In the end, I was kicked out of the palace without knowing the full names of the high-school students. A soldier took me to a room.
As soon as we entered the room, my eyes were glued to the sword at the waist of the soldier standing behind me, thinking that they’d dispose of me for being useless. But that didn’t happen, they asked me to take a seat on a fine sofa.
I look around the room and I see a magnificent one. Although less prestigious than the King’s room.
At first glance, the room appears to be Western style, but furniture and decorations are coming from various places.
How do I say this? It’s like a Western Design with an Asian flair mixed together.
Well, I have no sense of design so it might be strange to some people who see it.
As I was thinking, the door opened.
I looked over and a well-dressed man in his fifties came over.
「 You’re the otherworlder? Let’s see. Oh, your face doesn’t look that different from ours. Oh, how do I say this? Let’s see, it’s country in the distance. It’s a small one, but they have elite soldiers, what’s the name again? 」
「 Prime Minister, could you be talking about “Igners“? 」
「 Oh yes! Doesn’t he look like from that place? Oh, excuse me. I’m Janskil Roodbook. The prime minister. Sir Her–my mistake. Well, may I ask for your name? 」
I’m surprised that the guy called the prime minister approached me and kept on talking.
But, the way he speaks is polite and he’s got a friendly smile.
I’m relieved to see that they’re not about to dispose of me like I was thinking earlier.
But, I’m still worried about one thing.
He may be smiling but his eyes aren’t.
In my experience, you shouldn’t bother with these people.
I have to be as modest as possible.
I bow my head to the prime minister as he sits on the opposite side.
「 I’m sorry for the delay in greetings. I’m Kotori Daiki 」
「 I see. How civil. Well then, Kotori-dono, let’s get into business. I have something of your interest. Normally, the soldiers there would’ve already given you money and you would’ve left the castle by now, but I feel that it’s such a pity and so I came to meet you in person 」
「 Let’s see, what could be of my interest? 」
「 Yes, about that. I thought of helping you out, Kotori-dono. However, what are your thoughts? Even if the prime minister offers you help, you can’t help but be a bit conscious and wonder if there’s anything more to it, don’t you? 」
「 Well yes. 」 If things are too good to be true, then they’re usually aren’t 」
「 I see. Indeed. And so, I was hoping we could make a deal. Yes, for example, I was wondering if I could offer your my personal support in exchange for something you have brought from the other world? 」
So that’s why he’s been glancing at my left wrist since a while ago.
「 I see what you mean. Hahaha, I’ll have to thank your sympathies. However, I’m unsure of what I could offer. I worry that my possessions will not be able to please the prime minister 」
「 Not at all! That thing in your arm! Yes! What is that? 」
I knew it, he was interested in the watch. I took it off my arm and put it on the desk.
「 It’s a common tool in my world that can measure time 」
「 A clock? I’m surprised at how small it is. May I? 」
「 Please. You can inspect as much as you want 」
The prime minister picked up the watch and the color of his eyes, which wasn’t smiling, had changed.
He’s definitely a collector.
However. I’m sorry for this world.
Do they not have a concept of clocks?
I was too lenient.
However, this clock is based on Earth, so I’m curious how it would work here.
It may not be useful, but if it’s just for appreciating, then it could stimulate the collection desire?
「 What do you think? Is this something the prime minister would want? 」
「 Hmm, indeed. It’s sculpted well enough that I’m speechless. Your place must have some amazing craftsmen to create such fine workmanship. Ooh, the sound of the passage of time is lovely. I would like this 」
I purchased this watch for 50,000 Yen, which is neither expensive nor inexpensive. It came from a Japanese clockmaker.
The prime minister is second in line to the King I believe, he’s giving a fascinated look in his eyes.
「 Try putting it on your arm, Prime Minister. Oh. It looks good on you. I’m sure I can give it to you and not spoil the mood 」
「 I-It suits me? Are you willing to give away something as good as this? 」
「 Yes, of course. I can’t just ignore the prime minister’s chivalrous spirit to approach me after they dismissed me as useless. Please, it’s yours now 」
「 Ooh, what a broad-minded man 」
「 I humbly accept your compliments. However, this clock contains a lot of memories, so it was painful for me to let go. And so, I would love to have at least a comforting, within the limitations, life while I wait for the return of the heroes and the defeat of the Demon Lord. I hope you take that into consideration 」
「 Yes, of course! Let’s strike a deal to comfort Kotori-dono’s heart 」
It seems like they’ll provide me a reasonable amount of money.
If so, I’ll show everything else I have but there wasn’t much of a response.
「 I see. So if it loses power, it just becomes a thick plate with no light? No matter how wonderful the mechanism is, it becomes useless. Well, it’s slippery to touch and it looks interesting, so it’s worth on its own 」
At first, his eyes lit up when he saw the functions of the smartphone, but I was afraid of what would happen later if I didn’t tell him so I explained that it needs a power supply.
Well, even in Japan, phones that won’t turn on are just paperweight.
I thought that showing him inside would rekindle his interest but I don’t have any means to open it so I won’t.
Aside from that, I showed off some keys with key rings but he was interested in the shape and nothing else.
What’s with this guy who just likes mechanical stuff?
I was going to go shopping at a nearby convenience store so I don’t have much.
「 Then, I will take this watch and the thing you called ‘Sumaho’ Yes. I must show my gratitude for such a good deal. Ah, you… How much money were you planning to give Kotori-dono? 」
「 From what I heard, it’s about 20 gold coins 」
「 Hm? That’s rare for the King to be generous. Hmm. Tell them to prepare about 300 gold coins 」
「 W-What? That much? 」
「 Just do it. You might not understand, but this has that much value. Isn’t that right, Kotori-dono? 」
「 If I may be honest, I have no idea what 300 Gold coins are worth here. But I believe in the prime minister’s kingdom, so I think it’s a reasonable amount 」
「 See? Now you must hurry 」
The soldier left the room as urged by the prime minister.
300 Gold coins?
I wonder how much is that worth in this world?
Either way, it seems that guy who wears armor, who seems more of a knight than a soldier seems to be surprised by the amount, so I’m guessing that it’s a good one, but I’d like to know the exact worth.
But you know, it would be tactless to ask that here.
「 I think those three brought some stuff from the other side, why not talk to them? 」
「 Oh, the heroes? The king will be watching those three from now on so I can’t do anything careless. Besides, if I make a bad move, it could sour their mood, don’t you think? I don’t want to give a bad impression to the people who are saving this country 」
So you’re saying that you don’t mind offending me?
I don’t know if he’s aware but he’s natural at being awful.
The soldier left the room, and after a while, he returned with some jingling sounds,.
That bag he’s holding had the gold coins?
He placed it on the desk between the prime minister and me, and it had a dull and heavy sound.
「 Kotori-dono, take it 」
「 I’ve received it 」
I say my thanks while checking how heavy it is by lifting it off the desk.
Wait, isn’t this just heavy?
「 I think it’s best to split this into two bags. Prepare another pouch 」
The prime minister left his seat while speaking.
「 I’ll be excusing myself now. I’m glad I talked to you, Kotori-dono. It was a valuable transaction. Oh, by the way. Here’s a piece of advice as you leave the castle, you should look for someone who can protect you. This man will guide you the rest of the way 」
As I watch the prime minister wearing the wristwatch he acquired leave the room, there was one question that came to my mind.
Why did he make a deal with me?
Honestly, I feel like it’s just a cover-up as he could just easily take it away.
Wait no. I’m still summoned by the Goddess, so I guess he was being cautious?
Hmm, I don’t get it.
Well, that aside, I’m happy that I got off with a bonus gold start.