Preparing for Negotiations

I returned to the shop and changed into my finest clothes.

While fixing my hair, I had Azu polish my shoes.

"How's this?"

The leather shoe surface reflected the surrounding scenery like a mirror.

"Excellent work."

"… You look pretty good when you dress up properly."

"Looks like battle gear."

Everyone looked at me in my leather coat.

The opinions were mostly positive.

"You look cool, Master."

"You don't need to give me obvious flattery."

"But I meant it…"

Azu said, looking displeased.

Seeing her like that naturally eased my tension.

"I'll have Elza come with me this time."

"Understood. What about my outfit?"

"The priest robe would be out of place. Go change into something for going out."

"Okay. Wait just a moment."

This was a negotiation between merchants.

If I brought Azu or Finn, there was a chance I'd be looked down on based on appearances.

Alexia would work too, but Elza, with her composed look, would be optimal.

"Sorry for the wait."

Elza had changed into subdued clothes with black as the base color.

The bottom was a long skirt, giving her the appearance of a refined lady.

"You've got the figure for it, so it suits you."

"You think so? Hehe, I'm glad I splurged on it."

I didn't recognize it, so it seemed she'd bought it with the money I'd given her.

"Want to check my underwear too? I matched it to the outfit."

"I'll pass on that. Let's go."

"My. How cold of you."

I turned away from Elza, who was lifting and fluttering her long skirt, and headed outside.

Elza, looking slightly sulky, caught up beside me.

It was almost time to leave.

The appointment in the Royal Capital wasn't for a while yet, but problems might come up.

Trust is important for a merchant.

Being late alone was enough to lose trust.

"I'm leaving you in charge. If there's a day-trip quest, you can take it."

"Understood. Take care, have a safe trip!"

"What a pain."

"When you're poor, you're always busy. Better to earn when you can."

I said goodbye to those staying behind and set off with Elza.

Azu and the others saw us off.

With Alexia there, holding down the fort would be no problem.

We used the portal to travel to the Royal Capital.

"We'll kill time over there until the appointment."

"Where? Ah, I see."

Where I pointed was a tavern.

A high-class establishment that didn't let just anyone in.

A man stood at the entrance.

Dressed in black, he looked like someone good at rough work.

"Excuse me, sir, but…"

"Will this not get me in?"

I presented the identification I'd been given by Princess Tianis.

Since I was essentially directly employed, I'd been permitted to carry it.

If I abused it, it would immediately be confiscated, but this much should be fine.

"This is… My apologies. Please, come inside."

The man bowed his head and opened the door, inviting us in.

I responded with my right hand and entered the establishment.

Places like this were often used for closed-door information exchange.

Information obtained inside was never leaked.

"This is my first time in a place like this."

"Don't look around too much."

If a beautiful woman like Elza went carelessly looking around, it would invite trouble.

In this kind of establishment, she probably wouldn't be bothered, but she'd already drawn attention.

Among them were men sending vulgar looks at Elza's back.

Reckless fools. If they tried anything, they'd be the ones having a bad time.

I sat at the counter and ordered drinks from the proprietor.

I could have Elza neutralize the alcohol before negotiations.

Two cocktails were served.

I slid a gold coin to the bartender and asked about the merchant house I was about to meet.

The merchant guild could tell me the basics, but you couldn't know a local reputation without living there or actively gathering information.

I didn't have time to gather it myself, so I decided to borrow the princess's authority.

The bartender accepted the gold coin and quietly told me various things while polishing a glass.

The house head's personality, their finances, their reputation.

One gold coin wouldn't get me deep information, but this was enough for now.

This inquiry would surely become material for them as well.

I put the cocktail to my lips.

Sweet, with no harshness.

"This is delicious."

"Indeed. The aftertaste is good too."

"Would you care for another?"

There was still time.

I decided to enjoy this moment a little.

"Something different."

"Certainly."

The bartender took the empty glasses and prepared new ones.

A plate of brined olives was smoothly placed before us.

Apparently complimentary. They were well-pickled. Meanwhile, he was pouring a red-colored liquor.

"A cocktail made with apple. Here you are."

"Thank you."

I chatted lightly with Elza while slowly drinking.

The alcohol content was strong. Better not have a third.

Elza's face was slightly flushed.

It suited this quiet, stylish establishment.

"Thank you, it was delicious."

I finished the cocktail, paid the bill, and stood up.

It was enough to buy two whole bottles of cheap wine.

A bit expensive for regular use.

Elza came up beside me and linked her arm with mine.

"I'm a bit tipsy."

"Liar. You wouldn't go down that easily."

"Hehe. I should have done this back when we first met."

She pressed her index finger to her lips and smiled.

It was a face full of affection, with an almost childlike quality to it.

A man from a couple we passed turned to look at Elza, and the woman who appeared to be his girlfriend let him have it.

Sorry, but Elza's my woman.

We left the establishment, and I had Elza sober me up.

My body, which had been warm from the alcohol, cooled slightly.

Only the arm Elza was touching felt very warm.

"Could you let go now? I need to switch gears and head to our destination."

"Yes. It's a shame, but I understand."

Elza said that and released my arm, falling in beside me.

The way she brushed her hair aside was alluring.

The target merchant house was mid-to-upper tier for the Royal Capital, but when limited to foodstuffs, it was among the top in the city.

A grounded business with a good reputation among customers.

They didn't seem to have any unreasonable debts.

An ideal partner to work with.

Arriving slightly early for the appointment, I rang the visitor's bell at their shop, Carnevale.