v2c12 (2/2)

Hans looked half-dead from surprises he got from the viscount, quickly responded to the question.

“It will be wise for you men to not leak out whatever you heard just now and the tax is 50 gold. Even if we have our magnanimous lord, it is hard to administer the territory with such little tax while there are useless people like you around. So I will have to force my way like this.”

‘Wahh! How can you be this shameless?’

As if he welded a steel plate on his face, Administrative Officer Tremo shamelessly collects extra 20 gold without even flinching once.

I heard that there are several hundred villages in the territory, so the amount of money collected should be enormous.

‘This b.a.s.t.a.r.d, you wait and see. I am not Lee-Mong-Ryong but I will bring down the wrath upon you!’

[TLN: Lee-Mong-Ryong was a much debated real/fictional person who acted as undercover investigator for royal family, who would identify problems that commoners had.]

He was one those people who had nothing better to do than make commoners suffer.

“Here it is, sir.”

Hans hands out the 50 gold that was prepared beforehand.

This much amount of money wasn’t important to me. However, if villagers never got to meet me, it would have been a product of sweat and blood.

“Did you guys kick out Ryan who took his time to visit?”

“Ryan you are referring to is….”

“Oh my, you can’t even remember this. I sent out Ryan from Daron Merchant Group to save time from travelling but you guys refused him… I will be watching you.”

‘Rotten b.a.s.t.a.r.d. He is openly robbing and blackmailing. You better tell yourself you are dead.’

The fact that this b.a.s.t.a.r.d was ruder than the Crown Prince of the Ohsung Group, Hw.a.n.g-sung-taek gave me s.h.i.+ver in happiness (?). [TLN :(?) is part of the raw]

‘Laughing? Right, those laugh, let’s see how far that laugh will go.’

Administrative Officer Tremo was giving satisfying smile, while counting the money.

I noticed that the face will later look similar to the face when Ryan from Daron Merchant Group was humiliated by me.

————————————————————————————————————————–

“Please secure all the items listed here.”

‘

“All of them?”

After the meeting with the officer and the viscount, I quickly returned back to Forest’s Rest where Jamir was staying in.

After borrowing a paper and a pen, I wrote down all the items that were in my head and gave it to Jamir.

“5 carriages with 10 horses, 400 bags of finely grinded flour, balanced gender ratio of cows, pigs and sheeps at 20 each, 100 chickens, 50 well-made leather armors, 100 of bows, spears and swords, enough fabric for 300 people, screw and other various materials along with farming tool and seeds… lastly, a magic refrigerator that makes cold bear… hey, are you trying to construct an entire village?”

After reading the entire list, Jamir was looking at me with his surprised expression.

“Ha-ha, I will leave it to you for the prices. When I was trying to buy everything myself, it looked like it was going to take long time…”

Trying to buy everything on the list with Hans was going to take few days, let alone a day.

I was going to take too many hits from other merchants.

(TLN:as in get ripped off real hard.)

I felt better to just lower my face and ask an actual professional.

“I knew you weren’t an average man when I first saw you but you really amaze me. How about it, do you want to become a merchant?”

‘Heh? Another scouting? I can’t do anything about my own popularity.’

“I do not want to.”

Naturally,I shook my head.

‘At least a lord. I don’t need anything else.’

Getting back my lost paradise was first thing on my list.

Any other smaller occupation did not even enter my sight.

“If you work under me, you can quickly become one of the managers. Why don’t you reconsider?”

“Wow! Ma, manager!”

Terrison who was beside Jamir gave surprised look.

It probably is a decent position to hold.

“But I still don’t want to be one.”

“Why do you not want it? This should be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Jamir was giving the look of regret.

“I have another dream to achieve.

“Have a dream… I can’t do much then.”

He who was smart merchant quickly realized the meaning behind my words.

“But you must keep the promise with me.”

“ My family motto is Honesty!”

“Your family motto is Honesty…. Ha-ha! It’s a very merchant-like family.”

Jamir, who hasn’t aged that much was sounding like those adult-like child.

“I request everything to be ready by two days later in the morning.

“Morning 2 days later?”

“Ah! If you want to acquire Madir, I think we need to start the trip in that time frame.”

You gotta pull the cow horn when it’s hot.

[TLN: When doing a task, when it reaches a critical level, proceed quickly without hesitation. Probably just saying that while Jamir is interested in MC, MC is trying to get things done quick.]

There is no benefit to delaying things.

“Alright. I will trust you and invest in you this time.”

“Master Jamir… But…”

[TLN: Terrison used honorific  in saying Jamir but I don’t know how to go express that nicely in english]

“This is a decision made by the manager of Rubis Merchant Group. Quickly secure all magic refrigerators in here and neighboring territories.”

“Yes, manager!”

[ TLN: same honorific here but I can just pa.s.s it with manager since he refer Jamir by status, not name.]

The man who was retorting, Terrison quickly lowered his head when Jamir said that this was decision made by the manager.

It looked like they have to maintain strict order and discipline to be counted as one of The Great Five Continental Merchant Group.

‘Is only thing left is the potions?’

Potion apparently costs few gold for each one.

The village chief said to buy minimum ten, but I was thinking of buying lot more than that.

They say if you hunt meat for a person, that person can survive the day happily, but if you teach how to hunt meat, they will never hunger.

‘The temple…sigh.’

Temple could be the most difficult part of today’s plan.

It looked like I have to try first.

‘Oh! It’s pretty good?’

The temple that was within the castle of Viscount Fiore was considered land of Neran, G.o.ddess of Mercy.

There are about 10 poles with arch  in between supporting the temple.

It was majestic and beautiful like one of those ancient greek temple.

‘The Temple Potion is holy water which is blessed of an oracle, who holds power of G.o.d with power of healing and ability to repel spell

(TLN:항마력 which translates along the meaning “ability to resist magic power” i am going to a.s.sume he means things like curses or other non-physical harm?)

The Temple Potion looked lot more cost-efficient than the potion recipes that was in my head.

Magic-infused potion often used blood of a troll, which was high-cla.s.s ingredient and the user would often get hit with side effects, which made it very unpopular item.

Because of that, most magicians would subst.i.tute with the spell Heal.

‘If I think about it, becoming Holy Knight is a decent choice, if you learn well, you would be able to become a leader of a religion back in Earth.’

I thought back to reasons why my master was able to ama.s.s such a huge wealth on Earth.

The large amount of knowledge related to magic.

The money  couldn’t help but to run naked into the pockets of my master.

Welcome, breathrens. The G.o.ddess Neran loves you breathrens no matter when.”

(TLN: This sounds really awkward but oh well >.<>

As soon as we enter the temple, a kind-looking priest wearing white religious clothing appeared in front of us.

“I am Pontiff Hador, responsible for this temple. What is your reason for visit today? Perhaps you are in need of guidance from the G.o.d?”

‘I don’t trust it. That white beard.’

Master Gundalf, who had exceptional look also had white beard for purpose of tricking people.

The pontiff was was giving amiable smile was also like that.

“We came to purchase potions. In our village….”

“Pontiff Hador!”

When the purpose of visit to the church was about to be said, a familiar voice was heard.

‘Wait, what?’

It was Ryan from Daron Merchant Group, who gulped down water from village chief and got fed yeot from me. (TLN: when yeot is mentioned, it usually carries meaning along of the meaning of “getting frustrated/angered)

He called out the pontiff while moving it’s huge body.

“Isn’t it our faithful servant of G.o.d, Ryan? What do you need to be in such a rush.”

“There, there is something I must tell you immediately. “

“Really? Then please come in. Brothers, please wait a bit.”

As if they were familiar with each other , Pontiff Hador was delighted as he greeted Ryan.

‘Don’t tell me, that b.a.s.t.a.r.d…!’

As he followed behind the pontiff, he turned around and gave a venomous stare towards me.

‘Yea, why don’t you pull out your cute tricks.’

He was one of many who were currently in my hit list.

Since I was going to give him most h.e.l.lish experience in his life, I waited for his trick to unfold.

‘Hm? Ohhh!’

———————————————————————————————————————-

The interior of the temple was quite impressive.

To show off it’s holiness, there are many religious items made out of gold and silver giving its s.h.i.+ne from the candlelight and at the center of the temple, a statue of topless G.o.ddess was smiling.

There was one thing that captured the all the attention from such lavish interior.

‘A praying angel!’

A lady with straight blue hair with plain religious clothing praying while kneeling.

I knew right away that the lady was not a normal lady with the clothing she wore, which blended with the temple.

‘I wonder how she looks from the front?’

Her back figure was already good enough to give two thumbs up, a perfect score.

A sight of a lady’s back who is  praying gave off holy aura around her and the looking at her back would ignite any men’s protective instinct.

“Hm. Breathrens…”

While my curiosity regarding the woman was reaching the highest, the old man Pontiff Hador appeared.

“Yes, Pontiff. Please speak out. “

“You wanted to purchase the potions?”

“Yes. Our village’s potion lost their effectiveness, thus we need new potions. About ten should do.”

“It saddens me much but I cannot sell the potions to you.”

“Yes?”

The sudden change of Pontiff Hador’s face.

The Pontiff’s face, who decided not to sell the potion displayed uncomfortable feeling.

“I heard you wronged the merchant group of our dedicated follower of G.o.ddess Neran.”

“Ah, no that was…”

“You don’t need to speak anymore. Even if it’s Neran the G.o.ddess of Mercy, it can’t be helped that one would cherish their own children. Those who obstruct works of G.o.ds would not be granted the power of G.o.d.“

“You, your holiness, that is not what it seems…”

“I will be off since I am busy…”

As if he was scared of me finis.h.i.+ng my words, he gestured a cross with his hand and quickly left.

He definitely received a “medicine” and ate it.

“Seriously….”

“Huhu, this b.a.s.t.a.r.d. Let see how you handle this. I wonder how long they can last in that countryside with no potions.

After Hador left, Ryan appeared from the corner of the temple and went past us giving ridicule.

“You said you are Ryan?”

“This kid….”

When I called out on him without honorific, as if he was already in bad mood, his face reddened like hot iron.

“What, You want to go at it? I will give that chubby fat of yours a round.”

I invoke a bit of mana and stared straight at tiny eye.

“This, this b.a.s.t.a.r.d….huhu. Yeah do whatever you want. Soon your village will be shredded into pieces by magical beasts.

The pig who realized his disadvantage quickly retreated while not forgetting to curse out on us.

“Remember, a righteous thunder will soon rain down upon you people.”

“Thunder? Puhaha! Whatever you wish, you son of a b.a.s.t.a.r.d.”

Ryan the piggy was running away towards outside of the temple while not forgetting to show ridicule on us..

‘Geez, there is always people like him no matter where you go.’

While only having ability which only amounted to size of rat’s tail, they would hara.s.s those with no power.

I will only show them mercy over my dead body.

“I am sorry….”

‘

‘….?’

When I was about to leave the temple to give the runaway pig a chase, I heard a clear voice as if I was hearing things.

I subconsciously turned my head around.

“Wow!”

I gave out my astonishment without knowing.

‘Angelina Jolie? No that’s not it. How do you explain this beauty!’

She was about 167 cm (5’5”) (TLN: I have never used imperial, is this how you leave it as?)

Her skin was clear like a newborn baby who has never seen the sun with deeply sunken brown eye, a nose which was sharp with no help from silicon and small but red lips.

Finally, the radiance around the lady which made her stand out the most.

The lady from the temple was radiating such a holy and n.o.ble aura which made it hard to keep my focus on her. (TLN: Too holy for my tainted heart~ :P)

“I apologize for my inability to spread G.o.ddess Neran’s love.”

As if she heard my conversation between Hador, the lady who looked like she would soon shed a tear for us  quickly looked down.

Her hand pressing down on top of her chest was very refined.

An electrifying feeling was constantly beating in my chest.

“Excuse me… but who might you be?”

Isn’t it right to know the ident.i.ty of person apologizing to accept their apology.

“I am Aramis, priestess-in-training serving G.o.ddess Neran.”

‘priestess-in-training? Only?’

Just by looking at her, Aramis seemed to be overflowing with G.o.d’s love.

The lady who felt more holy and looked more devoted than Pontiff Hador called herself a mere priestess-in-training.

‘

‘She is really beautiful….’

She was a female priestess at the level of a Sister and I was moved from her pureness.

Back in school, Ye-Rin was patiently waiting for my return, but the female priestess in front me was beautiful enough to be called the embodiment of beauty.

“Sister Aramis, what do you think is the true thought of G.o.ds who looks over the humans?” (TLN: Honorific wise, I don’t know if sister/nun is okay…)

“Yes?”

“The kindness of G.o.ds is something that s.h.i.+nes down on all creation bright like the sun and those followers who dares to dirty G.o.d’s name with their filthy hand, judging G.o.d’s love with their greed sincerely pains my heart.”

I bring up my thoughts I held up since long ago about religious people to Aramis.

“Haven’t you felt it Sister Aramis? That figure of G.o.ddess Neran, who is smiling on the surface but inside, how much pain would she be feeling and shedding tears due to these to these religious officials who calls themselves followers.

“Ah….”

From my harsh criticism, Aramis let out a small groan.

‘It’s not like this is the only temple.’

It didn’t matter even if Aramis did not accept my criticism.

If it were the Rubis Merchant Group, they can probably procure endless amount of potions.

After I finish my words, I slowly turned around.

I suddenly felt guilty after relieving my frustration on a priestess-in-training who was powerless to do anything.

“Wa, wait a moment.“

I heard the voice of Aramis, who was slowly becoming teary.

“Truly sorry. I, no, WE are truly sorry. Hik.”

‘Huh?’

Along with the her slumping down on the ground, I could hear Aramis’ cry.

Aramis started tearing up from my comment on the temple staff, who were no different from those 21st century religious people.

I felt I became the bad guy all of sudden.

“Selling out G.o.d’s love… taking away the offering, being biased among the believers of G.o.d, failing to embrace the sick and the poor, I repent for all the sins that have been committed.”

‘…..’

I shouldn’t be the one being asked for repentance but apprentice priestess Aramis,

“But what can be done. The little authority I have achieves nothing. Even if I wanted to embrace others, these two limbs can do only so much, the heart is there but by the restrictions set upon fellow followers, I am not allowed to casually spread G.o.d’s love. Oh please teach me. Oh Messenger of G.o.d, lead me to my salvation….”

‘Messenger of G.o.d? Oh my.’

I didn’t plan for this but Aramis was asking for solution from me.

How could I possibly know the thoughts of a G.o.d.

“Everything is just projection of your heart. If you believe you cannot do it,  you would not be able to do it, even if the world was to be backward, if you believe yourself that it is achievable, then there would be nothing to be afraid of in this world. Furthermore, isn’t the G.o.ddess Neran supporting you from behind? What are you afraid of? There will always be a unchanging G.o.d supporting behind you.

The words were flowing as clear as stream of water running down on blue mountain. (TL:Idiom, words are naturally coming out of mouth like stream  on a mountain.

It almost as if I was actually a messenger from G.o.d.

“P,projection of my heart….”

These wise words did not come from me but the great teaching from monk Won-Hyo.

‘Korea’s education is world’s top cla.s.s for sure.’

After being enlightened on the importance of education, I quickly turned around and walked away.

I had no more words to say toward Aramis.

The village chief repeatedly reminded me to acquire the potions but what can be done? The merchants of G.o.d aren’t willing to sell them to me.

‘Such a nice fragrance.’

I caught unfamiliar scent drifting into my nose.

I felt very refreshed thanks to the smell that was more refres.h.i.+ng than mint and sweet like spring flowers blossoming. (TL:I didn’t know how to go about the flower part, best I can do is this I guess)

‘Aramis….’

I could guess that the smell was from Aramis who still crying.

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