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𝐒𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐲’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭
“I’m going back to my parents’ home.”
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A few months after a major subjugation, Sicily broached this subject to Alma on a tranquil night.
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“What’s sudden? Did something happen?”
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“It’s not that something happened… well, maybe it is. You know, after the incident, the Gluton Chamber of Commerce shut down.”
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“Ah, now that you mention it…”
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The St. Arrogas scandal, which shook the Kingdom of Arrogas months ago, was still a topic of conversation among people.
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Many merchants, in addition to nobles, were arrested for their involvement, with the Gluton Chamber of Commerce, which acted as an intermediary between the nobles and merchants, receiving severe measures.
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“Because of the shutdown of the Gluton Chamber of Commerce, my family is taking over part of its business. I’ve become incredibly busy because of it and have been asked to come back and help. Thanks to Flora, I was able to be honorably discharged from the guards early, so it seems like the right time.”
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Alma and Sicily had received an early discharge from military service as a reward for playing a significant role in the St. Arrogas scandal.
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“I see… Sicily, you’ve always said you’d return to being a merchant after completing your military service. But that means you’ll be leaving our life here. I’m going to miss it…”
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Alma sipped her tea while hugging her knees on the sofa.
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The two had been living together since they became guards, sharing a room.
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Alma felt a sense of loneliness, realizing that a crossroads in their lives had arrived for both of them.
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“About that, actually, I have a favor to ask Alma and Luke.”
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“A favor?”
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“Yes, the truth is, it’s already in motion. I’m taking over the business of the Gluton Chamber of Commerce. Soon, I’ll be going to promote these products, and I’d like to ask you two to be my escorts.”
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“Escort…”
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It was an unexpected request, but for Alma, it was a welcome opportunity.
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Like Sicily, Alma, who had been discharged from the guards, was at a point where she needed to think about her future.
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Fortunately, the Rampart territory, now free from Sir Avaris’s interference, was economically recovering.
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Sir Wilfred also said not to worry about the territory and to try different things while young.
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However, being told to do what she wants left Alma unsure of what exactly she wanted to do.
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She had a goal of freeing Iris, but she didn’t know where to start or what to do first.
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Although she and Luke had talked about becoming adventurers, the reality was they didn’t know what to do even if they became adventurers.
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This sudden escort request seemed like a perfect opportunity to take a step forward.
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“Hmm, I don’t mind, but what about Luke… I’ll have to check with him first.”
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“Then, how about we both go to see him tomorrow? I’ll explain the details then.”
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“Sure. I was thinking of going somewhere myself.”
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After hearing the explanation from the two at the Ginsei-tei restaurant, Luke readily agreed.
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“I thought you’d take it on, Luke.”
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“I’ve been wanting to travel around since coming down from the mountain. This is a great opportunity.”
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Sicily, smiling broadly, received a smile in return from Luke.
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In fact, this was exactly what Luke had hoped for.
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Before spending five years in the mountains, Luke had a school life, and before that, he lived in the territory of Narejji, knowing little of the outside world.
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He had always wanted to see more of the world.
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“So, where are we going, and what are we going to sell?”
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“I’ll explain that now. We’re heading to the city-state of Mercapolis, next to the Kingdom of Arrogas.”
Sicily spread a map on the table.
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Mercapolis is located to the west of the Kingdom of Arrogas.
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“It’s about a two-week journey by cargo dragon cart from St. Arrogas. Mercapolis has trade with the Kingdom of Arrogas, so the roads are well-maintained, and since we’re not carrying much for a sales pitch, travel won’t be too hard. However, it’s not entirely without danger, and as I’m a new merchant, I can’t predict everything that might happen. That’s why I want to ask two people I know for escort.”
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Sicily continued, tracing the roads on the map with her finger.
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“The goods are bottles used by the Gluton Chamber of Commerce for illicit drugs. I think there might be a demand in Mercapolis since it’s bustling with magical drug trade.”
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“I see, a trading city-state. That sounds interesting.”
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“Mercapolis is famous for its apple pies, right? And it’s apple season now!”
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Luke and Alma’s eyes sparkled.
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“I’m glad you’re interested. We leave in a week. I’ll take care of the immigration formalities, so don’t worry. And… well, it’s a bit difficult to say, but…”
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Sicily looked at the two apologetically.
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“Since I’m still a new merchant, I don’t have much capital. So, about the fee for your request… could I get a little discount? I’ll cover the accommodation and food expenses, please?”
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“Oh, that’s fine.”
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Luke readily nodded his agreement.
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“We help each other out in tough times, and I owe Sicily a lot.”
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“Really? Thank you, Luke-sama!”
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Sicily’s eyes shone.
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“It can’t be helped. Well, if you’re covering the travel expenses, that’s fine. We’re close, Sicily and I.”
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“Thank you, Alma! Honestly, it would be quite expensive to ask the guild. I thought the two of you might take it on.”
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“I had a feeling it was something like that.”
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Alma chuckled wryly.
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“But it’s the first time the three of us are traveling together, so it’s a good opportunity.”
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Saying this, Luke smiled at the two.