Don't Make That Face

"… Ah, you're back."

*　*　*

I greeted Azu and Alexia who had returned while my desk was buried under a mountain of paperwork.

The other two were apparently relaxing in the living room.

*　*　*

"Master, you look tired?"

"Not as tired as you. Welcome back."

"We're back."

*　*　*

I felt relieved confirming that everyone had returned safely.

With Alexia and Elza there, I trusted they wouldn't do anything reckless, but once they left for a labyrinth or quest, all I could do was see them off and trust in them.

*　*　*

"So what's with this mountain of paperwork? It was more organized when I left."

*　*　*

Alexia's question was reasonable.

Right now, my desk was piled so high with paper that you couldn't even see my face.

*　*　*

"I started trading with Carnevale. These are the related documents."

"This much? Paper is expensive as it is."

"Apparently it's not so bad in the Royal Capital."

*　*　*

Parchment was still mainstream in this area.

The reasons were that parchment was better suited for contract magic, and paper was extremely expensive.

Even buying a single paper book required gold coins.

*　*　*

… However, paper had apparently started circulating in the Royal Capital recently.

Papermaking technology had spread to the Kingdom along with the Church of the Sun God, but it had never really taken off due to issues with surplus lumber supply.

*　*　*

Where had they sourced the lumber from?

Regardless, I examined each document that had been sent in bulk.

*　*　*

It wouldn't be this intense from next time onward, but as long as we had regular transactions, it would never truly end.

*　*　*

"Take a rest for now. I'll call you when I have time."

"Understood. I'll let everyone know."

*　*　*

If I didn't tell her, Azu would just stand there forever.

With Alexia there too, she would probably say something if I kept them waiting too long, but they must be tired from the labyrinth. Better to let them rest quickly.

*　*　*

Azu and the others left the room, and I focused on work again.

*　*　*

… I was managing for now, but I hadn't expected it to get this busy as the business grew.

No judgment calls were needed, but I still had to review everything.

I had delegated all shop matters to my subordinate Kaimol, and yet here I was.

*　*　*

I felt like I now understood why most merchants in the world stuck to running a single shop.

*　*　*

The inn I had entrusted to Kazusa would also be operational soon.

I could probably leave the on-site work to her, but paperwork would still be difficult for her.

I had told her to send it my way.

*　*　*

I would manage this time. I had to manage.

But if the work kept increasing like this, I would die from overwork.

*　*　*

I scrawled my signature while thinking such things.

I needed an administrative clerk.

*　*　*

But given the nature of the work, I only wanted to entrust it to someone trustworthy.

The memory of being betrayed before was still fresh in my mind.

*　*　*

I could have Elza or Alexia help, but that would defeat the purpose.

I chuckled bitterly, realizing I had thought the same thing before.

It seemed my thoughts were going in circles from being so busy.

*　*　*

I genuinely wished there was a slave who could handle administrative work.

I had asked the slave merchant before, but such slaves sold quickly.

High-end slaves had those kinds of skills included, but they were absurdly expensive.

*　*　*

Without considerable wealth, they were completely out of reach.

*　*　*

I finally finished the work, but several hours had passed since Azu and the others arrived.

When I called for them, Azu came rushing in hurriedly.

*　*　*

She was wiping her mouth, so perhaps she had been napping.

I felt a bit sorry for her, but if I put it off, the work would pile up again. It couldn't be helped.

*　*　*

"I brought them!"

*　*　*

Azu brought the item bags containing what they had obtained in the Crystal Village.

They looked like small cloth pouches, but with storage magic expanding the inside, they held far more than their appearance suggested.

*　*　*

Spreading the contents onto the carpet, large magic stones came out.

There were also crystallized magic stones that could only be obtained in the Crystal Village.

*　*　*

They could be used as magic stones, but they were also popular as interior decorations.

They were considered convenient because they could double as magic stones when needed.

*　*　*

The tradeoff was that they were slightly pricier, so demand wasn't that high, but what Azu and the others had brought should sell easily enough.

*　*　*

"The magic stones seem a bit scarce."

"Ah, about that."

*　*　*

It felt like there were fewer of the smaller magic stones.

When I asked about it, Azu took out a small pouch from her belt.

*　*　*

I thought she had sorted them separately, but gems came out of it.

*　*　*

"Since we were near Spartia, I tried imitating you, Master, and exchanged the magic stones to buy these. Was that wrong?"

*　*　*

She had been full of confidence up until that point, but suddenly became timid at the actual moment.

It was clear that what Azu lacked was confidence and experience.

*　*　*

"Don't look so dejected. You thought about it before acting, right?"

"O-of course I did."

*　*　*

I picked up one gem, attached a monocle to my left eye, and appraised it.

Since she had bought them in Spartia, there was no chance of being sold counterfeits.

*　*　*

As long as they were genuine, quality being somewhat lower wouldn't be a problem.

The value difference between Spartia and Kassad was significant.

*　*　*

I finished the appraisal while chuckling at Azu watching nervously.

Not a single fake among them.

Some had poor shapes, but that was unavoidable since she was a new customer.

*　*　*

"No problems. In fact, good job. This alone will turn a nice profit."

"Thank goodness."

"You remembered well. It was quite a while ago."

"Ehehe. I want to be as useful as possible."

*　*　*

What a cute thing to say.

She would surely be quite the heartbreaker when she grew up.

*　*　*

"Finn, would you prefer payment in kind or in cash?"

"Cash, please. You can sell them for more than I could anyway."

"True. I just thought I'd ask in case you had a buyer in mind."

"The only leads I have would lowball me. That's part of why I'm doing this."

*　*　*

Finn made a face like she'd slipped up and clicked her tongue.

She probably thought she'd said something unnecessary.

*　*　*

Due to her age, regardless of her abilities, she was apparently looked down upon.