Chapter 35: The Reincarnator
For someone like me, a shut-in gamer, he was quite a similar type of person.
I intuitively sensed that.
The wealthy merchant known as Lord Gento was unmistakably Japanese in appearance, and he embodied the typical otaku character.
"I am Knight Commander Zagu Reka, entrusted with the position of Captain of the Knights at the Count Orbania's residence. I express my gratitude for granting me an audience despite my sudden visit."
Knight Commander Zagu greeted politely.
I, too, as a servant, bowed deeply. It was the Japanese way, a bow.
"Ah, forget about all that formal stuff. Let's do away with the formalities," Gento waved his hand casually.
Well, if it were up to me, I'd prefer it that way, but Zagu probably couldn't do the same.
"Hmm, up until now, we have been offering our services to this household..."
"Cut to the chase. How much do you need?" Gento interrupted.
Zagu was taken aback.
"Are you asking for another loan? How much do you need, for what purpose, and by when?"
He gets straight to the point.
"Umm, our household is currently diligently carrying out the duty of subjugating the labyrinth as a responsibility of the kingdom's nobles. However, unexpectedly, we encountered a group of enemies that require sacred weapons..."
Zagu tried to continue speaking, but Gento waved his hand to interrupt.
"Enough with the long explanation, old man."
Well, I can't say I don't agree with him.
"So, in a nutshell, 'We reached the undead floor in the labyrinth. However, we only have ordinary weapons. So, we want to acquire silver or mithril weapons. Will you provide the funds? Right now!' Is that the idea?"
Wow, this guy is quick. He understood all that from the previous conversation.
Seeing my surprise, Gento shifted his gaze towards me as if he had lost interest in Zagu, who was awkwardly saying, "To put it briefly, that's right."
"So, what is this guy?" Gento asked.
"Hmm, me?"
As I was about to answer, Zagu took over and replied, "He is an adventurer serving our household, brought along as a servant."
"I see, a slave serving as a servant," Gento remarked.
Huh? Does he understand? Does this guy also have a skill for discernment?
"While it pains me to ask for further assistance when there is still an outstanding debt..."
As Zagu was about to continue, he was once again interrupted by Gento's hand.
"Here's another question: What about collateral?"
"C-Collateral?"
The conversation suddenly took a serious turn, and Zagu seemed uncertain whether Gento was willing to lend to them or not.
"Isn't it obvious? Even if there's doubt about the money being repaid right now, if they ask for more money, we should take collateral, right?"
"Well, that's true, but it's not solely up to me..."
Gentz shook his head in exasperation, then suddenly grinned.
"Well then, how about this? Karina-chan will be the collateral."
"What!?"
"That busty girl isn't my type, but well, will she shine if polished? I can lend you around 100 gold coins right away. Until repayment, Karina-chan will be kept safe at my place."
"It's absolutely not happening!" "Don't joke around!!"
My outcry and Zagu's shouts overlapped.
This is not a joke. Besides, this guy is fair-skinned with oddly shiny skin, but on closer inspection, he's already middle-aged. Some kind of paunchy guy?
I won't let this creepy otaku turn Karina, who swore to me that she won't do this or that, into a toy!
"Don't joke around" is a form of greeting.
Gentz struck a pose as if offended but continued to smirk.
"It's a great deal, considering no interest and 100 gold coins."
"Then, it's a great service. A princess-like, stubborn female warrior, shall I lend her as collateral for about ten gold coins?"
Does he even know about Cecily? Hey, Zagu, don't hesitate there.
"That's also a no!" "...Ugh, yes, it's a no."
The timing is off this time. I'll make sure to tattle to Cecily about this old man, Zagu. I don't know the value of ten gold coins, but he might try to sell her.
Since she's also my target for punishment, I won't let it happen, no matter what.
"Oh my, then what will you do? Lend money without collateral and no way to repay?"
"I-I'll figure something out..."
This doesn't look good. Was he completely clueless about a plan?
(Should I secretly tell him about it?)
Lina's telepathic message came from the leather bag at my waist. It's unusual for her to be constructive.
(I'll give it a try, even if it's a long shot.)
(Okay)
Lina followed the blind spots of the people inside the room and climbed on Zag's back through the gap between the chair's backrest. If only I had teamed up with Zag.
"Well, let me think... How about granting your company the exclusive rights to our agricultural products within our territory this year, or allowing you to handle the salt we purchase at our house?"
Oh, that's exactly it.
"Oh, for you, it's quite a decent proposal," Gentsu said with an amused expression.
"In that case, I'll require ten large gold coins, with a repayment of fifteen coins by the end of the year."
Huh, so it's a 50% interest rate. Isn't it excessive? No chance of a refund for overpayment?
(In this world, there are no laws on interest rate restrictions or investment regulations.)
Lina interjected. Why do you even know the laws of that world over there?
"The agricultural products from Scutari and the salt purchase don't amount to much. Considering the profit margin, they're not of significant value."
Damn it. Zag's getting angry.
"Ah, watch your step! That's enough!"
Lina stood up from her seat... She nearly got dropped. She somehow managed to slide back into the gap between the backrests and return to this side.
"Let's go home, Shiro!"
Hey, is that okay?
"Hmm, Shiro, huh? You can stay... It's the return of our first guest."
Huh? Without delay, one of the maids came to escort Zag.
What should we do?
"Do whatever you want!"
Oh dear, Zag got angry and went ahead...
For now, I'll try to smooth things over in my own way. In situations like this, it seems I have the potential of a person who's been through hardships.
"Oh, um, that old man, he means no harm, and he's actually a good person. He's skilled at teaching swordsmanship and all that... It's just that negotiation and things like that aren't his forte because he's a born military man."
Even if I, who has poor social skills, stand up for him...
Gentsu looks at me with an amused expression.
"Huh? I was just playing around a bit. Don't worry, I'm not planning to bully Carenachan. On the contrary, I thought I should take care of her, you know?"
No, that's exactly why it's a problem. However, before I could come up with a response, his next words silenced me.
"You're also a reincarnator, aren't you?"