Chapter 21 (1/2)
There was a cup of coffee served in front of me.
”I didn't expect you to stop our transport vehicle by yourself! You must be a very famous adventurer!”
”I'm not that famous. It's true that until a while ago I was a member of an S-rank party, but now I'm just an unknown traveler.”
We were in a room inside a large company. We had a meeting with a man who referred to himself as the ”Vice President.”
It all started when we stopped the Ceratops-drawn carriage.
There was some damage to the carriage, but the gentleman was safe, the cargo was mostly intact and the Ceratop was unharmed.
A person from a transport company who got word of the commotion brought us here to talk when he heard the whole story.
Now we are drinking coffee together.
It is a delicious coffee. The aroma is good, and the bitterness and acidity are just right. It is similar to the taste of the high quality beans I used to drink.
”So what did you want to talk to me about?
”Oh, right. It's about a reward. Thank you very much for stopping our transport. It may not be much, but please accept this.”
He placed about twenty silver coins on the table. It's not like I helped him because I wanted money. But since he is giving it to me, I will gladly accept it.
I will use this money to take Kaede out for a delicious meal.
”Master, aren't you going to ask him?
Kaede, who is standing next to me, whispers in my ear.
I was a bit startled by her nice, clear voice.
What should I ask?
”The letter.”
”Ah.”
Well, this is a transport company, isn't it?
If this man is in the same business, he must know where I can find this Jonathan guy.
”If I may, there's something I'd like to ask you. Do you know where I can find someone named Jonathan?”
”Yes, he's my boss.”
”I see. In that case, I would like to speak to him, I have a letter from Count Roane that I need to deliver to him.”
”Sure, let me check.”
I handed the letter to the vice president. He checked the corners of the letter and then handed it back to me.
”There is no doubt that this letter is legitimate. Please wait a moment.”
He got up from his seat and headed for the living room.
This is a great coincidence.
The carriage I helped a moment ago turned out to belong to a company owned by Jonathan.
I was lucky I didn't have to get in trouble with strangers in order to find him.
Knock knock.
There was a knock at the door and a man entered the room.
The man who entered had a plump figure. But the next man who entered the room was a thin, middle-aged man with long red hair and a nice mustache under his nose.
They sat on the couch in front of us.
”I am Jonathan Rockbell, the president of this company. I understand you have a letter from the Earl of Roane, may I see it?”
”Of course.”
After receiving the envelope, he checked the sender and addressee, then removed the seal.
Several sheets of paper came out from inside.
After reading, he smiled slightly, perhaps because the content was interesting.
”You seem to have performed quite admirably in Einark, Toru-Dono.”
”I don't think it was anything that impressive. I just did what I had to do.”
”Hmm, you're a very modest fellow. No wonder the Count holds you in high regard.”
”What, does he hold me in esteem?”
”There are many compliments about you written in this letter.”
He waves the letter with a smile on his face.
I want to read what it says, but he probably won't show me.
However, I've had a few conversations with Count Roane and felt no affection for me at any time.
After all, you can't read the emotions of aristocrats.
Or am I insensitive?
”All right, I'll do as the count asked. Anything for an old friend.”
”What was it that he asked you?
”I can't say it here.”
And where can you say it?
Everything is becoming more and more confusing.
”You'll have to excuse me, but I need some time. I would appreciate it if you could come back here in the evening.”
”So tomorrow you'll explain everything to me?”
He responded to my words with ”I promise.”
What the hell does that mean?
Do you want me to come back tonight?
You're being selfish, Jonathan.
I decided to come back tonight, feeling puzzled inside.
As night fell, Kaede and I stood in front of the transportation company. There was a carriage parked there, as if waiting for us to arrive.
It was a black carriage, and had a very atypical decoration.
It seemed to be something that aristocrats would use for stealth at night.
The window curtains are closed so as to not let anyone look inside.
Criiink.
Jonathan opened the carriage door and stepped out.
”I've been waiting for you, come in.”
As we got into the carriage, we realized that he was the only one inside.
Then the carriage began to move, as if it had a predestined course.
”Never tell anyone about where we're going.”
”Is it a dangerous place?”
”No, but it's a secret location. The place you are going to see is one that commoners cannot know exists. Only aristocrats can rub elbows with each other in such a place.”