Life in Another World Isn’t Easy – Chapter 51

Hasuhanto, the world’s largest trading company. With branches in all seven nations of the continent, they deal in everything from peasant clothing and food to noble jewelry, knight’s weapons, and even their own mercenary corps, giving them influence over national affairs and making them the shadowy rulers of the continent.
I was called by these shadowy rulers, but I don’t know if it’s really from the person in charge. I certainly don’t expect to meet them. For now, I need to increase my credibility and get into a position where I can offer my advice more directly.
As for me, since I’ve been called, I want to go openly and head-on, of course not to a branch store, but to Hasuhanto’s mansion.
The Imperial Capital is surrounded by three walls. The first wall encloses the castle. Surrounding it is the second wall, protecting the mansions of nobles and knights. The third wall, on the outer perimeter, is where merchants, artisans, and commoners live.
I assumed Hasuhanto’s mansion would be within the second wall, like the nobles’, but it’s actually within the third wall. I was puzzled, but when I went to see it, I understood: “It’s too big to fit.”
The mansion’s grounds span the area between the second and third walls, and it’s so large that you have to go outside the wall to get to the other side of the mansion.
When I arrived at the main entrance, there were about ten armed guards in the guardhouse. When I explained my situation, stating I had an appointment, one of them ran off to fetch the person in charge. I had come prepared to be turned away, so it was impressive that the information had reached even the lowest ranks; their training must be excellent.
“You’re from the White Lily Corps, aren’t you?”
While I was chatting with the guards to kill time, a voice as clear as crystal suddenly spoke to me. Emerald eyes, golden hair, fair skin, and pointed ears. It was my first time seeing one, but this must be an Elf.
“A pleasure to meet you. I am Mikael Sin, Captain of the White Lily Corps.”
“I am Manon Guiyu. It is a pleasure to meet you. Since standing here would be impolite, I will guide you inside.”
I silently followed Guiyu. She has quite a behind. My thoughts are not audible, you know. It was a long walk from the gate with the guardhouse to the mansion, and there were mercenaries, presumably guards, stationed here and there.
As expected of the world’s best, considerable money has been spent on the guards’ equipment. I wonder how I will climb my way up from here, and how close I can get to Hasuhanto.
I was made to wait in what appeared to be a conference room. A large table with chairs for dozens of people was set up, and it felt very lonely with only me there. I should have brought someone with me.
With a knock on the door, Manon Guiyu entered, accompanied by two armed mercenaries. Could this be concerning bad news?
“Thank you for waiting. Once again, I am Manon Guiyu, head of the operational department of the Hasuhanto Trading Company.”
As I took her offered hand, I shook it, and just as I expected, it was delicate.
“I am Mikael Sin, Captain of the White Lily Corps. Thank you for summoning me.”
It’s time to get to work.
“Is the Captain doing well?”
“He should be. If things go badly, he can just run away. No one can beat him in a sprint.”
“But I’m a little worried. Also, are you really buying a dress? I ended up buying one too.”
“Yeah, I will. Every time I turn into a Lycanthrope, my clothes get torn, and I end up naked.”
“?”
“What kind of dress…?”
“One of those BDU things. Right, Orietta?”
“That’s right~. It refers to combat attire from the Captain’s memory~. Battle Dress Uniform, or ‘BDU’ for short~. I believe it’s likely clothes worn under armor~.”
“It was mostly green clothing.”
“So that’s why you called it a dress. I thought you meant a formal social dress.”
“Why should I have to wear a frilly dress? Christine can wear something like that.”
“…If it’s for the Captain.”
“…”
“Well, I intend to make a dress in the Imperial Capital that won’t tear and armor that won’t come off even when I turn into a Lycanthrope.”
“Can you even make something like that?”
“It’s possible~. With the Captain’s memories, Alchemy, and the tailoring skills here, we can manage~.”
“W-what about you all? Are you making dresses?”
“Oli loves her current clothes~. And the Captain told me to make clothes to wear under my armor~. I’ll make them the same as Pri-chan’s~.”
“I want weapons as battle rewards!”
“I’m making them for you as the Captain told me to—. I’m giving the Captain a prototype knife—.”
“May I see it?”
“■■■■, Summon. Here you go. It’s currently thick and short—. I’m thinking of making a thinner and longer one for Alana-chan—.”
“Is that so? I’m looking forward to it.”
“What about you, Rufina? Aren’t you making a dress?”
“Since I’ve come to the Imperial Capital, I shall meet my master.”
“You had a master?”
“Priscilla, what did you think of me? Yes, I have a master.”
“I’d like to meet your master. In that case, Christine and Sophia will be making dresses.”
“Um, I’m fine with my current robe.”
“Hmph, a dress and a robe, how extravagant.”
“No, I mean, with what I have now…”
“If we send Christine to buy them alone, people will die.”
“S-since it’s a special occasion, I’ll make a dress.”
“One way or another, it looks like everyone is going to be busy. If the Captain can bring us some work, then we’re good.”
I’m working. With heavily armed mercenaries standing behind me, and feeling like they’re staring at the crown of my head from above, I feel a tension rise, causing my behind to clench. And to be able to see the cleavage of the opened clothing of the Manon Guiyu in front of me is the height of happiness.
“I have heard about the matter concerning the Lord in Nuyoo. It is said you were quite successful and even received the epithet ‘Annihilation Brigade’.”
“I was aided by the efforts of my subordinates.”
“It wasn’t just that, was it? You repelled an entire unit of monsters from Pomer. You defeated not only Orcs but even Trolls in individual combat. In the siege warfare, you led the vanguard of the 7th Unit and played an active role during the retreat. Your achievements go beyond ‘amazing’ and are truly ‘tremendous’.”
“I am humbled.”
They’ve researched me. That’s natural. If they summoned me after researching me, it must be a good thing. …My estimate is that it’s over ninety-two.
“Ninety… So, what is the reason for this summons?”
“The Hasuhanto Trading Company needs the power of the White Lily Corps. Won’t you join our mercenary division?”
“I refuse.”
“As I expected.”
My refusal was met with an immediate counter. I’ve had this happen before…
“I do not believe the White Lily Corps would place a collar on me. And I have learned that there are no individual contracts either.”
“Then why…”
“I was just testing the waters. The White Lily Corps members have excessively high individual combat capabilities. Unusually high. Incorporating them would lead to the same sort of prominence as the 7th Unit. Furthermore, I believe the reason individuals are kept in check is due to Mikael’s individual guidance.”
They’ve truly done their homework. No individual contracts means it’s about the rotational guidance, right? It’s a bit embarrassing. What if I joked about guiding you too, would I get hit with a meteor?
“Please, tell me the reason for the summons.”
“We wished to entrust you with a task, which is why we called you.”
“That’s quite a long preamble for a request.”
“It’s a hobby. The request is to guard a caravan and subjugate monsters. Please read the details here.”
Reading the high-quality paper handed to me, it seemed like a simple job. I don’t think there’s any need for a strength test at this point. However, the information gathering capabilities of the Hasuhanto Trading Company are incredible. With this level of ability, they might be able to accomplish what Dan Russell spoke of.
“With my humble abilities, I accept.”
“You are humble. The caravan will depart from the east gate first thing tomorrow morning. Do not be late.”
She said so, stood up, and left the room. In the end, I didn’t get to meet the chairman. And Manon, you could show a little more bosom.