Atelier Tanaka

Book 4: Chapter 4 (3)

Territory Pioneering 4

I was appreciating a job well done after seeing Eliza and Hegel out of the main gate when I spotted Gonzalez nearby. He was accompanied by a group of his men and they were all looking around restlessly. When Gonzalez noticed me watching him he called out to me.

Oi! Over here!

Oh, Gonzalez-san, what great timing.

Really? Did you need me for something?

Ive got a new partner for us. Have you by chance heard of the Manson Group?

Oi, oi, oi, are you serious right now?

Absolutely.

The Manson Group is the most dominant company in the Penny Empire.

I believe they will take over as our primary suppliers and, in addition, they will set up a shop in a building Ive prepared for them. Would you feel comfortable going in my place if they were to want to arrange a meeting in the future?

S-Sure, I dont really mind, but a simpleton like me.

Theres no one that conducts business in Tricklis that doesnt know the name of Gonzalez.

Jeez, there you go again, turning my own words back at me.

I learned them from someone I believe in wholeheartedly.

I believe Gonzalezs experience with trade and negotiations will help conclude the discussions with the Manson Group in the most satisfactory way possible. But the only thing I really want to learn from him is how to build a lovey-dovey loli harem.

If he helps establish their base here, maybe hell move his harem here or attract a group of new lolis that are free for the taking.

By the way, is this really okay?

What? Something about me?

No, the client.

Oh, the merchants that just left.

No, the daughter of that noble.

What noble?

Who is he talking about?

Im not really acquainted with that many nobles.

And when it comes to daughters, theres just Ester-chan and Drill-chan.

The daughter of the Bitch family. Im sure you know shes close with Viscount FitzClarence. Theyre a part of the same faction and the FitzClarence family lies at the core of that faction with the Bitch family right beside them. Speaking of Cyan, I think shes only the third woman to ever become Vice-Captain of the Magic Knights.

Cyan-san?

Who is that?

I dont know anyone with that name.

It seems she recently participated in killing a Red Dragon in order to cure the Princess of her illness. Shes a dragon slayer, and at such a young age with everything shes accomplished, her name is on the lips of almost every citizen.

Ah, thats who you meant.

Its Sophie-chan.

I do know a person by that name.

Is that girl coming here?

Shes here to look after the Viscount. Is she a friend of yours? Ive heard that Vice-Captain Cyan was the one that taught magic to the Viscount. I witnessed the Viscounts magic firsthand during the conflict, and if Vice-Captain Cyan taught her everything she knows, I cant imagine how powerful Cyan must be.

Im not sure if I entirely agree with that. If someone that didnt know the lolibitch was to hear that, Im sure theyd agree, but even though Sophie-chan may have taught Ester-chan the basics of magic, I think Ester-chans own efforts need to be recognized as well.

The lolibitch is the type of woman that strives to become the best at whatever she puts her mind toward.

Do you know when shes supposed to arrive?

Yeah, shes actually here already and wanted to meet with you.

Ah, of course.

Thats why Gon-chan was looking for me.

Being a noble is busy work.

***

I followed Gonzalez through the streets of our town.

The building we arrived at was one of those built in the northern district meant for the nobles. All of the buildings here were of a noticeably higher quality than the other districts and anyone could tell that Christina and I had put more effort into them. The magnificent, gigantic arch that was Christinas first building is also located in this district.

Our final destination was the drawing room of one of these high-class buildings.

Its been a while, Sophie-san.

It has been [nano desu]. [TN: Theres no proper way of translating nano desu into English. Sophie is essentially ending her sentence in a cute, albeit uncharacteristic, way.]

Nano desu?

This robed girl always does whatever she feels like.

Allen told me that robe is one of the uniforms of the Magic Knights. It had gold embroidery all along the sleeves and hem and I can tell by its lustrous appearance that its made from high-quality material.

Looking at her like this, I was suddenly reminded of something.

What happened to the slave sisters that I was unable to get? I havent seen them since I left them with Sophia-chan, but Id be lying if I were to say Im not curious as to where they are. But how am I supposed to go about asking without making this situation awkward?

What brings you here?

Since we already know each other, theres no point in wasting time with any other formalities.

She took a seat in the middle of a three-seat sofa and I took a seat opposite her next to Ester-chan who was already waiting for me.

Gonzalez had left at some point without me noticing.

Im sure hed rather be out working on the town rather than stuck in this room listening to three nobles talking. He left almost as soon as he entered.

Im here to make you an offer. Would you like to hear it?

I dont mind if all I have to do is listen.

Sophie-chan was still cute despite her sharp tone. Shes different than Christina. Its almost like someone perfectly sculpted her into the beautiful girl that she is. Despite this artificial feeling, I cant help but admiring cute things. Im only just able to suppress my urge to pounce on her now and have my way with her, but men are foolish creatures, after all.

This girl was an obvious maneater. Her eyes were carefully examining even me, a depressing virgin, as if she was deciding how much fun she could get out of me before she grew bored.

Sophie, first Allen and now him.

A cloud of anger was slowly forming around Ester-chan.

Apparently, Ester-chans cuck radar has been sharpened from her past experiences.

I doubt Ester-chan really has anything to worry about. A high-class bitch like this only goes after younger, attractive men or older men that can offer her money or power. A busamen baron doesnt quite meet those criteria.

I want to create a stage in one of your districts.

A stage?

Exactly.

I thought back to Sophie-chans stage performance during the Academic Conference.

So she wants to hold one here as well. A more modern comparison would be an idol holding a live performance on the roof of a department store. I agree with that idea. A popular idol holding a concert in a brand new vacation spot would draw in a lot of people.

Despite her actual personality, shes able to put on a proper idol persona in public. Moreover, she came to negotiate in person almost immediately after we opened, which gives her bonus points from me. And shes a young girl. I think those are enough reasons to actually hear her out and go into this with a proper business attitude.

How long would you use it for?

Ill decide that on a week-to-week basis and borrow the stage when I need it.

I see.

Thats not such a bad proposal.

It would also give me the chance to see her second show in the baths every week.

I understand. Ill allow you to put on whatever show you want.

You will?

Yes, I see no problem as long as you arent lying to me.

Thank you.

I dont know how popular of an idol she is, but she is undoubtedly cute and shes the daughter of a noble family. If someone like her were to sing and dance in front of commoners and offer the occasional panty shot while wearing a miniskirt, Im sure shed draw a large crowd.

But there are no stages or theatres in Dragon City.

Its a little soon, but what kind of stage would you like?

Im imagining a grand amphitheatre with a large stage at the front. Although, it may be better to have the entire stadium covered in case of adverse weather.

And I have to keep in mind that others will use it whenever Sophie-chan takes breaks.

are you going to make it?

Yes, Id like to know exactly what you want, so would you mind working together on this?

O-Of course.

Well need to discuss the type of facility she wants and well need to come up with a contract.

All right, we should hurry and get started.

Just as I started to get up from the coach, Ester-chan raised her voice.

W-Wait a minute, please!

Whats wrong?

Sophie, youjust like with Allen, youre trying to steal him.

Thats not it at all. But I have noticed.

Wh-What did you notice!? Dont tell me you realized how good looking he is!?

Despite how upset Ester-chan was becoming, Sophie-chan continued on unperturbed.

I understand the importance of being loved by a single man. I try to tell myself that if I can be with hundreds or even thousands of men, I can somehow find my own happiness in place of a true love. But what Ive really found is that the love of one man pales in comparison to the love of many.

what are you saying?

I wish to provide comfort to a large number of men.

.

One for all and all for one.

I knew she was nothing but an idol slut.

It will probably take a few centuries to satisfy her desires.

What about Allen?

I havent seen Allen once since we returned to the capital.

Ehreally? Not even once?

Thats right.

Oh, thats too bad for him, bitch. Forgive me if I dont feel any sympathy for a guy that was betrayed by two of his women. Thinking back on it, I dont think Ive seen Allen once since we returned to Kalis.

Maybe we should try to meet up sometime soon.

W-Whatever, Allen doesnt matter! Not one bit!

Just now, I think Ester-chans feelings were starting to waver.

Im fine with it if she wants to go back to her old life.

We still havent reached the point of no return yet.

Though, there have been times where weve entered the danger zone.

Anyway, back to the stage Id like.

Of course. Ill show you to a few likely areas where people will congregate.

After you.

W-Wait a moment, Im coming too! Dont leave me by myself!

I headed off to the busy section of the town accompanied by two bitches.

***