Akatsuki Translations

If asked, “How many seasons are there?” Some would answer, “Two,” distinguishing merely between the dry and rainy seasons, particularly applicable in the western prairies where this division sufficed. Others might say, “Four,” adhering to the conventional spring, summer, autumn, and winter, utilized by numerous countries. Interestingly, in peculiar locales, the answer might even be “53,” a division employed by a certain religious nation, whose details were known only to its priests.

Merchant Decoco recognized six seasons: early spring rain, pre-summer rain, summer evening showers, prolonged autumn rain, winter snow, and the time of the New Year festival. For a merchant, rain and snow were adversaries, and in his attempt to evade them while meticulously observing the calendar, this categorization naturally took form.

At some point, he desired a life where he could relish the rain. A life where he owned his shop, worked industriously every day, and could afford to appreciate the leisure brought by rainy days. Though a dream, it seemed an attainable life might be just around the corner, he pondered while perched on the driver’s seat of his wagon.

“Good afternoon, Decoco-san,” greeted a man, diligently working the fields, who promptly recognized the merchant.

“Hello there. Bean harvesting, I see. You’re quite spirited.” -Decoco

To the rural farmers, whose days blended seamlessly into one another, the arrival of a merchant was a notable event. They often remembered these travelers who, from time to time, engaged in trade with them and occasionally offered help, expecting politeness in return. The man, yanking beanstalks from their roots and gathering them in the village barn to dry over the winter, seized the opportunity to converse with the merchant and take a brief respite.

“It’s no easy feat with my aging back. What brings you this time?” -Farmer

“Nails and barley. I heard they’re needed around here.” -Decoco

“Ah, well appreciated, then.” -Farmer

“I must be going; the Lord has summoned me.” -Decoco

In Decoco’s wagon lay sacks of wheat and boxes of nails, procured from the city of Retes and transported over ten arduous days. While nails could be profitable, barley, on the other hand, scarcely compensated for the labor involved in its transport. Almost every territory produced it, and its price fluctuated significantly. During this season, there was typically more demand for winter wheat seeds due to sudden shortages of planting grains.

But Decoco had one reason to bear the barley: an order from the local lord, Morteln.

Decoco, while driving the carriage toward the lord’s mansion, looked around with deep emotion.

Since the early days of the settlement of the Morteln Knight’s territory, he had been a peddler. He had literally witnessed all of its development.

Having become a full-fledged merchant, and recently, not having to hustle quite as much, he often found himself reminiscing about the past.

Back when he was still young and just starting out. Without a horse, using only his body, he headed to remote areas that other merchants hesitated to visit, carrying a basket, and earned his daily wage by transporting anything—salt, barley, potatoes, cloth, and so forth. It was around that time that he heard the Morteln territory had been bestowed upon the new nobility of the Divine Kingdom.

He was lucky, forming a connection with a rather wealthy lord for a remote territory, and it was a funny story when he later found out that this lord was a hero of a great war.

Because they knew each other’s struggles from those days, he still received calls like this.

If he could strengthen this connection, and if the Morteln territory would grow, he might be able to establish the shop he’s always dreamed of.

There are dreams for the future here. There is hope.

Not just for him, but every single farmer believes that tomorrow will be a better day than today.

Indeed, Decoco nodded to himself, thinking that there must be a reason why he is called a great lord.

The lord’s mansion seemed to have been somewhat renovated since he last came.

The gate had become magnificent, and at some point, more wells had been added.

Next to one of the wells, he spotted a familiar face and called out.

“Sheets-san, it’s been a while.” -Decoco

“Hm? Ah, Master Decoco, is it? Thank you for coming.” -Sheets

Decoco, who lightly raised his hand in greeting, received a reply from Sheets, who had been drawing water.

“I’ve brought what you requested. Nails and barley. I chose quite the top-quality goods.” -Decoco

“That’s appreciated. Well, let’s see the goods first.” -Sheets

The back of the carriage, a cart-type without even a roof.

Removing the cloth that was covering it to protect against rain and dew, they began to inspect the cargo.

For a traveling merchant, the inspection of cargo was a serious battle.

Mishandling, nitpicking, or even the sly tricks of others were all in a day’s work.

The worst instance of being deceived happened to Decoco in his early days. While his attention was diverted, his cargo was switched, leading to a substantial loss.

“Good, right? It should be mostly as ordered.” -Sheets

“Is that so? That’s a relief. I’m glad.” -Decoco

“Haha. Well then, shall we talk inside? Hey, move this cargo to the back, will you?” -Sheets

As Sheets called out, a couple of children appeared. They seemed mischievous, but given how they carried heavy bundles of nails and sacks of wheat, it was clear they were considerably trained.

When Decoco entered the mansion, the inside had changed quite a bit since his last visit.

The most notable difference was the addition of a sofa in the office. As he sat, he recognized its high quality, slightly adjusting his posture as he prepared for the discussion ahead.

“Ah, ever since I’ve been under your care, things have been quite well. But over the past few years, I’m delighted to see your territory becoming more prosperous each time I visit.” -Decoco

“To think you’ve started flattering, I must be getting old.” -Sheets

Now an adult, Sheets, who had known Decoco since his apprentice days, was unreserved when out of the public eye.

“No, no, it’s from the heart. So, is today’s main topic buying or selling?” -Decoco

“You’re as straightforward as ever. Can’t you start with a bit of small talk? Well, it’s both. There’s something else to buy apart from the cargo just now. Selling can come later.” -Sheets

“I do dress it up when talking elsewhere. But with you, Sheets-san, there’s no need, right? Speaking of the cargo just now, it’s nails and wheat, isn’t it? The wheat can go at market price, but the nails are a bit pricier this time around.” -Decoco

“I know. Recently, with things being perilous, there’s a demand for iron for weapon and armor repairs. I’ve heard the market is up. Considering that, how about sixty large bags of wheat for ten Bov silver coins, and two thousand long nails plus three thousand short ones for ten Prau gold coins? Altogether, twenty Retes gold coins, what do you say?” -Sheets

Sheets grinned slyly.

Interactions with merchants required familiarity. While goods had their market prices, there was always some room for negotiation. Both parties would seek a compromise, pitting their selling and buying materials against each other until a price was agreed upon.

The bargaining and haggling were all about how much each could nullify the other’s selling and buying materials.

“Really, that’s pressing too hard. Barley’s prices rise after being stored for the winter, and the nails are top-quality, scarcely procured. Twelve Prau gold coins, twelve crowns, would be fair.” -Decoco

“Come now. We’ve a history, surely ten Prau coins and a quarter will do.” -Sheets

“We’ve always squared things evenly, haven’t we? Eleven crowns it is.” -Decoco

“Ugh. You were once quite charming. Fine, have it your way.” -Sheets

“As expected, Sheets-san. Will you be paying in cash?” -Decoco

Under ordinary circumstances, first-time trading partners would clash more over the materials for sale. However, when transactions have been repeated time and time again, both parties understand each other’s moves thoroughly, compensating dozens of moves from the start, making the conversation quick.

“Yes, what would you like for the payment? Twenty-three Retes gold coins if you say it’s fine, or the quoted price if it’s all in Prau gold coins.” -Sheets

“My dealings are mostly in Retes, so twenty-three Retes gold coins would be appreciated.” -Decoco

“Then here you go.” -Sheets

“You’re a craft one. Already prepared to pay at that rate.” -Decoco

“Ha ha ha, if you were a bit younger, my drink money would have come from this.” -Sheets

Smiles spilled between them, born from familiarity. Decoco also felt relief that the first transaction had been settled smoothly, ensuring they wouldn’t be running at a loss for now. However, contentment from merely earning a bit of pocket money by running errands was for apprentices. In a situation where there seemed to be a chance for more lucrative deals, the real business negotiations would begin here.

“So, what’s this other purchase you speak of?” -Decoco

“Timber and stone. And also bricks and plaster. I need a large quantity for rebuilding a house, and I’d like you to arrange it.”  -Sheets

“That’s quite a large order, isn’t it?” -Decoco

For a moment, Decoco’s face seemed to tighten. The request was overwhelmingly large.

In the realm of architecture, the materials of wood and stone demanded a particular expertise.

To discern their quality, a knowledge of construction was imperative, and given that these materials were invariably large and heavy, a single-horse cart like the one currently possessed by Decoco was insufficient.

It was an improbable request to make of a mere peddler. Yet, therein lay the potential for a substantial deal. To let this opportunity slip away would be a failure as a merchant.

Somehow, he had to conceal his own inadequacies, all while finding a way to minimize the burden and secure as much profit as possible.

“How much is ‘a large quantity’?”  -Decoco

“Well, about enough to build fifteen or sixteen houses, I’d say. No, let’s aim higher – I’d like you to procure enough for twenty.” -Sheets

“That is…” -Decoco

Even for a single house, it was a business that would overwhelm a traveling merchant. Just the bricks alone would necessitate numerous cart trips back and forth.

Decoco was about to admit it was too much to handle when he remembered that the man before him was a skilled negotiator.

This man, who was undoubtedly well aware that he was but a humble peddler, wouldn’t propose something utterly impossible. He was imposing this seemingly unreasonable demand with full knowledge of Decoco’s capabilities.

With that realization, an idea sparked in Decoco’s mind.

While the conditions seemed impossible for a minor lord of the frontier, he could think of no alternative. With resolve, Decoco spoke.

“Then, there is one condition. I would like the entire amount to be paid upfront.” -Decoco

An unthinkable request, most would believe.

In large transactions, the substantial sum involved inevitably invites trouble. Every merchant encounters issues at least once: arranged goods not being delivered, or being swindled out of money. When trouble arises involving large amounts, bankruptcy can ensue, unable to compensate for the losses.

This is a risk that can occur to both seller and buyer. Therefore, it is common sense in large transactions for both parties to share the risk by conducting the transaction in halves.

Half now, meaning receiving half of the money upfront, and the rest after the goods have been safely delivered.

This way, both the seller and buyer can mitigate risks such as the seller having orders canceled and losing arranged goods, or conversely, the buyer not receiving the expected goods and facing losses.

This time, Decoco’s request is extraordinary.

It’s tantamount to saying, “Trust me 100%,” and any normal merchant would settle things in halves to avoid the slightest risk and loss of trust.

For large transactions that cannot be arranged with half the payment, one should find a patron investor, divide it into smaller parts and distribute it among peers in the industry, or simply give up cleanly. “Never cover such a deal with your own capital,” is common knowledge learned from the earliest days of peddling.

But Decoco believed in his intuition and experience.

“Well said. I was waiting for you to say that.” -Sheets

And those words were precisely what Sheets wanted to hear most.

A leather bag, thudded down from seemingly nowhere.

At a rough estimate, there are three to four hundred coins. If all are gold coins, it’s a fortune with which one could live lavishly for a lifetime.

Considering the cost of materials for twenty houses, transportation, and labor, this amount is certainly necessary, but he hadn’t expected it to actually be produced in one lump sum.

The person who said it was the most surprised.

“How… How did you manage to earn so much? Tax collection from the citizens is still a way off, isn’t it? Was there a war somewhere?” -Decoco

“No, the boss and his boy have been flying around various social circles and noble territories, earning and saving this amount by working for about half a month.” -Sheets

It seems that when people pass through surprise, they arrive at disbelief.

Decoco, with over a decade of experience as a merchant, found earning this much in about half a month impossible even for himself.

Even within the large trading companies under the banner of the grand nobility, specializing in substantial trade, such a transaction was perhaps a once-a-year occurrence. While deals involving the exchange of four hundred gold coins in face value were one thing, a business where the pure profit amounted to that much was another, a proposition dizzying enough to make the head of an itinerant merchant spin.

Accepting several leather bags and verifying their contents, they were indeed all gold coins – and not just any, but authentic Prau gold coins. A single coin was enough to modestly sustain an average household for two years.

It was no wonder that the merchant’s hands perspired, even in winter.

“I entrust you with managing this gold. Arrange for materials and craftsmen to build twenty houses, as per the order I gave you earlier. I will provide some labor from among the subjects, so use them to build the houses. I’ll cover the wages for the subjects. I won’t demand the best, but I will not tolerate any shoddiness. As for the intermediary fee, you may keep whatever remains from this gold. Conversely, I will not provide more should you exceed this amount. The fine details, such as the location of the buildings, will be decided upon with the boss later.” -Sheets

“Ah… Is it alright for me to handle this?” -Decoco

The sound of a gulp, a swallow of nervous saliva, was audible.

Decoco, the traveling merchant, could not hide his tension, sensing the biggest deal of his lifetime approaching. There was fear. Anxiety over whether he could handle it all. Yet, overshadowing that was the expectation that if this went well, a considerable profit could be made.

“Of course. I have known you since your younger days and trust you. I confirmed your skills today. I have decided because I believe you can do it.” -Sheets

“Let’s do it.” -Decoco

“Well done, Decoco.” -Sheets

Both rose to their feet, exchanging handshakes – a greeting to seal the negotiation. Sheets noticed that the hand of the merchant was considerably sweaty when they shook hands, but with a concealed wry smile, he figured it couldn’t be helped.

However, it would be troublesome if he thought it ended here.

“Now, about the selling part.” -Sheets

“Eh? Oh, right.” -Decoco

The merchant’s flustered voice.

The deal this time involved both buying and selling. He should have mentioned that at the beginning, but it seemed that the enormity of the transaction had utterly overwhelmed him.

Such moments were adapted to only through accumulating experience and expanding one’s own capacity.

Decoco constantly reflected that he still lacked enough experience.

“The selling part is also huge.” -Sheets

“I won’t be surprised anymore. I was shocked enough by the buying part.” -Decoco

“Well, it’s not as much as before, so you’ll be alright.” -Sheets

“So, what will you be selling?” -Decoco

Once again, Decoco resettled himself on the sofa.

He had just openly displayed his inexperience. He could not afford to expose any more of his disgrace.

He steeled himself with a spirit of readiness for anything, yet it seemed to be somewhat of a swing and a miss.

“What we want to sell…actually isn’t here yet.” -Sheets

“I’m sorry?”  -Decoco

“Like I said, it isn’t here yet.” -Sheets

“I’m not sure I understand, but when can you have it ready?” -Decoco

“That depends on you, my friend.” -Sheets

“Ehhh…Ahhh, I see what you mean…” -Decoco

It was only then that Decoco realized what Sheets was trying to sell.

“What we want to sell is a house that you’ll build. Specifically, we’re offering to lease a house and field. The proposition is whether you’d like to purchase those rights.” -Sheets

“Are you trying to recruit new villagers?” -Decoco

“In essence, yes. We’re thinking of recruiting at least five new families out of twenty. The boss thinks it’s a good opportunity to increase our population.” -Sheets

The traveling merchant, Decoco, tried to discern the intentions of the lord through his representative and chief retainer, Sheets. What could he mean by “a good opportunity”? In this context, “good” could only mean one thing.

“Is there a particular reason for recruiting villagers? Ah, there is, isn’t there?” -Decoco

“You’re perceptive. Do you know that this area was attacked by bandits recently?” -Sheets

“Of course.” -Decoco

A merchant must always have his ear to the ground. No matter how cheaply one acquires goods, or how valuable the cargo, it all means nothing if it’s stolen by bandits in a midnight raid. Keeping an ear out for even the smallest rumor about bandits is common sense for a merchant.

“Do you also know that the neighboring Barony of Salgrade and even the further Barony of Boulebach were attacked by bandits?” -Sheets

“Yes.” -Decoco

“There are several villages that were cruelly decimated. Some people were apparently sheltered in the capital, but with limited resources, they can’t be supported indefinitely. We assume those households without men will be released, which will be quite pitiful.” -Sheets

“I see. So, you want me to mediate this?” -Decoco

In the Southern Continent, including the Divine Kingdom, many countries are monarchies. Therefore, generally, villagers are considered the property of the lord and are tied to the land. To increase the population in a territory without natural growth, one could buy slaves, harbor refugees from wars, or negotiate with the respective lord to take in migrants.

The quickest resolution for lords is usually through monetary negotiation.

“The lords are not so cruel as to throw them out with nothing, but they’re also not so generous as to feed them indefinitely for free. Meanwhile, fields that have been scorched and soaked with blood won’t recover quickly. Therefore, telling the unsustainable villagers ‘Go wherever. I don’t care anymore’ is only a matter of time. Those who are expelled might perish in the slums of Retesvale or Bovaldia, or get killed working as bandits…” -Sheets

“So, if I approach them offering high-paying jobs with a house and field included, they will gather willingly. You get the labor force, and the territory becomes more prosperous.” -Decoco

“You get your commission, and there’s a reduction in refugees. It’s a win-win, isn’t it?” -Sheets

On the surface, it was beautiful.

Seeing the villagers from the neighboring territory, struggling after the bandit attacks and likely to become migrants, and extending a helping hand by providing a means of livelihood and a place to live, all for a small fee. If they could just manage their immediate living conditions, they could live stably thereafter. Oh, how beautiful.

In a realm where pragmatism was revered, nothing seemed particularly peculiar.

Bandits ransacked the neighboring lands. Seizing the opportunity, the lord welcomed the displaced peasants, securing labor to enhance the productivity of his own domain.

Both the farmers, left jobless by their scorched fields, and the House of Morteln found benefit in a win-win relationship, sweetened further by the intermediation of a traveling merchant.

However, a hidden intent lurked beneath.

Sheets did not vocalize it, but there was merit in allowing them to sell what they crafted themselves.

No merchant desires to be saddled with inferior goods in their stock. The products they sell should be of the highest possible quality. Therefore, having them create their own products to sell was strategic. After all, no one would even remotely desire to create subpar goods.

With the assurance that a respectable house would be built even without supervision, it became a considerably lucrative deal for the Morteln territory. Paying over four hundred gold coins was a tactic to ensure that quality items would be “voluntarily” prepared.

“So, I’m counting on you for the rest.” -Sheets

“Yes, leave it to me.” -Decoco

How young you still are.

 Concealing this lingering thought, Sheets exchanged a handshake with Decoco.