Needless to say, first-time customers would be refused entry. To become a member, letters of introduction from three existing members and an expensive membership fee were required. It was a place where one couldn’t enter without unquestionable position and wealth.
In addition, it even had completely private rooms, so fellow customers wouldn’t see one another. Only those who wanted to spend their time quietly without getting disturbed by anyone gathered at this bar.
Clink, went the glass in my hand. It had been about an hour since I came to this bar. I was spending my time alone while savoring my fifth glass of whiskey. Thin, thread-like smoke fluttered as it rose from the half-smoked cigarette on the ashtray.
The demonstrators who had gotten angry about the railway plan that disregarded human life had returned to their cities midway through their march to the imperial capital. That was because Johann himself had stood before them and announced the review of the railway plan.
The demonstrators, who had let their emotions take over and run wild, were ultimately a powerless mob. With one of the Regalia, the toughest of the tough, in front of them, it was impossible for them to push what they wanted through. Just when they were feeling intimidated, they were won over by Johann’s verbal skills, and had no choice but to disperse quietly.
Behind the scenes, I contacted the feudal lords who had instigated the demonstrations and told them about Johann’s announcement of the review of the railway plan. And then, when I instructed them to not try anything funny in future and to commit themselves to the negotiations for the distribution of the profits, they had agreed readily.
Even for those guys, their intention was not to cause the railway plan itself to be started afresh. As long as they could get a satisfactory amount of profit, there would also be no need for any more risky maneuvering.
Everything had been wrapped up neatly. However, delays to the railway plan were unavoidable. It would likely take at least one month before construction could be started. No matter how Johann took responsibility for this misstep, his position within this venture should have worsened considerably.
On the other hand, because I had used my entire fortune as collateral and『short-sold』the shares of Volcan Heavy Industries, which held a key role in the railway plan, and its related companies in advance, I was able to turn a tremendous profit.
The most recent share prices of Volcan Heavy Industries and its related companies had soared sharply because some of the influential feudal lords and wealthy individuals who had known in advance about the announcement of the railway plan had bought up the shares. However, at the same time the plan was announced, it became unclear whether there would be delays or not, which caused the prices to crash overnight.
Short-selling of shares means the selling of shares obtained through margin trading. Since it’s a margin transaction, the cost of buying the shares needs to be paid at a later date, but if the price of the shares that had been short-sold is lower before the deadline, it’s possible to profit from the difference.
In total, the profit that I had obtained from the short-selling was 350 billion Fil. It was a humongous profit that was enough to build four airships.
However, I didn’t keep it all and invested 90% of the profit in the department of Volcan Heavy Industries that was in charge of the railway plan to fund the venture. What I got in return was a one percent allotment, which was projected to be about 50 billion Fil, of their annual profits.
Moreover, my name had been added to the list of people involved with the venture as a person of merit. When the railway opened, my name would probably be engraved on the commemorative plaques at each station.
The wealth and fame that I had obtained in a mere few days were what Johann had spent many years laying his plans in an attempt to obtain.
Just like the old saying, “a person who rides horses and palanquins can reach a thousand miles without using his feet”, by riding the swift horse called Johann, everything was falling into my hands.
Victory was close at hand. The highest honor known as Regalia was also destined to be mine before long.
However, it was also a fact that an effortless victory couldn’t even serve as a snack to go with liquor.
「......Johann Eisfeld, is this the end for you?」
I’m not interested in things like victories that fall into my lap. If you call yourself a Regalia, then try to entertain me more. I couldn’t help but make a wish like that.
When I sipped the liquor, red drops fell onto the table.
「Shit……」
Those drops were blood from my nose. The after-effect of the battle against the Lord had yet to heal. I should have made a full recovery ages ago, but when I had a doctor re-examine it, it appeared that because I had the habit of constantly overusing my brain, far from healing, it was getting worse.
I wiped the nosebleed with a handkerchief and put the cigarette in my mouth. Thanks to the cigarette’s effect of contracting my blood vessels, the nosebleed stopped in no time. I had started drinking alone at this bar because I didn’t want anyone to see my weakened state.
On occasion, I had even wondered if there was a need to devote my all to this extent. I’m aiming to become the strongest in order to fulfill my promise to my grandfather, but if I became disabled for life because of that, my grandfather would probably turn over in his grave.
In that case, why am I aiming to become the strongest to the extent of casting everything aside?
The answer is clear. No matter when it was, the flames burning in my chest had showed no signs of disappearing at all. Today, tomorrow, even at the moment of my death――
「Master Stollen」
As I was drinking the liquor, an employee of the bar called out to me from behind the door.
「What is it?」
「I apologize for disturbing you while you’re relaxing. There is a member present who wishes to meet with Master Stollen. What would you like us to do?」
「What, Dolly of Goat Dinner? …...Is she the real deal?」
「Yes, Mistress Gardner is also a member of our bar, so there is no doubt about her identity. She is without her attendants and it seems that she would like to meet you alone」
Hmm, I muttered with a smile on my face.
Goat Dinner is a 3rd Star of Regalia. I know quite a bit about their clan master, Dolly Gardner. I’ve not made her acquaintance, but rumor has it that she’s an outrageous vixen, among other things.
To begin with, there are few female Seekers. Rather than a lack of ability, it’s because men are better in terms of aptitude. It’s extremely rare for a woman to have both a fighting spirit that’s as fierce as a man’s, and a mental strength that’s tough enough to not fear even death.
In spite of that, let alone leading a clan, Dolly had even obtained the title of Regalia at a young age. It’s probably natural for nasty rumors about her to circulate.
In reality, from the fact that she’s trying to make contact with me in this way, it seems to me that she’s undoubtedly a shrewd woman. Now, what to do?
After considering it for a while, I answered.
「Alright. Let her through」
「Understood」
Eventually, the door opened and a young woman appeared. From her appearance, she looked about the same age as me. Her features were so beautiful that it was scary and her hair was red like blood. Her hooded black leather dress had exposed shoulders, revealing pale skin.
「I'm honored to meet you, clan master of Wild Tempest」
Her red lips curved into a slight smile, Dolly said in a voice that caressed the ears.
「Likewise, I’m honored to meet you, clan master of Goat Dinner. Please have a seat」
At my urging, Dolly sat next to me. A sweet scent tickled my nose.
「I've been a member of this bar for a long time, but you're probably the youngest member. Even though you’re still young, that’s quite something」
「I like showing off. Since I’m a nouveau riche」
「Fufufu, nouveau riche, huh?」
Dolly put her finger to her lips and laughed.
「For a man who made 350 billion Fil overnight, your manner of speaking is pretty humble. I had thought that you would be a more arrogant person」
My eyes narrowed naturally. The fact that I had made a huge profit from short-selling shares is something that anyone with a decent information network would know. However, when she even hit the mark on the exact amount, I could help but regard her as dangerous.
「Wow, what a scary expression. As I thought, it looks like this is Mr Snake’s true colors」
「If you came just to boast about the excellence of your information network, then you’ve lost my interest. Shouldn’t you be more alarmed? You had better not forget that, not just Johann’s, your throat is also within reach of my fangs」
「You come on strong, don’t you? But that makes things easier」
Dolly half-rose from her seat and closed the distance between us. At a distance where we could feel each other’s breaths, Dolly's cold hand caressed my right hand.
「Mr Snake, won’t you join forces with me?」
「What do you mean by that?」
「Same as you, I also view Lorelei――Johann Eisfeld as an eyesore. If we join forces, we’ll be able to bury Johann for sure」
「Hey, do you understand the current situation?」
When I heard what Dolly said, I couldn’t help but laugh scornfully.
「The situation has reached the point where just my strength alone is already enough to bury Johann. Even if I do something like join forces with you now, what’s in it for me?」
「That’s a sound argument, I suppose. But if you listen to what I have to say, I believe that you’ll change your mind too」
Dolly sat up straight and looked straight at me with her blue eyes.
「Johann is a person from the Republic of Rhodania」
「From Rhodania? ……Are you telling me that he’s a spy?」
「No, that’s not it. Though if he was a spy, things would be much easier……」
I tilted my head at her roundabout way of speaking.
「If he’s not a spy, then what on earth is he?」
「......Do you know the name Dark Scale(Black Scale Bandits)?」
「If I recall correctly, isn’t that the name of a group of bandits that had caused a stir in Rhodania over ten years ago……」
I had heard that it was a group of bandits that had gathered fierce men of terrifying strength, and that they had burned down a number of cities before they were subjugated. It appeared that they had such strength that even when they were surrounded by thousands of troops, not only were the troops unable to kill any one of them, they had turned the tables on the troops instead.
From what I heard, as a result of all of Rhodania’s clans that correspond to the Empire’s Regalia forming an alliance and going on an all-out war against them, they were finally destroyed in the end.
Because it was too preposterous of a story, it spread inside the Empire as a funny story ridiculing Rhodania. Seeing as the country had to wage total war against the likes of mere bandits, the neighboring country must surely be a peaceful and wonderful country, was what they had said laughingly.
「No way, you’re telling me that Johann was a member of Dark Scale?」
「Rather than being a member, Johann was their leader」
When I saw Dolly nod with a solemn expression, I laughed out loud.
「Ahahahahaha, seriously!?」
「I know that it’s hard to believe. But――」
When Dolly was about to offer a counterargument, I forestalled her with a hand.
「No, I believe you. Certainly, if the opponent is the leader of Dark Scale, it’s natural for you to be scared」
「What an unpleasant way of putting it. Shouldn’t caution be expected when dealing with formidable enemies?」
「Hah, you’re just sugarcoating it」
When I shrugged my shoulders, Dolly gave me a disgruntled look. While smiling at that, I put the cigarette to my mouth. The cigarette smoke that I blew out whitened the interior of the room slightly.
「I knew from the start that you weren't lying. I can read minute facial expressions, you see? If you tell a lie, I’m able to see through it instantly. But even so, I don’t get it. Purely from what you’ve just said, it seems like you’ve accepted past information on faith, and have taken Johann’s strength as absolute. Despite the fact that in my estimation, between you and Johann, you’re the one who is stronger. ――Tell me, there are even more secrets to Johann, am I right?」
When I asked, Dolly smiled faintly.
「Trade secret, is what I would like to say, but if you join forces with me, I intend to share all of the information」
「That’s what I thought. I just thought I'd ask」
I stood up and turned my back to Dolly.
「I appreciate your proposal, but I’ve no intention of joining forces with you」
「I find that hard to understand. Don't you want to know the truth about Johann? If you challenge him by yourself, you can never win against him」
「No, I'll win. No matter who my opponent is」
That’s why, I continued, with my back still to her.
「You watch on in silence. Johann Eisfeld is my prey」
Dolly didn’t say anything, and only her surprise alone was conveyed to me. I opened the door and exited the private room.
If I was only seeking efficiency, teaming up with Dolly would be the right answer.
But by doing that, what could I obtain? What would it prove?
I like to win. I also do things like devise plans, trick people and set traps. If it’s for the sake of winning, I’ll do anything.
But I'm not just fighting for the sake of winning. I'm fighting in order to prove my strength. Johann Eisfeld, no matter who you are, there is only one truth that I seek.
「Try to entertain me more」
The words that I had muttered softly further strengthened the force of the flames blazing inside my heart.
†
†
Even after Noel had left, Dolly remained in the private room.
According to what the employee said, it appears that Noel is paying for everything tonight. He’s a truly impertinent brat. However, I didn’t dislike that combative personality. It had felt like I was looking at the old me, and it makes me smile.
As Dolly was drinking a sweet cocktail by herself, a voice rang out in her head.
『You got rejected, I see』
In a voice that seemed to be saying, “Seems like it”, Dolly sighed. It was uncertain whether Noel was aware of it, but the owner of that voice had been eavesdropping on the conversation in this private room the entire time.
『I hate brats after all』
『You looked like you were enjoying yourself though?』
『You should get yourself examined by a mind doctor』
When Dolly retorted caustically, the person she was communicating with laughed in amusement.
『Are you in a position where you can laugh?』
『Excuse me. I also feel disappointed that you weren’t able to get the cooperation of Snake. But I would like your continued assistance with the elimination of Johann. I’ll increase the reward. If you wish it, you can also be appointed to an important post in my country――Rhodania』
『What a joke. I’ve no interest in a country with a silly political system like democracy. It’s quite impossible for me to tolerate a society in which the stupid masses elect politicians who are all talk, swagger around arrogantly, and line their own pockets. The stupid but endearing royalty and nobles are much more preferable』
Dolly spat out her reply.
I do rate the potential of democracy itself quite highly. That’s because democracy is the only way to support an increasing population, a developing culture and civilization, and diversifying values.
However, this system called democracy requires the citizens, who are the core of the nation, to be sensible and have the ability to discern and differentiate. The only thing that stupid masses can bring about, is mob rule.
In addition, because it’s more convenient for the politicians if the citizens are stupid, that also inevitably creates an environment in which it’s difficult for excellent talents to emerge.
In the more distant future――when people can act as members of society while not losing sight of their individual egos, when that time comes, I would likely embrace democracy gladly.
But now is not that time. And I know that in the age I live in, no matter how far I went, there would only be mob rule.
『As per our promise, seeing as I was unable to get the cooperation of Snake, my relationship with you ends here. Sorry, Rhodania's assassin』
At Dolly’s words, the person she was communicating with went silent.
The true identity of that person was an assassin sent by Rhodania. The target of the assassination was Johann Eisfeld. Dolly had set one condition when the assassin had tried reaching out to her for help in order to eliminate Johann. That was the cooperation of Snake――Noel.
Knowing the truth about Johann and understanding the threat that he posed, she didn’t feel like she would lose if she fought with all her might. But even if Dolly won, she would probably lose a great deal of things. That could not be called a complete victory.
That was why she needed another collaborator. Taking being good at battles as a matter of course, someone who was not only sharp-witted, but also had the will to bury Johann. As far as Dolly knew, it could only be Noel.
She hadn’t expected Noel to decline her invitation, but now that things had turned out this way, she shouldn’t get involved with Johann any more.
『However, the information that I got from you really helped me out. ……So while I can't help you eliminate Johann, so long as you're in the imperial capital, I'll be your guarantor. If I do that, it’ll make it easy for you to act as well, right?』
『I appreciate it』
The person she was communicating with responded with a few words of thanks without complaint.
『By the way, can't you watch on in silence and leave it to Snake? The chances of Snake winning against Johann are almost non-existent, but maybe a miracle might happen』
『As much as I would like to believe in miracles, I don’t think that the organization would allow that. I’ve been ordered to carry out the mission using other methods if I’m unable to get your cooperation』
『What other methods?』
Dolly asked, but there was no reply. The telepathic communication had also been cut off one-sidedly. There was also no sign of the presence that she had felt until just now. It appeared that the person had already left the bar somehow.
「What an impatient person. ......I hate it, a way of life that’s tied down by others」
The words that she had muttered were filled with so much disgust that it even surprised herself.
Dolly used to be a girl without any sort of strength. Her Job was Mage. It’s a combat type Job, but it wasn’t as though she had any sort of special talent. Even if she were to become a Seeker, she would probably wind up dead right away.
The reason why Dolly aspired to be a Seeker was because she wanted to turn her life around in one-shot. Merely being born into a poor farming family was still fine, but her stepfather had lusted for Dolly after she had matured as a woman. Far from receiving help from her mother, she was reduced to being the target of her mother’s jealousy.
For that very reason, she wanted strength. So that she couldn’t be tied down by anyone, a powerful strength――
The Job of Mage has a special Skill. It's a skill that any Mage can use from the start, regardless of talent.
Magic Skill: Sacrifice(Bodily Sacrifice)
It’s a Skill that dramatically improves fighting ability by sacrificing a part of one's body to a spirit. To Mages, who are able to use the power of spirits, their connection with the spirits is extremely important. Of course, the more important the part of the body that’s sacrificed, the greater the reward.
However, it doesn’t always succeed, and there is a possibility of being rejected by the spirits even if a part of the body is sacrificed. In those cases, the user will die from the rebound.
Few Mages use Sacrifice. If there was anyone who used it, it would only be fools who were capable of betting their own lives on a gamble.
Dolly had activated Sacrifice at the age of twelve. In hopes of a Sacrifice contract with a dark spirit that controls gravity, Dolly sacrificed her own『womb』.
As a result, Dolly's Sacrifice was successful, and she was able to obtain a powerful strength that would be impossible for normal Mages to have.
She piled up successes with the strength that she had obtained, created Goat Dinner, and was now one of the Regalia. She was also able to rank up to Magus, the Mage series A Rank Job.
That's exactly why, Dolly thought to herself.
What’s needed in order to achieve success is a strength of will that’s strong enough to overwhelm others. A person lacking will can never win.
「The potential of people is infinite. Can you seize the future, I wonder?」
Dolly raised the cocktail glass. There wasn’t anyone for her to toast with, but she thought that this was fine for now. That was because she would undoubtedly know the answer in no time――
I’ll elaborate a bit, just in case you found the explanation of short-selling unclear. Putting it simply, short-selling is the selling of shares that you don’t own right now at current prices with the promise to deliver the shares to the buyer at a later date. If the prices drop before that deadline arrives, you can buy it cheaper than you sold it to earn a profit. If the prices go up instead, you have to buy it in order to fulfill your promise when the deadline comes, so you’ll make a loss.
“A person who rides horses and palanquins can reach a thousand miles without using his feet”. You can sorta guess it’s meaning as it’s fairly literal, but it means “accomplishing something easily by using other things/people/events skillfully”.
It’s something that I’ve mentioned in Foreigner, but keigo(polite speak) is hard to bring across in English. But when Dolly and Noel first met, they start off speaking very formally until she points out how much money he made, then the formal way of speaking completely disappears. Also, a few lost in translation “puns”, the literal translation of “joining forces” is “putting hands together”, which is what she did when she first said it. And the first thing the unknown voice says can also be translated as “you got dumped, I see”.
Mob rule is the rule of government by (1) a mob or mass of people, or (2) through the intimidation of those in authority. And in Japanese, it written literally as “mob stupidity politics”.
So, suddenly a long chapter, and half of it a POV from a brand new character. What’s more, it’s a clan master of one of the Regalia. I suppose it’s natural, but I’m starting to get the sense that every clan master/sub-master of the Regalia is warped in some way or another, else they wouldn’t have reached where they are. Of course that includes the target of Rhodania’s assassin, Johann. But for some reason, I can’t really see the cocky Johann as a leader of a group of bandits that’s so strong as to require all of Rhodania’s “Regalia” to band together to defeat. That mysterious voice talking to Zero……
Also, for no reason at all, I noticed that I’ve never actually mentioned anywhere in my translations the kanji of some of the Skills…… For example, like for Stun Howl, its kanji is actually “Wolf’s Howl”. Once I finish revising Part One(I’m only halfway done), I’ll translate the character bio for Part One and note the kanji for all these kind of stuff in it.
With this, we’re already 14 chapters into Part 3 with no end to the conflict in sight. Looks like it’s shaping up to be a volume-long arc, doesn’t it? Stay tuned!
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