Since this was his second visit, Wataru was able to observe the Welcome Trading Company more calmly and in greater detail.
During his previous visit, he had entered on a whim without any prior knowledge, so even though he had been looking around, he hadn't fully grasped everything.
The front of the Welcome Trading Company was for customers, while the back alley seemed to serve as a loading dock. There was a place to park carriages, and several employees were busily loading and unloading goods. The products they handled ranged from dried fruits, miscellaneous goods, and lumber, to furniture and furs, giving it the feel of a general store rather than a specialized shop.
"This place has a pretty mixed and lively atmosphere."
"Yes, it's rare to see a store that's run as a general store rather than a specialty shop."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Specialty shops often have strong ties with the craftsmen's guilds. As trade volume increases, they can naturally reduce their procurement costs."
"Why wouldn't they do that?"
"The shop owner might have a particular preference. Perhaps they aspire to become a major merchant in the future."
Wataru nodded at Mariel's explanation, thinking it made sense. In modern times, too, specialty shops tend to be strong, such as clothing stores that specialize in specific types of clothing. There are universal truths that remain unchanged regardless of the era or location. On the other hand, there are cases where a business that started as a bookstore grew into a global general goods retailer. Considering this, Wataru hoped William would chase his dreams with determination.
Although the goods were piled up in a somewhat disorganized manner, the premises were clean and well-maintained, without any stagnant atmosphere. In fact, there was a sense of energy that accompanied the busyness. The people working there didn't appear to be overly domineering, and everyone was cheerfully and efficiently going about their tasks. Seeing this, Wataru felt that his intuition in choosing this shop hadn't been wrong.
Suddenly, something caught Wataru's eye, and he was startled to see a horse.
Now that I notice, it looks like a horse, but it's not a horse!
The creature, which snorted and shook its nose, looked very similar to a horse at first glance. However, from its size, and most notably, the small horns and six legs, it was clearly not the kind of horse Wataru was familiar with.
"That's a Hyupos. Judging by your reaction, this is your first time seeing one?"
"Yeah. It's amazing. It looks really fast."
"They're fast and good at pulling loads. Though, I'm better at running!"
"What are you competing with? Hyupos are valued as beasts of burden. They're also used in battle or for delivering messages because of their speed."
Eia, gazing up at the Hyupos with her chest puffed out, displayed her impressive physique. Yet, her attitude was childlike and endearing. Meanwhile, Mariel provided detailed explanations that were quite helpful.
"It seems really interested in me. Is it going to bite?"
"Hyupos tend to playfully nip at the heads of people they like."
"Really?"
"They're usually well-behaved. My family used to own one when we were a bit wealthier, and it was quite docile."
"By the way, are they carnivorous?"
"No, they're herbivores. They like things like Kyurso carrots or fruits like Ratatatat apples."
"Then I guess I'm safe. By the way, would those taste good if I ate them?"
"Hmm, I've never really seen people eat them. They're very large and probably lack flavor."
"In my village, we cook Kyurso until it's really soft and eat it."
It's interesting how similar, yet slightly different, animals exist here. There might even be domestic animals that could crossbreed. If I could bring some of these fruits back to Earth, it might solve some food supply issues, or perhaps they could become high-end fruits.
Though, I have no idea how I'd go about negotiating that sale just yet.
As Wataru pondered these thoughts and carelessly approached the Hyupos, it suddenly opened its mouth and bit down on his head.
"Ugh, hey, it's eating me!"
"What!? How much does it like you!? Oh, it's licking you all over!"
"Hey, let go! You're scaring him!"
The Hyupos made a loud whinnying sound and kept nipping at Wataru's head repeatedly. Although it wasn't causing any sharp pain, the sensation of his head being covered in drool, along with the suddenness of the event, left Wataru completely at a loss. He couldn't move carelessly either.
Eia, who was emitting a surprising level of bloodlust, grabbed the Hyupos's mouth and pried it open with a firm tug. The pressure released, Wataru quickly ducked down and staggered away from the spot.
"Are you alright, Master!?"
"Yeah, thanks to you, I wasn't hurt at all. But I could use a wash; I'm all sticky."
Mariel quickly stepped in between the Hyupos and Wataru. Ugh, this sticky feeling is so unpleasant... As Wataru grimaced with discomfort, a worker who had noticed the commotion hurried over.
"Are you alright, sir?"
"Yeah, no injuries. But if possible, could I get some hot water and something to wipe myself with?"
"I apologize. I'll get them right away."
The employee efficiently ran around and quickly prepared a bucket full of hot water and several towels.
"Even though Hyupos are generally docile, it's unusual for them to take such a liking to someone at a first meeting..."
"Is that so? Then, I guess the problem was that it just happened to like me?"
"That seems to be the case..."
"You must smell good, Master! That's why it likes you!"
"Really? I can't tell myself."
Perhaps because he wasn't injured or because Wataru was smiling rather than getting angry, despite the mishap, the atmosphere remained amicable.
After returning to the front of the store, Wataru and the others entered the Welcome Trading Company. He hoped his visit today wouldn't be an inconvenience, especially since he had just been there the previous day. But it became clear that his worry was entirely unnecessary when William greeted them with a broad smile, happy to see them again.
"Welcome to Welcome, Wataru!"
"Hi. Thanks for your help yesterday. Sorry for visiting again so soon."
"Not at all, it was a great deal. And also..."
William's gaze shifted to Mariel and Eia. Both of them were strikingly beautiful, and their posture and demeanor made it clear to anyone who knew what to look for that they were slaves.
"After that, I went to the slave trader Maso's place on your recommendation. I've decided to have these two work for me."
"I see. I'm glad to hear that."
"Let me introduce them. This is Mariel, who will be assisting with my personal needs, and Eia, who will serve as my bodyguard."
"Pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to meet you."
"What wonderful young ladies. I'm William, head of the Welcome Trading Company. Please consider me at your service."
Mariel and Eia bowed deeply as they introduced themselves. Wataru had been slightly concerned about whether Eia, a beastkin, could manage such a greeting, but his worries proved unfounded. Eia's bow was as polite as one you'd see in modern Japan. He would later learn that she had been taught manners as part of her slave training.
"I used your name at Maso's shop. I was treated very well, thanks to you."
"I'm glad I could be of assistance. If you'd like, shall we talk in the back? I've already secured a buyer for the sugar, and I'd like to report on that."
"That was quick. Please do."
William seemed to understand that Wataru had come for a purpose. His casual invitation helped Wataru feel more at ease. Additionally, moving to another room indicated that William saw him as a business partner worthy of a private discussion.
It showed just how important the sugar trade was to him.
With that realization, Wataru relaxed slightly.