3-3
The Strange Book Says to Become a
Bodyguard
Translator : PolterGlast
“Carral, are the negotiations going smoothly?”
“Ah, Shinza! Yup, they finished in top form!”
I met up with Carral immediately after dealing with
those guys. There was no guarantee that those guys were the only assassins sent
after her, and staying separated any longer was too dangerous.
“You're certainly quick with your work, as always. Oh,
right—here, this is a souvenir for you..”
“From Shinza to me?! I’m so happy~ I wonder what it
is!”
“I think you’ll like it.”
“Eh, what is this... Oh, it’s just food...”
However, it seems I made a mistake in my choice of souvenir.
Does Carral dislike shellfish? She looked at the dried scallop cords I
offered with eyes full of heartfelt disappointment.
“Did you hate it?”
“Not really... it’s normal. You know, Shinza, you
really are a glutton, aren't you... Sigh.”
“Then what did you want? Something sweet?”
“Something other than food...”
“I see, you weren’t hungry.”
“That’s not it! I’m saying I want something like that!”
Following Carral's fingertip as she puffed out her
cheeks, I saw a tiny street stall. It was an engraver. Rings, necklaces, and
slightly elaborate bracelets were lined up on a cloth.
“I see. But that is...”
The price
tag gives it away. What looks like gold is polished brass; expose it to the sea
breeze, and its shine will eventually cloud over. That silvery glimmer is tin,
and those colorful gemstones are nothing but glass beads.
“I know that. But the value of a thing isn't just about the
price tag, right? Who gave it to you... things like that are actually way more
important, don't you think...?”
“Ah, that is true. Memories
and history can multiply the value of a treasure a hundredfold.”
“Exactly! Besides, if it were food, nothing would be left
once I ate it!”
“Certainly. Treating it as a memento of the
trouble we took to get to Naglfar... that isn't a bad idea.”
Living in a cramped room, I didn’t have that kind of
mindset. Besides, I believe that if you own too many things, your heart gets
tied down by the objects themselves, losing the freedom you should have. Just
like my uncle.
“Shinza, you’re strong and cool, but you’re a dense
blockhead.”
“My sister tells me that often.”
“Heh, so you have an older sister?”
“She got married and left, though.”
I knelt down in front of the stall with Carral. I was
getting the hang of it a little. If I recall correctly, in books from another
world, you don’t ask “Which one do you want?” in situations like this.
The heroine of that book said, "Anything is fine as long
as you give it to me." The narrative explained that this was a woman’s
heart. I didn't understand it when I read it back then, but now I feel like I
understand it somewhat.
“Give me this.”
“Thank you for your patronage. Here you go, Miss, from your
boyfriend.”
“Ehehe... boyfriend, oh stop it...♪ Thank you Shinza,
I’m happy!”
As expected of this kind of business, he was quick on the
uptake. When I paid, he handed the cheap brass ring not to me, but directly to Carral.
“Make sure you take it off when you're negotiating, though.
They'll definitely look down on you if you wear that.”
“Yup, got it, I’ll do that!”
Since she
was satisfied, we immediately stood up to leave the shop. I am a man who could
be assassinated at any moment. I do not want to harbor any material
desires—aside from collecting books.
“Wait for me, Shinza! Hehehe... Tadaa,
isn't it cute!”
“It’s sparkling and beautiful. Though it will cloud over
soon.”
“If that happens, I just have to polish it again! Rather,
there’s a charm in it getting cloudy!”
“So that’s how you see it. Carral, you seem to be a
much better merchant than I thought.”
“Ehehehe... I’m happy.”
Gnawing on the dried scallop Carral returned to me,
we headed toward the inn. Before I knew it, it was evening. Looking at the
harbor spreading out to the west of Naglfar, the sea and sky were
burning dazzlingly red.
“By the way Carral, why don’t we stay at a better inn
after all?”
“Eh, hmm... well that’s not bad either, but isn't it sudden?
Ah, w-wait, are you planning to take me to a weird inn...?!”
What is Carral talking about... Since you were almost
attacked, I just want to change the location of the inn as a precaution.
“No. I simply want to try staying at a slightly better inn.”
“Ah. If it’s about pursuers, you’re worrying too much! You already beat them up back then! More importantly, I’m hungryyy, give me that!”
“I thought you said you didn’t want it...”
“I changed my mind!”
Carral Hez,
what a peculiar woman. While deliciously sucking on scallop
frill, she kept looking up at the brass ring held up against the evening sky.
It seems those six were the entire group. No assassins from
the Hyamar Trading Company appeared on the return trip. After a smooth
day and a half journey, we arrived at the Imperial Capital Bergelmir.
I escorted Carral and the cargo to her shop, and also
helped return the donkey. The shop was safe. Since they intended to kill Carral
on the road, it seems there was no reason to go out of their way to destroy it.
“I returned the donkey.”
“Thanks Shinza! But sorry for everything...”
“I don’t mind. Now then, what happens after this? What
should I help with next?”
“Eh... EEEEEEEEEEEH?!”
Did she think we would part ways here? Carral was
quite surprised.
“It’s your shop, so you can do as you please, but you’re disturbing the neighbors.”
“B-But... Shinza, you don't have to go home?! What
about work!? Ah...”
“No need to worry about an unemployed prodigal son. If you
are willing, let me stay here as a bodyguard for a while.”
I’ll have to go report my safety to Jii and
Sister when the time is right. But the significance of me remaining here is
huge. I can protect Carral, and on top of that, I can find villains
worthy of condemnation. It’s all gain.
“Eeeeh, why would you go that far for me!?”
“Because our interests align.”
If you want to thank anyone, thank Evil Dragon Zirant.
I am only helping you for my own sake.
“Shinza... are you really sure you haven't fallen for
me?! You’re too reliable...!”
“Carral, I’m honored to hear you say that.”
Thus, I became a freeloader at the Hez Trading Company.
Living on the second floor of the shop, I protected the hope of DEX +50
while helping with the business.
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