Echigoya

Guided by Wataru, we headed to a merchant in Pavuera who did business with Wakoku.

Since a golem was pulling our carriage, we definitely stood out—but with Wataru up on the driver's bench, nobody gave us trouble. "A weird-looking carriage, but hey, it's the Hero's so whatever," seemed to be the general reaction.

"Oh, here we are. The Wakoku Trading Company."

"That's… a pretty literal name."

"Well, it does carry the name of the nation. It's a proper trading company."

Like most buildings in Pavuera, it was a plain white rectangular structure, with a bold sign that simply read [Wakoku Trading Company].

"Looks kinda plain for such an important place."

"They don't really do retail. For their purposes, this is more than enough."

Apparently, they made an exception for Wataru and sold to him directly. Perks of being the Hero.

"They deal in dried bonito—though technically, it's not actual bonito—and kombu and such. From our end, we sell them a bit of rice from the dungeon near Golen Village."

"Huh. Rice, really?"

"Wakoku's been desperate to get rice. It sold for a great price—it really helped pay off the debt I owe you, Kehma-san!"

"Wait a sec. You sold rice to me for a high price, too. You're telling me you got even more from them?"

"Er, well… yes. But that was thanks to my negotiation skills, okay!? So please don't go undercutting my deal!"

Not that I really mind. I'm not exactly hurting for cash these days.

When we stepped inside the store, we were greeted by a blonde man wearing a yukata.

The yukata I could understand, but… a blond? I did briefly wonder about that, but then remembered—black hair is rare here.

"Oh! Wataru-sama! Welcome!"

"Hi, good to see you again. As we discussed, I'd like to have us transported to Wakoku today. These folks will be traveling with me."

"Yes, yes, I've heard all about them. And another with black hair among your companions—how splendid!"

The merchant beamed at us—well, more at me.

"This is Kehma-san, the village chief of Golen Village."

"Ah! That Golen Village? What an honor! I'm Echigoya of the Wakoku Trading Company. A pleasure to meet you, Kehma-sama. And you as well, esteemed guests."

"Ah, yeah. Likewise."

We shook hands in greeting.

Echigoya, huh? So, like… the Echigoya? As in, a classic shady merchant name? Wakoku's Echigoya…

"He really does have a merchant-y name, doesn't he? You think so too, right, Keima-san?"

"Hmm? I dunno. If there's a reference there, you'll have to explain it to me, Wataru."

"Oh? So Kehma-sama isn't a Hero? But that hair of yours—it's such a beautiful Nihon black!"

Apparently, "Nihon black" is a Wakoku term of praise, used to describe jet-black Japanese-style hair.

"Yeah, one of my parents was Japanese. Must be genetics."

"I see, I see! That's wonderful. Oh, by the way, we Wakoku folk also descend from a Hero, you know."

"Though their founder was apparently American, not Japanese," Wataru added.

A Japan-loving American who, once isekai'd and deprived of ever visiting Japan again, went full weeb and founded a "Wa Nation" of his own. Now that's dedication.

"From what I've heard, he was more into historical dramas than anime. Wakoku is supposed to have a really strong Edo-era vibe!"

"Uh-huh. Can't really picture it, but okay. So, when's the ship leaving?"

"We've been waiting on you, Wataru-sama. Let's depart right away! There's plenty of time to chat on board."

"Ah, sorry to keep you."

"No no, not at all! You're a most special guest, Wataru-sama. It's our honor to wait."

And with that, we headed to the ship.

The Wakoku Trading Company's wooden ship, moored at the harbor, had a distinctly Japanese look compared to the others.

As I watched Echigoya set up a boarding plank, I examined the ship more closely.

… If the other ships looked like barrels, then this one resembled a bucket.

"The front of the ship is pretty plain, huh? Kind of minimalist, very 'raw wood' vibes."

"It's a traditional Japanese ship—either a bezaisen or a sengokubune. They're unique in that they don't have a keel, and they've got a big rudder plate called a mizuoshi-ita in the back. The flat bottoms also make them great for shallow waters."

"Huh. Interesting."

Apparently, the timber used was from Elder Treants, so the structural integrity was top-tier.

Nerune complimented Wataru.

"Oooh~, Wataru-san, you sure know your ships~!"

"Fufufu, history was one of my stronger subjects back in school. Sadly, not much use in a fantasy world—until now!"

Right, Wataru was summoned here when he was still in high school.

"Oh oh, and—do these ships use magic tools too~?"

"Ah, yes. This one uses wind and water magic tools for propulsion. They use sails too, when the wind's favorable, to save on magic stones."

"Oooh~, tell me more~!"

"Wataru, Nerune—hurry up or we're leaving without you!"

"Ah—sorry, Rokuko-san! Nerune-san, I'll explain the rest on board!"

By then, the plank had been set in place. We followed Rokuko who'd already boarded and stepped onto the ship ourselves.

And just like that, we set sail for Wakoku.