Sunstar Orchard

After using [Possession] on Narikin, I arrived at the Sunstar fruit orchard. NaanaToy had already investigated the location.

I'd arrived there as if I happened to pass by while taking a walk with RokufaRokuko, who had her arm linked with mine, and with NaanaToy following behind.

There was a farmer tending to the orange trees in the orchard. I called out to him from across the fence.

"Hey, you're working hard. Mind if I talk to you for a bit?"

"Hmm? … What can I do for you, sir?"

The man looked a bit puzzled but responded politely. His tone was more like that of a merchant respecting a business partner than a farmer.

"I bought some unusual fruit at the Commerce Guild the other day. Were they produced by this orchard?"

"Um, what did you buy?"

"Melons and bananas, I think. I bought several fruits that are produced around here, but I heard there's only one orchard in this town. Can I assume they were produced here?"

"Yes, customer. Those fruits are undoubtedly from our orchard. That's exactly right."

The farmer readily admitted it. I had prepared the actual fruits using Soto's [Minor Replication] just in case, but it seemed that wasn't necessary.

"I'd like to buy them directly."

"I'm sorry, but we have an exclusive contract with the Commerce Guild. I'm afraid you'll have to go through the guild for any purchases."

"Is it not allowed even if I just want to buy two or three as souvenirs for my wife?"

"I'm sorry, but that's the contract."

The humble man, who seemed more like a merchant than a farmer, acknowledged that the fruits were indeed from this orchard but firmly stated they could not be sold here.

If there was a contract, it'd be impossible to buy them from there. Contracts in this world involved magic, making them difficult to break. Well, if I just wanted to buy them, I could do so through the Commerce Guild. Besides, my main goal wasn't to buy them.

"I understand. In that case, I'd like to see where they're actually growing. How do they grow besides these oranges here? Quality control is important for the products I purchase. Besides, my wife seems to like the fruits from here. I want to see how many I can get at most."

With that, I flashed a bag of gold coins. As if to say, [I can buy a lot, you know?].

The bag was packed with real gold coins. I didn't take Wataru's money for nothing.

… It was a bit late to say it, but Wataru really was amazing. He ccould earn the equivalent of a hundred million yen a month. Being a hero paid well. Not that I wanted to be one, of course.

"It's a rule that we can only do transactions through the Commerce Guild…"

"I just want to take a look. It shouldn't matter so long as we don't make a transaction, yes?"

"Mumumu…"

It seemed that a little more persuasion would be needed. I discreetly offered him a silver coin.

"… Well, I suppose it would be fine if it's just a tour. But only if you stay within the area I'm responsible for."

"So the area is divided and managed by different people?"

"Yes. I'll let you in from over there. Oh, and please be careful not to touch the fruit trees. And please don't release that bird either, as we have magical devices to deter pests."

"Understood."

Having accepted the silver coin, the man secretly guided usNarikin, Rokufa, Toy to the entrance of the fence.

… Rather than him being easy to persuade, it felt more like the power of money was amazing.

"… Hey, do we properly prohibit this kind of thing at our inn?"

"Of course. What do you think we're keeping our staff close-knit for?"

People hired only for money had the potential to betray for money. That's why we had slave and monster employees. Even Ichika, who ruined herself with gambling, had no choice but to work seriously as a slave.

… The most likely person to accidentally spill one of our secrets was Soto, followed by me.

The farmer was giving us brief explanations like [This tree is an orange tree…]. Rokufa was responding with comments like [Oh, so this is where those oranges come from] to not make it look unnatural. NaanaToy was following us and carrying a birdcage with TranNarikin and SceiverRokufa inside.

Speaking of which, he'd mentioned earlier that there was a [pest bird deterrent magic tool]… I wonder if there are also magic tools targeting mice and insects? If that's the case, it might end up being difficult to send in spiders to investigate.

"Hmm. By the way, I'm interested in magic tools. Could I see what kind of tool the bird deterrent is?"

"Well, unfortunately, that is not within my area of responsibility."

So the magic tool was managed collectively?

"Is it placed in a different area?"

"Yes, I think it's over there. We don't have any insects coming near thanks to it, which is quite useful. It's a bit troublesome to have to do the pollination by hand, but it maintaining our quality."

"I see. So it doesn't just deter birds but also keeps insects away?"

"Yes, of course. If there are no birds to eat insects, the number of insects would increase uncontrollably."

It seems to be effective against insects as well. However, looking at TranNarikin and Sceiver'sRokufa situation, it didn't seem to affect the birds in their cage.

"… What kind of magic tool is it? Is flying a condition, or something like that?"

"I think it's an effect that simply keeps small creatures away."

"Hoh. In that case, it might not have been a good idea to walk around with our pet birds."

"… Now that you mention it, they're quite calm, aren't they? Are they really alive?"

… They're just not moving and aren't actually dead, right? As I looked more closely, I received a telepathic message from TranNarikin.

[Master. In truth, my head has been hurting since we crossed that fence. It's not unbearable, but…]

"Hmm, that's not good."

It seemed the two little birds were taking some damage. Being patient is fine and all, but it would've been helpful for him to let me know about such things properly.

"It seems they're not doing well. Naana, can you go back outside the orchard? We'll meet up later."

"Understood, Master."

NaanaToy bowed her head and headed back outside the fence.

"My apologies, sir. I wasn't considerate enough."

"It's fine. More importantly, where are the other fruits being grown?"

"Ah, I apologize for that as well. I'm in charge of oranges. The other fruits are grown further in, but I can't let you in there."

I see. So there was another person in charge further in. I get it.

"… Would this be enough to negotiate with the person in charge?"

I took out three silver coins and try to start negotiations. The farmer smiled wryly.

"Well, maybe it's worth a try just to ask."

… Yeeep. The power of money was amazing.