NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32
Here’s the translated text:
Finally, the task of contacting the caravan fell to me and Lumina. It was also originally supposed to be for buying furniture.
The problem was with the “troublemakers” associated with Rex.
If the troublemakers said they were after Rex, it was possible they would spot us as soon as we entered the city.
So I—
“How do I look? Do I look like a different person?”
“……Wow.”
Lumina let out a short exclamation.
“Black hair suits you well too.”
I had dyed my hair last night. In black.
Fortunately, there was dye in this world. After all, it was set in the late 18th century; there would naturally be dye.
Of course, being water-based, the color would probably fade just by washing it in the river.
It was enough for a short trip to the city.
We weren’t planning to stay for days; we were just going to check out a few furniture shops or raw materials stores.
To hide her noticeable silver hair, Lumina decided to wear a robe.
Moreover, she dressed in plain, unremarkable clothes, making her look like a porter.
“This outfit should be inconspicuous if not examined closely.”
“Anyway, they’re dimwits; they wouldn’t notice even if they looked closely.”
“R, really…?”
“Yes, of course.”
I smiled at Lumina. After all, it was a tradition in game possession that even a light disguise wouldn’t reveal one’s identity.
“But how do we get to the city?”
“The battalion commander prepared a carriage. He even told them to wait and load supplies.”
“A carriage?”
“Given the involvement of the military police, they’re sure to provide proper support.”
External carriages might draw attention, so we decided to use the supply carriage provided by Rockhart Battalion Commander.
Since it was operated by the battalion commander himself, it was practically a VIP carriage.
‘The guy has an uncanny sense for identifying military achievements.’
Even thinking about it again, he’s an easy person to understand.
For me, who had earned quite a bit of favor from Rockhart, such a straightforward personality was actually advantageous.
‘As the saying goes, one must know how to ride the line well since the fishing season to rise to better places.’
But this was only true if things went well.
If things didn’t go well, the backlash could be severe.
High expectations mean high disappointment; ultimately, it could end up as “I knew it,” and future opportunities might be lost.
I don’t plan on ending it like that.
Though it started poorly, the end will be grand.
Considering I’ve involuntarily found myself back in the military, shouldn’t I strive to reach my dream position?
Amidst great powers, I’ll become the ‘true’ hero of a small country, unable to act either way.
“Shall we go then?”
“Yes, Captain.”
This was another chance that came our way.
Unlike last time when I was swept along, this time I would take control and achieve perfect results.
Gulp.
I swallowed hard. Lumina next to me also showed a slight sign of tension.
“The 3rd Magic Cavalry Battalion?”
“Yes, we’re here for building material supplies for barracks repairs.”
“Hmm…! Proceed!”
The sentry at the city entrance carefully scrutinized my appearance before opening the path. Only then could I relax slightly.
Clatter-clatter.
As the carriage entered the city, Lumina finally exhaled the breath she had been holding.
“Puff, it seems they’re checking more thoroughly than usual.”
“I told you, it’s a hundred percent local collusion.”
The city guard force and criminal organizations had formed some kind of symbiotic relationship.
That was my conclusion.
With troublemakers openly causing problems and even threatening the military, they must have backing at least equivalent to the city guard.
Otherwise, they couldn’t control the city to a certain extent.
The guard force accepts bribes, turning a blind eye to criminal activities.
In return, troublemakers exploit their privileges within reason, avoiding direct harm to citizens, but preying on outsiders who lack internal protection.
This was how society functioned in Chernov City.
‘It’s so obvious.’
Even when deployed at the frontlines, something as absurd as a PC room charging 2000 won per hour.
Not even in Gangnam.
But this wasn’t limited to soldiers; it applied to anyone from outside.
Both here and there, people were sacrificing soldiers and outsiders for their own gain.
“Even though news about Private First Class Rex hasn’t spread yet, those who were dealt with by Sergeant Bella last time are likely keeping an eye on us.”
“Really… They treat soldiers like what?”
“We could stir everything up. Those guys don’t even know our identities.”
“Heh, could they?”
At Lumina’s light laugh in response to my attempt to lighten the mood, I couldn’t help but comment.
“Lieutenant Lumina looks good when she smiles.”
“Huh?”
“You’ve always heard that your expression is cold, right? But smiling makes you look completely different.”
“G, gah… Really? Thank you.”
Lumina seemed flustered and mumbled before bowing her head.
Her embarrassed reaction was quite amusing.
“Captain, we’ve arrived at the carriage station in the city center. From now on, we’ll need to walk.”
Just then, the carriage stopped, and the soldier sitting on the driver’s seat spoke.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Thank you.”
After exchanging gratitude, Lumina and I jumped off the carriage.
“If you go a little to the right from here, you’ll see the Guild building. This waiting area is also part of the merchant guild.”
Following the driver’s words, beyond the cornered street, a large crowd gathered. People dressed in luxurious clothing, chatting noisily.
It was clearly the courtyard of the merchant guild.
‘A civilian force capable of contact among the few in Haojue.’
Merchant guild, mercenary office, and mage tower.
Except for military or political matters, these were the three forces usable in civilian affairs.
Among them, the merchant guild was often utilized for procurement, transportation, and securing funds.
I had used it frequently too.
Last time, due to wandering around the business district and central commerce area, I hadn’t managed to check properly.
“Should we start by finding materials? Furniture can be checked slowly.”
“That sounds good.”
As we confidently opened the door of the merchant guild and entered, a man wearing rough armor blocked our path.
“What brings you here?”
His armor was partially reinforced with metal, and he wore a sword at his waist.
He was clearly a guild security officer.
“From the 3rd Magic Cavalry Battalion. We came here to discuss building material contracts for the construction.”
“Oh, you’re from a nearby unit? Could you show me your ID?”
“I don’t have an ID, but I have a letter from the battalion commander.”
I handed over the document the commander had signed and sealed with the battalion’s seal.
“That should be enough.”
The security officer stepped back, making way. There was no fake document, so there was no need to feel intimidated.
‘But where do I go now?’
In the game, the merchant guild could be handled with a single window.
Now, without that option, it felt like a complex building filled with people to me.
Seeing me hesitate slightly, Lumina winked at me.
“Leave this to me.”
Lieutenant Lumina confidently approached the reception desk and began chatting skillfully with the clerk who was fiddling with an abacus.
“We came for construction material supplies, particularly northern white oak.”
“Should we follow the standard military procurement price?”
“Yes, and… we also want to look at some furniture for the barracks.”
Without a list, Lumina effortlessly listed various furniture items.
The clerk, initially indifferent, straightened up and diligently filled out forms based on her concise statements.
It was clear from Lumina’s earnest approach to interior design, as described by Bella Meyer.
“Then, please issue a transport order and receipt.”
“Ah… I’m sorry, but transport orders aren’t currently being issued.”
“What? Then how do we ensure delivery?”
“You’ll need to operate your own battalion carriage or contract a separate transport carriage from our guild and travel together.”
In other words, they weren’t offering delivery services.
Usually, bulky items like building materials and furniture were transported directly by the merchant guild.
It made sense given the fees charged for transportation.
“Is there any particular reason why transport orders aren’t being issued?”
When I joined in asking, the clerk replied hesitantly.
“I don’t know the details, but the Guildmaster ordered a freeze on transport records.”
“Freeze on transport records?”
A freeze meant all issuance and cancellation of transport-related documents were halted. Why now?
Something smelled fishy.
Lumina sensed the same unease.
Bam!
“Get the Guildmaster out here immediately!!”
A large man in a cuirass, with an official pistol from the Okhraine Duchy army, stepped forward. Soldiers in guard uniforms rushed into the merchant guild.
“Stop! Even if it’s the guard force, you can’t just barge in…”
The guild security officer tried to stop them, but…
“What?! This punk!!”
Whack!
Struck by the giant’s fist, he tumbled to the ground.
“I’m Lieutenant Lannister of Chernov City Guard! Get Guildmaster Shakhov out here! Or I’ll throw everyone in jail for insubordination!”
Guard Lieutenant Lannister.
One of the individuals Sergeant Bella warned me about was standing right in front of me.
[!– Bottom Banner Wrapper –]