Akatsuki Translations

A week after the Consort’s Festival, on the last day of summer vacation, Vinder’s shop was busier than before the festival.

“Senpai, an order from the Plura Company has arrived,” Mia reported.

“This much all at once? How much French toast are they planning to sell?” I asked, surprised.

“You’re the one who took the order, so please be more responsible,” Mia chided. “Also, another sample from the Roston Company arrived. It’s the fourth one this week. What do you think this is?”

Mia opened the box with a skeptical look, as if she’d found a questionable figurine ordered by her brother. Inside was a lumpy black mass. A faint garlic-like scent reached my nose.

“Whoa, isn’t that a truffle? It’s an ultra-luxury ingredient,” I exclaimed.

“…The letter says it’s a mushroom. It’s written here that it’s animal feed,” Mia pointed out.

“Ah, right, for pigs… I’ve only eaten it once. I don’t remember how to use it,” I admitted.

I vaguely recalled it having some dubious effects, but was there any scientific basis for that?

“I’ve finished checking items 234 to 251 that just arrived,” Alfina reported.

“Got it, Fina. Next, let’s—” I began, but was interrupted.

Our summer-only part-timers were working hard today too. I had hoped to avoid today since it was X-day, but…

“It’s terrible, Vin-!” Riruka burst into the store, then stopped short. “…Oh, wrong shop. …Huh?! Alfina-sama?? Why are you dressed like that…”

“What’s wrong, Riruka?” I asked.

Riruka, who had rushed into the store, looked at us in bewilderment.

“Why are you all so calm? Is it normal for you to have a princess helping out in the store?! That’s a bit much, you know?!” Riruka exclaimed.

“No, this is a kind of social study,” I explained. “More importantly, what’s up? It’s the first time you’ve come here, Riruka.”

“I’m treated as the rare one… No, that’s not it. Carst has left the guild headquarters. Maria-senpai told me to inform you,” Riruka said.

“I see, right on schedule,” I nodded.

How thoughtful of them to send a final confirmation. Events were proceeding as planned.

“Well then, let’s move the jars for disposal to the entrance,” I suggested.

“How can you be so relaxed? They’re not just mobilizing guild staff, but even hired muscle!” Riruka warned.

They’re going that far? Well, fine. I put a lot of effort into adjusting the schedule, so I might as well make the most of it.

“After we finish moving them, Mia and Alfina-sama, please hide in the back. Riruka, what will you do? It might be better if you leave the store,” I advised.

“It’s fine, I’ll stay and watch with those two,” Riruka insisted.

Two carriages arrived on the road in front of the store. One was quite luxurious, meant for wealthy travelers, while the other was a large transport wagon with its contents hidden by a cover. The two carriages stopped in front of the store, forming an L-shape.

It seemed they were trying to hide what was about to happen from outside view.

I slowly stepped out in front of the store.

A man in luxurious clothing, with a cigar in his mouth, descended from the fancier carriage. Tobacco was already known here, though I hadn’t planned to introduce it if it wasn’t.

So he came in person. He was of average height but had a stocky build with broad shoulders. He looked more intimidating than the pot-bellied Drefano.

The guild officials who exited the same carriage as Theodore were smirking behind him. It seemed there were issues not just with the members, but with the guild organization itself. Not surprising, I suppose.

From the second carriage, men who were clearly not guild officials emerged and surrounded the store.

“What’s the meaning of this?” I asked.

“Copper merchant Wieländer. I am Guild Master Carst. You’re suspected of fraudulent business practices. Quietly submit to the guild’s—”

“Wait a minute,” I interrupted.

“What’s with that tone towards the Guild Master? Save your excuses for later,” one of the men barked.

“No, we’re Vinder. At least remember your enemy’s name correctly,” I retorted.

I remembered his name perfectly. Theodore Carst, father of the Carst siblings. Forty-five years old. The “Vice” Guild Master of the Food Guild, effectively number one with the Guild Master position vacant. Currently trying to regain ground against Kenwell after his son’s blunder at the Consort’s Festival.

Seeking to restore his tarnished prestige, he was looking for a target to bully. He was furious about the information that his rival, Kenwell, was recommending Vinder, the cause of his son’s disgrace, for silver rank.

Perfect.

“Fuwahahaha! A copper calling us the enemy? Just as my son said, you seem to have a strange mind. I told you this is an official inspection,” Theodore laughed.

“Is it okay to conduct an official inspection without prior notice? Our president isn’t here, so could we perhaps do this the day after tomorrow?” I asked, emphasizing ‘the day after tomorrow’. That was the day he thought Kenwell’s recommendation would be submitted.

“Silence. We won’t let you hide evidence. Men, force your way in,” Theodore ordered.

The men surrounding us pushed me aside at their boss’s command.

The sound of shattering pottery echoed. They must have kicked over the jars lined up at the entrance.

“Wait, those jars are our property,” I protested.

“Who cares? Regret your foolishness in defying Theodore-sama,” one man sneered.

I went back into the store and protested, but of course, the men paid no attention. Another jar was smashed on the floor, the loud noise audible even outside.

I’d make them compensate for new ones.

The men who forced their way into the store began ransacking the place, opening drawers and overturning boxes at random. Of course, all the important items had been moved to the back. Still, it was infuriating, but…

“What was that sound? Vinder, are you okay?” Riruka’s voice came from the back room.

“Ah, you idiot, don’t come out—” I started to say.

Riruka poked her head out from the back door. To make matters worse, Mia and Alfina were with her. One of the men, who had been staring blankly at the empty shelves, twisted his face when he saw the three of them.

“Heh, what’s with this store? All the employees are top-notch,” he leered.

“Hey, wait. You guys…” I stepped in front of my female classmates. I had no intention of offering something like “Would you like some lèse-majesté with that?“

“Ah, get out of the way, brat,” one of the men growled, grabbing me by the collar. I was terrified. Please hurry and come, I thought desperately.

As if my prayers were answered, the sound of multiple carriage wheels approached. The commotion outside grew. It seemed we had just made it in time.

“W-What’s with these carriages? Hey, we’re in the middle of something here,” one of Theodore’s men stammered.

“What business do you have at our store, Theodore-sama?” a new voice called out.

“Wieländer,” Theodore spat.

After confirming that Mia and the others had closed the door, I stepped outside. A man descended from a carriage so luxurious it made Theodore’s look like a mere cart.

He wore formal attire, though made from fabric just barely acceptable for his station. The stitching seemed cheap, with signs of wear after just a month. He was a slim man in his forties, looking out of place against the backdrop of a noble’s carriage.

It’s a shame, old man. Though I’m not one to talk, making do with a uniform.

“I return from investment negotiations to quite a commotion,” my father said to Theodore in a carefree voice.

“Wh-What investment negotiations? Your shop is finished. For the crime of fraudulent accounting. Just give up quie—… W-Why, why are you here, Your Grace?” Theodore’s words faltered as a lady stepped out of the carriage behind my father.

“Hmm? I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before,” the lady mused.

As expected of a great noble. She vaguely recognized someone of mere vice guild master rank.

“I-I am Theodore Carst, Your Grace, Duchess Berthold. What… what brings you here?” Theodore stammered.

“Hmm? It’s not strange for me to be here, as I’ve invested in this company,” the Duchess replied.

“Ha-haha, th-that’s impossible,” Theodore’s face looked as if the world had betrayed him.

“Now, it’s our turn to ask. What’s going on here? It seems my property is being damaged,” the Duchess said, eyeing the ransacked store interior and shattered jars at the entrance.

Don’t casually call it your property. The investment ratio hasn’t exceeded 50% yet. Though technically, even owning one share would make that statement true.

“N-No, this is some kind of mistake…” Theodore fumbled for words.

The guild officials quickly distanced themselves from Theodore.

“Ricardo, what did this man say?” the Duchess asked.

“Yes, he said he came as the vice guild master to conduct an ‘official’ inspection of our house, along with these guild officials,” I explained, pointing at Theodore and the trembling officials behind him. No way I’d let them off the hook. We had to deal with them all at once, precisely because they were protected by their positions as guild officials.

“Oh? Then show us the evidence,” the Duchess demanded.

“W-Well, that’s…”

“Did you not hear? I said show the grounds for inspecting my company. Right now. If it’s official, there should be guild documents. Show those too.”

Theodore’s shoulders trembled violently. If this were a story about a retired vice general meddling in domestic affairs, he’d be losing his temper right about now, but…

“I-I deeply apologize,” Theodore stammered.

The man’s head touched the ground. I didn’t know the concept of dogeza existed in this country too.

“Apprehend every single one of these individuals and hand them over to the guards,” the Duchess ordered.

The New Year’s Festival hinadan must seem very far away now, former Vice Guild Master.