Akatsuki Translations

With the City of Greed’s Island-eating turtle chief among them, there existed means of transportation between cities beyond the human survival zone.

Various methods were utilized, but they’re generally unified under the term 【Mobile Fortress. 】

Safe inter-city transportation methods that are free from monster attacks are rare. For an individual to possess such a method, a large amount of funds is required. Moreover, one needs the luck to come across opportunities to acquire them. Many who don’t have such means often find themselves living in fear of monsters lurking in the shadows.

Hence, there was a rush to board mobile fortresses like the island-eating turtle, especially those managed by large, city or nation-approved guilds, capable of transporting many humans.

“So, we can’t board it then?” -Shizuku

“Well, it’s less about our passenger limit and more because of Diz. Unforgivable.” -Ur

“Diz-sama sure is unpopular, huh?” -Shizuku

Having completed their travel preparations, Ur and Shizuku gathered in front of the gates of the City of Sin, Greed.

Today marks a month since their arrival in Greed, as well as the day of their departure.

They shouldered the necessary travel gear, wore protective armor, and kept their weapons within easy reach. This wasn’t just a travel outfit; it was akin to gearing up for diving into a dungeon. They were about to venture outside of humanity’s safe zones, into areas where monsters might appear at any moment. They had to be even more alert than in a dungeon.

“Well, at least we can load our stuff onto Diz’s carriage. It’s not as spacious as the island-eating turtle, but it’ll do.” -Ur

“Where is she anyway?” -Shizuku

“Hmm, we were supposed to meet here…” -Ur

At the boarding area for the island-eating turtle, a massive “bridge” was set up in the plaza for boarding the gigantic creature. Prospective boarders gathered, including a neatly dressed child smiling and surrounded by parents. It hardly looked like they were about to venture into the hellish lands outside the city, attesting to the safety of the island-eating turtle.

Walking past them, Ur and Shizuku spotted a familiar gold and a scarlet fairy.

They seemed to have noticed them too and waved.

“Ah, Ur and Shizuku. Hey there! How’ve you been?” -Diz

《Nii-tan! 》-Akane

“Hey, the detestable one and my cute little sister… and who’s this?” -Ur

Standing next to Diz was an unfamiliar beast person, possibly a new entrant for the island-eating turtle, judging from the dress. Although standing in front of Diz, the expression was far from friendly, glaring at Diz with what seemed like murderous intent.

Certainly not a friend, then. But who? Noticing Ur’s confusion, Diz laughed.

“She’s the one I took the family treasure from and is now denying me a ride on the island-eating turtle. Ran into her just now.” -Diz

“I shouldn’t have asked.” -Ur

It was a tense situation.

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“Just so you know,” began the beast person[1] named Rose Luckbird, her voice calm — at least on the surface — in contrast to her intense, unsettling gaze.

“I’m not here to nitpick our past transaction,” she continued, anger simmering in every word but noticeably trying to suppress it. Ur immediately recognized her effort to control her rage, and for Diz, who was being directly addressed, it must have been even more palpable. Ur was both impressed and concerned by Diz’s nerve, remaining unfazed under Rose’s glaring fury.

“Our deal was fair. And it’s a fact that my guild, 【Bird of Fortune】, which was on the brink of collapse, recovered thanks to your financial assistance. I have no regrets about that deal. None at all.” -Rose

“So will you let me on the mobile fortress?” -Diz

“No.” -Rose

“That was quick.” -Diz

Rose took a step closer to Diz. Being taller, she now looked down at the more petite Diz.

“It’s not just a personal issue. Many in the Merchant’s Guild despise you, “regardless of your position”.” -Rose

“It’s my own doing, I admit. I’m sorry, but—” -Diz

“If you’re so desperate to get on,” she interjected, grabbing Diz’s shoulders. The strength in her grip was evident. The beast person’s claws dug into Diz’s shoulders, but Diz remained calm, maintaining eye contact with Rose.

“Let me buy back the 【Blazing Sword】.” -Rose

“Can’t do that.” -Diz

“…I see.” -Rose

Rose released her grip. Her earlier rage seemed to vanish, replaced by a cold expression as she looked at Diz.

“I hope you die while groveling and being ripped apart by monsters.” -Rose

With those final words, she left. Whether she was ordering her subordinate or someone else transporting goods to the island-eating turtle, she proceeded to board it without looking back.

“It’s good to see Rose doing well.”  -Diz

“You’re something else.” -Ur

Ur was taken aback by the comment that finally came from Diz.

TL Note(s)

[1] Beastman changed to beast person