My name was Michael Goroun.
I was one of the leading merchants representing the city of Shashato.
Fortunately, my business was thriving. With wealth to spare, many clamored to trade with me, making the task of selecting partners a difficult one. Lately, my days were consumed by social engagements and entertainment; I found myself missing the thrill of a real business deal. I always preferred the cold weight of gold over the finest sake or food. I simply wanted to earn more.
One day, while I was lost in such thoughts, an unexpected visitor arrived. I initially assumed it was some country bumpkin who hadn't bothered to make an appointment and considered pretending I wasn't in. However, my instincts flared with a sudden, nagging sense of unease, so I went out to receive them.
As I expected, a single country girl stood there. She was pleasant enough to look at, but that meant nothing to me. I had a wife whom I loved dearly. I decided that if she tried to use her charms to sway me, I would throw her out on the spot.
Then, I reconsidered. Preconceptions only lead to loss, and one never knows where the next gold mine might be hidden. I decided to hear her out first. However, I had no intention of surrendering the initiative. I planned to take a firm stance and intimidate her right from the start—but that same nagging intuition stopped me, and I responded with the utmost politeness instead.
It was the best decision of my life.
That "country girl" was none other than Lady Fraurem, daughter of Count Chrome.
It was a narrow escape. The influence of the House of Count Chrome was absolute within the Demon Kingdom. No one could oppose them and expect to remain safe. Furthermore, his daughter was no mere socialite; she was a schoolmate of the Royal Princess and a renowned woman of both literary and military genius. The moment she was chosen as the Princess's companion, her future as a high-ranking official was guaranteed. Even then, she was someone who held my life in the palm of her hand.
I was profoundly grateful that I hadn't ignored my instincts.
"We have met once before, though I wonder if you remember?" she asked.
"Y-Yes. Of course, my lady. It was at the gala celebrating Her Royal Highness the Royal Princess's birthday."
"Indeed. I recalled you saying then that I should seek you out if I ever had a business proposal, so I decided to pay a visit. I hope I am not an inconvenience?"
"An inconvenience? Not at all! For a matter concerning you, Lady Fraurem, I am all ears."
"I see. That is good. To get straight to the point, there is something I want you to purchase."
"Certainly. What sort of goods are we discussing?"
"Crops."
"Crops? Lady Fraurem, I am afraid I cannot purchase harvests from your family's estate without going through your appointed Purveyor."
Most noble houses had an official Purveyor. It was a matter of established territory. No matter how much I wanted to please Lady Fraurem, I couldn't simply ignore those boundaries.
"Oh, it's quite alright. These aren't from my father's lands. This place doesn't have a Purveyor yet."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. For now, would you care to see the samples? I've had them brought to the front of your shop."
I followed Lady Fraurem outside. The street was in an uproar. I wondered if there had been some sort of incident. Everyone was staring in our direction. As I made my way to the storefront, I saw goods piled high like a mountain.
To be honest, it was a nuisance that obstructed my business. I wished they had considered the location more carefully. Besides, what would they do if I refused to buy?
However, my annoyance vanished when I saw the guards.
Lizardmen. They were a rare race even within the Demon King's Territory, and their combat prowess was said to be equal to ten humans. And they were serving as guards? As expected of someone connected to the House of Count Chrome.
There was another girl standing there... she looked like a serious village girl. A village girl? Wait. I noticed horns on her head... and a tail. My mind blanked. When I looked to the onlookers for help, they immediately averted their eyes and backed away. They clearly wanted no part of this. I couldn't blame them; I felt the same way.
But since I couldn't run, I had to confirm. "Um, Lady Fraurem?"
"Oh, this is Rusty. She's a Dragon, so please try not to make her angry."
"I... I see."
Rusty. The name didn't ring a bell. But then a similar name occurred to me: Lastismoon. She was the daughter of the North Gate Guardian Dragon, a ferocious creature that had rampaged across various lands. Rumor had it that the reason the savage Wyverns of the Iron Forest had vanished was that Lastismoon had slaughtered them all.
Lastismoon... Rusty. Were they sisters? Relatives? Or was the name a mere coincidence? Regardless, she was a Dragon. A single mistake meant certain death. More importantly, why was a Dragon even here?
Lost in confusion, I checked the cargo.
I knew at a single glance. These were the very crops that had recently become the talk of the Royal Capital, and they were piled in a mountain right before my eyes. I could smell the overwhelming scent of gold.
"I'd like you to buy these, but..."
"I shall buy them at whatever price you name," I declared. It was an instant decision. I would not let this opportunity slip through my fingers.
"Do you have more?" I asked.
"This is all we brought today, but..."
"Then there is more."
"Y-Yes... back at the village."
"Would you permit me to accompany you on your return journey?"
"I don't mind, but we have a lot of shopping to do first."
"Please, tell me everything you require. I shall have it prepared immediately."
This was the chance of a lifetime. I could not let it escape. I absolutely would not!
Presently, I was riding on the back of a Dragon.
I began to wonder if I should have let that business opportunity escape after all. I was so paralyzed with terror that I couldn't even look at the scenery.
Next, I found myself at the Gate Guardian Dragon's Nest. I was now certain I should have let the opportunity escape. I couldn't sleep a wink.
Finally, we were flying over the Forest of Death. I had reached a state of total resignation. If I was going to die, I might as well secure the deal first. I hardened my resolve.
Vampire Princess, Annihilation Angel, Genocide Angel, Inferno Wolves...
It was fine. I wasn't afraid. I wasn't afraid of anything anymore.
Well, I wasn't afraid, but I was baffled by the human I was introduced to first. The Village Head? The leader of this place? He was casually ruffling the fur of an Inferno Wolf’s head as if it were a common lapdog.
Furthermore, he was incredibly humble. I realized I was the one who needed to bow. My head was spinning from the lack of sleep.
He kindly showed me to an Inn. I had expected a small, primitive village, but this was a magnificent establishment that seemed entirely out of place.
Wait... were these bedsheets made of Demon Spider silk? The curtains, too? I decided not to think about it. For now, I just had to focus on tomorrow. I would give it my all during the negotiations. But first, sleep...
I woke up feeling refreshed.
Dinner? Of course, I would accept. A spread of dishes I had never seen before was laid out. They were exquisite. I couldn't even begin to guess how they were prepared, but the taste was divine. Had my vocabulary always been this limited? Not even a royal banquet could compare to this. Had they prepared all of this just for me? I knew I had to work even harder during the negotiations.
By the way, I wondered what kind of meat this was. Killer Rabbit and Gate Boar? Both were luxury ingredients that were almost impossible to find...
The wine was also incredible. I was completely captivated. I had to have it. I even asked for seconds.
The negotiations were grueling, but I held my own. I did my best, even when facing a Vampire Princess.
I had dreamed of seizing control of the kingdom's trade in one fell swoop if Dragon transport became a reality, but that was rejected. Well, it was a long shot anyway. More disappointing was the fact that I could only secure a small amount of wine, despite getting the crops. It was frustrating. Given that flavor, the demand would be astronomical.
I had seen the villagers drinking quite a lot of it during dinner the night before, so I thought it would be an easy win. And yet...
"Eh? A banquet tonight? There will be... alcohol?" I would certainly be partaking.
My name was Michael Goroun. I was the president of the Goroun Company and a prominent merchant of Shashato City. I was the man destined to become the premier merchant of the Demon Kingdom.
"Children? Yes, I have two sons. They are both adults. In fact, both are expecting children soon, so I'm about to be a grandfather."
While they congratulated me on the upcoming birth of my grandchildren, for some reason, they also seemed strangely disappointed. I wondered what that was about.