Different World Business Symbol Chapter 11

第１１話　告白
Chapter 11 – Confession

MTL: uniquegasuki
Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)

「Haruto-san, please wake up.」 (Lora)
Already expecting to hear her voice, Haruto opens his eyes while slightly looking forward to seeing Lora in her underwear.

「Good morning, THAT OUTFIT!!」 (Haruto)
Haruto raised his voice the loudest since he had arrived in this world. What he saw wasn’t Lora in her underwear. It was……
「It’s a maid outfit……」 (Lora)

Certainly, that is a maid uniform. The red color theme matches with Lora’s red hair.

「Come now, Haruto-san may like underwear but in truth that is rather plain. It can’t always be underwear. That is why, with the silver coin I received…… Haruto-san?」 (Lora)
As he stared at Lora who was dressed in maid attire, Haruto showed a dumbfounded expression but her voice brought him back to reality. In truth, Haruto’s love for maid(s) is only second to soap. Seeing Lora in a maid outfit was instantly effective on Haruto.

「It’s good.」 (Haruto)
「Eh?」 (Lora)
「Perfect! It suits you. That makes you look 10x cuter. I’m falling for you all over again. You are to wear that from now onwards. No, you must alway wear a maid uniform.」 (Haruto)
Haruto says in his excitement. Lora is shocked by his sudden change in behavior.

「I’m glad you’re satisfied? That’s good. Did you just declare your love for me again?」 (Lora)
He was careless and blurted out something major. As much as he could, Haruto tried to pretend to be calm.

「I did. It is only natural. Would a guy hand over that much money if he didn’t? Would a guy sleep alongside a someone that he didn’t like; would they live together? No way. I thought you were a bit cute since the first time I met you. I cannot admit that there weren’t any ulterior motive when I had decided to purchase you. On the other hand, up until now, I had dismissed your advances because I was embarra.s.sed. Naturally, I was concerned about being someone who is obsessed with a woman (clingy). That is why I ignored you. And, I was lying when I said I prefer a voluptuous body over your scrawny body. But, it isn’t that I like small breast. It is fine as long as it isn’t needlessly big. The reason I said that was because I was fl.u.s.tered by your suggestion to serve me at night. I am not really particular about body types. Anyhow, our family circ.u.mstances are similar and we are quite compatible. I love the color red. Red is a good color. Umm. I like the distances between are height. It definitely has to be no more than a 20cm difference. How many centimeters tall are you? Probably, 145cm. I’m 170cm tall. Just perfect, understand? Of course, you do!!」 (Haruto)

(T/N: creepy…)

「……」 (Lora)
「……」 (Haruto)
An awkward silence follows. Their face are bright red.

「Haruto-san.」 (Lora)
「What is it?」 (Haruto)
「Haruto-san, you are quite talkative when you’re fl.u.s.tered.」 (Lora)
「Shut it!」 (Haruto)
With her face still red, Lora smiles.

「I also love Haruto-san. I also thought about you at times after our first encounter. It struck me later on when you saved me. I fell completely in love with you then Haruto-san.」 (Lora)

Upon hearing Lora’s confession, Haruto’s face further redden.
「Really, well perhaps, but you are still a child so I’m not too sure. Your love might not be as everlasting as you may believe.」 (Haruto)

Haruto replies, after having cooled down. Lora begins to take off her maid outfit.

「W-why are you undressing?」 (Haruto)
「At this rate, I will be a.s.saulted by an excited Haruto-san. I have decided to wear ordinary clothes until Haruto-san has calmed down. Now, Haruto-san, please go wash your face.」 (Lora)

Hearing this, he realized his mistake. The direction the conversation was flowing, it was only natural that Haruto had misunderstood.

「You are right. Good judgment. I’ll go wash my face.」 (Haruto)
Haruto says. He exits the room.

「Have you calmed down?」 (Lora)
「Ah, sorry for troubling you.」 (Haruto)

With a reddened face, a calm Haruto returns to the room. Lora had taken off her maid outfit and is now wearing normal clothing.

「Will you wear it once more?」 (Haruto)
「I’ll decide on that after we have collected our belongings and set up the furniture. I don’t want it getting dirty, you see.」 (Lora)
“Are maid clothes not meant to be worn for such occasions?”, Haruto thought but didn’t say out loud.

「Let’s quickly gather up our belongings.」 (Haruto)
Haruto and Lora begin to collect their baggage. Although, there wasn’t much. A small safe, soap, and clothing; that was all.

After collecting their things, they descended down the stairs. Hannah, Marceau, and Maria were waiting at the bottom.
「We would like to help you with your move. The more the merrier, right.」 (Marceau)
Marceau says, with his evil looking eyes.
「This is a chance for us get to know each other better.」 (Hannah)
Hannah says, with an inviting expression.
「Lora-oneechan, help me study!!」 (Maria)
Only this person was different.

For a brief moment, Haruto was stunned by the last reply. “Did I really leave that much of an impression?”, he thought. Haruto recalls having chat with them, every now and then, whenever he had his meal. And, Lora & Maria are on good terms. That probably also raised their opinion of Haruto.

「Are you sure?」 (Haruto)
「Is it not obvious. On the other hand, it would be impolite if you didn’t call on us.」 (Marceau)
Haruto decided to accept their offer to help.

「Huh? This was the shop that had belonged to the fellow that got caught for tax evasion. If I recall, this place was seized by that Wujek Malthus, guy…… wait, don’t tell me you two borrowed money from Malthus.」 (Marceau)
Marceau frowns when he saw Haruto and Lora’s new home.
「Yes it is. Is this a problem?」 (Haruto)
Upon Haruto’s reply, Hannah showed a worried expression.
「Were you two fooled by Malthus?」 (Hannah)
「We have a contract so it should be alright, maybe……」 (Lora)

Certainly, Wujek is dubious and merciless. It would be a lie if Haruto said he didn’t have any doubts about that person.

「Well, that guy hasn’t violated any laws. As there is a contract, it should be okay.」 (Marceau)
Marceau says. 『But on that subject』, just what has Wujek done up until now?

After that matter was settled, they carried in the furniture. Since the new home was a short distance away from the furniture shop, the process of moving everything advanced smoothly. However, there was one problem.

「Lora…… enough, go play with Maria.」 (Haruto)
「Gahhaa」 (Lora)
Lora herself was aware of her own incompetents and thus, she quickly withdraws.

Even without Lora’s help, they finished transporting the few pieces of furniture that needed to be carried in by the end of the morning.

「Alright! It’s over. We finished faster than expected. How about lunch; it will be my treat.」 (Marceau)
Marceau says. However, while feeling guilty, Haruto had to refuse the offer.
「I will have to decline as I have another matter I must attend to later…… I’ll have to skip lunch.」 (Haruto)
Marceau has an expression that implies he doesn’t comprehend the meaning behind Haruto’s words. “Just what does he have to do later that requires him to skip lunch?”, Marceau was thinking.

「Haruto suffers from severe motion sickness. He will end up vomiting whatever he eats……」 (Lora)
Upon hearing Lora’s explanation, Marceau showed a sympathetic expression.

「I see, that is terrible. Lora-chan, how about you; will you be eating?」 (Marceau)
「With pleasure. Marceau-san’s cooking is delicious.」 (Lora)
She response by showing a wide grin, putting Marceau in a good mood.

「I will go over to Wujek’s place. We will meet up here afterward.」 (Haruto)
Haruto parted ways with Lora and company.

「Thus, will you lend me your dragon-carriage?」 (Haruto)
「How sudden,」 (Wujek)
Wujek replies, with his legs crossed.

「I don’t mind as long as you pay a rental fee.」 (Wujek)
「Can you lend it to me for free; do we not have a connect?」 (Haruto)
「Since when were we close?」 (Wujek)
Wujek was baffled by Haruto’s acting overly familiar with him.

「Stingy. That is why your reputation is poor. How much will it cost?」 (Haruto)
「20,000」 (Wujek)

In all honesty, Haruto didn’t know if 20,000 was expensive. Although, after having spent so much money yesterday, Haruto wasn’t unwilling to pay up. He hands Wujek 2 silver coins.

「What are your plans?」 (Wujek)
Haruto tells Wujek the reason. And thus, Wujek made a broad grin.
「I see. Seaweed…… then, go to Ake village. 2 years ago, a storm damaged their s.h.i.+p(s). I had lent them money to buy a new s.h.i.+p; however, the catch has been rather poor and their repayment of their debt has been delayed. By some chance, If you purchase seaweed from them, it could help. I would profit and everyone would be satisfied. I’ll write you a letter of introduction right now.」 (Wujek)

Because Haruto did not have a fis.h.i.+ng village in mind, this information was helpful. Being aware of how much he already owes Wujek, Haruto determined to not increase his debt and thus, he made his decision.

「By the way, can you operate a dragon-carriage?」 (Wujek)
Upon hearing this, Haruto realized he forgot about who would drive the carriage. Wujek smiled when he heard Haruto’s response of being not able to.

「Then, I will lend you Pudding.」 (Wujek)

Once again, Haruto has borrowed from Wujek.

He politely declines their offer of having Pudding drop him off. Haruto then walked to their appointed meet up location.

「Haruto-san!」 (Lora)
Lora was waiting at the meeting spot. She was wearing the maid outfit.
「Were you able to borrow the dragon-carriage?」 (Lora)
「Ah, incidentally, I was introduced to a fis.h.i.+ng village while I was there.」 (Haruto)
Haruto travels to the slave trading building along with Lora. Along the way, he would turn to peek at her as they walked.
「So, how is it; the maid uniform that is? Is there a problem?」 (Haruto)

Being mindful, Haruto couldn’t bear but ask. (T/N: bare b.u.t.t a.s.s,)
「Well, the skirt is a little on the short side.」 (Lora)
「What are you saying, is there any need to be bashful……」 (Haruto)
Lora was amazed. Haruto’s expression was easy to read. There was no longer any need for him to hide it or be defensive about it.

When they arrived at the slave trading building, Pudding waved at them from onboard the dragon-carriage.

「Oh, a maid!! Lora-chan was it? It looks good on you. How cute. Perhaps, it this your hobby?」 (Pudding)
Upon seeing Lora wearing a maid outfit, Pudding became excited. Haruto nods, causing the tension to raise even more.

「I might be able to enjoy drinking (alcohol) with you.」 (Pudding)
「At what age are you able to drink alcohol in Clarice?」 (Haruto)
As Haruto is a minor, he doesn’t drink alcohol. This countries age limit for alcohol consumption could be different. Perhaps, in Clarice, those younger than 15 years of age are able to drink. He tries asking Pudding.

「Huh? There is no age restriction. In the first place, everyone from age 3 to age 12 would freely drink it. Perhaps, you two haven’t had some before? Then, shall we go drinking together!! Lora-chan, you’ll serve us snacks in you maid uniform, right?」 (Pudding)

Being startled, Lora trembled. She turns to look at Haruto.
「You are right, we can when everything is settled. You can tell me about a mercenary’s life.」 (Haruto)
「Haruto-san……」 (Lora)
Lora made a hopeless expression.

「This may be my end.」 (Haruto)
「Keep it together!!」 (Lora)
From inside the dragon-carriage, Haruto groans as he lays on Lora’s thigh. 30 minutes have pa.s.sed since they departed. Chances are, what has kept Haruto going was Lora and her maid outfit.

「It will be another 20 minutes.」 (Pudding)
「Guh, 20 minutes…… another 1,200 seconds…… I might not make it, uh!」 (Haruto)
「Stop with the chatter!! Pudding-san, please do not give Haruto anymore despair.」 (Lora)
Haruto’s complexion is pale; he is at his limit.
「This is not good…… Lora, this may be my end……」 (Haruto)
「Haruto-san!!」 (Lora)
Cold sweat is wiped from Haruto’s face as Lora desperately attends to him. For remainder’s sake, this is merely motion sickness.

「If you two can pull off that act, then he is lively enough.」 (Pudding)
Saying this, Pudding increases the speed of the carriage. And thus, as the dragon-carriage beings to shake, Haruto’s groans grew louder. Compared to the two-person comedy act, the person himself does seem to be on the brink of death.

「We have arrived!!」 (Haruto)
Haruto tumbles down from the dragon-carriage; his vitality has returned. Lora showed a relieved expression when she saw this.
「Thank goodness. It seems not having lunch played a major role this time.」 (Lora)
「Nope, it was in part to Lora and her maid outfit, was it not?」 (Pudding)
Pudding interjected.

A young man appeared along with a line of clamoring villagers. In turn, Haruto surveyed the vicinity. There was a considerable amount of people in sight.

「You guys (and gals), what brings you’ll here to Ake village?」 (young man)
The person’s tone of voice was slightly stiff as they were wary of the 3 people who had descended from the dragon-carriage. This comes to no surprise because Haruto & company’s presence here caused quite a commotion.

「My apologize for intruding. In truth, I have business with the villagers here. I have a letter of introduction from Wujek Malthus with me. Will the village chief come receive it?」 (Haruto)
Haruto reacted by showing an inviting and friendly smile. Upon hearing Wujek’s name, the young man’s expression changed.

「I see. That debt collector…… the village chief is over that way.」 (young man)
Saying so, the young man starts walking. The party hurried after him.

Haruto observes the surrounding people. Compared to the people in town, the villagers are tanned and thin. Their loss in weight is probably the result of the strings of poor catch (fis.h.i.+ng) and the current debt they are in.

They are lead to a building one sized larger than the others in the village. Inside, there is an elderly person who looked as if they would drop dead at any moment.

「Ji-san (gramps), an a.s.sociate of the debt collector has come to visit.」 (young man)
The young man brazenly introduces them. Pudding aside, Haruto and Lora thought this young man’s matter of speaking was similar to Wujek. This caused Haruto to make a wry smile.

「What is it? This village doesn’t have any money. Please, extent the deadline.」 (village chief)
It seems the chief thinks that Haruto and company are here to collect the debt. Haruto speaks up to straighten out the misunderstanding.

「We have come here to make a request. First of all, read this letter.」 (Haruto)
Haruto hands over Wujek’s letter of introduction. The village chief opens the letter and starts to read it. At first, the chief was expecting the worst but gradually, light returned to his eyes.

After he had finished reading the letter, the chief stared at Haruto with his mouth hanging opening.

「This letter, mentions that you have a job request for us. What is it that I can do for you?」 (village chief)
It seems the person is interested. Rather than the work, they want money. If they don’t return the debt, then they will become Wujek’s slave.

「It is nothing difficult. I want you to sell me seaweed.」 (Haruto)
「Seaweed?」 (village chief)
He is puzzled by Haruto’s words. This world & culture doesn’t seem to be one that eats seaweed. Therefore, the person was confused as to why Haruto would want seaweed.

「After gathering the seaweed, bake the seaweed until it turns to ash and then place that ash in a barrel. I will purchase one barrel worth for 1,000 Doraria each.」 (Haruto)

The village chief’s eyes opened wide. They saw seaweed as nothing more than a waste product. It is only natural that the chief was surprised that it was worth 1 big copper coin.

「What are you going to…… never mind, I have heard your request. How many should I have prepared?」 (village chief)
It seems that they will accept Haruto’s request. Although a big copper coin isn’t much, because there is a food shortage, this job is something worth doing.

「For now, how about you have 10 barrels delivered to town every week. Is that acceptable?」 (Haruto)
「No problem. That will be easy.」 (village chief)
He shakes hands with the village chief. Haruto then takes out 2 contract sheets.

「I will need your signature. And, please don’t mix anything in except for seaweed ash, understand. If you do, you will have to pay a fine and I must stress that you please don’t do it.」 (Haruto)
Haruto joking says. The village chief smiled and then gave a response.
「That does sound tempting and all but, I will have the ash properly delivered; so, please tell me your address.」 (village chief)
Haruto wrote down his address and then handed the chief the other contract sheet.

「Will you stay the night?」 (village chief)
「No, I’m in a rush.」 (Haruto)
Haruto turned down their invitation and then boarded the dragon-carriage.

Five minutes later, he regretted having declined the invitation.

Income: 0
Expense: 0
Debt: 5 Million
Current Balance: 3.83 Million
(Actual) a.s.sets: -1.17 Million

Other a.s.sets:
16 Slaves