name is Jallens. If you need anything, visit the Commerce Guild. Farewell!"
The truck started up and drove away, its broken parts rattling. He was quite a whirlwind. I just hope we don't run into more thieves.
Still, I felt a bit dazed. Then, one of the thieves came up to say goodbye.
"Thanks for the help. I have some extra healing potions if you want them."
"You're quite the principled one. I've already deducted the cost of a few, so feel free to take them."
"Why, you're quite sturdy. I don't want to run into you again. Catch you later!"
With that, the thief was gone, and a peaceful, quiet night finally settled in.
I sighed. Time to check our spoils.
Looking around, everyone was still hyped up. Finding unexpected treasure does that to people. Even Sarah was bouncing around, lightening the mood.
"Everyone, good work. It may have been unexpected, but all's well that ends well. Let's check out the treasure! By the way, this is compensation from the thieves, so we'll split it equally among us. Sound good?"
The former camp members were in a celebratory mood, agreeing without hesitation, while the Siegrunes looked confused.
This is compensation from the thieves. Since we're all here, it's only fair to split it. Technically, I did most of the work, but no one should complain.
Besides, it's ill-gotten gains. Sharing it generously will prevent any unnecessary grudges.
"Hold on. We shouldn't accept this."
He's a conscientious one. But I'm not about to take back the money I offered.
"Siegrune, this is compensation from the thieves. We all got involved, and no one objects to splitting it. Just take it. Frederica, can you handle the distribution?"
Talking about treasure in front of everyone is just bad manners.
Amidst the cheers, Frederica spread out the treasure.
When Angelina first showed it to us, it looked like a mountain. Now, it seemed about half that much. It was even less than that, making it look sparse.
But realistically, it's still a substantial amount. Maybe our senses are dulled by the sheer volume of treasure.
"I mainly took gold coins and jewels that can be easily converted."
"That makes it easier to divide. Thanks."
Selling hard-to-move items is a hassle, so her consideration is appreciated.
"The thieves' treasure chest was filled with fake coins and low-value ornaments. It might be less than we expected."
"I see. The thieves probably can't tell the difference. But it's still a considerable amount, right?"
"Yes, a significant haul. Even a conservative estimate would put it at about 180 million Gist."
Huh?
"...What?"
The air felt frozen for a moment as I let out a startled exclamation.
"Hold on. One hundred eighty million?"
"That's right. The jewels might fetch even higher prices, so it could be more."
What kind of business do these thieves have?
With Frederica's appraisal magic and Josephine's expertise, the valuation is probably accurate. But it's still an unbelievable sum.
"Seriously?"
"Absolutely serious. It's also fortunate that we made a connection with the Commerce Guild. If we showed up with this treasure, we might not have been able to convert it so smoothly."
Gradually, everyone, including me, started to unfreeze.
The reality of our sudden wealth was starting to sink in.
"...We've become rich. Haha, hahaha! Cough Cough"
I let out a nervous laugh, and everyone burst into laughter.
After a good laugh, we started discussing our future plans.
"First, let's hit the casino!"
"Yeah, I'll double our money!"
"Hold on, hold on. You'll end up broke!"
"I'll bathe in alcohol! More drinks!"
"I want to eat until I'm stuffed!"
"We'll drink, eat, sing, and party all night!"
"Sounds like fun! We can live it up for a while!"
"I'll catch a guy and have some fun!"
Oh my. This is terrible. They're all such rakes.
At the very least, I have to stop them from going to the casino. They'll definitely get swindled.
"Hey, you guys, think about the future a bit."
"What about you, Yukari?"
"Me? Well, I'll live it up for a while. Good food and drinks! Maybe I'll hit the casinos, too. I'm pretty good at card games... But no, I'll probably live a quiet life."
"Liar! You're just the same!"
Well, why not? I don't need to rush into work.
We burst into laughter again.
Even the Siegrunes, who had been gloomy, joined in the laughter, influenced by our merriment.
It's a fun night. Truly, every cloud has a silver lining.
At any rate, with this amount of money, we won't have to worry about our immediate future.
After all the excitement, it's time to get some rest.
Before that, I'll take Frederica and Valeria to pick some flowers by the river.
"We'll arrive in Exenbra tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, at this pace, we should reach by nightfall. The city gates will be closed, so we'll have to wait until the next morning to enter."
"No rush, we'll take it easy. Valeria, is that okay with you?"
"As long as I'm with Onee-sama, I could travel forever."
"We won't travel, but I won't abandon you in the city. You can stay with us."
She's such a cute little sister. I'll stay with her until she's ready to stand on her own.
I pet Valeria's arm as she clung to me, and Frederica chuckled.
"By the way..."
Frederica spoke hesitantly.
"What is it?"
"You can make gold and jewels, right, Yukari?"
"Yeah, I can. But I don't want you to rely on me too much. It's good that we can split the spoils."
Alchemical magic is far more convenient than alchemy. The ability to create precious metals is too powerful to be known by just anyone.
Medical magic is the same. If we live in a city, we need to be careful, or it could become a hassle. But I won't hold back too much.
"Thinking about it, it was lucky we encountered the thieves. We got the money, and you didn't have to do anything reckless."
"Maybe. Once we reach Exenbra, we'll go to the Commerce Guild to exchange the money. We should also get recommendations for places to stay."
"Living in an inn would be more expensive. By the way, would you like to live with us?"
Frederica said it jokingly, but it's a good opportunity for me. Living in an unfamiliar city will be easier if I'm with someone I'm used to. I have a lot of questions, and it'll be more convenient.
"If you insist, Frederica. Let's live together, my dear friend!"
"Eh? For real?"
"Onee-sama!"
"Of course, Valeria will come too."
"Yes!"
Frederica, you're so easy to convince.
Hehe, a house of three. It'll be lively for a while.
I woke up early, influenced by the health-conscious early risers. The morning is still chilly, but the crisp air feels refreshing.
I went for a morning walk by the river with Sarah, and we washed our faces. The river is wide and clear. In warmer weather, swimming here would be delightful.
By the time the sky had fully brightened, a few more people had started to arrive at the river.
Back at our camp, we waited for breakfast. A hearty meal is the foundation of the day.
Ah, I really want some fish. Not raw, but at least grilled or stewed. I'm craving a proper meal.
Today is our last day of travel. I'm eager to arrive, but we'll take it slow and steady. The goal is close, no need to rush.
We had a smooth journey without any trouble, unlike yesterday. There's a slight air of anticipation, as if everyone is hoping for more encounters.
During our regular break, Mary is working hard on her physical training.
She's really serious about it. Once she builds up her endurance, I'll consider giving her some training.
As evening turned to night, we finally saw the city walls in the distance, illuminated by the stars.
They're still far away, but there's no mistaking our destination.
"We finally made it."
"We can't enter the city now, so let's set up camp here."
Our lead vehicle pulled off the road, and the others followed.
We set up a campfire and distributed the red tea-flavored recovery potions I had prepared.
While the cooking team prepared dinner, the conversation naturally turned to Exenbra.
The jokes of those who had stayed there before enlivened the quiet plain.
Here we go. We have a lot to do and enjoy.
First, we need to exchange the money at the Commerce Guild. I want to meet the director, Jallens, to handle the conversion.
We decided to enter the city a bit later, so we wouldn't arrive too early.
I wonder what this city in another world will be like. I'm excited.