Badlands Saga: Reincarnation in a Different World with Extreme Charisma - Chapter 30

Chapter 30   Funky Dealer 4

“It lacks depth, but there’s hardly any off-flavors. It’s got no personality, but once it’s aged, it can take on any form. Alchemically brewed alcohol is excellent—boil it down and distill it, and it will be even better.”

The alcohol that the heavy drinker Isrortep so highly praised was set to be served at a gathering in an open area by the port on a designated day.

The reason for not holding it near the wasteland was simply to keep sand and dust out of the barrels.

Clearing the wasteland was still an ongoing project, and without events like this once in a while, people would feel stifled.

Once we announced that light snacks would be served along with the alcohol, the response was quite positive. At least, it seemed that most of the people of Tanukan would attend.

As for Isrortep, who had been noisy throughout the brewing process, I let her drink as much as she liked under the guise of a tasting. So, she’d be sitting out the event itself.

The Makiano tribe would likely attend, and having her around—someone with so many connections—could lead to some unnecessary disputes.

Since this was a rare celebratory event, I also invited my parents, the lords of the territory, along with my younger sister.

Naturally, my older brother, who manages the port, was there too, making it the first family gathering since the harvest festival in the fields.

As my family sat under the tent, chatting cheerfully with Harriett over tea, I was quietly making preparations.

The small, knee-high barrels, designed for easy transport, had been brought in since the morning by the big men Inuzame and Wamuro.

As I attached wooden taps to the barrels arranged on the ground, Kintman, looking unusually serious, sat down next to me.

“Master Fusha, this might be a bit of a problem.”

“What’s the problem?”

When I asked, Kintman glanced at the gathered crowd and whispered to me.

“I think we might not have enough alcohol. I don’t know why, but Makiano people we don’t normally see are flocking here, arriving by both ship and land.”

Now that he mentioned it, there did seem to be quite a few unfamiliar faces.

“How many people are there?”

“I took a look from the tower earlier, and I think the crowd has surpassed a thousand…”

That’s incredible.

Surpassing the Winter War that gathered hundreds of people, today might just be the day when the most people in recorded history have gathered in this wasteland.

“There are some tough-looking folks too, maybe the ship’s guards, with big curved swords hanging by their sides. Even the guys at the castle are on edge.”

“Hey, hey… even if they’re tough, they’ve only come here to drink, right?”

“Yeah, but if there’s not enough booze, we’ve got a problem. If those hot-headed types start trouble…”

Well, I can see where Kintman is coming from.

No matter what’s said, the relationship between the people of the wasteland and the Makiano tribe is still shallow…

In fact, they were practically at war until very recently.

Even if the upper ranks have achieved some semblance of peace through marriage diplomacy, that doesn’t mean the common folk will suddenly all get along.

“Alright then, let’s bring more alcohol from the lab.”

“How much?”

“Hmm… let’s bring the entire contents of the big barrels. Let them drink as much as they want. I’ll make more to sell later.”

Since the grain used was originally brought by Makiano merchants, it wouldn’t hurt to let their guests drink freely at this point.

Besides, the first barrel we’re distributing was just a practice batch anyway.

“Feels like a bit of a waste… but I guess it can’t be helped. Hey, Isara, I’m counting on you here.”

“You don’t need to tell me, I got it,” Isara replied with a sullen expression.

Kintman nodded at her and then ran toward the castle with some of the ex-mercenaries in tow.

As I tried to lift the last small barrel with the tap attached—and failed—I called a nearby youngster to help place it on the table.

Standing up and looking around again, I saw it—an absolute sea of people.

“I heard it’s a special kind of alcohol made using alchemy.”

“Is the Cyan Clan’s Mystic Army going to sell this Yurrak alcohol?”

“You guys better behave yourselves, even if you’re drinking. That goes for you too, Dad.”

“I’ve never had alcohol before.”

I couldn’t see past the crowd due to my height, but the murmurs of mixed languages made it clear that the number of people gathering here was no joke.

We’re probably going to run out of snacks as well.

“Riza!”

“Here.”

Without a sound, Riza, the maid who seemed to be waiting nearby, appeared by my side.

“We might run out of the potato stew and Makiano dumplings…”

“No need to worry about the food. We’ve been preparing since morning based on the number of people. If there’s any surplus at the castle, we’re making more for dinner, so we can draw from that if necessary.”

“As expected. Thanks, that’s a big help.”

As I said that, Riza smiled slightly and stepped back.

Before I knew it, both the Folk people and the Makiano people were all holding their cups, watching me with serious expressions.

Looking closely, even the children from the castle were lined up. I’d let them have just a taste, and for the rest, I’d give them the candies I had prepared for non-drinkers.

“Isara, amplify.”

“Understood.”

With Isara’s voice amplification spell, I cleared my throat.

Originally, my father would have made the opening remarks, but since this was my event, I was left in charge of everything today.

Well, I had a bit of experience speaking in front of people during school assemblies, so I figured I could handle the job of emcee just fine.

“Testing, testing…”

As soon as I spoke, the crowd went silent all at once.

I had planned to call for their attention until they quieted down, but it seemed like they were really looking forward to the alcohol.

“First, I’m happy that everyone has gathered here on this fine day. We’ve made the first batch of alcohol in Tanukan Territory. The wheat was transported by the Makiano people, and the alcohol was brewed by the Tanukan people. This alcohol couldn’t have been made without both sides.”

I spoke in the language of the Folk people, but even those from the Makiano tribe, who didn’t understand the words, stayed quiet and listened.

It seemed like there were a few folks in the crowd acting as interpreters as well.

“Thanks to everyone’s hard work, our fields are expanding, but this land still lacks many things. The alcohol we make from now on will be sold to earn money, which we’ll use to buy the things we still need.”

It might seem like a dull topic for a celebratory day, but it was best to say these formalities upfront. After all, a ruler’s job is to give the people who pay taxes hope for the future.

“But this first batch of alcohol is different. This alcohol was made with the combined effort of everyone. It’s a drink of hope that we should all share together. There may not be much for each person, but we’ve prepared food as well. Please, enjoy yourselves today.”

When I raised my hand, a cheer first erupted from the Tanukan people, quickly followed by a roar of approval from the Folk people.

From here on, I was just going to become the drink-serving machine.

I called for my father and brother, who had been standing by, and our family began distributing the alcohol to the crowd.

“Here you go!”

“Thank you! Leora!”

“Leora!”

“Thank you so much, Master of the Wasteland!”

“Narakan, thank you!”

Everyone, regardless of whether they were Folk or Makiano, received their drinks with respect. The Folk people offered prayers, and the Makiano tribe expressed their thanks as they accepted the alcohol.

“Chiyonovagna Azure Sword!?”

“Astel the Great, Golden Rubra, Chiyo Wolf.”

Some of the Makiano people pointed at Isara, who was carrying the Emerald Sword beside me, and caused a bit of commotion, but they didn’t try to engage any further.

Instead, they respectfully clasped their hands together, as if saying, “We’ve seen something remarkable,” before moving on.

It seems that legendary swords carry significant weight in the culture of the men from this region.

“I’d like to purchase some of this alcohol.”

“Ah, well, this batch is actually meant for the Folk side…”

“So, you’re telling me you can sell it to the southern Folk but not to us?”

“We can accept payment in the Folk currency, Tadourion…”

“So you won’t accept Makiano coins, Laonix?”

“This product is meant to acquire foreign currency…”

It looks like some merchants, eager as ever, have already started negotiating with Medubal right after having just one drink.

I plan to entrust this alcohol to the Neyakashi Trading Company, with whom we’ve had a long-standing relationship, but it doesn’t hurt to have more avenues for trade.

As I continued pouring drinks into the endless line of cups, which started to feel like an eternal ordeal, I spotted some familiar faces approaching.

“Master Fusha! Please, give us some alcohol!”

“Alcohol! Alcohol!”

“I’m so excited!”

It was the children from the castle, led by a few knights and the eldest, Martha.

“It’s still a bit early for you kids, so just have a taste.”

“What!? No fair!”

“We want to drink properly!”

“Why do the adults get to have all the fun!?”

The children were full of complaints, but I wonder if they’ll still say that after seeing what I have here.

“If you can be patient, I’ll give you some sweet candy.”

As I said that, pulling a bag of candy from my pocket, their attitudes softened immediately.

“What? Sweet candy!?”

“Frita, I want candy more than alcohol!”

“I’ll wait! I can hold off on the alcohol!”

With their behavior drastically improved, I poured just a small amount of alcohol into their cups and handed out one candy each from the bag.

The kids held up the flat, translucent white candy, looking at it through the sunlight or holding it up in front of their eyes.

“So pretty!”

“It’s see-through!”

“Looks like ice!”

As the children joyfully admired the candy, completely forgetting about the alcohol, someone called out to them from a short distance away.

“Children.”

“Huh…?”

“I have baked goods.”

The person speaking, in slightly broken Folk language, was none other than Harriett, who had been elegantly drinking tea with my mother and sister under a large parasol.

“Master Fusha’s wife?”

“Lady Eila is there too!”

“What are baked goods?”

The children looked at me with a bit of confusion, so I gave them a nod in response.

“Harriett’s giving out sweets too. They’re sweet and delicious, so go ahead and get some.”

“Really!?”

“Today is full of sweets!”

“Make sure to say thank you when you get them!”

“Yes!!”

Well, with so many people around, it could be a bit dangerous if the kids wander off too much. It’s probably better for them to stay with my mother and sisters.

As I glanced over at the kids excitedly receiving the yogurt cookies in the Makiano style, I returned to the task of pouring drinks without thinking much about it.

Everything has an end if you keep at it long enough.

Though, in this case, it’s not the line that’s ending, but the contents of the barrels.

“They’re almost empty.”

“What are Kintman and the others doing…”

It’s a bit strange that they’ve gone to the tower to fetch more wine, but it hasn’t arrived yet. Could something have happened along the way?

Just as I started to have that thought, I heard cheers coming from the wild side of the crowd.

“That’s a huge barrel!”

“Is it all filled with alcohol!?”

“Make way, make way!”

“Be careful not to spill it! Clear the path!”

I could see a massive barrel swaying slightly as it approached from beyond the crowd.

It seemed that Kintman and the others had brought the large barrel of alcohol directly on their shoulders.

Even with stairs available, it was a reckless move.

As they made their way through the throng, more people began to lend a hand, and the pace at which the barrel moved picked up quickly.

“It’s alcohol!”

“Alcohol!”

“Beer!”

“Alcohol!”

I didn’t know who started it, but a call for drinks erupted among the drinkers, growing louder as the barrel drew nearer.

Both the Tanukan people and the Makiano tribe stomped their feet and shouted, “Alcohol! Alcohol!” with foam flying from their mouths.

I didn’t know who had brought a flute, but the sound of music began to resonate, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and chaotic.

The harbor had turned into a wild celebration centered around the great barrel.

From within the crowd, Kintman suddenly emerged.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Fusha-sama! Just as you asked, I brought it all!”

“Thanks, but it must have been quite a task to carry the barrel like that.”

“Yeah, it was tough! But you know, we searched the castle and found no empty barrels at all, so we were desperate…”

“Oh, that makes sense.”

Now that I thought about it, it was indeed true. In the wasteland, wood is a precious commodity.

So barrels, too, are typically only available in limited quantities for daily use.

“Well, for now, this should avoid any drinking-related troubles…”

As he stretched his neck and shoulders, he looked rather worn out.

I thought I should bring him some ointment for muscle pain later…

Just then, I heard a loud cheer from the crowd: “Waaah!!”

“If they’re this happy, it was worth holding the tasting event… Wait, what?”

Turning to look through the crowd, I saw people pointing up at the sky.

Between the Karakan mountain range and the blue sky, something red seemed to float.

“It’s a dragon!!”

“A dragon is here!!”

The red shape grew larger, gradually taking on the form of a dragon with wings.

There was no way such a massive, crimson creature could flap its wings and fly, but it was reflecting the sunlight dazzlingly and rapidly cutting through the wind as it approached.

Its gigantic jaw, capable of swallowing a person whole, extended forward, adorned with twisted horns, and its golden eyes gleamed brightly.

There was no doubt about it: it was the legendary red dragon known as Kuiwaina, said to roost on the perpetually snow-capped peak of the Karakan mountains.