Chapter 78 – Auction Part 4

Translator: SFBaka

Editor: Thor’s Stone

“……What do you think about this, Tarus-san?”

“At first, I thought he was just spouting some stupid nonsense. But I changed my mind after coming to this city. In fact, now I think it’s not a bad idea to have this kid work under you.”

“Really, father!?”

Damn! So it’s really like that huh. It looks like Tarus-san and Jonas-san have somehow figured out what we’re really trying to accomplish here.

I wonder if letting them see our training session last time was bad? Ordinary adventurers wouldn’t practice swordsmanship to that degree after all. It was probably better to assume that they’ve already puzzled out the true identity of the rest of our members.

Well, in any case, they already knew one of our party members was an exiled princess. So it wasn’t much of a leap in logic to conclude the identity of the people around her. And now that they knew I’ve been scheduled to be granted peerage too, they should already have a hunch about our end goal as well.

Since they already had an idea, they should know it would be dangerous to be around us. So why was Tarus-san still willing to have Katolle work for us despite the possible danger?

“It’s been decided that I’ll be granted the title of baron and join the ranks of this kingdom’s nobles soon.”

“Eeh!? Alan-san will become a noble!?”

“I assumed so.”

“You already have an idea about what I– what all of us are trying to accomplish, right?”

“Yes, I can imagine.”

After hearing our exchange, Adjutant Dalshim and the others stirred.

“You understand that much, and yet you still want Katolle to work for us?”

“Rather, it’s because I found out that I’ve made this decision. As Katolle said, if he works with you all, he would be able to learn things he wouldn’t be able to elsewhere.”

I see…… He’s fully aware of the potential danger but still wants to go through with it. But what’s his reason though?

“Katolle has been learning about the trade from Jonas and I from childhood, and we’ve taught him everything we know. This may sound like me bragging about my son, but I believe he’s become quite an excellent merchant in his own right. We did put off sending him to another company for practical experience, but that’s because he will never gain anything worthwhile from working at just any old company.”

“My Commerce Guild rank is B. I’m sure I’ll be able to be useful to you all!”

Hou. He’s so young but he’s already risen to B-rank huh. Quite impressive. I’m sure Tarus-san went ahead with this plan because he realized we didn’t have a dedicated merchant working for our Clan. He really was an exceptional merchant.

Well, there will certainly be more opportunities like supply procurement from here on out. And honestly speaking, we really were in need of a person who can do business for our Clan and was familiar with the circumstances of this country. It wasn’t a bad proposal, all things considered.

“Have you told Katolle about Ria’s circumstances?”

“Of course I haven’t.”

He hid the truth about Cleria even from his own biological son huh…… Tarus-san really was quite trustworthy.

Just to be sure, let’s make things clear first.

“Tarus-san, what do you think we’re trying to accomplish?”

“……Founding your own country, correct?”

“……Exactly.”

“E-Eeh!? M-Making a country?”

“That’s right, Katolle. We’re not normal adventurers at all. Well, to put it simply, we’re remnants of the former Starveek kingdom’s royal guards and regional forces.”

“S-Starveek!? ……So, what about Ria-sama?”

“It’s as you think. My true name is Cleria Starvine.”

“Eeh!? But that’s the name of–!?”

Katolle fell out from his seat and prostrated himself in front of Cleria with his forehead touching the floor.

“Your Highness!”

After seeing his display, Tarus-san and Jonas-san both averted their eyes in embarrassment. He might be an excellent merchant, but he still acts his age at times like this huh.

“Katolle, get back to your seat.”

“B-But father–!”

“It’s fine. Just sit back down now.”

So Katolle reluctantly went back to his seat.

“……Ah, so that’s how it is, isn’t it!? Amazing…… It’s really amazing! Alan-san! No, Alan-sama! Please, please let me join your Clan!”

“Tarus-san. Are you really sure about this?”

“Katolle has had an uncanny sixth sense toward profitable business opportunities for the longest time. Since he’s so absorbed in today’s matters, I’m certain this will also prove to be quite a profitable endeavor. Of course, it would be entirely his responsibility if he ends up losing his life in the process. I will never blame or resent you for something like that, Alan-san.”

“What do you think, everyone?”

Since they’ve all heard the story, I asked the rest of the Clan for their opinions.

“……We will abide by what you decide, Alan-sama.”

“I’m also fine with it if Alan agrees.”

It looks like no one is actually against it huh. So what should I do? It would certainly help us out if we had someone specialized in procuring supplies. Even more so if the said specialist was a qualified merchant.

And since Tarus-san and Jonas-san have found us out, it would be advantageous for us to keep Katolle close at hand as well, just in case.

“Alright then, Katolle. Do you really want to join our Clan?”

“Yes! Thank you very much! I’ll make sure to be useful to you all!”

“Alan-san. Thank you very much for acceding to our selfish request. Considering what you will likely face in the future, Katolle alone might not be enough. Would it be possible for you to accept two more boys as Katolle’s assistants? They are called Willy and Peter.”

Oh, I’m familiar with Willy. He was a boy who looked about 14 or 15 years old. The boy named Peter should probably be the same age as him. Well, there’s not much difference between one person and three people joining anyway.

“Understood. We’ll take care of the three of them. We’ll protect them from danger as much as we can. But we can’t guarantee their safety at all times though.”

“Saying that is more than enough. Thank you very much. Those two are the sons of my long-time employees. I guarantee their identities with my life.”

“Alright then. Now that that’s decided, we should celebrate. Fortunately, we’re having a celebration party tonight. It’s still a little later before we begin, but if you’d like, why don’t you join us?”

“Oh, that’s a very fascinating prospect, but it wouldn’t do for outsiders like us to intrude in your Clan’s celebration. They aren’t exactly our replacements, but Willy and Peter have been waiting outside for a good while now. If it’s alright with you, can you let the two of them participate instead?”

“Of course. The two of them are already Clan members anyway.”

“Now then, Katolle. You are now this Shining Star Clan’s official member. Make sure to work your hardest in order to be of use to them. I shall have your luggage sent here by tomorrow.”

“……Understood, father. Thank you for always taking care of me.”

Katolle bowed deeply toward Tarus-san.

Everyone accompanied Tarus-san and Jonas-san until the gate to send them off. When we arrived at the gate, we met with Willy and another boy waiting dutifully.

“Hey there. How are you doing, Willy?”

“It’s been a long time, Alan-san!”

“Hey! Call him ‘Alan-sama’! Oh, yeah. Listen and be surprised, you two. The both of you have now been officially made members of Shining Star along with me!”

“Eeh!? Really, Katolle-sama!? We’re now members of Shining Star!?”

Willy and Peter started jumping in joy after hearing the news. Well, I’m glad they both look quite happy about it.

“Well then, Alan-san. We’ll leave the three of them to you all.”

“Understood. By the way, we will be leaving for the royal capital on the fifth of this month.”

“Understood. Well then, we shall intrude on you all again tomorrow.”

Tarus-san and Jonas-san said their farewells and left.

“Yosh. The three of you are members of our Clan from now on. I’m telling you now, guys. You definitely won’t be having it easy after joining this Clan.”

“”Yes!””

“Good answer. Hey, Kenny. Can you bring these three to some empty rooms? They have to clean them a bit or they wouldn’t be able to sleep comfortably in them later.”

“Understood, Alan-sama.”

Oops. It’s already almost five P.M. We plan to start the party at half-past six in the evening. I guess I’ll help out in the kitchen again.

I hope everyone would enjoy the food and drinks we prepared later.