Otherworld Company Chapter 121: Sometimes Imagination And Reality Are Linked

Jiro Tanaka: 28 years old – Has Girlfriends

Girlfriend(s): Suela Handelberg & Memoria Tris

Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Regular Employee)

Magical Aptitude: Nine (Quasi Demon King Class)

　Anatares, home of the Demon King’s Army.

　Bachena is called the military city in Anatares.

　This is the name of the place I visited.

　It is a military city, and its structure is like a fortress as a military base.

　This transfer camp is one of the military facilities.

　There are also horses for patrolling, a takeoff and landing area for flying dragons, and guards.

　Even now, various races related to the Demon King’s army come and go in the surrounding area.

　On the other hand, the city also seems to have a solid urban function.

　There are stores and inns away from the central military facilities, and although there is no human race, there are adventurers’ guilds, merchants, and adventurers.

　There are also commoners.

　My impression of this place was that it was closer to the “relatively peaceful” fantasy world I had imagined than the one I had visited on my previous business trip to Ithar.

　Although there are ogres and goblins, who are often portrayed as antagonists, I do not feel much discomfort, as I am familiar with works in which such races are the main characters.

　In fact, I felt that the scenes of power-mongering like in Ithar were more like a graphic representation of the social structure of modern Japan, and I felt that this was not fantasy at all.

　It may sound like something out of a spy movie, but the reality is much harsher than I had imagined.

　I can only be thankful for the fact that I was able to come to the otherworld in peace.

　Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to relax and enjoy the sights.

“Jiro, we have completed the procedures to leave the fortress. We will now head to the main town area.” (Might)

“……” (Gray)

　I leaned my back against a pillar and listened to the sounds around me quietly and calmly, and while I was compiling the information I had obtained through observation, the procedure to cross the fortress gate seemed to have been completed.

　Mr. Might and Mr. Gray came to pick me up.

“You are allowed to carry weapons, but please be careful not to draw your sword in the city. Even if the other party is at fault, in some cases it may become your fault.” (Might)

“Is that how low the status of human beings is?” (Jiro)

“Unfortunately, yes.” (Might)

“……” (Jiro)

　Both Mr. Might and Mr. Gray were friendly to me, but that does not mean that they are friendly to humans.

　It was the fruit of trust derived from the indirect trust of Suela and Memoria.

　They were just sort of good only to me.

　In fact, although I had not waited long enough, the feelings of curiosity, indifference, and malice that I felt from the stares I received were 20% curiosity, 30% indifference, and 50% malice, respectively.

　We didn’t just stare blankly at the giant moon, did we?

　Thanks to this, I knew that even if I just waited quietly, I would be met with a round of disgusted stares, wondering why a human was here.

　I have to be aware that I never know where trouble might be lurking.

　Still, it helps that unlike in Ithar, I don’t have to hide my identity.

　When I replied with a wry smile that there was no problem, Mr. Gray looked unconvinced but said nothing more.

　Mr. Might also understood the reaction of the people around him, but he was still not convinced.

　After directing a small smile toward me, he started to lead the way.

　Mr. Might walked diagonally in front of me on my right and Mr. Gray appeared behind me on my left.

　I am sure I am not mistaken when I say that they are walking as if they are escorting me.

　In fact, I can tell by their presence that the adventurer-like beings who probably had business at the fort clucked their tongues and moved away.

　If I had just casually walked around like that, I would have surely experienced the adventurer’s baptism, “Why are you in this place?” Such an event would have occurred that started with the descent.

　I don’t intend to lose, but I avoid unnecessary trouble.

　It means that I was right to wait quietly.

“By the way, where are we going?” (Jiro)

“My shop.” (Gray)

“Mr. Gray’s?” (Jiro)

“Yeah, I’m there to get the dragon mount, and then we are heading south.” (Gray)

“South? What’s there?” (Jiro)

“There are still a number of dungeons created by the successive Demon Kings on this continent. Unlike the ones in Ithar, these dungeons still function as dungeons. As long as they are managed, dungeons are capable of circulating magic power and releasing endless resources.” (Might)

“Is it something that can be reused? If so, wouldn’t it be less expensive to use them than to build a new dungeon?” (Jiro)

　If you ask them about their destination while walking, they seem to be heading for a dungeon south of this city.

　It is not surprising that there are dungeons on the continent of the Demon King’s Army, but I hear that dungeons are wedges that connect the worlds.

　Naturally, the cost of creating such a dungeon must not be half as high as the cost of building a dungeon.

　It would be more cost-effective to reuse a dungeon than to build one from scratch, especially if it still has some functionality.

“Of course, it is rare to find dungeons that are still fully functional, but I have heard that they are dismantled and sent back as resources. But most of the dungeons are destroyed by the heroes, so it is rare for the functionality to remain intact. Even if the dungeons are still functional, they are not perfect, so the usable items in those dungeons are reused for resource recovery. That is the dungeon we are heading to now.” (Might)

“I see.” (Jiro)

　As expected, they are doing a good job in that area.

　It’s not something you say in layman’s terms.

“Stop! Show us your ID and permit!!” (Guard)

　In the meantime, we arrive at the gate to the main town area.

　Of course, I am stopped by the guards, but thanks to the procedures I have completed in advance, I am able to pass through without any trouble.

　The soldiers are aware of my presence and I hear the word “you” spilled out.

　Does that mean that my existence as a tester is not a secret?

“Oh.” (Guard)

　The soldier’s comment is curious, but the sight beyond the gate catches my attention.

　The scene illuminated by the glowing magical streetlights is as beautiful as illumination.

　It is no different from daylight when it is this bright, as expected only on the main street.

“This way.” (Gray)

　The glittering scene is probably familiar to Mr. Gray.

　The brightness of the street is too glaring for the vampire Gray, who squints a little as he begins to walk quickly.

　Once again, Mr. Gray led the way.

“Ha, indeed, humans do stand out.” (Jiro)

“You’ll get used to it after a while.” (Might)

“I hope so.” (Jiro)

　When a child points at you on the road and a mother-like figure pulls your hand away, you feel like you are doing something bad even if you don’t mean to do something bad.

　Just as I was beginning to think I should put on my cloak we reached our destination.

“We’re here.” (Gray)

“Here?” (Jiro)

　I looked up at the store that Mr. Gray was leading me to.

　I had not imagined the store to be that big, since it was a privately owned store.

　But on the contrary, the store that Mr. Gray brought me to be a store the size of a large supermarket facing the main street.

“When I heard the name Tris, I didn’t expect it to be this Tris Trading Company. I can see why you would open a store in the lap of the Demon King’s city.” (Might)

“Is it that big?” (Jiro)

　Mr. Might was surprised on the way as we follow Mr. Gray, who went into the back without any hesitation.

“Welcome back Master!!” (Employee)

“Hmm.” (Gray)

“Master Gray, how is the young lady doing?” (Employe)

“She’s fine.” (Gray)

“Master Gray, regarding the delivery of the goods.” (Employe)

“Later.” (Gray)

　And it seemed that Mr. Gray was really the head of a big business association.

　Behind the counter, after entering the office, he was incessantly approached by the clerk.

　Perhaps because they have known each other for a long time, the clerks don’t mind talking to him even when he gives short replies.

　Well, thanks to that, they have been looking at me incessantly since a while ago, but for some reason, they are all looking at me favorably.

“Master Gray, the people behind… They couldn’t be.” (Employee)

“My son-in-law, the dark elf is my son-in-law’s other father-in-law.” (Gray)

“As I though!” (Employee)

　No, the only part of that explanation you understand is the first half, right?

　You don’t understand the second half, do you?

　No, polygamy is the norm in this world, so you don’t care about it?

　But I’ve been wondering since a while ago.

　Aren’t the clerks here too friendly toward humans?

　I received a somewhat expectant glance from this vampire, who seemed to be Mr. Gray’s, right-hand man.

“Uuu, that young lady is finally getting married… All of us in the store have been looking forward to this day!” (Employee)

　So that’s how it is.

　Is Memoria loved so much that the members of the Trading Company are eagerly waiting for her marriage?

　When the old vampire wipes away their tears and speaks, the sight of the surrounding clerks nodding in assent as if they were agreeing is something that puts pressure on me as her marriage partner, but on the other hand, it makes me very happy.

“All this time, the young lady never had any interest in men before! At first, I thought she would eventually become interested! But she never showed any signs! When I tried to improve the situation by suggesting a blind date, she evaded me, citing some reason, and finally, when I heard that she was going to open a store in another world, I was prepared for the fact that she would end up never marrying, but I never thought our wishes would be answered this soon!” (Employee)

　Hey, Memoria, the clerk is telling me something outrageous at your parents’ house.

　I mean, what have you been doing?

　That impression has faded all at once.

　The reaction quickly turned into an urge to shout to return their excitement.

　Judging from Mirs. Merle’s personality,she probably tightens things up, but I guess they’re on good terms.

　They are not reserved.

　I guessed that this kind of conversation was a regular occurrence since Mr. Gray was also listening without saying a word.

　Besides this vampire, there are other clerks with tears in their eyes here and there.

“Lowe.” (Gray)

“Yes! I was just so moved that I got emotional, Master Gray. So how can I help you with your early return? I am not expecting your early return, you said you’d be back in three days.” (Employee => Lowe)

“Hmm, my son-in-law will be challenging the dungeon in preparation for the marriage.” (Gray)

“Oh! You mean to procure materials? Can the Trading Company help you with that?” (Lowe)

“My son-in-law is a warrior.” (Gray)

“Oh, my! Then you will get the materials with your own hands? How magnificent!” (Lowe)

　Somehow, I think I understand the reason why this Trading Company is turning profits.

　What is this sense of perception? Is this the level of “heart-to-heart” communication?

　The vampire called Lowe nodded his head in agreement with what Mr. Gray was trying to say from a few words, making the conversation work.

“I need legs.” (Gray)

“I see, so that’s what you want. If so, I will provide you with a dragon mount. I’ll also get information on the latest trends in materials from the decorating department.” (Lowe)

“Please do.” (Gray)

“What a great milestone for the young lady’s life. I’ll do my best to support her. Of course, I will also gather information on materials suitable for the young lady of Master Dark Elf with you!” (Lowe)

“Hmm.” (Gray)

　What is it with this able-bodied vampire?

　I wish I could have worked for a boss like him at my old job.

“Well then, please wait here until we’re ready. I’ll bring you some tea for now.” (Lowe)

“Hmm.” (Gray)

　The arrangement was over without a moment’s notice or time to say anything.

　He bowed for the time being, but didn’t he think Mr. Gray was an unfriendly guy?

　I don’t think it’s a problem because he left after returning a nod with a smile at the end.

“Why don’t you down?” (Gray)

　I felt my shoulders relax at Mr. Gray’s pace, which was so fast-paced that I felt foolish for worrying about him.

Jiro Tanaka: 28 years old – Has Girlfriends

Girlfriend(s): Suela Handelberg (Dark Elf) & Memoria Tris (Vampire)

Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Regular Employee)

Magical Aptitude: Nine (Quasi Demon King Class)

Job Title: Warrior

Note for the Day

It was a day of understanding.

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