Three days after I had soothed my exhaustion in the sento I built at the experiment ground...
Despite the pleasant morning sunlight pouring down outside, I was tucked away in the back of the Laundry Shop Main Branch, sitting face-to-face with Calm and Carla.
"There are no wrinkles in your suit."
"Calm, is your tie straight?"
Today was the day of the merchant meeting I had been invited to a while back. According to the advance notice, each participant was allowed to bring up to two attendants, so I had chosen Calm and Carla. I even had Carla come all the way back from Lenaf specifically for this, but...
"Store Manager, there’s some dust on your shoulder."
"Eh? Ah, Sister, it’s 'Owner' right now."
"! My apologies."
"There’s no need to apologize that much."
The two of them had been incredibly nervous even before we left the shop.
They were about to participate in a gathering of figures who were practically out of reach for most merchants—people like Serge, the chairman of their former home, the Morgan Company, and other business owners of his caliber. It was only natural they would be tense. I had been concerned about it myself before deciding to participate, and I’d thought through various scenarios during the preparation stage.
However, seeing people in front of me who were clearly more nervous than I was actually helped me stay calm.
The three of us were wearing brand-new business suits tailored specifically for this day, and we had checked our appearances over and over again. If we kept this up, I worried the fabric would wear thin from the lint brush.
"You two, there’s no need to be so stiff. Oresto-san mentioned that great merchants like them won't go out of their way to pay mind to those they deem insignificant. He said that if they judge us as not worth their attention, they won't waste the time or effort to interfere with us. Since those are the words of a participant himself, we should take them to heart. Even if things don't go perfectly, we'll still be able to run the business just as we have been. To be honest, our growth until now has been almost too rapid, so let’s take it easy."
"...You're right. I’ve shown you a pathetic side of myself."
"...I, too, was lacking my usual composure."
When I relayed exactly what Oresto-san had taught me in the past, the tension finally seemed to leave their shoulders. They probably weren't completely relaxed yet, but I considered it a win that they had calmed down even a little.
...After all, in terms of being a "merchant," I was undoubtedly the most immature one here. Truly, I should have been the one feeling the most pressure.
"It is just as the Owner says. If we are excessively nervous, it might lead us to show a weakness. Let us conduct ourselves with dignity."
As Carla spoke as if to convince herself, Calm beside her also looked forward with eyes full of determination.
"Owner, it’s about time. Are you ready?"
"Yes, we're coming!"
At just the right moment, a friendly voice called out from outside the room.
Since we were heading to a formal venue, we were traveling by carriage to maintain appearances. I had bought a horse and carriage for work and entrusted them to Yudam, who was accustomed to handling them.
"We're in your hands."
"Leave it to me."
Feeling slightly bolstered by Yudam’s lighthearted voice, I climbed into the carriage. Once he confirmed we were all safely seated, he set the carriage into a smooth roll. Our destination was the high-end restaurant serving as the meeting venue—the same establishment where I had dined with Oresto-san before.
Although the tension from earlier had faded, the atmosphere wasn't exactly conducive to lively conversation. Only the rhythmic sound of the horse’s hooves and the carriage wheels striking the cobblestones echoed through the interior.
As we drew closer to our destination, my companions' resolve seemed to tighten, which made me feel a touch guilty. I found myself wondering if I was lacking in seriousness because I felt there was nothing left to do but let things take their course. I felt a distinct difference in our internal temperatures.
While I stared out the window and watched the cityscape flow by, we arrived at our destination.
"We're here. Have a good time."
Yudam quietly opened the carriage door and spoke in a gentle voice.
After exchanging looks with one another, we slowly stepped down from the carriage.
■ ■ ■
We were respectfully guided by a restaurant employee toward a set of double doors. He silently placed his hands on the handles, turned toward us, and stepped to the edge of the hallway as he opened them with a bow. In the venue beyond the doors, a large number of people were already chatting. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, making the whole room seem to sparkle.
Now that the doors were open, I couldn't just stand there dazed. I stepped inside without hesitation onto the plush, high-end carpet. While the overall interior exuded luxury and refinement, nothing was blatantly eye-catching—the room was merely a "space," and the true focus lay elsewhere.
"Ryoma! You came!"
The moment we entered the room, Pioro-san was the first to react. Wearing his usual smile, he lightly raised the glass in his hand and walked toward us. His voice and movement easily drew the attention of the other participants, and all eyes turned toward our every move.
"Ryoma-sama. I am glad you could participate today."
"I have been waiting for you, Takebayashi-sama. My, my, it looks like today's meeting is going to be even more interesting."
Serge and Oresto joined us a moment later. The former was welcoming me normally, but the latter was certainly observing me. I could tell he was glad to see me, but he didn't even try to hide the fact that he was amused by the situation.
Following those three, another person quickly approached.
"Takebayashi-sama, thank you for your continued patronage. We are truly grateful to have you use our establishment again today."
"Dominic-san. Thank you as well for everything. Your restaurant is as wonderful as ever."
He was the owner of this high-end restaurant and the luxury inn where I had stayed with the Ducal House family when I first came to Gimul. Recently, he had also become a business partner, utilizing our service to buy up food waste.
I hadn't been as deeply involved with him as with the other three, but he was someone who had helped me out from time to time. I had been surprised when I first saw his name on the participant list Oresto-san gave me. Apparently, he operated a wide range of businesses, primarily in real estate and tourism.
"I am honored by your praise. If you would like, may I offer you a drink?"
"I'll have one, thank you."
I accepted a welcome drink from the waiter who had been quietly following behind him.
"We will have light refreshments prepared once the time comes, so please enjoy your conversation at your leisure today."
"Thank you. The food here is always delicious, so I'm looking forward to it."
In the center of the room were four round tables of a size just right for several participants to gather and chat. In the corners of the room, chairs and small tables for resting were scattered about. Those were for the participants.
Separate seating was provided for the attendants along the walls. It was likely positioned at a distance that wouldn't interfere with the central space where the masters conversed, yet close enough that they could be called upon immediately.
It was a standing buffet party with light refreshments, where participants could walk around and interact freely. I realized I needed to greet the organizer, Griselda, first—but she was already heading our way.
"So the star of the show has finally arrived."
"Griselda-san. Thank you for the invitation today."
"No need for stiff greetings. We're keeping up appearances in a place like this, but every last one of them—myself included—isn't as well-behaved as they look. Just talk, drink, and eat as you like, and have a good time."
Surrounded by familiar faces, I felt the tension in my shoulders ease slightly, but I immediately pulled myself back together. People I hadn't yet spoken with were sizing me up. Furthermore, one of them was already approaching from behind Griselda.
"What a terrible thing to say, Sierra. If you, a familiar face, go whispering things like that, our star of the day will get a strange impression of us."
"I'm not wrong, though. Especially you—you're the pinnacle of impoliteness."
"I can't accept being placed below young Balor, among others, but let’s set that aside for now. He’s gone to the trouble of participating; don't keep him all to yourself. Introduce this lovely child to us as well."
The person who called Griselda by an unfamiliar nickname was an elven woman dressed in a revealing gown. Among humans, she would look to be in her thirties or forties, but she was exceptionally beautiful. She was the definition of a "beautiful older woman."
Griselda let out a sigh at her request. However, since the request itself was reasonable, she clapped her hands a few times to draw the attention of the room.
"I'm sure you've already noticed, but let me introduce him properly. This is Ryoma Takebayashi, participating for the first time and the subject of many rumors lately. Treat him well."
In a voice that wasn't loud but carried well, she gave a rather casual introduction, drawing even more inquisitive gazes. I took a step forward and took a deep, quiet breath.
"Esteemed seniors, it is an honor to meet you. My name is Ryoma Takebayashi, and I manage several shops, including the Laundry Shop, Bamboo Forest. I am but a novice as a merchant, but I look forward to your kind guidance."
"My..."
The moment I bowed while introducing myself, the air in the room grew silent as if frozen. A beat later, a stir spread like a ripple through the entire venue. I could tell that these battle-hardened great merchants were, if only slightly, wide-eyed and catching their breath.
"How surprising. I had heard you had connections to the Ducal House, but are you from a house of high standing?"
"Not at all. I am a country person who didn't even have proper interaction with society until recently. However, quite fortunately, when I mentioned attending this meeting during a casual conversation with the butler for the Ducal House, he was kind enough to teach me the basics."
A proper bow is a movement that normally takes years of training and daily use to master. However, perhaps due to the martial arts training I received in my childhood, I was particularly good at mimicking physical movements.
In the past, I had often used this talent for silly tricks, but this time, by mimicking Sebas, I had succeeded in mastering three specific things: how to stand, how to walk, and how to bow.
I would never dare say I had mastered etiquette with just this... but as far as these three things were concerned, I had acquired movements that even Sebas described as indistinguishable from a high-ranking noble who had received years of education.
That said, since I completely lacked knowledge regarding noble conversation and culture, I was in a state where things would be fine only as long as I didn't open my mouth, but I’d just have to accept that.
In any case, the bow had clearly made an impact, so I considered it a success.
"Calling that a hastily acquired skill... I'm Elmira. I run brothels in various cities. You have a cute face, but it seems you're quite a shrewd one inside. Let’s get along well today. Well then, I'll see you later. I'm sure there are others waiting to greet you."
Exuding a seductive fragrance, Elmira winked while hiding her mouth with a folding fan before gracefully departing. Replacing her, a young man wearing glasses approached.
He was likely still in his twenties, perhaps slightly younger than Orest. Among the people here, he looked the youngest, excluding myself.
"Nice to meet you, Takebayashi-kun. I am Lucien, and I deal in artworks, primarily paintings. That greeting earlier was magnificent. Even if it was just the basics, there aren't many children even among the nobility who can perform such a refined bow. Let’s talk again later."
"Thank you. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
With his delicate features, he simply introduced himself and walked away. Then another pair arrived: a gentlemanly middle-aged human man with his arms crossed and a beast-kin woman who appeared to be a large feline type. Their clothing was the most impressive in the venue.
The man wore a monocle and a plain black suit, while the woman wore a red afternoon dress, each adorned with jewelry that harmonized perfectly with their outfits.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am impressed by your dignified conduct at such a young age. My name is Albert Valentin. I deal in gems and ornaments, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any need of them. This is my wife—"
"—Celestine Valentin, a designer. That suit, and those on the two behind you, suit you all very well."
"I am happy to be praised by experts. Even though the two of you aren't wearing eccentric clothing, it’s strange how much you draw the eye."
"When you wear clothing that fits the person and draws out their charm, that happens naturally," she replied with a smile.
Albert-san wore an elegant expression, and Celestine-san smiled while minutely checking our clothing. They gave short, concise greetings before ending the conversation and moving on.
Looking around, I saw it was almost time for the official start of the meeting. Everyone seemed to be conferring with their attendants in the back.
Sensing the timing, Calm and Carla moved.
"Well then, Owner, we shall wait at those seats over there."
"Please let us know if you have need of anything."
The two of them informed me in low voices before moving quietly to the tables for attendants. They would likely observe the venue while moving in sync with the other staff.
I was about to join Pioro-san and the others in their conversation when the heavy doors of the room opened once more.
"—Sorry I'm late!"
A stout man draped in furs strode inside.
"Well now, so Balor-han came too. I didn't see you, so I thought for sure you weren't coming today."
"You idiot, of course I was coming! Good grief, there was an accident between two carriages on the road."
According to the participant list I got from Oresto-san, he ran an arms and armor business in another city. Since he was the only participant I hadn't greeted yet, I decided to go and introduce myself.
As I approached, he noticed me and directed an unusually sharp gaze my way. I didn't flinch, and he was the first to speak.
"Yo, so you're the rumored Ryoma Takebayashi? I'm Balor. I handle arms and armor."
"Nice to meet you. My name is Ryoma Takebayashi."
"Seems like you're raking it in... well, I look forward to working with you."
"Likewise, it’s a pleasure."
With that, I had greeted everyone... but the look in Balor’s eyes, as he kept his right hand thrust into his fur pocket and glared slightly, weighed on my mind.
What was with his attitude? It didn't seem like hostility or ill-will, but it wasn't exactly friendly either. However, I didn't get the feeling he was looking down on me for being a child. If it wasn't disdain, hostility, or malice, was it caution? Yes, that felt the most accurate.
But if it was caution, why? Since it was our first meeting, I couldn't have done anything to offend him. His caution looked like intimidation, and because of his short stature, stout build, and the furs he was wearing, he started to look like a tanuki to me.
Of course, Balor was an adult, so he was larger than my child's body... but the coloring of his furs was miraculously identical to a Shigaraki-ware tanuki statue.
Unable to guess the reason for his wariness, my thoughts drifted in a silly direction until the start time for the meeting arrived. Griselda drew the attention of the room once more, gave a brief greeting, and led a toast. Everyone tilted their glasses, took some food, and divided into several groups to begin their conversations.
While it was peaceful on the surface, the words being exchanged held information that could move vast sums of money. The interaction between top-class merchants was now beginning in earnest.