Chapter 58: The Two Were Such a Couple
In the martial world, such symbiotic relationships were common.
For example… the escorts protecting cargo often got along well with the bandits who targeted it.
When they met on the mountain path, they would greet each other warmly, and after paying an appropriate toll, the cargo would be allowed to pass.
For the client who had entrusted the escort with their cargo, this situation seemed absurd.
However, there was an unavoidable aspect to it.
The escorts had to make a living, and the bandits had to make a living.
If there were no such symbiotic relationship between the two parties, there would be bloody battles over cargo every time.
The escorts could transport the cargo safely without anyone dying, and the bandits could earn an income without anyone dying.
Of course, if the bandits were completely eradicated, there would be no need to pay a toll.
However, that would also reduce the income of the escorts.
Since the bandits were gone, it would be difficult to extort more money from the clients.
Furthermore, if a new force were to flow into the area after the bandits disappeared, it could create unpredictable risks.
That was why they maintained a symbiotic relationship while keeping their distance.
‘The problem is when this kind of symbiotic relationship causes great harm to civilians.’
Sirius did not intend to uncover and eradicate all such relationships.
After all, it was impossible to control every corner of the world.
However, if it was something that caused great harm to civilians, that was a different story.
‘I should go and see for myself.’
He had already heard enough from Rhodius, but he needed to confirm it locally.
And depending on the situation… he would eradicate them.
“Sirius.”
Eustia approached Sirius, who was lost in thought on the ship.
“This journey, we’re traveling with the Thousand Wave Escort Group’s fleet… will it be okay?”
“It’s much better that way.”
In fact, there would be no problem if only Sirius and Eustia went to the Retijud family.
However, this time, they were traveling with the Thousand Wave Escort Group’s cargo ships.
“We can move our forces together.”
“…….”
Half of the people on board the cargo ships were Thousand Wave Sword Sect swordsmen.
They were disguised as sailors on the cargo ships so as not to give the impression that Sirius was leading his troops into the south.
In fact, they usually helped with the Thousand Wave Escort Group’s transportation business, so if nothing happened, they would simply ride the cargo ships back to the east.
However, in case of an emergency, they would draw their swords and fight.
“And, it will be more convenient for you to do business.”
Eustia was aiming to expand Thousand Wave Escort Group’s business into the south.
Since Thousand Wave Escort Group was also Sirius’s financial backer, it was good for Sirius if Eustia’s business went well.
“You take care of the business-related matters. If you need anything, ask me for help.”
“Yes, I understand.”
As they exchanged such words, Leticia approached them from behind.
“Seriously, even in a situation like this, all you do is talk about business? You guys are really…”
“Sister…”
Eustia opened her mouth with an expression that showed she was fed up.
“We’ve always been like this, so please don’t interfere.”
“Even so, that’s no excuse.”
Leticia folded her arms and looked at Sirius.
“Brother-in-law, do you know what kind of trip this is?”
“Isn’t it a trip to visit the Retiuit family?”
“That’s not it.”
“……?”
What in the world is she trying to say?
Sirius stared at her in silence, and Leticia snapped her fingers and said,
“It’s your honeymoon.”
“……”
“No, really? Even though it’s a bit late, this is your honeymoon.”
Honeymoon.
Neither Sirius nor Eustia had ever thought of it that way.
“You should create a romantic atmosphere and make memories. It may not seem like much, but it all adds up to make your married life smoother in the future.”
“……”
“I’m giving you this advice as a senior in marriage, so keep it in mind.”
With those words, Leticia went into the cabin.
As if to say that she would step aside and let the two of them figure it out from now on.
Sirius and Eustia looked at each other for a moment before speaking at the same time.
“Let’s ignore it.”
“Let’s ignore it.”
That’s the kind of couple they were.
* * *
Compared to the world they lived in in their previous lives… the Eastern Region has some similarities to the Sichuan region.
The terrain is rugged, so the actual land available for human habitation is narrow, unlike the vastness shown on the map.
In addition, due to the geographical problems, it is not easy to move to other regions.
The Sichuan region was fertile and had high agricultural productivity, but the Eastern Region of this world is not like that, so it was inevitable that it would eventually fall behind.
“If we can make water transportation more active, the Eastern Region will be able to develop greatly.”
Eustia said, looking at the wide river.
“In particular, trade with the southern region is important. They have an abundance of resources.”
“I see.”
“Until now, the Entroville Six have not put much effort into this area. That needs to change in the future.”
It seemed to Sirius as well that it would be better to invest in transportation by river.
The reason Sirius and his party were now heading to the Retiuit family by river was because it was the fastest and most convenient way.
“Lord Sirius.”
At that moment, Alleion approached Sirius.
“I apologize. For interrupting your conversation…”
“No, it’s fine. What is it?”
“They say a ship of the Lupelcia Vigilantes is visible at the front.”
“….”
Lupelcia Vigilantes.
A force based in the commercial city of Lupelcia in the southern region.
The local force that Rodius had mentioned was the Lupelcia Vigilantes.
“We still have a long way to go until Lupelcia, but they’ve appeared early.”
“The veteran sailors say that they look as though they’re preparing to board our ship. What shall we do?”
“There’s no need to stop them by force.”
Sirius responded with a calm voice.
“Allow them to board. I’ll handle it.”
* * *
“Greetings. I am Dundiwood of the Lupelcia Vigilantes.”
“Nice to meet you.”
The man who entered the cabin greeted Sirius.
Despite wearing a sword on his waist, his neat attire made him seem more like a merchant than a mercenary.
“The size of your fleet is growing day by day. It’s definitely different from the days of the Entroville Hexad.”
“Yes, that’s true. What brings you here today?”
Sirius urged him to get to the point quickly, so Dundiwood spoke in a serious voice.
“The activities of the Shahit Pirates have become more frequent recently.”
“Shahit Pirates?”
“I see you’re not familiar with them. They’re pirates who operate further south from here.”
Of course, Sirius had heard of them.
The reason why Rodius and the others had received help from the Lupelcia Vigilantes was because of the Shahit Pirates.
“They’re quite savage. They raid fleets without hesitation, killing people and taking their supplies.”
“Why are you just leaving them alone?”
“If you follow the river downstream, there’s a section surrounded by steep cliffs. The scenery is beautiful, but if pirates hide in such a place, it’s difficult to deal with them.”
At first glance, it sounded like a reasonable explanation.
“Several families have sent討伐隊in the past, but… they haven’t achieved any significant results. Eventually, they gave up and just left them alone.”
“….”
“That’s why we organized a vigilante group in the nearest city, Lupelcia. Since even the renowned noble families couldn’t help, we decided to protect our ships from the Shahit Pirates ourselves.”
From what he said, they seemed like a very honorable group.
Of course, that wasn’t necessarily the case.
“But I don’t believe I’ve seen you before… Are you new here?”
“Yes. I’m not very knowledgeable about waterway transportation, so I’d appreciate your guidance.”
“hahahaha, in that case, we, the Lupelcia Vigilantes, should be able to help you.”
Dundiwood subtly glanced Sirius up and down.
I was calculating how much I could squeeze out of Sirius.
“Their sphere of activity is expanding. That’s why our Lufecia Self-Defense Force wants to protect you at an early stage.”
“So that’s why you’ve come to us already.”
“We’ll make sure that the Shahit mercenary group doesn’t approach you rashly.”
“How much will the fee be? The fleet is large, so you’ll probably need a lot of people for the ship.”
Dundwood’s lips curled into a smile as Sirius spoke first.
“If we apply the general case…”
Dundwood took out a pen and started writing a lot of numbers on the paper.
There were several items, and it was difficult to figure out how much it all was without adding it up one by one.
“If you can afford this much, it will be a great help to our self-defense activities.”
“Wait a minute.”
Dundwood, who had handed Sirius the estimate, quickly opened his eyes wide.
This was because Sirius had handed the estimate to the woman who had been watching from behind without even reading it properly.
“It’s ridiculous.”
“……!”
And, less than 10 seconds later, she returned the paper.
“I’ll take it if it’s a quarter of this amount.”
“A quarter? That’s absurd! That’s not even enough to cover our food expenses!”
“That can’t be right.”
“Don’t talk nonsense! You don’t know anything…”
Just then.
Sirius, who had been watching, opened his mouth again.
“You must know, Dundwood.”
“Yes?”
“This woman is the highest-ranking person in this fleet, how could you not know?”
Dundwood was taken aback.
“Weren’t you the one in charge?”
“I’m just a subordinate with no position.”
Sirius said, raising a finger.
“This person is the highest flag bearer.”
“If it’s the flag bearer…”
Yustia Rigel, the representative of the Cheonrang Flag Country.
Dundwood’s eyes widened as he realized that the talented woman who had taken control of all the logistics in the eastern region in an instant was right before his eyes.
“Mr. Dundwood, you just said that a quarter wouldn’t even cover your food expenses… but that can’t be true.”
Yustia, who had finished all the calculations, said, looking at Dundwood.
“Unless you’re splitting the money with the Shahit Mercenary Group.”
……
She had already seen through the collusion between the Lufecia Self-Defense Force and the Shahit Mercenary Group.
Understanding this fact, Dundwood grimaced.
“I guess there’s no point in talking any further.”
Dundwood made a quick judgment.
He realized that it was a waste of time to make excuses.
“Fine. Do as you wish. The Lupelchea Vigilantes will not protect you. Even if you are robbed by the Shahit Order, we will just watch from the riverbank.”
Dundwood tried to leave his seat, speaking in a pathetic voice.
“You will all regret this.”
With that, Dundwood tried to leave the cabin.
However, as soon as he flung open the door…
“One thousand four hundred and ninety-nine… one thousand five hundred!”
There was a madman wielding a heavy mace, no, a battle-axe, all by himself.
As Dundwood flinched and took a step back, Sirius grabbed Dundwood by the shoulder.
“Where are you going?”
“Huh? Well, I’m getting off the ship…”
“I said you can come up, but I didn’t say you could go down.”
Thud!
Dundwood rolled on the floor of the cabin.
A grown man who had been standing still spun in the air with a single gesture from Sirius and fell to the floor.
“Ugh, what the…!”
Dundwood raised his head, feeling as if his body had been shattered.
And he witnessed Sirius and Eustia looking down at him.
“Eustia, it seems the Lupelchea Vigilantes find the Cheonrangbyeong-guk very amusing.”
“That seems to be the case. It seems it will be difficult to do business in the south.”
“Then I will help. I may not have a position, but I still have to earn my keep.”
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“Please do, Sirius.”
As he watched the two of them talking in a businesslike manner, Dundwood felt an unidentified sense of fear.
The two were such a couple.