Chapter 28— Offering

TLN: I was translating this chapter, and near the end of it, I started having doubts about if this novel was going to be good. After pondering about the ending a little, I decided that the element that was added in by Cancellera-san was needed. It is a way to develop Ars’ character. Please do not drop the series because of a little thing such as the element added. The next few chapters will have the thing that was at the end of this chapter affect the plot lighter than it seemed like it would in this chapter. You will understand what the “element” was after reading this chapter. Have an enjoyable read~ No credits belong to me. 

P.S.: The “element” isn’t really that big of a deal, so don’t worry a lot about it.

"This is the city where the aristocrats live."

　I am experiencing my first trip in this life.

　However, unlike the trips I had in my previous life, it wasn't that far.

　However, it took longer than I expected.

　This is natural because there is no means of transportation like cars and bullet trains.

　We had to board a cart pulled by a Familiar and followed a bumpy road.

　Even after a few days of travel, we didn’t make much progress.

　The village where I was born and raised was near a vast forest, and three days south of it, there was a town where aristocrats lived.

　There is an aristocratic house on a small hill that seems to be slightly raised, and the city is centered around it.

　The city is surrounded by brick walls.

　Apparently it's a walled city.

"It's quite crowded with people."

"Oh, look over there"

　I listen to the peddler’s voice and turn my head in the direction he is pointing towards.

　What I looked at was a part of the large wall.

　However, the wall seemed to be relatively new.

"You bought bricks from me saying that there is a special demand for bricks? That's why..."

　According to the peddler, a part of the wall surrounding the city is being renovated.

　It is said that the wall is partially demolished and a new wall is being built to expand the city’s boundaries.

　Some bricks seem to be reused, but the number of bricks was still overwhelmingly insufficient.

　Therefore, the reason for the special demand for bricks was that they were being purchased to make up for the shortage.

"With that in mind, is it likely that the special demand will continue for a while?"

"That's right. However, bricks can be made even in this area. After a while, bricks brought from afar will not be profitable."

　I see.

　Does that mean that it will be difficult to make a profit from bricks like before later?

　Then, I have to conclude the business talks with the aristocrats this time.

　I regained my spirit while looking at the walls.

　* * *

"I'm Raymond, the servant of the Fontana family. Thank you for coming here today."

　The next day from when we came to the city, we went to donate a Familiar to the aristocratic Fontana family. (TLN: Names are… not really sure. It was translated as Fontana. I could be wrong.)

　The place we came to reach our goal was near the center of the city.

　However, unlike my expectation, it was not a visit to the aristocratic house.

　We’re in a square in front of the stables, away from the aristocratic mansion.

　Well, if you think about it, it might be natural.

　Horse-shaped Familiars beasts are large.

　We couldn't have passed such a creature suddenly through the aristocratic mansion.

　Furthermore, we never met the head of the family.

　He doesn't have to bother to meet us as we are farmers and a merchant.

　It seems that Raymond-san, who is a subordinate of the head, will respond.

　It also happens to be that the peddler also wanted to make connections with the aristocrats, but not meet the aristocrats in person.

　When I glanced at Raymond-san’s profile, I was nervous, but the edge of his mouth was slightly raised.

"Hmm. As I've heard in advance, this familiar looks to be mountable."

"Yes, that's right. I think it's okay to wear armor and ride on it if you have a good physique. We really want the Fontana family to use this Familiar, and I'm grateful to these people for having raised it."

"Hmm. One is a child ..."

"Yes. In fact, it was this Ars who raised this Familiar. It is his father who is next to him."

"Well, if that's true, I think it would be best if you can continue to produce this race of Familiars for a long time."

"Yes. This Familiar’s race is called Valkyrie. I would love to get permission to produce and sell Valkyries."

　I heard Raymond and the peddler talking, while the peddler was kneeling on the ground.

　However, as I was listening to the conversation, I almost spoke out.

　Valkyrie is the name given to the first Familiar born, not the race name.

　However, the peddler introduced the name Valkyrie to Raymond-san as a name for the Familiars I raise.

　By the way, the real Valkyrie is still in the village.

　She's my buddy so I can't sell her.

　This time the ones that were brought to this city to present were three Valkyrie Juniors.

　Well, is this naming okay?

　It's a little confusing, but it's just a battle of confusion within me.

　It won't be too much of a problem.

　It was when I was listening and thinking so.

"Okay, this deal is alright. I'll issue a permit later. I'll tell the Fontana Family of what has happened."

"Oh, thank you."

"Yes. Please continue to work hard."

"Of course!"

"But this race called Valkyrie may not be usable in battle."

"What exactly does that mean?"

"The horns on their heads are in the way. I think this is a bad thing. Hey, is there anyone?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Cut off the horns of this Familiar."

"Understood!"

　No, wait a minute.

　What are you doing?!

　Do you intend to suddenly make the donated beast wounded?

　The two horns, which are the greatest feature of the Familiars I raised, are cut off while I am stunned so much that I can't speak.

　I had no choice but to keep silent throughout the procedure.