Ryuugoroshi Ch 24

Hiyo!

Did this in the brief time I had so… it’s probably riddled with errors, sorry!

Comment below any mistakes you see 😀

Enjoy!

~Monk~

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Chapter 24: Some battles cannot be won, ever.

In front of Kousuke and Viare’s view is the adventurer’s guild hall.

After the events at the Amasera dojo, the two leisurely spent a day at their inn and became bored and restless. Therefore, the two decided to head to the guild to alleviate their excess free time.

The scale of this city was much larger in comparison to St. Beria and the guild hall reflected that difference. The tournament being held here in the city may had some effect, but crowd here was also larger.

 

「You’ve always came as a tag-along, but is Viare registered as an adventurer?」(Kousuke)

「I am. All staff members are required to register」(Viare)

 

He thought she might need to register, but it seemed it was unnecessary.

Since St. Beria is considered the two’s hometown, the guild hall there was aware of their circumstance.  Kousuke was the only one accepting requests with Viare coming as a volunteer only. This way, even though they were considered a duo, the reward for completion was only for Kousuke. It wouldn’t be sensible to extort more from the clients and they were trusted to not “double-dip”. However, this wasn’t St. Beria so the two did not have to worry.

【TL: Hometown = Origin of registration】  

The guild hall here was unaware of the two’s circumstance and Kousuke was worried about Viare’s registration status.

 

「Well then, I guess you don’t need to register here」(Kousuke)

 

The two entered the building and immediately approached the odd-job request board. Since they were only trying to kill some time, they overlooked all the requests that required them to leave the city. Either way, those quick and easy requests that required a light trip out of the city were all taken by the tournament contenders as a warm up preparation.

While staring at the board, Viare nodded once and spoke out what she decided.

 

「I’ll choose something that I should be able to do」(Viare)

「Hm? We’re not doing one together?」(Kousuke)

「Mm. I wanted to try going solo for once」(Viare)

 

If she did a request with Kousuke again she would end up relying on him too much, so she thought. To become more independent she pressured herself to confidently and successfully finish a request on her own.

She was confident in success actually. She intended to take on a similar request she’s done in the past with Kousuke. It’s better than doing something completely new since she would be likely to succeed and there would be less worries and doubts.

This was her first step to grow as a person. 【TL: Remember Kousuke’s dream and tear scene? Yup, that’s her motivation】

Without explaining her real motives, Viare shrouded it by telling Kousuke that she’s unable to keep up with the type of requests he takes. Telling him the truth? It was too embarrassing for her.

 

「This time around we’re not in it for the money so I don’t mind matching with your pace you know?」(Kousuke)

「You should pick something you like instead of worrying about me. I’m choosing one for myself for a reason」(Viare)

 

With the way the conversation was going it seemed like he would tag along so she tried to stop him.

 

「….. Then let’s go with what you suggested. I hope we can find something suitable」(Kousuke)

「I hope so too」(Viare)

 

The two began skimming through the request board.

Kousuke searched for a request that he could learn something new from while Viare searched for an easy-to-complete one.

Viare’s eye halted on a singular request.

 

「I think this one’s good」(Viare)

 

The content of the request was for a nanny. Thanks to the tournament, the time people had to care for their children dwindled so the parents and guardians sought for temporary nannies and babysitters through the guild.

She was used to caring for children since she grew up in an orphanage. It was an excellent first choice for her.

 

「So you found one already? As for me… I think I’ll give this one a shot」(Kousuke)

 

The request Kousuke pointed out was from a sharpener. Rather than a request to sharpen something, due to the increase in business, the store required an extra helping hand organizing the sales and paperwork. There’s no way a professional would allow an amateur take over his or her job just because they’re busy though. There was also an additional requirement of being able to read and write attached to this request. It was crystal clear that the underlying implication of this was to have some experience in doing menial and routine duties.

The two confirmed the addresses of the requesters and went separate ways in front of the guild hall.

Fifteen minutes later, Kousuke arrived in front of the sharpener’s store.

 

「Hello~」(Kousuke)

 

He greeted loudly as he entered, but found only an empty counter in front of him.

The shelf behind the counter was lined up with various blades that looked recently sharpened. It ranged from kitchen knives to swords and spear tips. The fully assembled weapons that were large like the full spear and axes were leaning against the wall beside the shelf.

 

「No one’s in? Maybe someone’s in the back…」(Kousuke)

 

Sucking in a deep breath, Kousuke gave a loud shout towards the back of the store.

 

「HELLOOO!」(Kousuke) 【TL: HI!】

「Yes!! Coming!」(???)

 

With a few crashing and clattering sounds coming from the back of the store, a man dressed like a craftsman came out.

 

「Hey there! I was too focused on my work and didn’t notice you coming in. Welcome to my store, Izazaki. Our motto is “Whatever the blade, we’ll bring it back to perfection”! How may I help you today?」(???)

「I’m not a customer」(Kousuke)

「Not a customer? Then what business has brought you here? Are you possibly here for an apprenticeship? I’m too busy for that right now, wait until after the tournament’s over」(???)

「I’m not here to apply as an apprentice! You requested some assistance through the guild, right? I’m here to fulfill that request」(Kousuke)

 

The man’s expression was blank for an instant before he suddenly clapped his hands, as if recalling something. Seeing his reaction, Kousuke suddenly felt that the request was already fulfilled.

 

「OH! That request!」(???)

「Was the request already fulfilled?」(Kousuke)

 

At Kousuke’s question, the man rapidly shook his hands in denial.

 

「No no! It’s been a while since I set up the request so I just assumed that there was no one coming anymore. You’re a lifesaver! I can finally focus solely on my work with your assistance!」(???)

「So is it safe to assume that I’m hired?」(Kousuke)

「Yup. Come with me behind the counter. I’ll explain the details of your work」(???)

 

At the man’s beckoning, Kousuke followed him. 【TL: Yea.. the word used was “beckoning” creepy right? 😉】

It wasn’t visible from the front, but behind the counter was a table with a pile of paper on it and a small chair tucked under.

 

「I’m pretty sure it was written on the request, but just to clarify there are two things I need you to do. Handle the customers and organize the paperwork.

As for the paperwork themselves, it’s calculating the revenues earned against the cost incurred. For the past twenty days, none of it has been calculated. Well, the payments and the date they were received were recorded so it shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out.

Have this part finished by tomorrow and that part finished within five days. Everything should be wrapped up by then. Hope you can get up to that done.

I know it wasn’t written as a requirement in the request, but can you do calculations? If it’s too difficult you can just do the first part I pointed out earlier and call it. Even just having that done would help me a lot」(???)

「I’ll be fine」(Kousuke)

 

From his explanation, the most Kousuke needed to know was some basic arithmetic.  He nodded to himself that it’ll be a breeze.

 

「Really? That’s a relief. Alright, next is how to handle the customers. When you accept the commission, please write down their name, the goods received, and the date received.

With regards to returning customers, please confirm their name and match their name to the goods in this shelf here before returning it to them. Everything that’s neither a spear nor an axe will be placed over there. All the finished goods will be labeled with a tag so it should be easy to find. The charges are written on the tags too so make sure you get the money.

If any trouble comes up just yell towards the back of the store, someone will come out to help.

The request is for a week alright? It’ll calm down after a week. I guess.. that’s all for now, any questions?」(???)

 

After hearing the man’s description of the tasks, Kousuke thought for a moment before speaking up.

 

「How should I record the monetary units? In Erte? Or should I just directly write copper and silver coins?」(Kousuke)

「As long as it’s correct, it doesn’t matter」(???) 【TL: That’s really half assed accounting, it’s making me cringe】

「I’ll stick with Erte then. If I have time I’ll convert it into coins」(Kousuke)

「That’s fine. Well then, good luck」(???)

「Ah, one moment. Can I ask for a small favor?」(Kousuke)

「A favor?」(???)

 

 

 

「When you have some time I would like to observe your work and possibly learn the basics for equipment maintenance」(Kousuke)

「I don’t mind, it’ll be during your break time though」(???)

 

With those words, the man disappeared into the back of the store.

Kousuke glanced around the store once more before psyching himself up.

 

「Let’s take a look at this pile for now」(Kousuke)

 

Sitting down, Kousuke began rifling through the pile-o-documents.

Quickly counting, there seemed to be around 70 of them. The documents were organized from old to new, but the revenue and expense documents weren’t separated.

While splitting up the pile, Kousuke felt a presence at the store’s entrance. After placing a paper weight on the documents, he stood up to greet the customer.

 

「Welcome」(Kousuke)

「AHH!?」(?!?)

 

The customer gasped in surprise since it seemed as though Kousuke suddenly appeared from behind the counter.

Kousuke tilted his head slightly, exasperated at the customer’s reaction, but decided to not pursue it.

 

「Umm.. I wanted to get my spear you serviced…」(?!?)

「May I know the name it is registered under?」(Kousuke)

「Guinness. Guinness Fracht」(Guinness)

「Mr. Fracht then. Please wait a moment」(Kousuke)

 

Kousuke glanced at the tags on the three spears and pulled the corresponding one out.

 

「The balance is 2 silver coins」(Kousuke)

「Is this enough?」(Guinness)

 

The man placed two silver coins onto the counter. 【TL: Is this enough? He said two and you pulled out two.. OF COURSE IT’S ENOUGH】

 

「Yes. Here is your spear」(Kousuke)

「Mm」(Guinness)

 

The man carefully inspected the spear head and nodded in satisfaction.

 

「Thanks」(Guinness)

「Thank you for your patronage」(Kousuke)

 

As Kousuke raised his head, the man was already out the store. 【TL: For those unfamiliar, it’s customary to bow to leaving customers in Japan】

 

「The money… I guess I place it in this box?」(Kousuke)

 

Kousuke picked up the two silver coins and tossed them into the box under the counter.

He quickly wrote down the customer’s name, the item type serviced and the revenue amount into the journal on the counter. With this, everything related to that customer was recorded and ready to be filed.

While praising himself for a job well done, Kousuke returned to organizing the pile. He began his bookkeeping with the documents that were separated between expenses and revenue, with the oldest on top.

 

「I wish I had an electronic calculator…」(Kousuke)

 

Even if the calculations were simple, the sheer volume of it was daunting. Considering the fact that he needed to double check afterwards, Kousuke started to crave for a calculator.

Despite his initial whining, Kousuke was slowly increasing his work pace. Compared to his original life on Earth, his current mental aptitude was abnormally high and even if he works leisurely, the originally five days’ worth of work felt like a day’s worth instead.

While handling the occasional customers and the documents, night came. Physically and mentally he felt no fatigue since the workload was very simple.

During the times a difficult customer came, another store employee took over so he didn’t have to struggle.

 

「I’m closing up so you’re done for the day」(???)

 

The man from the back called out to Kousuke who was seemingly having a staring contest with the documents. The two spoke a bit during lunch break and Kousuke found out that the man is apparently called Corundum. 【TL: Raw is literally コランダム (Ko-ra-un-da-mu) LOL】

During their lunch break conversation, Kousuke learned some basics on maintaining his sword.

He found out that various types of whetstones needed to be used when sharpening weapons.

Even blades that could be considered works of art, even if the process can be considered only slightly complicated, the use of just one type of whetstone was far from enough.

From the beginning Kousuke knew this, but he was a bit dissatisfied finding out that he’s not capable enough currently to completely self-maintain his weapons. Possibly after a month’s worth of arduous study and training he might be able to. However, this was almost impossible since none of the craftsmen have time to solely train Kousuke.

Understanding his circumstance, during his employment here Kousuke felt that it would be most satisfactory if he could learn how to check for abnormalities in his weapons as well as attain some knowledge on how to clean and properly oil his weapons.

 

「Mnnnn!」(Kousuke) 【TL: He’s stretching】

 

Kousuke stretched out his body, placed the documents down and stood up.

 

「Around what time should I come in tomorrow?」(Kousuke)

「Before the two bell tolls」(Corundum)

 

In this city, the first bell signifies 6 in the morning while the two rings signify 9 in the morning.

 

「Got it. Well then, I’ll head out for the day」(Kousuke)

「Thank you for today」(Corundum)

 

Even after closing the store, the staff continued working and Corundum scurried back into the back room.

Upon leaving, Kousuke noticed a myriad of people, who similarly just finished working, walking around the street.

Blending into the crowd, Kousuke returned back to the inn. When he opened the room’s door he saw Viare, who finished work earlier, fiddling with her identification card.

 

「Oh, Welcome home~」(Viare)

「Thanks. You finished first, I see」(Kousuke)

「Mm. They didn’t need me to stay until closing」(Viare)

 

The request Viare took up only required her to assist with handling the children during the peak hours.

Even if she stayed until the end, it’s restricted to 8PM. Part-timers like Viare are ideal for employers with a tight budget since getting any full-timer was unfeasible for them currently.

 

While waiting for dinner time, the two discussed each other’s day.

For the allotted time contracted by the request, Kousuke dutifully completed his tasks without issue.

He earned three silver coins and as an added bonus, a few whetstones for knives. Unfortunately, the whetstones were only useful for knives used in cooking and skinning that are easy to maintain and sharpen. He also managed to get some practice with weapon maintenance and sharpening so it could be said that he earned more than the stated reward.

As for Viare, since she was motivated and the work involved was what she was experienced in, no big problems came up. It wasn’t completely trouble-less though as she was caught up in some turmoil involving a merchant’s inheritance, but the person herself never seemed to notice this. 【TL: Typical Viare…】

Unlike Kousuke, Viare’s request required her to work daily and lacked a specified end-date so it was decided that even if it exceeded Kousuke’s request’s timeframe that both of them would continue working.

 

 

While Kousuke and Viare were leisurely going on day-by-day, Alice was finishing up her task in Ricardo.

 

「Well then, let’s proceed with what we agreed upon」(Alice)

「Understood, please leave this to me」(???)

 

The person sitting across from Alice is the contracted architect.

 

「May I know the estimated completion time?」(Alice)

「Let’s see……. It’s not as large as a noble’s mansion, but definitely larger than a commoner’s home.. so around half a year I suppose」(Architect)

「The same as before I see, I understand. Thank you in advance for this」(Alice)

 

The new home Alice wanted constructed was an apartment capable of housing around four families. With sturdiness as the highest priority combined with the size of the home, the price was definitely high but Alice still had more than enough funds left after selling off a dragon scale.

The scale was sold through and old acquaintance of Alice, the Guildmaster of Ricardo’s Adventurer’s Guild.  Before she left for Vesamika a month ago, Alice passed him the dragon scale. The Guildmaster knew someone that was interested in purchasing a dragon scale so it was convenient for Alice to sell it through him.

The dragon scale was purchased for over a hundred flash coins. The preparation of such a vast fortune took some time so she finally received it earlier today. Using the reward money received from the ancient clan, combined with the profits earned from the dragon scale, the commission for the house was immediately funded to the point of exaggeration.

Coincidentally, the two met because the Guildmaster wanted to pass a letter to Alice.

The sender of the letter: Alice from the past.

The contents of the letter was brief, just one sentence, but with that one sentence, Alice was able to recall an incredibly important memory.

However, that’s a story for another time.

 

「The construction site is still the previously selected suburban area correct?」(Architect)

「Yes. Once it’s complete, I’ll shrink and carry it away with magic」(Alice) 【TL: I want this ability… just imagine all the por.. I mean books I can carry with this】

「Lastly, please confirm that there are no issues with the contract here」(Architect)

 

Alice began reading the contents of the contract.

Scrutinizing every detail, she confirmed there were no errors and returned the contract.

 

「Since everything is settled for today, I’ll take my leave. I’ll take a look at the progress in around three months’ time」(Alice)

「Thank you. I look forward to our next meeting」(Architect)

 

The man bowed deeply towards Alice as she left the store.

 

「I guess I have nothing left to do in Ricardo」(Alice)

 

Standing outside the architect’s office, Alice nodded to herself as she confirmed the tasks at hand.

 

「Now then, time to head to where Kousuke and Viare are」(Alice)

 

After heading out of Ricardo, Alice casted the teleportation spell twice before arriving at the borders of Rezotikumog.

Since the distance was too long, she couldn’t teleport there in one shot. The requirements were simply too high so the only beings that were currently capable of instant teleportation anywhere in one go were gods and certain spiritual beings. Alice has the potential, if she solely trains her magic for twenty years through harsh combat. Despite being slightly tempted, Alice shrugged slightly and tried to content herself with her current abilities.【TL: Sounds like a pointless paragraph right? It probably is…】

 

「Hmm, now where are those two right now…」(Alice)

 

Spreading out her detection magic, Alice began searching throughout the city for Kousuke and Viare. To put it simply, the magic is just like a sonar, emitting a magical pulse out to grasp the position of familiar auras. Since it’s used to find specified targets, the effective range was quite large, roughly a week’s worth of walking distance.

 

「Hmm? This aura is…」(Alice)

 

Alice glanced away from the city the moment she picked up a different aura. She ended up detecting Borudosu’s aura outside the city as well.

He and his group was around six days away from the city.

 

「Maybe I should drop by a bit later」(Alice)

 

Glancing towards Borudosu’s direction once more, Alice turned around and headed into the city.

Standing in front of a store, Alice spread the detection magic once more before entering.

 

「Welco… Wait ALICE!?」(Kousuke)

 

Kousuke exclaimed loudly suddenly seeing Alice.

 

「Have you been doing well?」(Alice)

「I’m fine, I’m fine, but how did you find me here?」(Kousuke)

「I have a magic for finding people. It seems like you’re currently working」(Alice)

「Yea. I had some time before the tournament so I figured I might as well work a bit」(Kousuke)【TL: He wanted to watch, not participate】

「I see. I’m sure I’ll be a bother if I continue talking here. Can you tell me which inn you’re staying at? I’ll wait for you there」(Alice)

 

Kousuke nodded and explained the inn’s name and location to Alice.

 

「If my memory serves me, that’s a high-class inn, is it not?」(Alice)

「That’s right. The other inns were pretty much filled so we ended up there」(Kousuke)

「Do you have any money left? Were you two just barely holding out until I arrived?」(Alice)

 

Recalling the dismal state of Kousuke and Viare’s finance, Alice couldn’t help but worry .

 

「Are you working because you need money for the inn?」(Alice)

「Nope, it’s really just to kill some time. I have enough money for the inn too. I was able to earn ten flash coins earlier」(Kousuke)

「Wait just a moment, it’s not neither easy nor simple to earn a fortune of ten flash coins. What exactly did you two do while I wasn’t around? ….. Never mind, just tell me later」(Alice)

 

Hearing his sudden fortune, Alice felt cold sweat trickle down her back. She really wanted to interrogate him, but she reconsidered. She didn’t want to cause a disturbance in a public location.

 

「I’ll head to the inn now」(Alice)

「Su.. sure…. I’m pretty sure Viare should be there already」(Kousuke)

「I see. I’ll just talk with Viare about this then. I’m looking forward to finding out what exactly you did to get that money」(Alice) 【TL: I felt cold sweat reading this…】

 

Alice was smiling brightly, but it thoroughly rattled Kousuke. Even if it wasn’t directed at them, a few of the other customers nearby felt the chills.

Alice left and Kousuke felt his courage waning as the store was about to close. However, time couldn’t be stopped and the day eventually came to an end. Kousuke got up to leave, but felt only increasing dread in his heart.

Today was the last day of the request, but he couldn’t feel anything positive at the moment. The other employees could only confusedly stare at Kousuke’s unusual behavior.

 

「I’m back….」(Kousuke)

 

Kousuke unintentionally muttered his return as he opened the door, only to see the smiling Alice in the room. Behind her was a cowering Viare. 【TL: I never want to meet someone like Alice….】

 

「Welcome back, it seems that you were veeery busy in my absence」(Alice)

 

Hearing her emotion-less words, Kousuke backed slightly.

 

「Umm.. which part are you talking about?」(Kousuke)

「Let’s see, how about when you invented a new game.. AND when you somehow became acquainted with the Rubidashia household」(Alice)

「…… You’re going to ignore the kidnapping part?」(Kousuke)

「You’re an adventurer, such occurrences aren’t uncommon in that line of work. I have nothing to say about your sleuthing and heroic activities.

Two problems…. One, your actions were very pronounced.  Two, Your. Actions. Were. Very. Pronounced. Definitely two problems, you agree right?」(Alice)

Alice paused, taking this opportunity to glare at the ever shrinking Kousuke, before continuing.

「You were destroying all my efforts to prevent your information from leaking out to troublesome groups」(Alice)

 

Alice just barely managed to keep the ancient clan at bay, only to find out upon re-grouping that there were two huge events propagated by Kousuke. Asking her to not get furious was impossible.

In truth though, Alice wasn’t mad, yet.. but she felt extremely upset at his blunders.

 

「If you want to sell your name to the world please just say so, I’ll put my efforts toward that direction as well」(Alice)

「But I don’t intend on doing that though」(Kousuke)

「Then be more prudent」(Alice)

「Um.. That.. Mm.. Sorry… Could you hear out my explanation?」(Kousuke)

「You mean excuses? Fine, go ahead」(Alice)

「I never thought that among the kidnapped children, a noble’s child would be mixed in. Can I use that in my defense?」(Kousuke)

「Well… That is somewhat reasonable….」(Alice)

 

She sighed once before continuing.

 

「Just be more careful from now on alright?」(Alice)

「I’ll try to be careful」(Kousuke)

 

Kousuke couldn’t acquiesce completely as the future was unforeseeable.

Understanding this point, Alice decided in her heart that she would just follow up when he needs it. Compared to the past Alice, this decision of her’s was very pampering, but Kousuke and Viare had no way of knowing this. It was much later in the future that the two found out about how much Alice has changed.

 

「Tomorrow, come with me to the Merchant’s Guild. Got it?」(Alice)

「I won’t disagree, but could I know why?」(Kousuke)

「To keep them quiet」(Alice)

 

The game “Othello” Kousuke provided was something anyone can play. Since anyone can pick it up then everyone will know of Kousuke’s existence.

The board and chips need to be crafted and since it’s likely to be well received and a large amount of money would begin circulating for the production and sales. This vast fortune, a portion of it will go to Kousuke. Even if the percentage is small, once this is sold throughout the world the amount that goes to Kousuke would be an astronomical figure. And where the money flows, people with ulterior motive will appear. Many would try to pick at his brain to produce more ideas, or attempt at his or his close one’s life for the money.

This situation.. is the complete opposite of what Kousuke wanted. Therefore, the two needed to “encourage” the Merchant’s Guild to enact a gag order.

Despite it being a few days already, information travelled somewhat slowly in this world so it was still not too late.

 

「I hope you understand」(Alice)

 

After she explained the reason for the information suppression, Kousuke and Viare could only nod their heads quickly.

Moreover, Alice wished for the Rubidashia household to cooperate as well.

Their fame extended throughout the world, with many disciples of theirs spread throughout the continents, as well as many from around the world crowding over to their dojos to become disciples. Their connections were not limited to just those committed to the martial arts, but were also intertwined with the nobility and royal families.  Since their influence was so widespread, it was highly likely some information about Kousuke would leak. If someone like Gen’ou, whose abilities are beyond the norm, speak of Kousuke with high praise to others…

It’ll clearly impact the livelihood of Kousuke and all those close to him. By all means necessary, Alice wanted to prevent this.

However, Alice lacked the necessary connections within Kohma and the Rubidashia household. Even if Alice forcefully tried to suppress the information, another rumor about a powerful witch trying to cover up for someone will spread instead.

Thus, Alice could only cross her fingers and pray, hoping that the Rubidashia household will keep quiet of their own volition.

 

「My head hurts…」(Alice)

 

Alice slumped over slightly while rubbing her temples.Meanwhile, the perpetrators of this situation could only awkwardly smile.

It was only after they relaxed a bit in silence with some tea that the atmosphere in the room lightened up slightly.

Since the two’s situation were already divulged, Alice began to explain everything that happened on her end. Slowly, time turned and dinnertime came about.

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