Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 210. The Freeman And Twilight

“——So, that’s the plan. I intend to visit your headquarters eventually. Is that alright?”

When a bewitchingly beautiful woman wears priestly robes, the supposedly modest attire somehow feels oddly erotic.

Wait, Cherina. Don’t give me that cold stare. This is just a general observation.

“Yes. It would be a great help if you could do that.”

I had actually considered handing over the holy seal symbol, but thinking it would likely end up the same as the previous two, I only mentioned that I would visit someday.

“We will always welcome you, Apostle-sama, so please feel free to come by anytime.”

“Ah, yeah. That helps.”

Why does this feel like being told I’m the top pick at a cabaret club?

Enduring Cherina’s unnecessarily sharp gaze, I finally stepped outside and took a deep breath.

“Somehow, I feel oddly tired.”

“It’s good that nothing troublesome happened.”

“What do you take me for?”

“…A troublemaker… perhaps?”

“Can’t deny that.”

It’s not like I enjoy causing problems, you know!

I unconsciously pulled out a cigarette, took a deep drag, and felt a bit calmer.

Guess I’m just a nicotine addict.

Exhaling the purple smoke with a sigh, I felt like most of the world’s problems had been solved.

“Escaping reality has its perks. Well, let’s head back to the inn.”

“Let’s do that. The first day of activity was unbelievably packed.”

“Definitely a full plate.”

Chased around by a persistent guildmaster, visiting all three major churches, and meeting their highest authorities.

Way too many meetings.

“…And tomorrow, I’m meeting the king. Ugh, what a drag.”

“Most people would be thrilled…”

“If it weren’t for Cherina’s work, I wouldn’t even want to go. …Huh? Wait, is the meeting just for Cherina?”

“No, it’s for both you and me, Akira-sama. The Aegas Church was kind enough to arrange it.”

“Well, meeting alone would’ve been exhausting.”

For some reason, Cherina and Eutis smirked, while Faf let out a muffled laugh.

I don’t get it.

Before I knew it, it was evening, and the city of water and greenery built along the lake shone like gold, reminiscent of the country’s symbol, wheat.

The country of mountains and lakes, Lakeler… was it?

Indeed, a beautiful country.

In the twilight without electric lights, several trails of smoke rose into the night sky, perhaps preparing for dinner.

It was a scene that evoked a sense of nostalgia.

“…Not bad.”

“Indeed. It seems the abundance of food is directly linked to the country’s prosperity.”

“There were vast wheat fields on the way here too.”

“Yes. This country is already one of the continent’s leading granaries.”

“Guess that makes sense.”

If you think of it as a tourist spot, it’s a fantastic location.

“Kukuku… You’ve got three lovely ladies with you.”

“Don’t read my mind…”

Was it that obvious?

And including yourself in that count is impressive.

In a somewhat relaxed mood, we returned to the inn, where Aggai was waiting.

Oh boy.

“Well, well, who exactly are you? To be summoned by all three major churches… If you were a noble, I’d know about you. Ah, well. For now, have a seat.”

“I’ll pass.”

“Then over here… what?”

“I’ve said it many times, I’m not selling the carriage or doing business.”

“What? I’m the branch manager of the Alabant Guild in Lakeler, you know?”

“So I’ve heard.”

“Akira, aren’t you a merchant?”

“A traveling merchant… I guess.”

Lately, there’s been a lot of violence-related incidents, but I’d rather live modestly, doing business in some corner of the city.

Really, I just need enough to eat every day.

…That’s what I thought, at least.

I glanced at Cherina.

Her red hair, refined features, skin smoother than anyone from this era, and a figure that would make a gravure model jealous.

For the first time since becoming an adult, I might’ve felt desire.

…Yeah.

Maybe it’s okay to change my way of life a little.

“Ah, Aggai-san. I have some business in this city, and I plan to leave as soon as it’s done.”

“I see, so you have plans.”

“Yeah. I’ll be running around for a while for that business, but how about this? When I come back to this city, we can talk again then?”

I wasn’t dodging; I meant it.

That’s right. I wouldn’t pass up the chance to get close to the continent’s top guild.

If I were living alone, it might’ve been too big to handle.

Cherina looked at me, slightly surprised.

“Hmm. Can’t we at least discuss some business while you’re in town?”

“That carriage is necessary for travel, so it’s not up for discussion. As for other goods, I don’t have much on hand right now.”

“I see… Then there’s nothing to be done…”

“Yeah. I appreciate the offer. If I come across any good merchandise, I’ll make sure to visit the Alabant Guild.”

“I see… If that’s the case, I’ll have to give up. Hmm. Well, take this.”

He handed me a wooden tally.

“What’s this?”

“It’s insurance for when you visit the Alabant Guild’s main branch in Lakeler and I’m not there. Unfortunately, we often get uninvited guests who come by name. Consider it proof that you’re my guest.”

“I see. …Then take this too.”

I pulled out a holy seal symbol from my pocket via the container and handed it to him.

“A wooden carving?”

“It’s the mark of the god of commerce…”

This time, Cherina stared at me intently.

Faf also let out an amused, muffled laugh.

Eutis looked puzzled by their reactions.

I’ve been handing out holy seals left and right, but this was the first time I explicitly called it the mark of the god of commerce.

I usually just handed them out casually.

“Oh? A local god?”

“Something like that.”

“The god of commerce sounds auspicious. I’ll gratefully accept it. I hope we can meet again in the near future.”

“Yeah. See you.”

After shaking hands with Aggai, he left.

I see. He’s the type who’d rather bring people in than dismiss them.

“Akira-sama?”

“What is it, Cherina?”

“Nothing, it’s just… I thought you disliked treating the holy seal as a divine symbol.”

“Ah… Well, now that I know a bit about the three major gods, it’s different. Besides, for Cherina… or rather, for the Veliero, the Alabant Guild is a connection worth maintaining, right?”

“Y-yes. Absolutely. …For my sake?”

“Well… maybe.”

“I see…”

Ugh… Don’t give me that strangely alluring smile. You’re starting to remind me of my mother.

“Fuguu…”

A mysterious sound suddenly came from the entrance—it was the elf girl, Lalaila.

“Uuu… I know, but… I know, but…”

“Welcome back, Lalaila-san. Please don’t tease her too much.”

“Uuu… She’s so composed…”

Lately, I’ve been wanting to avoid hearing their conversations.

“Ah, so you’re done with your errands?”

“Yeah. I visited the graves and stopped by the university too.”

“That’s good.”

“Lalaila, pride of the elves.”

“Don’t exaggerate…”

She doesn’t seem entirely displeased, though.

“Gahahaha! This guy’s the merchant who serves up delicious food and booze!”

And now the noisy one’s back.

He brought along a bunch of dwarves and muscle-bound buddies.

“Hey, Akira! Booze! That delicious booze, and tonkatsu!”

“…They’re paying, right?”

“Gwahaha! We bet on it! If it’s the best food and booze we’ve ever had, it’s on them!”

“What happens if you lose?”

“Don’t worry! Just cook it up!”

“Alright, alright…”

I borrowed the inn’s kitchen and started frying up tonkatsu one after another.

Before I knew it, it turned into a tonkatsu party.

…Yeah.

I guess I’ve started to want more.

I found myself not wanting to let go of this lively atmosphere.