My Glasses Will Be Able to Conquer the Whole World, I Suppose

Chapter 197 – Glasses Boy Prepares for the Tower of Bryne

You know, it’s like…

“It’s so much easier with Lisse, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, but that’s what I should be saying. It’s surprising how different it is when it’s just the two of us.”

Yeah, I guess so.

A hunter’s work is typically solitary, although there have been exceptions.

I started seriously hunting with someone from the assassin’s village. It was more like a team of  master and disciple rather than hunting together. If it was just to hunt monsters, we could just do it alone without needing to cooperate.

Having more companions, people to hunt with, creates a synergistic effect. …Well, it also depends on the partner you team up with. It’s not such a straightforward matter, I believe.

But teaming up with someone with solid skills definitely has a significant impact.

“Done?”

“Yeah, all set.”

Okay, let’s head back then.

“Need a hand?”

“I’ll ask for help once we’re within sight of the town.”

With that, I set up the Anomalous Ogre and began pushing the cart.

Three Red-Footed Blood Spiders, two Magic Pigs Maton, and three King Horses, with their bulky thighs, chests, necks, and magic cores cut out as parts.

Even with them piled up like a mountain, the cart was still light with the Anomalous Ogre. By the way, I only explained it to Lisse as “physical enhancement.”

We set out in the morning, focused on hunting monsters, and returned to Krozheit just after dusk.

We headed straight to the tavern where hunters gather, acting as a substitute for the Adventurer’s Guild, to sell our prey. Returning the borrowed cart was also done here.

I’m unsure why the buying and selling of prey is done at a tavern.

They’re probably trying to replicate the procedures of the Adventurer’s Guild, though it appears to be only superficial.

Until now, it seems no one has hunted this much in a single hunt, which caused quite a stir.

However, with Lisse, the third-ranked hunter, present, albeit somewhat reluctantly, they appeared to be convinced.

Whether they’re convinced or not, the reality is that the prey has been hunted and there are monsters to be sold. It doesn’t make much of a difference.

Standing beside Lisse, I’m also a newcomer here.

The shopkeeper who comes out to assess the prey clearly undervalues it.

I usually ask Lisse about the market price.

The offered amount is slightly less than half.

“She used to be Mr. Beckenberg’s bodyguard. Are you trying to negotiate with someone associated with Mr. Beckenberg? Just a word from him could lead to consequences… Are you sure about this? You’re risking the old man’s goodwill, huh?”

Quietly, I pass on this information to the tavern staff. By the way, when I mentioned ‘she,’ I meant Lisse. I lower my voice to ensure Lisse, who is vigilant against potential thieves eyeing our prey, doesn’t overhear. She’d probably express her displeasure if she found out.

“Huh? Can you prove that?”

He shoots me a glare, attempting to mask his brief flicker of agitation with anger or intimidation.

“I can. When that time comes, you probably won’t be welcome in Krozheit anymore. If you’d rather risk your life for a handful of coins, then go ahead and take that route.”

Of course, if I valued coins more than life, I wouldn’t be selling here.

Let’s just head straight to Beckenberg to make the sale.

He’ll likely purchase it for less than the market price, but it will still exceed the current offer.

“…Fine, fine. You’ve made your point. However, when meat arrives in bulk, the wholesale price drops. Consequently, both the selling and buying prices drop below the market rate. I hope you understand that.”

It’s inevitable.

I might not grasp intricate concepts, but in simple terms, it’s about the imbalance between supply and demand causing market fluctuations, isn’t it?

But undercutting by more than half is going too far.

“Huh, Eil, you can negotiate surprisingly well.”

“Because I’m a hunter. I’ve been instructed to understand that negotiations like these are common.”

When both sides agree to a price below market value, it can cultivate gratitude, a sense of obligation, and harmonious relationships. It becomes a type of mutual support.

However, unfair price reductions, increases, and setting prices based underestimation should be avoided as much as possible.

Even if you’re the one reaping the rewards.

I’ve been told that without this kind of sincerity and a bit of flexibility, it’s challenging to continue being a hunter for long.

Not only in negotiations, but if everything is executed rigorously, meticulously, and precisely, some kind of distortion will inevitably occur somewhere.

Because humans themselves aren’t always strict, transparent, or accurate.

So, ideas or ideologies that adhere too rigidly don’t quite align with human nature.

However, to some degree, they are essential for the functioning of human society, so it’s said that striking a balance is difficult.

In essence, it’s about finding the middle ground between being overly serious and too laid-back.

“No, well, not just negotiations. You hate dealing with people, right? So I thought you wouldn’t be able to negotiate.”

“That’s rather rude. I can negotiate just fine, you know.”

“But?”

“I’d prefer not to, if I can avoid it.”

“As I suspected.”

It’s probably already evident. I’d rather not have to repeat it.

Upon receiving a considerable sum of money and a promissory note, I made my way back to Grandpa Tatsunami’s residence.

The promissory note stated, “The remaining sum will be paid at a later time.”

In Krozheit, large sums of money cannot be exchanged in public. This might be true even beyond the borders of Krozheit.

“Mr. Tatsunami! I’ll get the full payment with this promissory note!”

“Oh, you’re efficient.”

Already seated at the table, sharing sake with his son Katsumi, Grandpa Tatsunami acknowledges the promissory note handed over by Lisse with a nod.

“Okay, leave the rest to me! I’ll make sure it’s done right! You did well handling such a difficult amount for someone so young, now let’s drink!”

“Hehe, thanks for the feast!”

Huh? Lisse can handle her alcohol? That’s a surprise.

“You should join us.”

And Katsumi offered me a seat.

By the way, Katsumi seemed to recognize me as “that maid,” but apparently didn’t realize “that maid” was a guy.

In other words, if I had met them as Eil, they would have figured out a lot of things.

“Oh, thank you for having me over today. Please accept this as a token of gratitude.”

On the way here—or rather, at that tavern serving as a substitute for the Adventurer’s Guild—I bought some expensive sake with my share of today’s hunt.

When I informed the somewhat disgruntled shopkeeper, who appeared displeased with dealing with a newcomer, “I’m buying some high-quality sake. Could you assist me in picking it out?” he displayed a slightly pleased expression.

I might not have another chance to meet him again, but I think this will make negotiations easier next time.

“What’s this, a gift? You didn’t need to bring anything.”

Typically, only children are permitted to visit empty-handed, depending on the time and circumstance. This is also something my master taught me.

“Father, the kid brought some sake as a gift.”

“Oh?”

Grandpa Tatsunami, filling Lisse’s cup to the brim with sake, gazes steadily at me.

“Don’t bother with all that formal nonsense! You didn’t come here on your own, I invited you! It’s my job to treat you!”

Ah, yes. He definitely seems accustomed to being angry.

“In that case, I’ll just take it back.”

“If it’s sake, then pour it out! You should drink too, you fool!”

…Um… Is he already drunk?

“Don’t mind my dad. He’s always like this. Thanks for the sake. Let’s have a drink together.”

“Well, I’m not much of a drinker, to be honest.”

“You don’t drink?”

“I can, but, um…”

It’s more about recalling nightmares of waking up naked next to a stranger.

“Well, then it’s fine! Braised dragon fish pairs nicely with sake! Sit down, sit down! Drink!”

… I don’t remember much after that.

The next morning, I woke up in an unfamiliar bed.

As anticipated, or rather, as usual, I found myself naked again.

First, I checked beside me and under the bed, relieved to find that I was alone. Katsumi likely moved me to the guest room.

It’s a bit chilly.

Feeling the chill of the season without clothes on. My shoulders feel especially cool, as if I’ve caught a chill. …Seeing my clothes folded neatly nearby confirms that I undressed in front of someone. I’m afraid to know more than that.

…Alcohol, huh? It has a way of making you forget unpleasant things.

But losing memories like this is frightening.

I’m starting to believe my drinking habits aren’t good.

They say you get used to it as you drink more, but if I end up frequently waking up naked somewhere without knowing what happened. Until I get used to it, It’s too terrifying. While there are various dangers, the mere risk to life itself is alarming.

I try to remember bits and pieces, but all I can recall is Lisse laughing and indulging in drinks. She’s quite resilient.

And I do remember that the braised dragon fish was delicious.

Though, the texture was like any other fish.

I was taken aback by the thickness and gratifying texture of the fish meat, despite it being a simple stewed fish.

It wasn’t just a side dish, it was a substantial amount that could be enjoyed as a main dish, which was quite nice in its own way.

Well, I think it’s thanks to either Grandpa Tatsunami’s wife or Katsumi’s wife being skilled in the kitchen… It’s likely one of them who neatly folded my clothes. I’m afraid to find out.

…But regardless, now’s not the time to dwell on it.

Lisse’s tasks are completed, so we should head to the Tower of Bryne today.

After enjoying breakfast at Grandpa Tatsunami’s house, both Lisse and I, feeling fresh without any signs of a hangover, make our way to the orphanage.

…Neither of them brought up yesterday’s events. Lisse didn’t mention anything either.

Her response likely indicates there’s something she’s uncomfortable discussing. It’s probably not a lighthearted topic. Since I’m afraid of what it might be, I don’t want to ask her about it.

“… Welcome back… Are you ready to go now?”

As the window to the tower, Hydra here sensed that Lisse and I were ready to go to the Tower of Bryne.

With a nod, we headed underground at last.

It’s been quite a journey to reach this point.

Many events have unfolded along the way.

Now, we were finally about to step into the Tower of Bryne.