Chapter 29 - #29 Trade (2/2)

Is she stupid?

”Sure but I would like to know the name of the one who is trying to be my friend first.” I said with half-open eyes.

”Oh? I am sorry, my name is Taeko!” She replied with a slightly surprised expression so after hearing her reply I accepted the handshake.

”It's a pŀėȧsurė but please go back and sit down in the water or make sure that your towel is wrapped around your body.” I said with a straight face and glanced at Babara who was sitting on the branch of the nearest tree to the hot springs and she simply just shook her head with a helpless expression.

”Hm? Ah, I am sorry.” She looked down and when she noticed that her towel was gone she immediately covered herself with her arms while blushing a little but her expression didn't really suggest that she is embarrassed.

This girl is extremely strange...but I could feel just from her palm that she is extremely experienced with a sword. A lot of people with great talent tend to be born with some weird aspects.

When she returned to her position I soaked my body between Ichika and Kurome who apparently left a space for me.

Aah, to be honest, this is totally different from the bathes at home.

Peaceful expression immediately appeared on my face as I fully relaxed my body in hot water.

”Aren't you too relaxed, boy?” Babara asked me with an amused smile.

”Maybe I am simply acting like before...” I answered with a smirk and narrowed eyes.

”Heh, good point.” She replied and stopped paying attention to us.

All 3 of them looked at us with a confused expression since they didn't see a little show how Babara tried to ”surprise” me just to fail.

We all continued to talk about regular things except for Babara who simply played around with her kitchen knives.

...

Once Ichika and Kurome left to get dressed back inside the cottage, I waited inside the hot springs to have my talk with Babara and Taeko also stayed.

”So, what kind of business do you want to talk about? I must inform you that our Oarburgh clan doesn't have a good relationship with the Empire.” Babara asked with a serious expression.

”Don't worry, I know that the Empire detest you for a lot of ȧssassinations on governments. I am also aware that you are in contact with the Rebel army for some time already. My business is very different from other people who come to you.” I said with a teasing smile while soaking myself in a totally relaxed position.

My words made Babara narrow her eyes, trying to see through my intentions.

”Say it.” She said after a while of observing me.

”First of all, I want a lot of different kinds of poisons. Second, I am kinda interested in your clothes and lastly...I heard that your Oarburgh clan is somewhat skilled in controlling Danger beasts.” I said what I want with a calm smile.

”I see, this is definitely an unusual business. I can provide you those first 2 things but as for that last thing...you will have to talk with the leader and I really doubt that she will make any deal with you. Not to mention that only those of Oarburgh clan can control them but ultimately, only the leader can actually hatch them.” She explained with a thoughtful expression.

Hatch them...So it's the truth that I have heard. They like to use insects like Danger beasts.

”Alright, we can talk about that last thing later. As for those first 2 things...Can you describe the special effects of your clothes?” I asked with a curious expression.

”Heh, sure. They are made from a special material from our Oarburgh clan that can wash away the blood and remove its smell immediately.” She replied with a small chuckle.

My eyes immediately shined when I heard her words.

No wonder I couldn't smell any blood on her even though she is an ȧssassin. These types of clothes are must for an ȧssassin, it would be annoying to always wash your clothes and even if you wash them, there is still that lingering stench of blood. Someone with a great smell will be able to notice it immediately.

”Good, I definitely want that. Tell me...how much do you want for those things?” I asked with a serious expression.

”...Since I will be providing those items as an individual and not on behalf of our clan, I want you to owe me one. Our leader would definitely not want to trade our resources with any men.” Babara replied after a few seconds of thinking with a sly smile.

Taeko immediately snapped her head at her teacher with a shocked expression.

”...Are you sure you don't want to accept gold like you usually do? I don't really like the idea of owing to someone” I said with a furrowed brows.

”There are things that even gold can't buy, right?” Babara said with a smile. Hinting that I can't buy their resources with money and that she knows that she also can't buy my favor.

”...Owing to you is a very broad condition. I hope you will provide me a lot of your poisons and also enough clothes even for my companions.” I stood up and said with narrowed eyes while holding my sheathed sword.

”Of course, if you will accept this, I will also provide you other things. There are many things that are exclusive to our clan. For example vials with a mixture, when consumed it can immediately heal wounds but can't be used repeatedly. I might also drop a few good words about you to our leader so you might be able to even get that last thing you want, however, as I told you before...you would have to become Oarburgh to fully control them.” She explained with a more relaxed expression as if she just won something good.

”Are you hinting something with me becoming Oarburgh?” I frowned and looked at her before glancing at Taeko.

---

'...Heh, this kid can easily see through what I am trying to do here. Although Taeko is a little strange, she at least isn't like our leader. If I can tie down someone like him to our clan, he will definitely be a great help for our clan. There is only one last remaining thing to see...I have seen his ability to calmly analyze a situation and play around with his enemies when he lured me into a trap. But I have yet to see his actual fighting power and skills. If he will be able to match Taeko or even defeat her, keeping a good relationship with him will be beneficial.' Babara thought with a sly smile on her face.

---

”Not at all. You can give me your answer this morning but for now...Taeko was just about to go train, would you be interested in sparring with her?” Babara said while pointing at Taeko who had confused expression on her face from our entire exchange but when she heard sparring she snapped her head at me with pleading eyes.

”...I see, I see. I have no problem with showing a bit of my skill if it's so important for you, hehe” I said with a small smile and creepy laugh.