Chapter 58

Chapter 58: The Petty Criminals of the Merchant Guild!

While on the way to the Merchant Guild, I confirmed with [Omniscient and Omnipotent] whether I could register with both the "Adventurer Guild" and the "Merchant Guild".

The response was affirmative.

As I was heading there, I thought about registering with the "Merchant Guild" as well.

We also decided to call each other "Takuto" and "Laura" to make things more casual.

Laura hadn't changed from the beginning...

About ten minutes' walk from the Adventurer Guild, there stood the "Industrial Hall" of the Merchant Guild.

It was less than half the size of the guild hall.

Since this place was only for registration and not for active operations, perhaps it didn't need much space.

Laura opened the door and entered.

There was only one receptionist.

"Is the Guild Master here?" Laura asked the receptionist, then waited for a while.

A man who seemed to be the Guild Master appeared from the back of the reception area.

His nameplate on the left side of his chest read "Rox".

"Laura-sama, what can I do for you?"

"I'm moving to the guild hall from now on. I appreciate your help so far."

Rox was taken aback by the sudden announcement of moving.

"Did something offend you?"

"No, it's been comfortable!"

"Then why?"

For the Merchant Guild, it might be attractive to strengthen ties with the central city while also providing reasonably priced lodging.

"Because of this guy!" I lightly tapped my chest with my right hand.

Rox was glaring at me, possibly worried about the negative impact of some unfamiliar man.

"And who might you be?"

"Oh, I'm called Takuto."

When I introduced myself to Rox, he seemed to realize something.

"Are you the Takuto-sama who's been talked about since yesterday?"

Whether it's about the B-rank or the banquet, I don't know, but it doesn't matter.

"I wouldn't know if I'm being talked about."

"So, you're moving now?"

Laura continued at her own pace, but Rox didn't seem convinced.

"Did Laura come to this city under the condition of staying at the Merchant Guild?"

"No, as soon as I arrived in this town, the Guild Master there came to pick me up and rented this place to me at a low cost."

"...Low cost?"

When I looked at Rox, he averted his gaze.

Clearly, it was a rip-off.

Taking everything he could as a merchant, I suppose?

"If that's true, it doesn't matter where Laura stays, right?"

"Indeed, but..."

Rox seems to be bad at negotiations.

He must have reached his current position through connections and bribes.

Though it's just my speculation, I dislike that sort of thing.

It's fine to move as it is, but it would be troublesome if complaints were made to Shiki later.

It would be more convenient to crush them in strong negotiations and gain control over the situation.

"Rox, I will take the Merchant Guild's test. I'll take it to the highest rank available here! And if I pass, you'll have to approve of Laura's move."

"Hmph, what are you talking about? There's no benefit for us in that."

"I see, too bad then. Shall I report to the capital about the lodging expenses and how a Guild Master from some town is tampering with the books and misusing operational funds for personal gain?"

"...What!"

It seems like I hit the jackpot.

To some extent, small-time crooks like these tend to embezzle.

Without even using Kuro's abilities, I decided to try a bluff.