Previous Chapter l Next Chapter

Let’s make the current situation clear.

First, this job request was: “We’d like to transport the bulk of our goods to the neighboring country’s capital, Lindblum, so please provide an escort.”

Normally, there’s no way a newbie like me would be allowed to join an escort mission. But originally, a veteran party had been assigned, and I was somehow added in last-minute.

This was thanks to my fake background that got me treated like a “pitiful guy,” and also because the tests showed I was a lot more capable than expected.

The escort was only supposed to go as far as the border. Beyond the border, the knights of the neighboring country, Lendia, patrol the roads, so the danger level drops significantly.

Then I’d cross the border and transfer to Lendia’s guild… That was the plan.

“So yeah, that’s how it is. I’m actually moving to the other country now.” (Shizuma)

“Oh, really? Then we’ll have to find a new place to live.” (Melt)

I’m starting to feel a bit uneasy about how much this travel companion actually understands the situation…

Still, she really does seem to have no one else in the world, so honestly, I want to at least take care of her until she can support herself.

“Seimu-san, our merchant association also handles real estate. If you plan to settle down over there, I can introduce you to some properties. As for those raw gems… If you’ve had a change of heart and decide to sell them to us, we’ll auction them properly and bring you greater profit.”

“Haha… I’ll think about it.” (Shizuma)

Those are the two new raw gems that I supposedly found in the ravine dungeon last time.

This time, they’re an emerald and a slightly larger sapphire.

The merchant association apparently really wants to at least buy the sapphire.

“Actually, you may already know, but the national flag of Lendia uses a deep navy blue. Blue jewelry is extremely popular among their nobility because of that. A sapphire this large would surely catch their attention… If it goes up for auction, nobles with jewelers on staff would all bid for it. Then, someone would likely use a large, refined sapphire to craft an ornament to present to Her Majesty the Queen at the year-end Founding Festival… It’s a highly plausible scenario.”

“Now that you mention it, you did talk about the year-end before.” (Shizuma)

Wait, could it be that it’s already close to year’s end?

Honestly, I don’t even know what season it is right now, or how long a year lasts in this world.

But from the way he’s talking, it wouldn’t be strange to start preparing such ornaments now. So, maybe…it’s around autumn?

“…Would there be a chance to have an audience with the Queen at the Founding Festival?” (Shizuma)

“Hmm… If the ornament catches her eye and is officially offered to her, the craftsman might be granted an audience. And considering how large that sapphire is…there’s certainly a chance you could be included.” 

I see… If I wanted to sell the Dungeon Core directly to the country, maybe this is the way to go?

Or should I go through the guild…? Honestly, I still don’t know how much influence or credibility the guild has as an organization, or what kind of relationship it has with the country, so I can’t act carelessly yet.

Wait a second…

“Hmm…” (Shizuma)

“Is something wrong?” 

“Seimu, what’s up? Did your tummy get cold? Want me to wrap my tail around you more?” (Melt)

Aww, she’s sweet. No wait, that’s not it!

Lately…my thoughts haven’t been like me at all.

I’m a high schooler, right? Second year. Just turned seventeen.

So why am I thinking and acting this cautiously? Was I ever this thoughtful?

And taking care of a girl like Melt… Why did I even think that?

“…Character influence… A fusion of experience, thoughts, and knowledge…?” (Shizuma)

Could it be that the knowledge and experiences the character was supposed to have are getting fed back into me because I’ve been using Seimu’s body for a long time?

In the online game I played, each character you created had a set “background.”

You could freely customize your class to some extent, but that also locked in your background.

Seimu’s classes are Swordsman and Thief.

That means his background is automatically set.

Choosing Swordsman always comes with a background as a noble’s second son.

Combined with Thief, it becomes something like: “A fallen noble’s second son who stepped into the underworld to survive.”

Because of that, memories of a family I don’t know and a house I’ve never seen start surfacing when I try to recall the past deeply.

This fallen noble’s son apparently used his sword skills to rise in the underworld, learned thief techniques, and acted like a Robin Hood-type figure.

I’m pretty sure this was part of a character-specific quest storyline too.

So, this cautiousness and thoughtfulness, this compassion toward others… Could it all be feelings and experiences that Seimu originally possessed and are now feeding into me…?

It’s kind of scary… Like I’m becoming someone else.

The wish “make me my online game character” —it didn’t just copy the appearance, strength, and items.

It literally turned me into the character. His experiences, memories, emotions, and thoughts are gradually becoming one with mine… That demon really is twisted. There was a hidden catch to my power.

Still, it’s a pretty useful side effect at least for surviving in this world, don’t you think?

I mean, I get all the painful life experiences too. In a way, it’s like I got a bonus.

“…I need to test a few things later…” (Shizuma)

“Hmm? What kind of things? If you’re planning to take the gems to another merchant association or guild, be sure to observe them carefully and learn what kind of people they are before showing the actual goods, okay? The capital is vast, and it’s full of all kinds of people.”

“Ah, sorry, it’s not about that. As for the gems, I’m actually leaning toward selling them to you.” (Shizuma)

Crap, I spoke my thoughts out loud.

Still, if I am going to sell them, this merchant association is probably the only trustworthy one so far.

This Pigeon Merchant Association had enough influence to operate in Golda’s royal capital. They must have some standing in Lendia too.

And besides, they’re giving me advice like this. I think I can trust them, at least to some extent.

“Really!? Then I’ll make sure everything is in place to get the highest bid at the auction! To think such an opportunity would come to us…” 

“W-Wow, I’m honored to hear that.” (Shizuma)

“Oh, it’s cause for celebration! We still don’t have much name recognition in Lendia. But if we’re known as the ones who handled a jewel that might catch the royal family’s attention, we’ll surely stand out!”

I-I see… It might be a good idea to build a strong relationship with this merchant association moving forward…

“What’ve you been talking about all this time?” (Melt)

“Hmm? Just figuring out how to sell some treasure I found.” (Shizuma)

“Oh, I bet it’s worth a lot! Maybe you can buy a house with it!” (Melt)

“Fufufu, of course, young lady. I’ll pick out a splendid mansion for you!”

Uh, I haven’t even decided whether I’m settling down yet.

Also, please no mansions. I used to live in a 2LDK apartment with my family, okay? I’m just a high school student…

“I can’t wait! A city full of people! I’ve never even entered a city or been in a place with lots of people before!” (Melt)

“Oh? Really? Wasn’t Melt-san an adventurer in Golda?”

“Ah, no. Melt is from deep in the mountains. I took her in and we’ve been traveling together ever since.” (Shizuma)

“I see, I see. Hmm, you two seem promising as adventurers. If you explore dungeons or take on guild jobs in Lindblum, please stop by our association for your gear. Naturally, we’d be happy to buy whatever you find as well.” 

“Haha, I’ll keep that in mind.” (Shizuma)

I should probably start being more careful about Melt’s behavior too…

Once we arrive, I’ll need to submit my transfer papers to the guild. And while I’m at it, I’ll have to register Melt too.

“Transfer papers”… that’s such a realistic concept…

——

And then, for the three days from the border to the capital of Lindblum, the journey was truly peaceful.

There were even well-managed campsites along the route, staffed by stationed knights from the country, so we didn’t even need to keep watch overnight.

In terms of safety, this country is definitely better. I’m sure life will be easier from now on.

Especially for Melt. She said she couldn’t enter towns, so she used to camp outside and buy food from passing merchants to survive.

And she was clearly getting ripped off, too.

“We’re almost at the capital… Lindblum, right?” (Melt)

“Yeah, Lindblum. Pretty cool name for a capital, huh?” (Shizuma)

“It is! It’s named after the dragon that once ruled the continent, so I bet it has a rich history!” (Melt)

“Wait, really?” (Shizuma)

“Really~.” (Melt)

Seriously? I’m a little freaked out by how knowledgeable Melt turned out to be.

“Want me to tell you? Want me to tell you?” (Melt)

“Hmm… Please.” (Shizuma)

She was clearly feeling smug, grinning from ear to ear, so I decided to indulge her even more.

“Lindblum was the name of a massive dragon who ruled over the southern lands back when the continent was still a ravaged land, uninhabitable by humans. But he was defeated by a giant named Goldion, who ruled the north. In that battle, Goldion was fatally poisoned and died as well. I think that’s probably where the country name Golda came from.” (Melt)

“Whoa… You really do know your stuff… I’m surprised.” (Shizuma)

“I read every book in the village library back home. I had nothing but time… Years of it.” (Melt)

“I see…” (Shizuma)

Does she have an incredible thirst for knowledge…or did she just read until everything stuck because she was bored out of her mind?

Maybe Melt is way smarter than I gave her credit for…

“If there’s anything you don’t know, you can ask me, okay?” (Melt)

“Hahaha… I’ll take you up on that if the time comes.” (Shizuma)

Still, she didn’t even know what kind of country the neighboring one was…so I doubt she’s familiar with modern history.

And so, after chatting occasionally with Melt and hearing all sorts of things from her, we safely arrived at Lindblum, the capital city of the Kingdom of Lendia.

Previous Chapter l Next Chapter