Badlands Saga: Reincarnation in a Different World with Extreme Charisma

T/L Note:
@Shadow1854 On the Raws, I did not see any romance genre.

Chapter 5 The Wanderer 4

It was fine that there were more hands available for the field.

As long as there was a plentiful supply of fertilizer and water, most problems could be solved.

With the increased labor force, we could expand the field and boost production.

However, the real issue was how to feed these new people until the next harvest.

Thanks to the potatoes we planted in the spring, we had enough food for the time being, but it was clear that the supply wouldn’t last until autumn.

Fortunately, I had the power of alchemy, which I could use to earn money and buy food from elsewhere.

With that plan in mind, I found myself in one of the negotiation buildings at the port, being introduced to some merchants by my brother, Koutasma.

“If you can regularly provide us with your liquid potions, we will ensure an additional supply of food for a while,” one merchant offered.

“I am in agreement as well. If my shop can carry liquid potions made by an alchemist of your caliber, Fushanklan-sama, it would add great prestige to our business,” added another.

The negotiations proceeded surprisingly smoothly, likely due to some skillful words from my brother or father. Despite my lack of experience as an alchemist, the merchants agreed without hesitation to my proposal of “trading liquid potions for grain.”

“The Neyakashi Trading Company has maintained an unwavering relationship with the Tanukan family since the days of the first Kent-sama. Fushanklan-sama, should you require anything in the future, please do not hesitate to come to our company first,” said the fox-tribe merchant who had set up shop at the port on the other side of the Karakan Mountains, his narrow eyes squinting even further.

This seemed to irk the tanuki-tribe merchant sitting next to him, who turned red with anger and glared at the fox with wide eyes.

“Please, allow me to interject. Our Siscata Trading Company has branches in three countries and carries a wide range of products that no rural merchant could possibly handle. Should you have any needs for alchemical materials, please feel free to consult with us first,” the tanuki-tribe merchant, who had apparently come all the way from another country after hearing rumors about my potions, stated, glaring back at the fox-tribe merchant.

“I have no issue supplying both companies with my potions. Therefore, I hope you both can ensure a steady supply of food for the time being…” I began.

“Of course, you need not worry. As long as the Neyakashi Trading Company exists, Fushanklan-sama’s people will not go hungry,” replied the fox-tribe merchant.

“No, not my people; they are my father’s people…”

“With the Siscata Trading Company’s magic paddleboats, we can fill the port’s warehouses with grain within a week,” countered the tanuki-tribe merchant.

“But I can’t afford to pay for a warehouse full of grain…”

“No need to worry about payment for now; we just want you to see the value we offer,” assured the tanuki-tribe merchant.

“Neyakashi Trading Company won’t rush for payment either. We could do it in three days, not even a week…”

“Wait, wait, calm down…” I said, trying to rein in their eagerness.

The fox and the tanuki were getting heated, rising from their chairs and gradually closing in on me.

Suddenly, a dull-colored sword came down from the side and slammed into the table, cutting off their advance.

“Do not come any closer than necessary,” Isara, who was holding the sword, said.

Seeing the sword, the two men, who looked a bit pale, quietly sat back down in their chairs.

“Siscata merchant, I don’t want anything beyond what I’ve paid for,” I stated.

There’s nothing more expensive than something that’s supposedly free.

Selling goods at a loss to monopolize the market and then raising prices for profit is a common tactic of major merchants.

Moreover, the Neyakashi Trading Company has always sent ships to our land, which has no industry to speak of. They are a loyal business partner.

Even if an attractive offer were presented, neglecting them could dishonor the memory of my ancestors.

“Regarding food supplies, I believe it would be more prudent to rely on us, the Neyakashi Trading Company of the same Kingdom of Folk, rather than on a foreign company that may not be dependable in times of need,” the fox merchant argued.

“Even if we are from the same country, a small, impoverished trading house that only engages in minor trade cannot be relied upon in times of need,” retorted the tanuki merchant.

“I plan to place equal orders with both of you,” I replied.

At that, the tanuki from the Siscata Trading Company stared intently at my face for a moment before suddenly bowing deeply.

I wondered why he was doing that — if anything, it should be me bowing to them.

“Forgive me, Fushanklan-sama, but that would be problematic for us! Given the difference in standing between our Siscata Trading Company and the Neyakashi Trading Company, an equal amount of business would make us appear insignificant to others. Please, even if it is just one extra bag of grain, allow us to deliver more than the other company.”

I see, so it’s a matter of their company’s reputation.

As a global trading company, it might be intolerable for them to be seen conducting business on the same scale as a local trading house.

“Then, how about this: it could be just in name only — could you make me Fushanklan-sama’s official purveyor?” the tanuki merchant suggested.

“Official purveyor?” I asked.

“The Neyakashi Trading Company already serves as the official purveyor to the Tanukan family, so it would be impolite to infringe upon that. Therefore, we would be Fushanklan-sama’s personal purveyors… I assure you, we seek no special favors. It’s only a title; nothing more. If you prefer, I can even draft a statement,” he continued.

“Hmm…”

I wanted to oblige, especially if it was just a matter of lending my name. However, I had just recently made a mistake by overestimating the name value of being the third son of a margrave from the borderlands, resulting in a spectacular failure.

So, I couldn’t agree to this on my own.

“Sorry, but that’s not something I can decide by myself,” I replied.

“I understand… Then, how about this? Could we refer to ourselves as ‘official purveyors’ by simply stating that we had the honor of doing business with the third son of the margrave?” he asked again.

“Well, that would be fine,” I agreed.

“Thank you very much!” he exclaimed.

Since it’s true that we’re doing business together, I hardly have the right to refuse in a situation where I’m the one requesting a trade.

It seems the world of merchants is quite particular about appearances. The tanuki merchant, now relieved, gave me a broad smile and eagerly shook hands to seal the deal.

On the other hand, the fox merchant, seemingly displeased, glared at the tanuki merchant with a gaze that looked like it could kill.

◆◆◆

“Opportunity lies in the wilderness.”

The moment I received that letter, it was as if something compelled me, and I left the port that very day.

Tanukan Territory — a land that could be swallowed by the northern horsemen at any moment.

The Tanukan Margrave family — a household in financial ruin.

Fushanklan — just a naïve, headstrong child being taken advantage of by the poor.

And yet, for some reason, my heart was drawn to the Tanukan Territory.

Was it my intuition as a merchant, or perhaps guidance from the gods?

Burning a fortune in magic crystals, the latest magical paddle steamer carried me to a small, humble marketplace.

It was a revelation. My status in the trading company, the wealth I had amassed — all of it lost its meaning.

On this day, I found a master for a millennium.