Chapter 8 – Loan
MTL: uniquegasuki
Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)
「Haruto-san, please get up.」 (Lora)
Haruto awoken to the sound of Lora’s voice as her body weight was pressed against him. When he opened his eyes, Haruto saw that Lora was sitting on top of his stomach.
「What are you doing?」 (Haruto)
「Beautiful girl? That is something a mischief child does. Now hurry and get off me.」 (Haruto)
She jumps off Haruto’s stomach. As Haruto gets up, he notices there was a broom & dustpan nearby where the bucket & dust cloth was.
「Yes, please entrust the cleaning to me.」 (Lora)
「This is clean?」 (Haruto)
Lora sighs. Once more, she goes to squeeze out the dust cloth in the bucket.
「Roger!」 (Lora)
Lora gave a lively reply.
「Next you put in lye.」 (Haruto)
「I see, after the oil, lye is added…… it sure is strange.」 (Lora)
Outside the castle wall, Haruto is heating up a pot with oil and lye mixed in.
「Haruto-san, does everyone in your country make soap?」 (Lora)
「In other words, it would make a better quality soap……」 (Lora)
He puts firewood into the fire as to not let the flames extinguish. It gets rather hot when working around a fire for a long time.
「Haruto-san, here is some water.」 (Lora)
「Thanks. How thoughtful of you.」 (Haruto)
Haruto drinks from the flask that was handed to him. While he drinks from the flask, Haruto recalled that Lora had drank from it also. Finding the matter to be trivial, he wasn’t bothered by it.
As he waited for the soap to be completed, Haruto chats with Lora.
「The last step is to add salt.」 (Haruto)
「Haruto-san, is it alright if I ask a question?」 (Lora)
Haruto replied. Although he doesn’t know the fine details, since it is his hobby, Haruto has a rough understanding of the topic.
「Why add salt? Is it for seasoning or something?」 (Lora)
「That isn’t it!! This isn’t cooking! Simply put, making the water salty will cause the soap to separate. That is why the soap floats to the top.」 (Haruto)
「I somewhat get it and I somewhat don’t……」 (Lora)
「Which is it! Whatever. It is fine even if you don’t understand.」 (Haruto)
Afterward, the separated soap is collected into 5 bottles and 10 bars. The 10 are left to dry into solid bars of soap. As the area around here is similar to Japan’s dry season, it will take about 3 weeks for the soap to fully dry.
When the work ended, Haruto looked up towards the sky. The sun was shining brightly above him.
Lora got close to Haruto and handed him a sandwich that was made by Marceau.
「At any rate, even though we spent all that time working, there is only this much…… as expected, to run thw business we are going to need a bigger pot and more helpers.」 (Haruto)
「How much do you think the soap should be sold for?」 (Haruto)
「Considering the price of bubble-berry, we should market the soap at an affordable price of around 500.」 (Lora)
「Well, shall we return to the inn.」 (Lora)
As she said this, Lora stood up.
「Haruto-san please wait here. I will put the soap in our room.」 (Lora)
「I promised to sell a bottle to Hannah-san. I must express my gratitude to her.」 (Haruto)
「Haruto-san, it seems you know your way around. I get it.」 (Lora)
Having separated from Lora, Haruto goes to search for Hannah. Maria and Hannah were out back doing laundry.
When Haruto handed over the soap, Hannah made a delighted expression.
「I plan to market the soap for 500 Doraria, but this time around, I would like you to accept this as a gift to show my gratitude.」 (Haruto)
「Well, thank you. Do take care now.」 (Hannah)
Haruto smiled as Hannah expressed her gratitude.
「Lora, why are you carrying soap with you?」 (Lora)
「I thought that by bringing this to show them, it would be easier to get a loan.」 (Lora)
Says Lora. Haruto consented and they begin to get moving.
After walking for a short while, he doesn’t recall having asked from where they are getting a loan.
Lora made a mischief smile upon hearing Haruto’s question.
He doesn’t recall having met any moneylender. While being puzzled over the matter, they arrive in front of the slave trading company building.
「Hey, Lora. You don’t mean to borrow money from……」 (Haruto)
Certainly, that person does have the eyes of a debt collector. However, Wujek is a person who manages a slave trading company. Although, it is true that the slave trade company is run by the government. In other words, Wujek is a civil servant. It is not certain that he will lend them money. Haruto listens to what Lora has to say.
「Haruto-san, are you aware of how this county’s system is run; you see, the input of influential merchants weighs heavily on politic’s in Clarice. That is why public services in Clarice are run by merchants and shopkeepers. Wujek・Malthus is among the top 5 wealthiest merchants in Clarice. This is only natural as he manages a slave trading business.」 (Lora)
It seems that it isn’t strange for a slave trading company to also deal with loans and debt collection. But still, corruption and politics seem to walk side-by-side.
Somewhat consenting to it, Haruto enters the slave trading company building with Lora. They look around but Wujek is nowhere in sight. Haruto goes over to the clerk and requests to speak with Wujek.
「Ah, Haruto-san. Can you do the negotiations? I am not good at these kinds of things.」 (Lora)
Haruto thought it was strange that a merchant’s daughter was bad at negotiation’s; however, in truth, Haruto’s blessing is better suited from such things.
A short while later, Wujek emerged from the interior.
「What, I thought it might be someone, but it just you? So, what is it you need from me?」 (Wujek)
「I would like you to lend me some money. This person will be the collateral.」 (Haruto)
「Well, you plan to use this person as your collateral at your own convenience…… will there be any prospect of repayment?」(Wujek: What is this person saying; why use the slave he went to great trouble to help as collateral on a loan? Whatever, I will make a profit anyways.)
Wujek doesn’t seem to have a problem with the idea but he does find Haruto’s behavior to be unusual.
「There is a means to repay the loan. Lora, can you hand that to him.」 (Haruto)
「This is called soap. It has a similar effect to bubble-berry. I made this. It cost about 300 to create.」 (Haruto)
When Haruto said this, Wujek showed a surprised expression for a brief moment but his expression quickly returned back to his poker-face.
「Ah, consider that my present to you.」 (Haruto)
Upon hearing Haruto’s reply, Wujek disappears inside the interior of the building. A short while later, Wujek returns with a grin on his face.
「I see. Although it is not bubble-berry, the quality is quite high. Is this really 300?」 (Wujek: What in the world is this thing? I have never heard of this before.)
「She and I made this together. It cost about 300 to make 1 bottle. The money I borrow from you will be used to prepare a facility to cheaply mass produce the soap. So how about it, will you lend me the money?」 (Haruto)
Haruto was direct with his question. Wujek’s eyes lit up as when he heard Haruto say this.
「Ah, I see. You don’t seem to be lying. Alright, I will finance you the money. How about…… 5 million, will that be enough?」 (I don’t mind lending you 7 or even 10 million.)
Next, Haruto and Lora were the ones who were surprised. Lora at best thought they would get at least 2.5 million; however, they got double what she has anticipated.
「Hey, are you sane? I’ll say it again, Lora will be the collateral.」 (Haruto)
「Haha, of course I’m sane. With what you are planning to sell, the debt can be paid back. Oh yeah, I could lend you some land. You will have to build a factory, right. Ah! In exchange, you could use yourself as collateral. How about it?」 (Wujek: This guy seems to have merit. At worst, information can always be extracted from a slave.)
This person seems to be sinister to the core.
「Why are you so willing to finance me the loan? What are your intentions?」 (Haruto)
Haruto directly asks this of Wujek. Even if the person doesn’t speak, Haruto’s blessing will provide an answer.
「Simple. It is in the interest of the nation of Clarice. Recently, there has been excessive amounts of goods being imported from the east and as a result, too much money is leaving the City-State Union and Clarice. With the soap you are planning on selling, the amount of money leaving the country would decrease. That is why I am willing to finance your business. As such, my backing you will strengthen my position in Clarice.」 (Wujek: furthermore, this person’s business will eventually be successful. The more this he borrows, the better, whether is be 2.5 million or 5 million.)
Either way, it doesn’t seem to be a trick. Anyhow, Wujek seems to have a high opinion of him.
Behind him, Lora pulls on Haruto’s sleeve. She whispers something into his ear.
「It is alright, I don’t smell anything bad. I believe it is alright to receive money from here.」 (Lora)
Lora’s profit (money) sensing blessing doesn’t detect anything wrong. It seems alright to brazenly accept Wujek’s offer. At any rate, it won’t make a difference as to whether Haruto borrows 2.5 million or 5 million.
「Understood. I will accept your offer.」 (Haruto)
「I thought you would say that. This here will be the loan contract. I recommend you look over it carefully.」 (Wujek)
Haruto carefully reads over the contract before letting Lora read over it.
Wujek showed a strained smile. It is quite pitiful that they still doubt him.
Haruto signs the loan contract. Wujek safely places the signed paper inside his cloth, close to his bosom.
「I didn’t think you would be this generous. Likewise, take care.」 (Haruto)
Haruto shakes hands with Wujek. This was the time that the two became business associates.
「Hey, how are you holding up?」 (Lora)
「Well, it isn’t like you did anything.」 (Haruto)
「Umm, are you not the person who is trying to sell me off, you must have been nervous or stressed.」 (Lora)
Certainly, if she puts it that way, it would seem so. Haruto had bought Lora yesterday. Because of how hectic these past few days have been, Haruto’s perception of reality had become unusual.
「That reminds me, do you know the location of the bathhouses in this country?」 (Haruto)
Without interest, Lora replied to Haruto’s question.
「Everday? The people who live in Clarice (and other City-States, as well as the kingdom to the south), only rich people can bath every day. Haruto-san, your country is amazing. 」 (Lora)
Lora looks up at Haruto as she said this. Haruto nods.
「Okay. For now, let us put away the loan contract. I’m am concerned so, can we purchase a safe? I know just the right shop to get one from.」 (Lora)
She is right, they will need a place to store their future valuables. Haruto gives his approval and they buy a small yet sturdy safe.
「Come on, we have purchased the safe, let’s hurry to a bathhouse.」 (Haruto)
Haruto urges Lora to get going. They return to the inn to get a towel and change of clothes before going to the bath house.
The bathhouse was quite spacious. Perhaps he was early as Haruto was the only guest present. It costed Haruto 10,000 Doraria to use the bath.
Lora informed Haruto about this world’s bath etiquette. It wasn’t much different from the Japanese bath etiquette. Basically, they are not allowed to bring in their own items, and they must purchase 1 bubble-berry.
Haruto whisks the bubble-berry and rubs it on his body.
「Haruto-san, shall I wash your back for you?」 (Lora)
He turns his head and sees Lora standing there in the nude. As soon as he saw her naked body, Haruto’s face turned red.
「What do you mean? This is a mixed bath. Did I forget to mention it?」 (Lora)
Of corse, she never told him. Lora had set Haruto up.
With a broad grin on her face, Lora approached Haruto. Seeing his perplexed expression, Lora wanted to tease him more.
「Besides, it is a slave’s duty to wash their owner’s body. Hey, give me your towel.」 (Lora)
「Does it feel good?」 (Lora)
By chance, Lora’s remark startled Haruto. He was reminded of the fact that Lora is female.
「Haha, thanks. I can wash the rest myself.」 (Haruto)
Upon him saying so, Lora obediently returns his towel. As expected, she wasn’t going to go that far.
Having finished washing their body, Haruto and Lora go to soak in the bathtub. Although Haruto tries to put some distance between himself and Lora, Lora immediately closed the space between them.
「Hey now, if you keep this up, I really will attack.」 (Haruto)
「Oh no, I’ll be assaulted……」 (Lora)
Lora’s face became bright red and she falls silent. As Haruto has learned, being on the offensive is better than running away.
「At any rate, I have borrowed money. A large amount at that. It will be terrible if I can’t pay it back.」 (Haruto)
「Yep. But it will be alright. You will surely be able to return it.」 (Lora)
The topic changed. Although her face was still red, she gave a response to Haruto.
「Your face is beet red. Perhaps, you should get up?」 (Haruto)
「N-no, it isn’t that.」 (Lora)
「I’m mistaken? So, you’re not feeling faint because of the bath?」 (Haruto)
As they bathe in the tub, Haruto continues to tease Lora.
Income: 5 Million
Expense: 20,000 (purchase of safebox)
Debt: 5 Million
Total Remaining Balance: 5.79 Million
(Actual) Assets: 790,000