Now, August 16.
Having spent five days in the town of Kurosusu, Special Investigator No. 99—operating locally under the alias "Alto Elbein"—had become acquainted with several locals and felt confident he had gathered sufficient intelligence. At last, he decided to head for the town of Hamususu to make direct contact with the Magi Craft Meister.
"Well then, thank you for everything."
"Do stop by again on your way back."
Bidding farewell to Escher Seun, a Younin operative from the Jagus Principality who had hosted him for five days, Alto Elbein loaded his cargo onto a horse and set out.
Half of his load consisted of pepper, while the other half was comprised of wares procured in the town of Kurosusu—mainly dried fish and salt.
Hamususu lay further inland, and he had chosen this inventory precisely because Escher had advised him that such goods would be warmly welcomed there.
Naturally, he had his golem carry part of the baggage as well, while Alto made the journey to Hamususu on foot.
Along the way, realizing it would be much easier to take the road alongside the newly built canal, he altered his route.
"...Calling this 'easier' is an understatement."
With not a single bump or rut on the path itself, walking was completely effortless.
Following the waterway also provided clear visibility, and the air along the channel was pleasantly cool.
The total distance was under twenty kilometers, so even while transporting his goods, he arrived at Saichi Village just past noon.
"Taking this route was definitely the right choice."
Had he taken the main highway toward Hamususu, it undoubtedly would have taken him somewhat longer.
"Oh? Are you a traveling merchant?"
Saichi Village Chief Aik Nibiki spotted Alto and called out to him.
"Yes. My name is Alto Elbein, and I've come from Kurosusu. I heard this village was undergoing development, so I came hoping to do some business."
"I see, I see. I am the village chief, Aik Nibiki."
They exchanged formal greetings, though the village chief had no prior knowledge of Alto Elbein. Alto, however, was well aware that the chief was under the influence of Seduce.
"From what I hear, a person known as the 'Magi Craft Meister' is currently staying here..."
As they walked toward the center of the village, Alto questioned the chief about various sights.
"What is that over there?"
"Ah, that's a public bathhouse."
"There's a bath here?!"
"Indeed. A well was dug deep into the earth, and the water that bubbles up is heated."
"The fuel for that must take immense effort."
"No, they used a technique called a 'magic circle' or some such, so once it's built, the upkeep costs practically nothing, apparently."
"...Oho."
Concealing his astonishment, Alto Elbein turned his attention toward another structure.
"Er, that's a reservoir, isn't it? You managed to secure quite a lot of water."
"Yes. For that one, they dug exceptionally deep into the ground, creating a water source that flows up naturally."
"...That is truly extraordinary."
"Isn't it? I still can't quite believe it myself, even as I look right at it with my own eyes."
"I can certainly understand why."
Chatting as they walked, the two soon arrived in front of the village chief's house.
"So, where might this 'Magi Craft Meister' be at the moment?"
"Ah, he stepped out a short while ago. He mentioned going to build a bridge over the drainage channel that connects all the way to the sea."
"I see."
In truth, Jin D was using timber procured from the Melkana Autonomous Region to construct bridges, starting from the coastal side.
Alto Elbein had simply crossed paths with him at an inopportune time.
Even so...
"He did say he would return by evening, so you should be able to meet him if you wait."
"Is that so? Er, is there an inn in the village?"
"No, this is a small village, so we don't have anything like that yet. Please, feel free to stay at my house."
"Thank you very much."
With that, Alto Elbein was welcomed into the village chief's home.
"Jin-sama repaired this house as well, you know."
"Oho."
"It used to lean a little, you see."
Now, the floor was perfectly level, and the pillars stood straight and true.
"Until just recently, whenever you spilled water on the floor, it would trickle straight across and drain out through a hole in the wall."
Now it didn't run off at all, pooling right where it spilled, and the wall had no holes left in it, the chief explained.
"He also installed a sewage system for sanitation purposes, he said."
The wastewater was gathered in a settling basin, allowing the sediment to sink before the cleared water was discharged into the sea. Moreover, magic circles with Cleanup effects had been inscribed directly onto the sewer pipes, so the water was purified as it flowed along.
"I-I see..."
Alto Elbein's mind struggled to process this flood of information, which far exceeded his comprehension.
Noticing the merchant's dazed expression, the village chief smiled warmly.
"Well, please come inside. Ah, hitch your horse in the stable around the side. There's fodder available as well."
"Thank you. I'll have my golem attend to the horse."
"Oho, you possess quite a remarkable golem."
After that exchange, Alto was shown to a room in the village chief's house.
To accommodate visitors from outside the village, the house had about four guest rooms; the one furthest in the back was assigned to Alto Elbein.
"Are there other guests staying here?"
From what Alto could tell, the room closest to the entrance appeared to be occupied.
"Yes. A gentleman who is the Ministry of Technology Undersecretary is currently visiting."
"Where is he now?"
When Alto Elbein asked so that he might offer his greetings,
"He went with Jin-sama to the bridge construction site."
That was the answer he received.
"Then I suppose there is nothing to do but wait for their return."
"Indeed."
"In that case, would you mind if we discussed business matters in the meantime?"
"Oh, by all means!"
And so, Alto Elbein and Village Chief Aik Nibiki sat down to talk.
"Starting tomorrow, I would like to set up a stall in the village square."
"Oh, that sounds wonderful! Please, do so by all means. By the way, what sort of wares do you carry?"
It was a natural question.
"The spice pepper, seasoning salt, and dried fish are my primary goods. Aside from those, I have dried meat, dried fruits, nuts, and a small quantity of tea."
"I see, I see. Salt and dried provisions are truly a blessing."
Because Saichi Village lay somewhat inland, salt and seafood were difficult to come by. Therefore, the villagers would surely welcome those items, the chief noted.
"However, pepper... is not something we are very familiar with."
"If you sprinkle salt and pepper over roasted meat, it becomes exceptionally flavorful."
"Salt and pepper... I believe I have heard of that."
Unlike in a bustling town, cooking options were severely limited in a small farming village.
The villagers lived their entire lives confined to the village, its immediate surroundings, and the fields; they rarely saw or heard anything from the world beyond.
"In that case, shall I roast some sample meat for you to taste?"
When Alto made the suggestion,
"Oh, that sounds delightful! Yes, please do."
The village chief was thoroughly intrigued.
Seeing his enthusiastic reaction, Alto added,
"As a token of my gratitude for your hospitality, I'll give you a little pepper and tea. Please feel free to try it tonight."
"That is most generous of you."
From Alto Elbein's perspective, securing the village chief's appreciation for pepper's value would ensure a helpful recommendation when selling to the villagers the following day.
Just then...
"I have returned."
The voice of Ministry of Technology Undersecretary Nahams Marow echoed from the entrance.
Which meant the Magi Craft Meister had returned alongside him.
Instinctively, Alto Elbein felt every muscle in his body tense.