บท 92: [91] The Merchant’s Proposal and the Sealed Letter
Nanahoshi let out a deep sigh, allowing a faint sense of calm to seep into her after the relentless pressure she had been enduring. She looked at Raphael with a weary smile hidden behind her mask.
"Haah, I feel a little relieved after everything I've been through. At least... I've found a path I can try."
Raphael, lounging casually on a sofa with one leg crossed over the other, raised a slender eyebrow. "Don't get too comfortable yet. This path is long, full of challenges, and it's going to require resources. A lot of resources."
Nanahoshi stiffened immediately. "That's… true. I almost forgot about that."
Raphael smirked faintly, his tone light yet layered with meaning. "Fortunately for you, you're talking to a merchant. I have the resources, the networks, and the access to anything you might need. But—"
"Eh?" Nanahoshi tilted her head, sensing something off in Raphael's voice.
"—I am a merchant. And like all merchants, I require payment," Raphael continued, the small smile curling at the corner of his lips.
Nanahoshi froze, her eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded him with caution. "Payment? What do you want from me?"
Raphael waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, it's not something difficult. I simply need your skills as a negotiator. From what I've seen so far, you're quite adept at reading situations. I want you to assist one of my associates in Sharia."
"Sharia? The Sharia Magic Academy?" Nanahoshi asked, confused by the sudden request.
Raphael nodded. "Correct. One of my people there is dealing with… complications. I believe you can help them navigate the situation. In return, I'll ensure that all the resources you need are provided."
Nanahoshi remained silent for a few moments, weighing the request. Despite her reservations, she understood that Raphael held the keys to what might be crucial for her journey.
"I'm not sure what I can do, but… fine. I'll give it a try," Nanahoshi finally agreed.
Raphael's smile grew more satisfied. "That's the answer I was hoping for."
He stood and walked to his meticulously organized desk, picking up a feathered pen to begin writing on a sheet of parchment. Nanahoshi watched him with curiosity, trying to gauge his intentions through his calm, measured demeanor.
After finishing, Raphael carefully folded the letter and sealed it with red wax embossed with the emblem of his trading company, Costatine. He handed the letter to Nanahoshi.
"Deliver this to Aurelia Mala in Sharia," Raphael instructed. "She's one of my most capable associates, but the situation there calls for a softer touch. I trust you can manage it."
Nanahoshi accepted the letter with both hands, studying the elegant seal. "Aurelia Mala… who is she?"
Leaning back into the sofa, Raphael regarded Nanahoshi with a faint, knowing smile. "She's a talented mage and one of my brightest protégés. A sharp entrepreneur managing Costatine's primary branch in Sharia. But most importantly, she has a knack for making enemies wherever she goes with her... honesty."
Nanahoshi frowned slightly. "So, you want me to help her negotiate something?"
Raphael nodded. "Exactly. Aurelia is currently facing resistance from local merchants unhappy with Costatine's operations. I need someone who can speak with them without... escalating the situation."
Nanahoshi looked down at the letter again, then back up at Raphael. "Alright. I'll go to Sharia and help Aurelia. But I expect you to uphold your promise, Raphael-san."
Raphael's tone was calm yet firm as he responded, "Of course. You'll have everything you need, as long as you hold up your end."
Nanahoshi stood, carefully tucking the letter into the small pouch she carried. Though doubt lingered in her heart, she knew this was a step she had to take.
As she headed for the door, Raphael called out once more. "Oh, and Nanahoshi-san…"
She paused, glancing back at him with curiosity.
"Don't underestimate Aurelia. She's sharper than she appears. But if you earn her trust, she'll be an invaluable ally."
Nanahoshi nodded slightly, absorbing his words before finally exiting the room.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the quiet forest, its gentle breeze rustling the leaves and carrying the faint sounds of unseen wildlife. Inside a modest cabin on the forest's edge, Nanahoshi sat at a wooden table, gazing at the letter Raphael had entrusted to her. Her mind swirled with thoughts of their conversation, a vague unease gnawing at her.
Across from her, Orsted closed a thick tome with a muted thud. His piercing golden eyes fixed on Nanahoshi, though his expression, as always, was inscrutable.
"Well?" he asked, his deep voice carrying an air of authority.
Startled out of her thoughts, Nanahoshi looked up. "It went well," she finally replied, though uncertainty tinged her voice. "He's helpful, though there's something… strange about him. But I think he can provide what I need."
Orsted tilted his head slightly, his gaze narrowing. "Strange in what way?"
Biting her lip, Nanahoshi tried to find the words. "I'm not sure. He seems like someone who knows exactly what he's doing. But there's something about the way he talks, like he's hiding another side of himself."
Orsted listened silently, his steady gaze never leaving her. When she finished, he gave a slow nod. "People like that are often dangerous, but also useful. If he's offering assistance, take it. You don't have many other options, do you?"
Nanahoshi's grip tightened on the letter as she nodded. "You're right. Even if I don't fully trust him, I'm grateful to have a direction. It's better than wandering aimlessly."
The conversation lapsed into silence, broken only by the soft whispers of the wind outside the small window. Orsted eventually spoke again, his voice quieter, yet heavy with meaning.
"When we met Perugius, you seemed disappointed. You thought he'd have answers for you."
Nanahoshi bowed her head, her hands clutching the letter tightly. "Yes. I hoped he could help me, as a master of summoning magic. But the answer he gave… it was unsatisfying. He said, 'This isn't something ordinary magic can resolve. Even for me, dimensional travel isn't freely possible.' It shattered my hopes."
Orsted nodded slowly, his expression remaining calm. "Perugius has always been that way. He knows much, but his pride prevents him from offering more than what he deems sufficient. Still, what did you learn there?"
Nanahoshi gazed at Orsted, a faint glimmer of hope sparking in her eyes. "He couldn't help me directly, but he mentioned something… about the possibility of using other resources. People with greater knowledge, both in science and magic. That's why I've decided to go to Sharia."
Orsted remained silent, scrutinizing her words with his piercing gaze. After a long moment, he gave a slight nod. "Then this will be the last leg of your journey with me. Once you reach Sharia, you'll have to continue on your own."
Nanahoshi's expression flickered with a hint of guilt as she looked at him. "I understand. And I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. Without you, I might not have made it this far."
Orsted turned his eyes toward the window, his voice steady and subdued. "I was merely fulfilling my role. But be cautious. Sharia is a bustling place, and the people there are far more complicated than those you've encountered so far. If you're not prepared, they'll take advantage of you."
"I'll remember that," Nanahoshi replied firmly, determination lacing her tone.
Orsted shifted his gaze back to her, his golden eyes exuding authority. "You have a strong resolve. That's good. But don't let desperation cloud your judgment. The road ahead of you is still long."
Nanahoshi nodded, though the weight of his words pressed heavily on her chest. "Thank you, Orsted-san."
"Good luck," Orsted said simply, his voice curt yet sincere.
As night fell, Nanahoshi set about preparing for her departure to Sharia. Her heart was a mix of hope and trepidation. The letter from Raphael felt heavy in her hands, a physical reminder of the path she had chosen. Orsted's parting words lingered in her mind, a steady drumbeat of caution and encouragement.
For Orsted, this farewell was just one of many tasks yet to be completed in his long, unrelenting mission. But for Nanahoshi, it marked the start of a new chapter—one that could bring her closer to the answer she sought: a way back to Earth.
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