“Indeed, the Renford Kingdom is quite large. You could mistake it for the Empire itself….”
“Among the border kingdoms, it ranks first in terms of scale, especially financially.”
“Then that Platinum Merchant Guild must be incredibly wealthy.”
The Platinum Merchant Guild Alejandro mentioned was the largest merchant guild in the Renford Kingdom. They nearly monopolized the trade of top-grade spices, making them quite well-known even in the Empire.
No wonder their name is Platinum (白金), meaning salt.
“But is it really necessary to find that guild? We can get enough provisions from the Principality as well….”
“Hey! Don’t presume to guess at the boss’s intentions. I’m sure there’s a deeper meaning behind his actions!”
“…That’s why I’m asking, because I don’t get it.”
The pale-skinned young man, Eson—known as the Mad Dog in the Principality—glanced at Khan leading the group.
He volunteered on their way to Hoarfrost Gorge, and seemed to regard it as an enormous debt, judging by his cautious demeanor. Khan suppressed a sigh.
‘He’s bound to die a horrible death anyway.’
He was a madman who voluntarily walked into hell, wishing to become a warrior. It wouldn’t hurt to explain a bit in advance.
“If it were just me, I might’ve managed by hunting for food in Hoarfrost Gorge. But there’s no way you guys wouldn’t fall ill or lose your teeth eating that.”
It was a difference in innate physical constitution. The barbarian of Hoarfrost Gorge possessed superhuman physiques, not just in terms of strength and agility, but also in their digestive systems.
“Could you drink goblin blood? From experience, let me tell you that the blood of Frost Goblins is even more lethal than that of regular goblins. Ordinary bodies wouldn’t survive just getting sick.”
“…….”
“And what about the meat? Animals that survive there aren’t just mere beasts. They’re strong enough to survive in a virtually demonic land, meaning they’re essentially monsters. While we could hunt them for food, chewing it would be nearly impossible. Sure, there are some tender parts you could eat, but not enough to feed this entire group sufficiently.”
The seriousness of Khan’s advice, borne from experience, silenced the bickering Alejandro and Eson. Meanwhile, Ludmilla seemed more intrigued than fazed.
“So, there are still ways to eat, even if they’re not ideal? I mean, hoarfrost Gorge warriors weren’t born warriors after all. There must be a few methods.”
“…Not exactly. The children of Hoarfrost Gorge are the most terrifying of all.”
‘They are brimming with the unique vitality of children, but with physiques that far exceed those of average human adults.’
In fact, they could be considered the sturdiest beings in Hoarfrost Gorge. It was better not to apply typical standards to the people of Hoarfrost Gorge for one’s mental health.
“And even if there were ways, you wouldn’t benefit from them. That’s precisely why I’m looking for the Platinum Merchant Guild.”
“…Is it because they aren’t warriors?”
Khan nodded affirmatively in response to Maya’s casual question.
“They won’t even give food to those who aren’t warriors? That’s quite harsh….”
“I wouldn’t say it’s harsh. In the history of Hoarfrost Gorge, there’s only been one case of someone not passing the warrior’s trial.”
“One time?”
Before Ludmilla could get too interested in that one instance, Khan hastily changed the subject. If he kept talking, it would inevitably become troublesome.
“Of course, children who aren’t of age for the warrior’s trial are given food obtained by the warriors. But none of us here are that young. Hence, the Renford Kingdom.”
“Because we can get preserved food from the Platinum Merchant Guild and use the sea route to head north?”
“Exactly.”
Securing a ship to head north from the Renford Kingdom requires the help of either the Platinum Merchant Guild or the royal family, making it generally impossible without their assistance.
Fortunately, Eto, who owed Khan a significant debt, was an insider in the Platinum Merchant Guild, likely in a very special position. Not taking advantage of that would be foolish.
“First, we’ll verify things at the main office of the Platinum Merchant Guild in the capital. We might hear directly from the guild master about Eto.”
There was no guarantee that the busy guild master would meet them, but Khan judged that the guild master wouldn’t refuse their visit.
Following the pressure from Paradise Bank on the Platinum Merchant Guild in the original history, the guild master was likely ready to resort to military resistance, as was the case in the game.
Clatter, clatter, clatter…!
The eight-horse carriage, purportedly favored by the prince of the Principality, sped along the road, allowing them to arrive in the capital of the Renford Kingdom before sunset.
“Then, I’ll take care of the carriage.”
“Don’t skimp on the money. We’ll need the carriage for further travel once we board the ship.”
“Understood! Hey, rookie! You come too!”
“Damn it, why me…”
Leaving behind Eson, who grumbled but followed Alejandro, they made their way forward.
The capital was bustling with people from all over the kingdom and the Empire, coming to procure Renford’s spices. Normally, they would hurriedly secure lodging first, but Khan had other priorities.
“First things first, let’s handle urgent matters.”
They could always find a place to stay later, even if it meant paying extra. Checking the status of the Platinum Merchant Guild was more pressing.
Khan had frequented the main office of the Platinum Merchant Guild in the game. While there were differences between the game and reality, having a rough idea of the location was enough.
『Platinum Merchant Guild』
It was unmistakable at first glance.
The main office of the Platinum Merchant Guild occupied a large estate that could fit two or three mansions. The guild’s white signboard was prominently displayed on both the building’s top and entrance.
Additionally, with hundreds of workers constantly coming and going, and employees bustling around with thick ledgers, it was evident that this was a significant hub. The visible numbers outside suggested that there were many more inside.
“…Argon Kingdom feels like such a humble place now.”
“Well, it’s special in its own way, particularly in terms of lineage.”
“That’s true, but still…”
Maya, perhaps feeling a sudden wave of patriotism, voiced her new-found realization.
‘If she’s like this already, she might faint when we get to the Empire.’
Khan, who had been chuckling softly at the sight of Maya looking out of place, suddenly became sharp-eyed.
“This plant-like smell….”
“My lord?”
As Maya expressed her confusion at the sudden change in atmosphere. Ludmilla, too, seemed to notice what Khan was wary of, sporting a peculiar smile.
“Indeed, just by looking, it’s clear they’re not an ordinary human. Seeing natural mana accumulated within them.”
“…What does that mean?”
“There’s an elf ahead. Maya.”
“An elf?!”
The fact that Khan’s party had noticed the presence of an elf also meant that the elf had likely sensed them as well. Elves had senses as sharp as the aquatic folk of the south and eyes as keen as if they had built-in telescopes.
More importantly, their ability to sense mana was on another level, so the elf might have already detected the presence of Ludmilla, a mage.
“Ah. This strong scent of mana… It’s truly fragrant.”
The voice from directly behind made Maya swiftly extend her spear. However, despite being certain of the direction, her spear tip only pierced through empty air.
“Attacking right off the bat—how uncouth of you short-lived species.”
“If someone stealthily approaches by deceiving our senses with spells, attacking first seems like the right response, pointy ears.”
“You, short-lived one brimming with mana. Don’t judge us by your standards. This isn’t a spell, but a blessing we were born with.”
“Oh, so this is the fabled spirit magic?”
“Would you call it nature’s grace?”
Click.
Contrary to the voice that had been coming from behind the whole time, the elf revealed themselves from the front. What’s more, they leisurely opened the front door of the Platinum Merchant Guild and stepped out.
Then all eyes turned to the elf. Their beauty, almost akin to a curse, seemed to draw in every gaze.
“Well, I admit I startled you a bit. More importantly, as a superior being, it’s only right for me to be magnanimous.”
“More impressive than I imagined… an elf.”
Ludmilla said, sticking her tongue out in disbelief. She had always heard rumors but experiencing the presence of an elf in person surpassed all expectations.
“They say elves’ arrogance is such that they wouldn’t bow even to an emperor.”
“The power of a human nation cannot subdue the existence of paradise, can it? Moreover, you short-lived beings are so inferior that you cannot survive without our help. The fact that we, the esteemed beings of paradise, have come to this continent and started this enterprise is proof of that.”
The elf’s tone was as indifferent as if they were stating an obvious fact. This only made it clearer that they genuinely believed humans to be an inferior race.
“Ha…! Interesting.”
“Don’t bother thinking you can have a proper conversation. Especially with an old elf who’s been around for centuries.”
“Oh? It seems you’re quite knowledgeable about our kind, despite your rude manners.”
“I know enough. To exude such a strong plant-like smell, you must have lived for at least a few hundred years.”
“Then you understand the significance of my proposal. This is convenient.”
As the elf smiled brightly, the onlookers who had gathered to watch the commotion felt as though their surroundings had momentarily brightened.
But what the elf said next was in stark contrast to that beautiful smile.
“You, who resemble a human despite being a short-lived one. I can smell a very precious treasure on you. Here’s my proposal: hand over that treasure. I’ll pay for it.”
“Damn… this is unlucky.”
Having decided to seek the help of the Platinum Merchant Guild, they had anticipated a potential conflict with an elf, but—
‘This one’s too big a deal.’
Though one should not make hasty judgments, the fact that the elf could deceive their senses alone indicated a formidable opponent. They likely held a status that made starting a conflict inadvisable.
“How about it? My generous proposal?”
The elf’s demeanor suggested they didn’t doubt for a second that their proposal would be accepted. If the elf before them truly was a centuries-old elder, that confidence was understandable. With ordinary strength, they wouldn’t even be able to scratch the elf, and defeating them would likely provoke retaliation from other elves of the paradise.
Combat was out of the question.
But—
“I have one question. Are you from the Eiwass family?”
“This is surprising… How did you know?”
“Alright, I understand.”
Khan nodded at the elf’s swift admission. Interpreting this as acceptance of their proposal, the elf’s smile deepened. But just then—
“You must be killed here.”
“What—”
Crack—!
Before the elf could finish their word, Draupnir struck, splattering blood everywhere.
TL’s Corner:
Tis the rule. Kill first, ask questions later.