Sasaki and Peeps - Volume 2 - Chapter 5

<Otherworld Business Negotiations, Part One>

Futarishizuka and I concluded our deal within the day. Since the items I was looking for were all commonplace goods in modern Japan, she was able to procure them without much trouble. In terms of volume, she quickly filled the wooden box I’d brought from the otherworld. The easy flow of commerce in modern times was a big help.

Our desired merchandise in hand, we left Japan and headed for the otherworld. Because of how much she already knew, we set off right in front of Futarishizuka from the warehouse she’d provided, taking the pile-hair princess and the wooden box along with us.

After that, we went our separate ways. Having deposited Lady Elsa back home, we headed for the Republic of Lunge to fulfill our promise and bring our goods to the Kepler Trading Company. We gave Mr. Joseph’s name at the front of the building, and in no time we were shown to a storage room.

“Are you truly going to sell all of this?”

“Is the quantity insufficient, sir?”

“Not at all. It’s just that we discussed collateral…”

“I should be able to bring a little bit more next time.”

“…Is that right?”

Our goods were lined up in a corner of the storeroom. Though they had been stuffed haphazardly in the wooden box, now everything was laid out neatly on a pricey-looking sheet so the whole thing could be seen at a glance.

This had all been taken care of by the trading company, and it reminded me a little of police seizing evidence.

These were articles I’d sold to the Hermann Trading Company in the past. In addition to the calculators and binoculars, mechanical devices that didn’t need a power source, we had also brought sugar and chocolate—relatively expensive luxuries in this world.

Most of the volume came from the latter. It had taken up 90 percent of the wooden box. According to Count Müller, there was considerable demand among the upper classes for our sugar. Mass manufacturing of pure-white sugar was something my world had only achieved after the industrial revolution, so any merchants who dealt with it in bulk were highly prized. In fact, half of the selling price was just the sugar.

But it was the small number of mechanical items that really stole the show. Even the calculators, of which we’d brought the most, only numbered two dozen. I’d bought each of them for 1,980 yen. Mr. Joseph couldn’t keep his eyes off them.

“I would like to accept this deal.”

“Thank you very much, Mr. Joseph.”

It seemed we’d gotten him to accept without issue.

With this, there was no doubt we would be able to establish the Marc Trading Company in this country. Most of the credit went to Futarishizuka. Without her help, it would have been a lot more difficult to go all out and bring over so many goods.

The foodstuffs especially—everything we’d brought in the past combined didn’t amount to even half of what we had with us this time. Comparatively, this deal was huge. You couldn’t exactly purchase all this from a neighborhood supermarket.

“I believe we have fully understood your intent, Sir Sasaki.”

“I’m pleased to hear you say that.”

Stocking up hadn’t required any exchange of currency this time. I’d left the remainder of the profits from the ingots—a considerable amount—under Futarishizuka’s supervision. In the worst-case scenario, I knew she might run away with it. Even so, this was the best option for my personal safety. With this arrangement, it was unlikely even the section chief would uncover our dealings.

“Now,” I said, “I’d like to send a message as soon as possible to the one in charge within the Kingdom of Herz.”

“Your efforts are appreciated,” returned Mr. Joseph.

“I can’t promise a specific date, but we will advance matters as quickly as possible.”

With Mr. Joseph’s approval, our work in the Republic of Lunge was over for now. Since national borders were involved, it would probably take some time. But it was possible the situation would have progressed by the next time we visited.

“Actually, there is one thing I’d like to ask you, Mr. Sasaki.”

“What might that be?”

“Why do you support the Kingdom of Herz?”

“…I’m not sure I understand.”

“Forgive my rudeness, but you appear to be from another continent.”

He was probably referring to my olive skin and flatter facial features. This question involved Peeps, so I didn’t want to discuss it too much. But for now, the plan was to establish a good business relationship with this man. A poor lie could remove us from his good graces, and I wanted to avoid that. Especially after we’d already tricked him once.

“Certain interpersonal relationships have led me to give them my support.”

“Would that happen to include others from your homeland?”

“No, I’m referring to those who have shown me kindness since I arrived here.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Is there something you were curious about?”

“I was wondering if there was a community on this continent, somewhere, of those who share your homeland—and if so, I wished to ask if you could introduce me.”

“If that’s what you meant, then I must confess I ended up here by pure accident. I have unfortunately lost contact with anyone outside this continent.”

“I see. I apologize for prying.”

I remembered giving Count Müller some story about a shipwreck and my drifting here. That conversation was in limbo already, now that he knew about Peeps, but I would probably be best served by sticking to my story.

I didn’t want him asking any more questions, so it was about time for me to change the subject. “I actually wanted to discuss my next shipment,” I said.

“If you’re referring to the sugar and chocolate, then please do bring more of it for sale. Particularly, white sugar will be a strong seller; the upper classes tend to prefer vivid coloring in their sweets.”

“I did wonder if a trading company in the Republic of Lunge might have other sources.”

“You can’t get sugar this white from very many places. Manufacturing methods are closely guarded secrets, preventing the industry from growing. And either the producers are controlling their outflow or they simply can’t produce in large quantities—either way, the selling price remains high.”

“Ah, I see.”

“How much will you be able to sell us?”

“For the time being, I wanted to continue supplying at a fixed rate.”

According to Futarishizuka, it was easiest if I ordered in bulk. In other words, I’d have to keep the MOQ—the minimum order quantity—at the front of my mind if I was going to continue stocking it in the future.

I’d probably have to involve Mr. Joseph in those negotiations, eventually.

“…Is that true, Mr. Sasaki?”

“It is. Please, leave it to me.”

In addition, despite the recent fluctuations, one day in the modern world was still over ten in this world. If I missed even a single visit, a lot of time would pass here. I needed to bring in the products at least once every two or three days.

Thinking about this depressed me—it was like I’d gone right back to my days as a corporate drone.

“When can we expect another exchange?”

“I wanted to visit like this again within a month.”

As for the all-important stocking price of sugar, one gold ingot would pay for enough to fill several of the containers we used for transport, including the labor fee. On the other end, the profits I made from selling that same amount of sugar to the Kepler Trading Company equated to dozens of ingots—I had calculated this value based on the number of gold coins Peeps had used to make the ingots. If all went well, then starting next time, a single round trip would produce profits in Japanese yen of anywhere from tens of millions to hundreds of millions, and it would all go into our pocket.

If I might be allowed to give my personal opinion, this amount of money was so surreal that it made my legs go wobbly. Was it all right to keep going like this? I already felt anxious. At some point, my armpits had started to sweat. A lot.

“Quite honestly, I hadn’t expected so much.”

“I could always bring a variety of other items, should you need any.”

“That is reassuring. I’ll avail myself of your offer when the time comes. About the sugar again—if it seems you’ll be able to bring a larger amount, I’d appreciate it if you contacted me in advance. Like your more complicated goods, I believe the sugar alone could serve as a core item for your newly established trading company.”

“Thank you for the advice. I’ll be sure to look into it.”

Unlike manufactured products, which were valued for their novelty and rarity, foodstuffs had the benefit of perpetual consumption. If I could leverage them to gain a foothold in this marketplace, the Marc Trading Company’s finances would likely be assured.

The thought of conflict with other trading companies scared me, but we had the Kepler Trading Company’s support, so I trusted it would mostly work out. If any truly precarious situations cropped up, I planned to go crying to the Lord Starsage.

I was sure he’d help me out—if it was for that Kobe beef chateaubriand.

After leaving the Kepler Trading Company, we set off from the Republic of Lunge with Peeps’s teleportation magic, returning to Count Müller’s town of Baytrium. Our first stop was the count’s home.

I wanted to get a read on any new developments since my last visit. I’d probably also need to explain what had happened with the pile-hair princess.

The time difference between worlds meant that she’d been missing for several days. No matter how busy a man Count Müller was, not seeing his daughter for that long must have made him uneasy.

I’d brought her back to the estate beforehand, so she’d probably had a little father-daughter discussion with him about what had happened. We’d been pretty honest with Lady Elsa, so I wanted to believe that she would, to an extent, back us up on this one.

Whatever the reason, the fact remained that we’d kidnapped his daughter. Given that, I was tense about our visit.

However, the first thing he did upon meeting us at his estate was deeply bow his head.

“Sir Sasaki, I sincerely apologize for my daughter’s behavior.”

“Count Müller?”

I saw Lady Elsa waiting in the wings. We were in the same reception room as always. Ever since the Ohgen Empire’s invasion, the lack of furnishings had been making the place a little lonely. I couldn’t manage anything too expensive, but maybe I could buy some things at the neighborhood supermarket and bring them here at some point.

“She told me everything. I am truly sorry.”

“But I should be the one apologizing, my lord.”

We almost let his daughter get taken away. Had Futarishizuka not been there, the situation would have been very dicey.

“It is my fault for telling her so many things about you, Sir Sasaki. I think that’s why Elsa became so curious. But please, could you find it in your heart to forgive her? I will endure any punishment you see fit.”

I was a little put off by his attitude—this level of formality was simply uncalled for. The pile-hair princess at his side was also in a state of confusion.

“Um, it’s really all right.”

“But…”

Times like these called for a few words from the Lord Starsage. I shot a glance at the sparrow on my shoulder.

He immediately piped up, addressing Count Müller, “Julius, there is no need for concern. We are the ones to blame for this.”

“No, I heard everything from my daughter. This is, without a doubt, my own mistake.”

“They were the actions of a child. Smiling and forgiving such things shows the magnanimity of an adult.”

“She may be a child in terms of her age, but she is still my daughter whom I have raised, and I believe I have taught her more than enough. However, it seems my teachings did not take. That is my failure—and no one else’s.”

Continuing to insist that he was the one in the wrong made Count Müller look even better. You could really feel how much he loved his daughter. Watching him, I had to admit the idea of getting married and starting a family might actually be nice. That said, the reality was that I was a withered old man, and the prospect was simply too far above my pay grade. For now, I wanted to focus on getting along with Peeps.

Now that I think of it, I wonder if he ever got married when he was human.

“Whatever the case may be, what’s done is done. Don’t worry about it too much.”

“But I—”

“Your apologies are troubling him as well.”

My distinguished Java sparrow shot me a quick glance. Birds generally didn’t have any white in their eyes, so it was more like his neck had twitched in my direction. I’d remarked a few days ago how it felt like he was looking at me no matter what angle he was at, and ever since then, he’d been rotating his neck—what a kind bird. It made me want to pet him right on his adorable little head.

“Sir Sasaki, the Lord Starsage is—”

“I share his opinion, so please stop worrying about it, my lord.”

While we were fussing over this, there was a terse knock-knock-knock at the reception room door. For now, we put our exchange aside as everyone’s attention naturally shifted to whatever was outside the room. I wouldn’t soon forget Count Müller’s intensely apologetic expression. But now his voice grew firm as he called out, “We’re in the middle of something. Is this urgent?”

In return came a rather exciting answer: “A-a representative of the Hermann Trading Company has arrived!”

“…What?” The count’s expression froze.

I didn’t blame him. This was the person who’d had Mr. Marc thrown in jail. The manager must have some idea about Count Müller and Vice Manager Marc’s close friendship. Why would he spare the time to visit like this?

Even if the manager had his own relationship with Count Müller, he must have known the man was working to get Mr. Marc released. How bold of him to come waltzing right into the enemy’s stronghold.

“All right. Show him in.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Count Müller, should I—?”

“You’re involved in this, Sir Sasaki. I’d like for you to remain, if it’s all the same to you.”

“Thank you for your consideration, my lord.”

He probably wanted Peeps to be here as well.

Now that I thought about it, this would be our first time meeting the president of the Hermann Trading Company. We’d never had the chance before, since he’d been operating in the capital for so long. My heart started beating faster—what kind of person was he?

After a short wait in Count Müller’s reception room, the man in question was led in by several guards—military police, dressed in showy outfits. Too much security for a meeting between a mere merchant and a local lord. I found myself on pins and needles thinking about the conversation to come.

“What brings you here today, Hermann?”

“I heard a rumor, my lord Count Müller—that you have been so kind as to show consideration with regard to an internal issue at our Hermann Trading Company, and so I have humbly come to pay you a visit. It has come to my attention that you have been showing a great deal of goodwill to one of our own.”

“What about it?”

We’d changed up our positions in the reception room—now Count Müller and the Hermann Trading Company president were seated across from each other. I’d moved to a smaller sofa next to the count’s. Peeps was perched on my shoulder.

The Hermann Trading Company’s president looked to be in his midforties, of medium height and build. He had wisps of brown hair just barely covering his head, his hairline having receded toward the crown, and eyes of the same color. He was dressed in fairly expensive attire; if you’d told me he was a noble, I probably would have believed you.

Next to the slim, muscular, and tall Count Müller, he appeared a little flimsy—though I was in much the same boat. I briefly considered going to the gym next week, though by now I’d lost track of how many times I’d had that idea and failed.

“This is all an internal matter, my lord, and the purpose of my visit is to assure you that it is nothing that warrants your efforts. I am sure you are quite busy with your newfound peerage, my lord.”

“I will be the one to decide that.”

“……”

The manager spoke in a very humble way, but Count Müller was blunt. It was so familiar; I was reminded me of how he’d acted the first time I’d met him. While it had only been a few weeks in real time since that audience, strangely, it felt like much more time had passed.

However, the manager wasn’t about to back down.

“Then allow me to be straightforward, my lord.”

“What is it? Speak.”

“The issue at hand, my lord, is a charge of disrespecting the nobility, brought by Count Dietrich. It is with him that the authority to pass judgment lies. This town may be your domain, Count Müller, but I pray that you understand this point.”

“I see. So that’s what it was.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The two of them stared at each other. Sparks were flying.

“If by any chance his location here should pose a problem of some kind regarding the offender, it will mean another discussion—and not with me, but with Count Dietrich. Please understand that the criminal has been transferred from the trading company to the count.”

The manager, a commoner, was speaking politely out of respect for the count’s position. His remarks themselves, however, revealed his hostility. Essentially, he was borrowing Count Dietrich’s name to threaten Count Müller.

In a world where the divide between commoner and noble was inviolable, the way he was speaking to someone who held the power of life and death over him was incredible. He wasn’t the head of a trading company for nothing; the man had nerves of steel.

But Count Müller wasn’t budging, either. He listened to the manager’s words with a calm detachment. He must have been used to conversations like these.

However, even his face turned at the man’s next words.

“That said, my lord, this matter will not drag on for long. We plan on executing the offender within the month. Until then, I apologize for the trouble but ask that you lend us the space to hold him.”

“……” The count’s attractive eyebrow twitched.

Even I was surprised at that; I almost cried out in spite of myself. I would never have guessed they’d already scheduled an execution for the vice manager. I thought for sure they’d have, you know, some kind of trial first, even if it was just for show.

Actually, Count Müller himself had told me such a system existed.

“I have not yet prepared the criminal’s judgment yet.”

“Count Dietrich is in a hurry to return to his own domain, my lord. We have made an exception this time and dispensed with the formality. The incident with the Ohgen Empire has not spared him the time for disputes with commoners,” the manager said, smirking. This last part was probably the whole reason he visited.

“…I see.”

“Then if you’ll excuse me, my lord, I will show myself out.”

There was little doubt Hermann had switched sides: from Count Müller to Count Dietrich. I guessed that his plan was to bid farewell to this town forever once he’d moved the trading company’s headquarters to the capital.

Considering the conflict with the Ohgen Empire, maybe our geographical proximity to the enemy had factored into the decision. In this world, where setting up shop required keeping an inventory, I could sort of understand his concern.

The Hermann Trading Company’s manager left the reception room in high spirits with a wide grin.

As for those of us still left in the room—what now?

“Sir Sasaki, it would appear we must hurry.”

“Yes, my lord, it would.”

This was no time for messing around in the Republic of Lunge.

My deal with the Kepler Trading Company had been to save Mr. Marc’s social position, since he had lost his base of support here. Now, however, it looked like his actual life might be ending before I could even think about his social life.

Once the Hermann Trading Company’s manager had left, we burst into action. Count Müller was going to pay a visit to Count Dietrich. I, meanwhile, was going to go see Mr. Marc in prison a second time. Whatever happened next, we had to verify his safety.

My plan before all this had been to head straight there once I had finished my meeting with the count, so this wasn’t really a change. That said, my mental state was considerably more strained than I had anticipated then. I took off by carriage, praying that he was all right.

Soon, we had arrived at the prison; the guard showed me to the cell I was after. Like before, Mr. Marc was inside. However, he’d gotten much thinner compared to when I had last seen him. The disheveled stubble probably didn’t help matters, but his cheeks were clearly sunken. His clothes, too, were covered in grime and sweat, with conspicuous stains here and there.

“I’m sorry it took so long for me to come visit, Mr. Marc.”

“Ah, Mr. Sasaki? You’re back again…”

Upon seeing me, the vice manager smiled a little. I couldn’t call him enthusiastic by any standard, but he was still showing consideration for us.

“How are you doing? You don’t look so good.”

“Thankfully, I wasn’t tortured. Have you and Count Müller been pulling strings? They’ve allowed me to live with all my limbs attached, as you can see.”

“Have they been giving you enough food?”

“I suppose…”

“Yes? You do look rather thin, though…”

“…They’ve mixed laxatives into the food a few times already,” said the vice manager, face clouding. He seemed like he was at the end of his rope.

“That’s awful. In that case, I will arrange for your food to be delivered from Mr. French’s place from now on. He was very frustrated he couldn’t do anything for you. I’m sure he’ll help.”

“No, I couldn’t possibly put any more burden on—”

“Please, Mr. Marc, don’t give up. We’re all trying our hardest to save you. Just hold on a little longer. You will get out of here, regain your freedom, and go back to your days living as a merchant.”

“Thank you for going through all this effort for someone like me.”

“Don’t worry about a thing. You’ve done more than this for me already.”

“Mr. Sasaki…”

“If you’d like, I have something to eat.”

I passed a wrapped gift I’d bought on the way here through the bars. The guard and a knight assigned to Count Dietrich had already checked it, so they didn’t say anything. They merely stood beside me, listening in on our conversation.

Inside the package was food, drink, and a change of clothes.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Sasaki. Nothing could have made me happier.”

“I’ll be visiting again in the near future.”

I wanted to talk with him a little longer, but we didn’t have time right now. Leaving Mr. Marc, we hurried out of the prison as fast as we could.

Once we were out of the jail, we went straight to Mr. French’s restaurant. There, we explained Mr. Marc’s situation and asked if he could have some food delivered. He agreed to it without so much as a second thought. Clearly indignant that they would mix laxatives in with the man’s food, he promised in a loud voice that he’d deliver his very best dishes.

That took care of the immediate problem of food, at least. I had been a little frightened by the sight of Mr. French, burning with rage and twisting up his face like a gangster.

Still, I hesitated to say the vice manager’s situation was looking better. The real issue at hand was what Count Dietrich was trying to accomplish. One word from him, and Mr. Marc’s head would go flying. Plus, the Hermann Trading Company’s manager had been willing to challenge Count Müller. The man had been brimming with confidence; he and the other count must have had a rock-solid relationship.

What kind of deal had the two of them struck anyway?

“Can’t sit around complaining. I’ll do something about this.”

As soon as we had left Mr. French’s place, Peeps spoke.

Judging by his tone and based on prior experience, I could assume he meant he’d do something about Count Dietrich. But if he did that, everyone involved would find themselves in a bad position—Count Müller first and foremost.

It was our last resort—and one I wanted to avoid if possible.

“I may ask you to do it in the end, Peeps, but could you wait just a little longer for now? I think there’s still a few things I can try.”

“You have a plan?”

“For the time being, let’s go see Count Dietrich.”

“If you say so, then yes, I understand.”

When Sebastian, the man who had been serving as Count Müller’s butler, had betrayed his master, he had said Count Dietrich was the one backing him. I remembered the butler seizing the chance to request all sorts of modern goods from me.

That was what gave me hope, though it was faint.

Could I possibly negotiate with the man using the goods I had on hand?

That was my idea anyway, as I hastened toward Count Dietrich’s lodgings.

The inn where our man was staying was very respectable.

I’d figured that when nobles paid visits to other domains, they simply stayed at the estate of the local ruler. However, I was told that Count Dietrich had procured these lodgings himself because of his factional difference with Count Müller.

That much I’d confirmed with the count before my arrival.

After reaching our destination, we requested a meeting and waited approximately one hour.

Using the transceiver to ask for an introduction, I was shown to the reception room. I’d never been so thankful for my noble title as I was at this very moment. Though we’d been made to wait a pretty long time, we were still allowed to meet the count. If I’d been a commoner, he might have refused. Or he might have just confiscated my wares without meeting with me. Considering that, I had nothing but gratitude toward the second prince’s mother.

“You’re the one dealing in all those mysterious items, yes?”

“That is correct, Count Dietrich.”

I sat on a sofa across from the man in question, a low table between us. This was Count Dietrich. At a glance, he looked to be in his midforties. His silvery hair was combed back, and his deep, pronounced facial features and blue eyes made him strikingly attractive. His face was good-looking from every angle. Along with his splendid beard, it combined to lend him a fearsome aura.

Count Müller was present as well. He’d come here after our meeting with the manager, and the two had likely been discussing things between themselves.

“Sir Sasaki, what brings you here?”

“I apologize for acting out of turn, my lord.”

Count Müller was seated beside me—the two of us facing off against Count Dietrich. Peeps was, as usual, perched on my shoulder. I’d said he was a familiar, and they had let me into the reception room without any questions. That said, the knights on guard had still stared at me with suspicion.

“I would very much like to join your discussion with Count Dietrich, my lord.”

“…I see. I apologize for disappointing you so.”

“No, my lord, that isn’t what this is about at all.”

I felt awful for harming his reputation like this. But with Mr. Marc’s life hanging in the balance, I hoped he’d forgive me. I had to avoid everything falling apart in my absence—the worst possible scenario.

“What are the two of you discussing?” demanded Count Dietrich. “Mind letting me in on it?”

“I’m terribly sorry, my lord,” I said. “I neglected to contact him in advance.”

“Well, fine then. More importantly, on to the matter of your wares.”

I wasn’t sure how his conversation with Count Müller had progressed. But if the other count’s interest was now on my products, there was probably still room for discussion.

His curiosity seemed to be genuine.

“Might you require anything, my lord?”

“I have heard you have an item that enables conversations over long distances.”

“Yes, I do indeed deal in such tools.”

“And you have much more—devices to see long distances without using magic and items that do calculations quickly using digits from another country. I also hear they must consume a strange metal to work.”

“All these are goods I have previously sold to the Hermann Trading Company in bulk.”

“I’ll be straight with you. From now on, sell them all to me.”

“My lord?”

“Do so, and I will ensure that merchant lives.”

“…I see, my lord.”

That was the response I’d predicted. If it was enough to save Mr. Marc’s life, I was more than willing to comply. I could simply break the promise the moment the vice manager’s safety was guaranteed. He could criticize me all I wanted, but with Peeps’s help, I could spurn him as necessary.

But I couldn’t do that just yet.

I’d already made an exclusive deal with the Kepler Trading Company, so I couldn’t afford to break it and make a deal with someone else. If Mr. Joseph happened to catch wind of it, it would shatter our relationship of trust. Everything we’d talked about might end up falling through.

“I apologize, my lord, but I would need a short amount of time to consider this.”

“Is there anyone else in a higher position? I hear you are under Count Müller as part of the second prince’s faction. If you wish to discuss matters, I wouldn’t mind at all if you did so right now.”

“Actually, my lord, there is someone other than Count Müller…”

“By the way, I hear you come from another continent. Is that true?”

Count Dietrich was posing rapid-fire questions at me, wasting no time in between. It must have been a ploy to prevent me from having time to think, though I also felt a more genuine, personal interest from him.

“It is as you say, Count Dietrich; I have come here from another continent.”

“Is this person also from your continent, perhaps staying nearby?”

“No, my lord, they are from this continent as well. They have treated me kindly, so…”

“Hmm. I see…”

“I’ve heard, my lord, that you are quite a busy man. But we will require a bit of time to consider things, and while I know it is very rude of me to suggest this, I still ask you for just a little extra time.”

“Fine, then. In that case, I will prolong my stay here by another month.”

“Thank you, my lord. I very much appreciate that.”

“I hope you will choose wisely.”

“Thank you for your consideration, my lord.”

I’d been able to get his approval more easily than I’d thought. It definitely seemed that Count Dietrich was essentially in control of the Hermann Trading Company. Otherwise, it would have been difficult for him to make such a quick decision.

Thanks to that, we’d won a month’s delay.

I could even go back to Japan, if only for a day.

The negotiations hadn’t exactly succeeded, but we’d at least avoided Mr. Marc’s scheduled execution at the end of the month. The Hermann Trading Company’s manager would have to defer to Count Dietrich as well, so Mr. Marc should be safe.

I had managed to buy some additional time, but with that, my discussion with Count Dietrich came to an end. As for Count Müller’s negotiations—those had been all but over by the time we arrived.

“It appears I was not up to the task, Sir Sasaki,” said Count Müller, “Forgive me for having burdened you like this.”

“No, my lord. I’m the one who should apologize—for sticking my nose into your negotiations.”

We were currently in a carriage headed away from the inn and toward Count Müller’s estate. With its clattering wheels as background noise, we discussed our strategy regarding Count Dietrich.

“But are you truly all right with this? If you go forward with this deal, he’s only going to take advantage of you. You’ve brought all these wonderful items, but at this rate, you’ll end up without any chance to show your talents.”

“That’s no reason to give up on Mr. Marc’s life, my lord.”

“I am truly sorry. If only I was more reliable…”

“Nothing is decided yet, my lord. I have some ideas in mind, and I intend to try everything I can to save Mr. Marc, right up to the last moment. All hope is not lost.”

“Then you may use me however you see fit, if I can be of help. I’d very much like to join your efforts.”

“Thank you for understanding, my lord.”

“Would it not simply be best for me to deal with this?”

“That’s our last resort, Peeps.”

What a scary sparrow—when the time came, he wouldn’t hesitate. And the Herzian court had even managed to assassinate him—terrifying. I hoped the second prince was doing all right.

“I’ve always felt that you are surprisingly unwilling to give up.”

“Yeah, that’s just how I am.”

The Kingdom of Herz was already mired in underhanded political conflicts over the question of succession. Considering our position and that of Count Müller, I wanted to avoid starting something with a noble in the opposing faction as much as possible. Doing so would likely create even worse problems.

And well. You know. This was exactly the kind of time the boss was supposed to strut his stuff, right?

“Count Müller, I do actually have a proposal.”

“Yes, please share it with me.”

“What do you think of asking for Prince Adonis’s help, my lord?”

“…What might that entail, exactly?”

Having someone you could go crying to was truly wonderful. This was the perfect chance to have him repay his debt to us. He was the leader of one of the conflicting factions, but he was still royalty, and he had a right to the succession. If he was to call upon Count Dietrich for a face-to-face discussion, that would shake even him up a little.

“I’ve been entrusted with Prince Adonis’s personal finances. Let’s say we were investing them in the goods we deal in—and that Mr. Marc was the one doing the practical work. By interfering with that, Count Dietrich would surely warrant a stern talking-to from the prince.”

“Yes, that does make sense. Even the count wouldn’t be able to ignore him.”

“The question is whether Prince Adonis will agree to it…”

“You can leave that part to me. I’ll head straight there to discuss it with him.”

“Are you sure, my lord?”

“Yes. I’d like to leave for the capital right away. It looks like we’ll be able to put that extra time you pried out of the count to good use immediately. With an extra month to spare, I can have the prince write a letter and then make the return trip.”

“In that case, I will handle your outward journey.”

“Are you sure?”

“You’ve done a lot for me, after all.”

“I know it’s presumptuous, but yes, I would appreciate it.”

“Then you may leave it to me.”

With that settled, it was time to head for Allestos, the capital of the Kingdom of Herz. We’d been given a month’s delay, but that didn’t mean Count Dietrich wouldn’t change his mind. I couldn’t help but envision the Hermann Trading Company manager going to him and filling his head with nonsense until he retracted his promise.

After arriving at Count Müller’s estate, we moved straight to the capital. With Peeps’s teleportation magic, it took but a moment. A handy spell, as always. I still had my sights set on learning it someday. I’d been so busy lately that I hadn’t had much time to practice magic. I resolved to make some time for it once this whole kerfuffle died down.

After depositing the count at the palace and promising to see him again in a month, we headed off on our own.

We headed back to Baytrium, where we decided to spend the night before returning to Japan. As if the otherworld’s problems weren’t enough, now things were getting troublesome back home, too. I always left the phone the chief had provided behind in my world, so I figured I’d have to pop back home in order to check in on the situation.

From our transit base in Count Müller’s town, we moved back to the apartment in Japan. We had only been gone about a day, and nothing in particular had changed. I looked out the window to see the dark of night.

I checked the clock; a few hours had passed. Again, the progression of time between worlds had changed. Previously, an entire day in the otherworld would have only been about one hour in this one.

“What shall we do now?”

“I’m going to get in touch with Ms. Futarishizuka and talk about how we want to proceed.”

“Hmm. I see.”

“I also want to discreetly check on the Lady Elsa situation at the bureau—”

As I was speaking to Peeps, I heard a buzzing noise. It was coming from the bureau-supplied phone I’d left on my desk. Apparently, I was getting a call.

Who could it be, this late at night? If it was from the bureau, maybe I’d pretend to be asleep and ignore it.

As I was thinking about it, Peeps took off from my shoulder and drifted down onto the desk, peering at the vibrating phone’s screen. The way he was so casually birdlike sent a pang to this pet owner’s heart.

“…It appears to be from that woman.”

“Thanks, Peeps.”

He was probably referring to Futarishizuka. Which meant I couldn’t ignore it. It could have been a call for help, depending on the situation. Come to think of it, since she was contacting me so late, it seemed safe to assume something unanticipated had occurred.

I quickly picked up the phone and answered. “Hello, this is Sasaki.”

“Apologies. I would like some help.”

“Are you at the hotel from before?”

“Yes. And please bring the bird…”

The call ended abruptly after only a few moments, with barely any words exchanged. I tried calling her a few more times, but she seemed to have disconnected her phone. I got the whole “the number you are trying to reach is unavailable” spiel.

“Peeps, can you bring us to the hotel from yesterday?”

“A pressing matter?”

“Looks like it.”

“Then let us hurry.”

It was a good thing we had gotten some sleep in the otherworld before returning. Otherwise, I would have been hard at work for over twenty-four hours. Nevertheless, I couldn’t deny that my lifestyle was growing irregular. After moving between worlds repeatedly in a short period of time, I’d completely lost my sense of day and night.

If I kept up at this rate, I was scared my body wouldn’t hold out.

(The Neighbor’s POV)

That night, I wake up to what sounds like a person’s voice.

I live in a cramped studio apartment. My bed is in the corner, against the wall that separates this apartment from the one belonging to the man next door. I’m lying down on the bed, wrapped in a blanket. It used to keep me warm when I was smaller, but now that I’ve been growing, my hands and feet stick out, and I’m pretty cold.

My mother is tucked into a futon on the other side of the room, on the other side of the low, round dining table. I can tell she’s fast asleep from how measured her breathing is.

“……”

If she’s asleep, then the voice must be coming from outside the room. At the sudden realization, I press my ear to the wall in front of me.

When I do, I can hear someone’s voice, just as I had thought. It’s very quiet tonight, and the thin walls allow me to listen in on the conversation.

“What shall we do now?”

“I’m going to get in touch with Ms. Futarishizuka and talk about how we want to proceed.”

“Hmm. I see.”

Two people are speaking in serious voices. One of them is the man—the room’s tenant.

Who is the other one? I’m sure I’ve never heard this voice before.

A coworker? I suppose someone could have missed the last train and is staying over. As far back as I can remember, though, the man next door has never brought any friends home.

The person with him sounds very young. And androgynous, in fact—I can’t tell if they’re a man or a woman. But the man next door bringing a woman into his apartment is just unthinkable.

“Peeps, can you bring us to the hotel from yesterday?”

“A pressing matter?”

“Looks like it.”

“Then let us hurry.”

He just called them Peeps. They must be very close.

I couldn’t just let that slide. Careful not to wake up my mother, I tiptoe to the front door. I crack it open a little, then peek outside and steal a view of the next apartment over.

Who on earth is the man speaking to in such a friendly manner? I try sneaking a peek in the hopes of finding out.

But no matter how long I wait, I never see anyone leave the apartment.

Why? They were just talking as though they were leaving right this second.

“……”

I wait a few minutes before deciding to try to listen in again. I go back into the apartment and over to my bed and press my ear against the wall again.

Somehow, the voices I had heard just minutes ago have vanished. I hold my breath, pushing my head against the wall so hard it makes my ears hurt. But I don’t hear a single word. In fact, I can’t even hear anyone moving around.

Suspicious, I make the bold decision to check outside the apartment. I sneak out the front door and creep to the opposite side of the building. I want to try getting a look through the outward facing window.

“Huh…?”

I only manage a glance before I gasp in surprise.

The lights in the man’s apartment are off.

It’d been hours since sunset. If any lights were on, I would have been able to tell, even if the curtains were drawn. But it’s pitch-black. No matter how much I strain my eyes, I can’t see even the faintest glow from within.

“……”

I push my ear up against the glass.

Like before, I can’t hear anything. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is off, too.

“But how…?”

How indeed? He’d left at some point. But I didn’t even notice him opening and closing his front door.

I wouldn’t need to have my ear against the wall to hear someone next door entering or leaving their apartment. And just now, I’d been looking right at his door. Yet before I knew it, the man had disappeared from his apartment.

Had he left through the very window I was currently touching?

“……”

I check the lock on the other side of the window; it’s shut tight.

If he had left from here, the fasteners would have been open. Maybe it was possible to relock it from outside using thin strings or something. But that would probably make some noise, wouldn’t it?

And why would he need to do something like that in the first place? He couldn’t have noticed me spying on him.

I don’t know. Ah, I just don’t know!

Mister, all I want to do is talk to you.

Why won’t you let me into your room? You let that Peeps person in, so why not me?

You can take me in whenever you want, however many times you want.

Mister… Mister… Why can’t you just be honest with yourself?