Without using the waiting room, I continue on to the room that has written ‘representative room’.
I have been called by the Merchant Guild’s branch representative.
When a company is established, the people doing the application probably use the representatives here.
Or maybe it is the opposite?
I don’t care about denominations though, especially right now.
The reception boy that guided me didn’t enter the room. He just does a bow and leaves.
What’s inside is an extravagant desk and one man that looks like the representative placing an elbow on it, and what seems to be two of his guards.
Maybe he is the vice-representative.
Because of his atmosphere which resembles that of a bodyguard, I subconsciously thought this way.
It has been a while since I came to this town, but until now, I have never met anyone in the upper stratum of the Merchant Guild.
Even when I have business here, it is normally completed just by going to the reception.
In the cases when there’s the need for a detailed interview, it is done by someone in the management and it is normally the same people.
This is the first time I have entered the deep parts of the guild.
Thinking that the problem has turned to the point where I am send here, my mood turns heavy.
“It’s nice to see you here, Raidou-dono. Please sit”
The representative that was sitting, stands from his sit and urges me to take my own.
We enter a space for reception and I wait for him to take his sit first before sitting myself.
There are two sofas facing each other and a desk in between. No matter which one you look at, it was obviously expensive.
The general glass used in this world is manufactured from a rare metal that looks like crystal. If I were to use the manufacture process of my world, it might turn into a trade.
In the wasteland there was quite a lot of glass, so I haven’t thought about it much until now though.
At any rate.
It may also be because I don’t have much connection to this kind of things, but this room is, as expected, extremely different from my own work room.
In my reception room, there’s a simple desk and minimum space. I haven’t done anything like putting out expensive articles and spreading a rug.
Thinking about the visitors, I might have to consider this point a bit. But doing so now would not be appropriate.
My thoughts strayed into a peaceful direction for a bit.
[It seems I have been called here but, what business do you have with me?]
“… Ah, you can’t speak, right. Nice to meet you, I am the representative of the Merchant Guild in the Rotsgard branch”
[My name’s Raidou. I am honored to meet you]
“Normally, it is customary to first increase your services in the guild a bit more before meeting face to face like this, but this time, I have met with a certain bad matter. Truly regrettable”
The representative knits his brows and looks at me.
There may be slight disgust towards my outward appearance, but I can tell that there’s more displeasure towards the problem which is me.
Growing the company in a smooth manner and reach a standing where I meet the representative; even I would have preferred that development.
Instead of urging for his business again, it would be better to just wait for his words.
“The guild has received several doubts towards you”
[Doubts]
“That’s right. Normally, this kind of enquiries decrease in the period of the school festival, but the number of enquiries about contact information increase”
[Meaning there are less complains]
“… Yeah. But in Kuzunoha Company’s case, from the 4 major powers, Limia and Lorel; aside from those two, the other countries have brought out several cases. All of them have been from the representatives of the companies that are connected to countries requesting investigation regarding your goods and its circulation. There are even dangerous opinions in some”
[Dangerous opinions?]
That’s not peaceful.
The face of the representative that was already severe had his brow wrinkle even more.
Interrupting his words might not have been good, but I had to ask.
“That the Kuzunoha Company is… having the cooperation of the demon race to obtain your goods and for the circulation of it. In other words, it implies that you are from the demon race camp, and while betraying all the hyumans, you are wringing profits. Those are the opinions”
That’s stupid.
In what kind of way did they think in order to reach that conclusion?
When I heard the words of Rembrandt-san regarding the demon race matter, I didn’t think the distrust would be that deep.
They are infiltrated in Academy Town as well, but there’s no hyuman that has noticed. At least, for all I know. Counting Rona-san, I have made contact with 3 demons already. But I made sure of my surroundings and there was no change. In other words, that talk about my relationship with the demon race is complete fabrication.
For harassment, the degree is way too high.
[Unthinkable. We are using respectable methods to do business, and I promise that I am not receiving assistance of the demon race in my company activities]
“That’s probably how it really is”
[Eh?]
I react to the words the representative whispers lowly. What does that mean?
“Regarding the goods, we received confirmation of the Church that the material quality and its manufacturing process are safe. When we told the companies that brought their views on this, they retracted their comments”
Ignoring my questioning words, he continued.
Church.
What happened a while ago huh.
In that case, the bishop with a sexy voice properly maintained her promise.
I don’t trust the hyumans that are connected to the Goddess, but I am slightly relieved knowing that the promise was abided.
“The problem is the circulation. We investigated this part as well, but the wagons that are thought to be from the Kuzunoha Company or anything resembling a carriage, we were unable to confirm any of those”
[We mostly get our supply of raw materials from the Guild’s market]
“That’s clearly a lie. With the raw materials that have been sold and what has been sold in Kuzunoha Company for around two months, even by making a rough calculation, the numbers clearly don’t match. It is obvious that there’s some other method aside from buying”
Two months?
They were investigating since so long ago?
I didn’t receive any reports regarding that.
[This is my first time hearing of such an investigation though]
“As long as there are opinions we can’t ignore, the Guild must move. And if it’s about a company that’s connected to the Guild, it is a matter of course. The complains towards your company increased just recently, but there have been complains of people that have even brought detailed documents since a while ago”
[If you said something, I would have cooperated]
“Cooperation? You? If you are telling me to believe that, that’s a pretty naïve way of thinking. Like this, it seems you are minding the investigation, but there are many ways of investigating that won’t alert the target. Moving people around secretly is not the only way of investigation”
[Is it naïve to proof your innocence if there’s suspicions?]
“… I see, buying antipathy huh. Your way of thinking is childish. You don’t know how to conduct. I am surprised that you are able to be in a position of ordering others. Truly surprised. The end result of thoughtlessly managing a company is not good”
…
Why does he have to say so much?
Did I say something wrong?
It makes me angry that he is clearly looking down on me.
[What is it you want me to do?]
“Did I touch a sensitive point? Well, fine. Let’s enter the main issue. I want to hear your circulation method. And I want you to promise us that if it’s any sort of magic or technique, you will share the knowledge of it”
Don’t screw around.
If you are talking about childish, isn’t your side more childish?
You want to hear my circulation method, and give it to you?
[Is there no way to solve this with money?]
I will at least try asking.
“With gold huh, of course, it is possible. There’s nothing that can’t be solved with gold between merchants. But even if the sharing of the circulation method is sealed, you will still need to at least tell me. And, I don’t think you have enough gold to pay for it”
[Sadly, it is not a method I can share, so I want to pay]
“… You said your name was Raidou, right? You really are not fit to be a merchant”
“…”
Hearing the amazed tone of the representative, I reflexively gulp.
His usage of words gave a complete turn and I could tell that he is scoffing at me.
“Just now, you easily told me the existence of another circulation method which you were trying to hide at first. In other words, the trust in the first method you gave out has been damaged. No benefit in it, just loss. You asked if this could be solved with gold right? That was also an incredibly bad move. Listen well, you don’t know the extent of the companies that have come to bring complains about you right? I did say this: ‘they were from people connected to countries’. Meaning, they have considerable scale. Compared to the Kuzunoha Company, the magnitude is different. And against those people, you will resolve it with money? A company that has not been operating for even 1 year? It is like announcing that you have money that’s doesn’t fit the scale of your company. Your ability to decide and understand are also lacking. You, are you the representation of incompetence? You are just a brat that’s lucky”
I was speechless.
Being told all that, I was simply surprised.
The atmosphere has also made a complete turn. The representative that has turned violent and offensive had an unpleasing smile in his face.
“What are you spacing out for? Even I can at least act to that extent. Do you think I would be able to survive in the business world if I were unable to? Seriously, I was wondering what kind of person it was because Rembrandt himself came to protect him, but here it is. How boorish. There’s a limit to letdowns. About the circulation, it is okay to just tell me here, so explain it quickly. After that, it is okay to just go”
Explain… and leave?
This man, just how irritating can he become?
I can tell that my anger is leaking out.
“You can’t even contain your anger and bloodthirst? You are more childish than your appearance tells huh. Regarding faces, I can’t say much about others. Even so, I know how to act before others and I do so. You look incredibly unsightly so I will warn you. You have a face worse than me, so it is better for you to put more into your inside”
Even the exotic-looking representative talks about my outward appearance.
Just what part of you looks bad? You look plenty cool.
That slightly darkish skin looks appealing.
Now that I think about it, I feel like I have seen a similar person before.
Where was it?
No, right now that’s not the point.
Explain and leave. Moreover, I can just say it here?
His trust in me is low, so that’s just strange.
[What do you mean by leave?]
“Exactly as it means. You and the Kuzunoha Company are already done. So there’s no need to address you anymore”
[Done?]
“Its fine already, so just explain. With that, this ends”
[Can I hear the reason?]
“… Because you know, you are going to pay money right? Then I will just withdraw the comments of the other parties, that’s what I mean”
[Excuse me but, how much should I be paying?]
“There’s no need to prepare it right now”
[No need]
“Yeah. If you pay 90% of your sales, no one will complain. Kuzunoha Company will not become a threat in the future. The more it gains, the more they will benefit, so there’s no need to care about the circulation method. Even if it involves the demon race. If the people that had questions of your circulation method get money every month, they won’t criticize you much. The only one that would fall would be you. See? There’s nothing to lose”
[90% of our sales?!]
Moreover, every month?!
For how long would that continue anyways?
“You will pay right? Gold to the people that want to know about your circulation method. To multiple companies that gain several ten times more than you, maybe even the hundreds. There’s no way those guys would say they want a specific amount of gold. As long as they don’t know how much you have”
[How long would that last?]
“Until the Kuzunoha Company disappears”
[This is clearly an unreasonable demand. Is the Guild just going to consent that?]
“Unreasonable you say. You were the one that proposed to pay in gold right? Let me tell you this first, what I am saying right now is just a guess from me and it may not turn exactly as I say. Well, I don’t think it will be too far from what will happen though. Also, about the Guild consenting? That’s right. In the first place, not only consent, this is just a negotiation between merchants. When the weak ones get in the eyes of the strong ones, they get crushed. The Guild is not babysitting. We will help in the business, but the way to act is something you should learn”
[In that case, the people that want to make a new business would not succeed]
“Thoroughly naïve. Ah right, your place is hiring a bunch of demi-humans right? In that case, how about just making your customers only them and stop doing your business in hyuman towns? Looking at your arguments, I feel like you are fit for that”
The representative admonishes me with eyes of pity.
It wasn’t sarcasm, he was really telling me to do that.
[You are not answering my question]
“As I said, the people that aim to be merchants should butter up to existing companies, learn the basics, create connections, be approved by the representative there, and then get a store eventually. I have money. I will do business. But if that’s how it worked, even the adventurers that earn small money can become merchants if they study a little. Those kind of people, they normally get crushed instantly. The power of adventurers can only be used in brawls. Just like you said, the guild punishes unjust deeds. Because I entered into a quarrel with another merchant, I used power to eliminate him and leave him half-dead. Killing would be, without a doubt, injustice. In the world of merchants, that is”
[You…]
“I have heard from Rembrandt, but it seems you have strong followers, and you yourself are reasonably strong right? You understand why you should not use that power in your business right? If you were to use that in this situation… it would make the Kuzunoha Company into allies of the demon race”
[This is stupid]
“No, you are just naïve. Return to Tsige, Raidou. It is too fast for you to be in this town. Redo your studies at your boss’ place. About the gold, I will stealthily put a part of Rotsgard as well, so be relieved”
[For someone that has been ridiculing me, you are being pretty cooperative]
“… Ri—diculing? The guy that’s taken a liking to you, for me, he is a tough enemy I have trouble dealing with. It would be advantageous for me if he were to misunderstand, and I get him to owe me one”
[Rembrandt-san]
“I heard that he had become docile, but to think that he has even made such a weakness. What a joke. But for you, it may be a lucky happening. Now then, it is most likely teleportation or something of the sort, so just talk about your circulation method”
Lucky.
Is he saying that by making Rembrandt-san disadvantaged, I earn safety?
I tell the representative that I have been using teleportation to come and go with goods. I hide the part about Asora and explain that I have a follower that has enough magic power to use long-distance teleportation.
And after that, I was released.
I have grown even more dejected after hearing the comments of the other companies from the representative of the guild.
Troubling Rembrandt-san.
I have made another lie in order to hide Asora.
I…
Just what is it that I should do?
I… have to consult with everyone.
While being self-aware that I am cornered, I slowly walk my way back.
Right now, I have no leeway to think about the team battles of my students.
The northern slums. Though it’s called northern, it’s not much different from the slums of…
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Well, he got destroyed. Kind of agree with the representative though. He got beaten in a battle between merchants, and you can't just settle everything with brute force in a battle like that. If he really wants to be a merchants, maybe it is a smart idea to study under Rembrandt for a while. Or give up on being a merchants and so something that better fits his strengths.
Tho I don't know a thing about medieval merchantilism, this chapter sounds strange. I just don't see how he was beaten so utterly. I agree with the representative that Makoto is a total noob, but half the points he makes just don't make sense. I know he was aggressive to rile Makoto up, but other companies have no power over him. What I'm saying is, it doesn't matter that he fucked up and is a total noob, the current position he's in can't be hurt by those companies. They can't use force, the demon thing is just absurd and the guild doesn't take sides, so his sale rights can't be revoked.
If he doesn't cooperate, tho that is very not merchant like, what would happen?
It's like walking down the street, then someone coming up and saying you've been beaten. Huh?
Just gonna add another argument there. We are talking about the world with NO Internet, TV, radio, or even newspapers. Rumours there are BY FAR the most common and most available source of information, meaning chances of people believing them are just that much higher than in our world.
P.S. About the weight of Makoto's accusations (the demon race one), maybe this example will work better: imagine if the owner of a new shop is roumored to be a nazi/hitler supporter in UK (or US, or better yet France) DURING WW2. There is no way his business would work out, if he as much as tried to keep his store open vandals would just from bricks at his windows every night... (I mean hyumans hate demons AND are at war with them)
true, that's why he should've just dealt with that merchant guy. If he's the deciding voice as it seems, then there are plenty of ways to deal with the problem. If it's fair game playing dirty, why should he hold back? Intimidation, lies, brainwashing, the others are using it.
My main point was and still is, I'm disappointed with the author trying to force some idea that doesn't fit the world he had built. Don't try to justify it by saying he's inexperienced, because it doesn't matter.
If word gets around that he's supporting the demons, then his business is shot right there. If the hyuman rumor mill is anything like ours, that'd be like a rumor being spread in our world that a store owner is a murdering, pedophile rapist. It doesn't matter if it's completely false, no one would willingly go to his store, and the authorities would eventually be forced to at least shut the store down by the public.
as far as I see it, that would only hinder the growth. Not all people believe rumors, some people are regulars that know the effect of the meds, authorities can't do shit since he did nothing and he has somewhat of a backing from the church.
And here's also the part we as the readers know, that might have made me a little biased - 3 of the 4 major powers want him on their side, antagonizing his company won't help them.
I think the author tried to throw in a problem for Makoto since he's so OP (it's your own damn fault author), but it was too forced, since his position is made too stable. The only thing other companies can do that I know is bad rumors and those can only do so much. Not ALL people are idiots. Most, but not all.
True. Not all people are idiots. But mob mentality doesn't need all people to be idiots, just most of them. That's enough to suck in the rest, no matter how intelligent they are.
I guess that's the spin the author is going for. But he himself forgets that even that doesn't matter. Sure, his sales would go down, but only in academy city, Tsige would be fine. And even then he wouldn't run out of business since he can just have it run on low profits. Aside from completely stopping his sales or banning him from the guild there's no way to stop Kuzunoha company. So I just don't see how he's cornered. At most just a little troubled.
You're right, and normally I would agree with you, but there are still several factors that could cause him trouble. The prejudice the hyumans feel towards the demihumans and the fear and paranoia they feel towards the demons, if rumors were to start spreading about how someone who looks like a demihuman is in league with demons, and the authorities don't drive him out, the ones who are most afraid of demons are likely to take matters into their own hands. No amount of vigilantes can do anything to Makoto, but if he fights back, it'll be impossible to keep from hurting them indefinitely. If it comes to that, he will have no choice but to leave Rotsgard.
Oh wow. I actually did not think of that(his appearance connecting to demons that is).
I guess Makoto actually has more reason to behave other than civility.
He pretty much got scolded. His naive thinking that investigation can be done openly. (As if the suspect won't intervene with the investigation and evidences.) Then blatantly proposed bribe, without even understanding that the others want to crush him because his business is a damn cheat. Then got pissed after being warned that resorting to violence will only cause the accusation to seems true to the public.
Go back and train more, or strike a market others are not competing in (demi-human), or find a new job, because you suck, bad.
Your commentary is completely ridicuous and your logic nonexistent. Only the first 2 sentences make any sense. The rest of your words just reveal ignorance & some sort of misguided superiority complex...
First off, yes Makoto is a business novice with powerful, competent, and numerous collaboraters which is why it's largely been smooth sailing so far.
However, to try to twist that and side with the misguided BS being spewed by Zara is ludicrous. Makoto makes one extremely valid point in that if young businesses could freely be ruined as easily as the case here with blatantly malicious rumormills & half-assed hearsay and the Merchant Guild (as a whole entity) found no problems with these practices... then the Otherworld's technology, culture, and economy would be in an unsalvage position. It wouldn't be something a cute as everlasting stagnation, but rather constant, inexorable regression. The Otherworld wouldn't be stuck in the Medieval Ages, the Dark Ages, or the Iron Ages... it would be a miracle if they emerged from their caves in the Neolithic Ages. That's the level of stupidity and anti-productive behavior and thinking we're talking about here. Sure the world ruled by the Bug may be backwards, but as has been demonstrated numerous times, it's not as though all of Otherworld's inhabitants are forced down to her infantile level. There's plenty of exceptional peoples and talents even amongst the hyumans.
Honestly, as others have noted, this whole situation with Zara feels forced. If Zara was smart and capable enough to succeed in this unrealistically cutthroat business world (that feels more like a bad spy film filled with over-the-top conspiracies) as well as investigate the Kuzunoha company wthout being noticed... he should have been able to notice the ridiculous amount of irregularities and how much doesn't add up about them. If he, IN ANY WAY, sensed that major uncertainty to the identity, power, and reach of Raidou, then logically he would be extremely wary of the company Makoto heads and make sure to not make such overtly antagonistic and hasty moves. Additionally, Zara himself stands little to personally gain from 'crushing' Kuzunoha and he's largely acting at the mild complaints of a couple mid to large-size medicinal companies (that he himself is well above in terms of power & assets as it's implied he's just below Rembrandt's level).
The fact that he does so in spite of all this feels rather contrived honestly.
But you swallow the Kool-Aid whole without a second thought... It honestly makes it seem as though you believe your business acumen to be something special, yet your lack of thought speaks volumes to the contrary.
To begin with, Makoto's image of a "merchant" is probably fundamentally different from this world's understanding of it(heck, maybe even earth's actual merchant profession).
It might have been more worthwhile to consider forming an all-new organization with philanthropic goals instead. Something like a "Public Welfare Guild" that aims to improve the quality of life for everyone participating in it. He could sell his goods through that service cheaply, hire regular hyumans to help out in other departments, and maybe gather information more easily.
The Merchant's Guild would probably object claiming him selling things without their permit is not allowed, but actions like that would earn the support of any country worth his help and Root's help could mean a public endorsement and partnership with the Adventurer's Guild too.
The representative is right in the sense that brute power can't solve everything, but if Makoto divorced himself from any association with them to begin with, then there's literally nothing short of the Bug Goddess who can stop him.
....Hee. Cue him starting a school instead and pissing off all the teachers of academy now next.
Which is why I don't understand him insisting on being a merchant... He clearly has talents otherwise, whether or not they're "Cheats". I really see this is as being tantamount to some teenager thinking on a whim "I'm going to start a business!" and then being smacked in the face by reality. And only reason for not being smacked down earlier being his cheats... He really should rethink his business right now, like you said. And, with the festival and the gathered attention, seems like it's a good chance to do so.
Well said. However with him spotted by the Bug Goddess he will be in trouble or rather she can make things difficult. .-.
That is actually pretty good idea. but that is a church job tho - normally that is. but as you can see the church here is ....
PLEASE RAIDOU JUST SAY FUCK IT AND UNLEASH YOUR POWER AND FIGHT ALL THE SIDES!!
the problem is, he doesn't even realize his own power yet... (he still thinks of himself as a weakling)
Then world will fuck him, even brute force you have to know where and when to use it strength.
Most of the time I'll agree with this. But not on Raidou's case. He isn't really affiliated with any country and the only faction who can hurt him at least is the demon race. He already has clues about his parent's past anyway. So there should be nothing to hold him back. So yeah, fak em all
Lol
you hit someone hard enough and it sends a chilling effect all the way down. kill all their moral, and that wouldn't even be too difficult, at least considering hyumans would be fighting battles on two sides.
I was expecting a more, let's say explosive result, such as saying that the circulation method is a family secret or takes copious amounts of mana
Well, the thing is that they probably want details like with the church. Still. All he had to do was come up with his own super inefficient teleportation circle. And give them that.
He ain't smart enough to do that though
he shoulda just teleported the guy and his bodyguards into the desert!!! screw him! let him spend months trying to get back to civilization, and if he doesn't die, by the time he gets back, his empire will have crumbled been pieced out, and sold.
http://i.imgur.com/k0OlCu1.png
I think the title is wrong. It should be
Raidou snaps
or Raidou fucked up lol
..........................
i think breaking part was him being easily readable facade if im him i would just use assasination methods and dirty tactiques and shiki mind manipulation. to top lvl people. his way is still too nice unlike business minded people much more syndicates and mafia style intimidation besides he can do mind manipulation. politicians are also good with propaganda where makoto still lacks like how a tv ads can manipulate peoples oinions on certain things.
Where Firo ?
-_-
I'd get rid of his company overnight with an arrow alone xD
Eeeeeh? That's it? Where's the part where Raidou breaks?
I do wonder, honestly. At some point I would've stopped caring about being civil with these people and just do things at my own pace. It's not like anyone in existence can evict him from the town, and if he really did join the demon's side, it's the hyuman leaders that lose out the most.
My thinking exactly. First off, I would cut ties with rembrandt, dude is nice and if I'm going to make an enemy i want him safely off to the side.
Second, an adventurer can make money and be a merchant if they study a bit, but what happens when that adventurer can legitimately threaten a country? Do you still think that their ability to fight as inconsequential? If it were me, id just get pissed, and try to gleam every country who had ties to the merchants, and start a business in their capitals and when they came to shut me down i would embarrass every one of them, if they came at me, I would hit them till they learned to stop. I wouldn't kill, but I would cripple, and then I would sell them the medicine to fix themselves, breaking their will through force while still showing all I want to do is help those who need it.
Probably if it didn't come to that, I would unite all the demi humans and monster races so they are under one banner, and try and push them to have a higher quality of life then the hyumans, and i would abduct some of the higher ups to be given a tour, and be told exactly why they are living a better life then them.
That wouldn't work, an existance such as that would easily be seen as a common threat by merchants.
The merchants would gather up the masses and use their connections to make him look like a sort of a demon lord. Something like, "his power is too dangerous and his personality could turn at anyone".
He might be strong, but how strong is he compared to the combined effort of the whole hyuman race?
And even if he does fight them off, what will happen to the people he got acquainted with? Rembrants a rich man with a good life, he won't sacrifice that. Neither will Root.
I think its better to just go to the demon and beast men races. They probably don't have problems like that.
@FuriousGeorge No, he can see through magic illusions. If the guy just puts on a physical mask then Makoto wouldn't be able to see through it without using his Sakai, which he doesn't like using on people since he thinks it's invading their privacy.
@Lerker - Makoto can see through a demon's disguise.Makoto would instantly know if anyone is pretending to be a demon.
From the description Makoto gives of the guy, he sounds like a demon in disguise, so it feels like Rona is pushing Makoto AWAY from the human side and trying to bring him to the demon side. Anything he does will be viewed as attack on the hyumen side and that's fine because it weakens the chance of the hyumen recruiting him and the meeting with the demon king to become allies against the hyumen AND the GODDESS.