Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

After finishing my talk with the sect leader, I went to find the dwarf after a long time.

"Hikurod Murad."

"Bjooorrn! Why only now...? Why did you only come now...? I've sent so many letters...!"

The dwarf's reaction to our reunion was more intense than ever. Understandably so — his forge had suffered from the recent chaos and he was out of work.

That's why we were meeting at the Commelby Inn lobby, a place neither of us was used to.

"Sorry. I wanted to come earlier, but I was busy."

"Busy? You've been back over a month!"

"Yeah, busy, I said."

"......."

Honestly, I could have made time anytime, but kept postponing until now.

'Looks like most of the assets, including the Mistium I entrusted, were preserved intact.'

So it wasn't that dire?

According to the letters, as soon as the trouble began, despite the chaos, they managed to take all important assets and evacuate.

Though, they couldn't avoid losing the forge.

"So, Hikurod, how have you been?"

"Hmph... I'm keeping an eye on things for now. I considered using all my connections to repair the forge... but as you know, no business will run well reopening the forge now. So I'm thinking maybe I'll start fresh in Commelby."

"And?"

"Recently, average monthly rents in Commelby and other districts shot up. Seems many share my thoughts. I heard from a merchant I know that the number of explorers wanting to open shops is increasing dramatically."

Oh, that was new info to me.

Maybe because people from Districts 7 and 13 are flowing into other districts, combined with the labyrinth closure?

'...Even the noble landowners must be desperate for money.'

The saying that in chaotic times the commoners suffer is exactly right.

"So, before making any decision, I wanted to hear your thoughts... Do you know how this situation will turn out?"

...By the way, was the dwarf always this small?

His discreet tone was like a stock expert asking for hot tips.

Well, I suppose he thought as a noble, I might know something.

"I don't know when it will end."

"Hmph... I thought so..."

"But if you plan to reopen the forge, do it in District 7 as soon as possible."

"Why?"

"Reconstruction will start soon. Even just supplying rebar and shovels will let you break even. Maybe I can funnel work your way."

When I told him I would participate in the bidding representing Melbes, his expression changed.

He knew that government-related business always made big money.

"Ah! Then I must hurry! Trust me! I'll work hard!"

"But there's no need to rush now."

"Huh...? No need to rush?"

Seeing him tilt his head, I took the chance to explain the 'jeonse' system.

"What? There's a way to lease without paying monthly rent?!"

"Yes. If you buy land soon, just sign contracts as I explained. Until then, just think about how to build."

I patted his shoulder, knowing he had suffered recently. Tears welled in his eyes.

"Bjorn...! Even though we're close, this is such a huge favor...! Thank you! Truly thank you!"

People in this world are really naive.

Our conversation went on.

Though he had become a merchant, he asked me all sorts of questions about exploring the labyrinth's first basement floor.

Ah, I guess anyone living in this city would be curious.

Anyway.

"On the first basement floor is a silver sea. Above it float items abandoned when the labyrinth closed."

The dwarf had a light mouth, so I avoided secret info and focused on things he could share.

But...

"A silver sea... If that friend had seen it, he might have liked it."

"He would have liked it even if it wasn't really a sea. He was so curious."

"Yeah..."

Suddenly, the dwarf's joyful eyes grew somber.

He stared blankly as if recalling his youth over drinks.

"Bjorn, what do you think?"

"What do you mean?"

"If... that incident hadn't happened, do you think I'd still be exploring?"

His voice was filled with deep regret and sorrow.

I hesitated to answer, then jokingly said,

"Maybe, but even then, you wouldn't have gone exploring with me."

"Huh?"

"I'm not the kind to drag along a lagging companion."

The dwarf chuckled.

"A lagging companion... I can't argue seeing you now. I would have struggled to keep up. Maybe your friend though."

"Well, honestly, Dwalke, I think you had more potential than him."

"Ha, really? Anyway, either way, we would have followed you."

"No, what have you been hearing? They never intended to accept me."

"That friend is joking. You're not the kind to abandon comrades."

Joking, huh.

Actually, just before the incident, I was thinking of disbanding the half-assed team.

That's why I regretted so much later.

I should have made that decision sooner.

"......."

After a brief silence, the dwarf brought up a new topic.

"But it's relieving to have all the forge destroyed."

"Relieving? Do you have a headache?"

"Not exactly. It's just that it feels like your friend is pushing me forward. Telling me to leave the past behind and move on."

That made me involuntarily solemn.

Come to think of it, that forge was originally Dwalke's home.

Later, the dwarf spoke of plans to build a bigger, better-equipped forge.

And how much time passed?

"I don't know why I talk so much when I see you. Sorry. But can I ask one last thing?"

"Of course."

"What do you think your friend would say if he saw you now?"

"......?"

"Not an explorer or a blacksmith... but just a mere merchant. Would he think it pathetic?"

His trembling voice made me chuckle despite myself.

Sorry for joking at such a serious moment.

"He'd probably think it's pathetic."

"...I thought you thought—"

"I'd say that's a useless worry."

Curious what nonsense he'd say next, I started wrapping up as time had passed.

Then, standing up,

"Oh, and this must not be known yet."

I whispered in the dwarf's ear.

"Spirit Slayer, Rigal Baggos."

"......!"

At the name, he flinched like a trauma was triggered.

That reaction wiped away my lingering hesitation.

"Don't worry about him anymore."

The fewer who know the secret, the better.

But this guy deserved to hear it.

"He's no longer in this world."

Maybe he never showed it but deeply hoped for this inside.

And that hope was basically fulfilled.

"I see......"

Still, the dwarf only remained silent after that.

Why he was like that.

How I knew that fact.

Did you?

Not a word.

As if understanding my situation.

After a long silence, the only word he finally spoke was,

"...Thanks."

At that, I awkwardly turned my back.

".........Thanks."

I still had many debts to repay.

As expected, it didn't take long to hear back from the sect leader.

About four days.

That was enough time to return home and sort my thoughts, then contact him.

'He said he'll start scouting for nobles selling land tomorrow, so I can leave that part to him...'

After his reply, I arranged a meeting with Count Alminous.

"Truly a brilliant idea. Shabin Emur, was it? Why did I only learn of such talent now?"

Regardless of wanting to covet our administrative officer.

We smiled amicably and took a photo, then the count gave advice on the clauses for the jeonse contract I devised.

And...

"If these clauses are mandatory in the contract, good. Using your 'deposit' as collateral, people would get loans treated like regular secured loans."

He gave a firm answer about today's visit.

Honestly, I felt a bit uneasy.

Was I too surprised by how smoothly things were going?

So I asked around subtly, and surprisingly, Count Alminous answered openly.

"Do you think the business will succeed? Honestly, it's fifty-fifty. The business suits the times, but also the times make nothing certain."

"Hmm..."

"With big gains come big losses if it fails. My house currently lacks the means for such investment."

Up to here, I didn't fully understand.

"Then wouldn't it make sense not to approve the collateral loan?"

Getting collateral loans from Alminous Bank

Essentially, the count shared the same risk with me.

Why then did he choose this?

"I judged there was no risk of loss."

"...Why?"

"Because you're involved."

The count's gaze was so blatant it made me instinctively cover my chest with both hands.

"If the business fails, you'll owe me a huge debt."

"......."

"I'm just judging from a businessman's perspective. I believe you can repay that debt safely."

"......."

"Even if it takes a lifetime."

That last phrase cleared my doubts.

"Oh......"

Even if I lose money, I'll be his lifelong slave, so it's worth it.

A chill ran down my spine.

But...

"How about it? Do you still want my help?"

"Of course."

Without hesitation, I nodded, and the count burst into a hearty laugh.

"I knew you'd say that. But once you get used to it, these talks become much easier."

"What do you mean?"

"Conversations like these. No hiding, no dragging it out, saves time and energy. Efficient. I wish everyone else was like you..."

Having lived a life full of schemes and manipulation, the count found this barbarian-style business refreshing and pleasing.

"Well, I'll be going now."

"Not even having a meal?"

"I ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) have another appointment!"

"Ha ha, come next time free. I surprisingly enjoy talking with you."

"Alright."

After finishing with the count, I headed straight to the chancellor's mansion.

"Baron Yandel...?"

The butler looked very surprised to see me suddenly.

"Excuse me, but the Marquis did not notify me of any visit..."

Well, who else but me would come unannounced in this noble world?

Especially targeting the second highest noble family.

"Don't look so apologetic. Of course, you wouldn't get notice."

"...Yes?"

"Is the marquis home?"

"H-He is out on official business."

"Oh, then I'll wait inside. Please show me in!"

"W-Well, the marquis is busy with state affairs and we don't know when he'll return. It's better to set another appointment and come back later—."

What nonsense.

I was about to make an appointment anyway, but since all had ignored me, I came directly.

"That's enough! The marquis and I don't care about such formalities! I'll wait inside comfortably!"

I pushed past the baffled butler and entered.

With things unfolding this way, the butler reluctantly accepted me as a guest.

And...

One day, two days, three days...

Well, I hadn't planned to wait this long, but whatever.

I ignored the butler's pleas to leave.

From the second day, they stopped serving me meals, so I survived on jerky, silently enduring all the knights' interference trying to force me out.

"Ha... I don't have much time, so speak quickly. What's your business to go this far?"

Finally, the marquis appeared.