Chapter 180

Chapter 180 \n“Which side is this?”\n

Activating the transfer circle on the 10th floor, I was sent to a random space near the entrance to the labyrinth. What I could see was a huge crack in the ground and Snakehead Fortress. I thought I’d be troublesome if I’d been sent to the bottom, but I was transferred to the top. And it was evening with a little way to go between me and the fort. I would’ve liked to use a vehicle to cross it, but there were many observation posts with guards there.

It was to monitor the labyrinth properly that leave the labyrinth. They’d easily spot my vehicle… So, walking it was.  

I walked back to the fortress, passing the inner gate and reported my return. I was not physically tired, but mentally fatigued from continuously fighting to the 10th level. So, I submitted my accommodation request and headed to the lodging. 

The next morning, I boarded the first carriage train bound to the royal capital, which departed after breakfast. Thus, ending my first attack on Snakehead Labyrinth.  

Once I’d returned to the capital, I would head to the Marida Trading Company to hand over the crystal and head to the old factory. The one I purchased to use as my base of operations within the capital. There was also the matter with the commerce guild. My plan was to join it as Schwartz and operate it under the umbrella of the Marida Trading Company. However, I think that it’d be closed for the most part… I’ll have the Marida company handle the before and after legalities of opening. 

Of course, I’d have to prepare compensation. Considering the logistics required if I were to do the accounting myself, it was cheaper and easier to do it this way. \n

Two days after returning to the capital, there’d been no incidents. I had left immediately after the festival and the peace had returned a week after, thankfully. However, the outdoor theater in the third district still had a lineup of plays that involved ‘Blask Mask Shaft’. 

On the final day of the festival, I’d been attacked by Cactus, then my zombie-like face, playing as Shaft’s real face, had been exposed to many knights and aristocrats. I wondered if the story had spread, but apparently, it hadn’t; at least, not that I could tell. Has it been kept a secret? As I entered the second district, I couldn’t help but praise the Knights and nobles for being tight lipped.

I entered the commercial department of the General Guild, created my commerce card, and headed to the Marida Trading Company. 

“Good Day –” 

I greeted the security guard that stood outfront the office and was in turn taken to the drawing room in the back. Malta-san came as soon as I entered the room. Originally, I had already informed him I would visit today. I guess that was why he was able to come this soon. 

“Congratulations on your safe return, Schwartz-dono.”

“Thank you.”\n“How did it go with the Snakehead Labyrinth?” 

“Well, I was able to reach the 10th floor in a short amount of time. I had various first experiences, but it seems I can proceed smoothly.”

We sat on the sofas, face to face, in the drawing room and had a debriefing session with tea. 

“Of course. Then, how about the crystal?”

“I collected it without problems. There are 18 crystals over 1 meter.”

“18! That’s amazing!” 

“How is the preparation with the old shop?” \nVisit wuxiaworld.eu for extra chapters.

“The interior work has been completed, and the first floor can be used as a store any time. The second floor has enough furniture to be used as an office and resting place. The basement had it’s floor replaced with sturdy stone as desired. We’ve collected all the shelves and so on. Did you prepare your card at the Commerce department?”

“Yes, I got it before coming.”

After I confirmed the details of the opening with Malta-san, I decided to head to the old shop first. Once the shop was open, Malta-san would provide people to run and maintain the shop. In addition to that, he’d provide security for the workers and customers’ safety. Since Malta would be going with me, we’ll be going by carriage. We’ll also stop by the company warehouse first to unload the crystals. 

It was only him and I present while I unloaded. 

Afterward, we moved to the outskirts of the district where the shop was – stopping on a street nearby to walk the rest of the way. The stone two-story building came into view. When I first visited, there was nothing on the sign outside. Now, the sign I’d ordered was there. It said ‘Daikokuya’ (TL.N:God of Wealth’s Establishment.) Although it was without an opening date and hours, it was set to open from early afternoon to early evening.

The employees who helped the salespeople were also set to come at the time for cleaning. Although I said ‘employees, the ones Malta-san sent were actually Amy and Presera. While the security guards were the twin fox girls, Alm and Silvara. Malta-san arranged these four people to help me, Shaft-Schwartzs, under the pretense I was the benefactor of their life and dignity. It was also because this way, the risk of my secret leaking would be unlikely. 

\nUnder these thoughts, Martha brought these four to help Daikokuya. 

Alm and Silvara stayed in the carriage while Amy and Presera followed us into the shop. After a like check on the first and second floors, the two girls had tea prepared in the serving space on the second floor. Malta and I moved to the underground warehouse. 

“Schwartz-dono, this is the magic stone consumption-type magic lock crest for the warehouse.”

Receiving the stamp-shaped magic lock crest from Marida-san, I put the magic stone on the other side of the crest. Apparently, the attribute of the magic stone didn’t matter, so I put in a small water attribute stone from my waist pouch. I could see the crest shine faintly. 

So, was it ready to be used now? 

I pressed the magic crest against the lock that closed the large iron double door. The semi-circular crest connected with the lock and joined together into a circle. 

I was a magicless person, so I was relieved that I could use the lock without mana. This should have unlocked it, so I put the crest in my pouch and opened the door.