69) Otto my boy
...
{3rd Pov}
Subaru didn't return to the Roswaal Mansion immediately—he still had several matters to attend to in the Royal Capital.
His first priority was to locate Otto Suwen. Subaru was already well aware of Otto's intelligence, skills and loyalty, and he intended to recruit him into the merchant company he was planning to establish. Otto's particular skill set would be invaluable in building a solid foundation for the enterprise.
Of course, Subaru wasn't going to act recklessly just because he had knowledge from his previous loops.
Although much of what he remembered had proven accurate so far—except for that one jarring revelation about Reinhard turning out to be a chick with an impressively voluptuous figure and assets that could put even Priscilla to shame—he knew better than to take everything at face value.
The people here weren't just NPCs or plot devices; they were living, breathing individuals, and he had to judge them carefully before forging any kind of alliance.
He was accompanied by Reina, Beatrice, and naturally, the five true spirits that currently resided within him.
With their support, he ventured into the bustling business district of the Capital, where countless merchant companies operated.
Rather than waiting around or relying solely on second-hand information, Subaru opted to investigate in person.
They entered one of the larger merchant companies first. There were many such companies in the Capital, but this one stood out due to its size and the number of people constantly coming and going. Subaru hoped it might yield some useful leads.
"The Sword Saint is here… then undoubtedly, the man she is accompanying must be important... Then he must be!" the receptionist murmured, quickly realizing the significance of their visitors.
Without delay, she rushed to inform the Branch Manager. Within moments, a neatly dressed man appeared, his demeanor formal yet welcoming.
"Lady Reina, and Lord Zero—it is an honor. This humble merchant extends his warmest greetings. May I ask what brings you to our company today?" the manager asked respectfully.
Although his company was reasonably successful, it couldn't hope to rival the likes of Anastasia's massive enterprise. Only the wealthiest and most powerful merchant groups in the nation could boast a social status on par with the nobility, such as Viscounts, Counts, or even Marquises.
So he had to be respectful to a powerful figure like Zero.
Subaru nodded politely, acknowledging the greeting. "May I know your name, sir?" he inquired, as Reina remained characteristically silent beside him.
"My name is James Bosainze. I serve as the Branch Manager of the Hudon Merchant Company," the man replied.
"Please, allow me to escort you to the guest room so we may speak in a more comfortable setting," James offered courteously. However, Subaru gently shook his head.
"There's no need for that. I came for a specific reason—I'm looking for a merchant by the name of Otto Suwen. Would you happen to have any information regarding his current whereabouts?" Subaru asked directly, getting straight to the point.
The manager stroked his chin thoughtfully. "One moment, please. I'll check with the staff," he said before quickly organizing his employees and dispatching them to gather information.
Before long, someone returned with news.
"Ottō Suwen is currently affiliated with a rival company known as the Jiwa Merchant Group. However, it appears he recently failed to repay a significant debt just two days ago. As a result, he was arrested and is currently being held in jail. From what I've heard, he is due to be sold into slavery," James explained grimly.
Subaru's expression darkened instantly upon hearing those words.
'Sold into slavery? Seriously? These people really are medieval. Barbaric doesn't even begin to describe it,' Subaru thought bitterly. For the first time, he found himself agreeing—at least partially—with someone like Regulus that human rights were being violated.
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Bosainze. We are in a bit of a hurry, so we'll be taking our leave now," Subaru said. He paused briefly, considering whether he should leave them some kind of reward for their assistance.
However, handing over money felt a little too transactional and, in some ways, demeaning. Instead, he left them with a promise—he would remember their cooperation and, should any favorable business opportunity arise in the future, he would be sure to include them in a mutually beneficial deal.
With that, Subaru and his group departed swiftly toward the Jiwa Merchant Group. It didn't take long before they were led to the place where Otto Suwen was currently being detained—a dingy jail cell with guards stationed outside.
Subaru's eyes narrowed as he approached.
The moment Subaru, Reina, and Beatrice stepped into the jailhouse, an overwhelming stench struck them like a physical blow. The air was thick with the revolting odor of human waste, rotting food, and stagnant garbage.
"So utterly disgusting, I suppose," Beatrice muttered with a grimace before vanishing in an instant, retreating into Subaru's body. She clearly had no intention of staying out in such a vile place any longer than necessary.
Accompanied by the Branch Manager of the Jiwa Merchant Group, Subaru and Reina pressed on through the dimly lit and poorly ventilated corridor of the facility. After a short walk past several rusted iron doors and gloomy cells, they finally reached the one that held the man they had come for—Otto Suwen.
Otto was seated on the cold, grimy floor, his back slumped against the wall. His once tidy appearance was now a mess—he wore a tattered, dirt-stained robe and looked utterly defeated, both mentally and physically. His eyes were dull, lacking the spark of cleverness Subaru expected.
When he saw the Branch Manager entering the cell accompanied by two unfamiliar figures, Otto stirred slightly, raising his head with noticeable effort.
"Sir… why are you here?" Otto asked, his voice hoarse and weary.
The Branch Manager gave a half-snort of disbelief. "I don't know what kind of bizarre luck you have, but Marquis Zero here has just purchased your freedom—for seven gold coins."
Otto's expression twisted into one of dismay and resignation.
"So… I've been sold as a slave, then?" he muttered, his voice hollow. It seemed he'd been clinging to a final sliver of hope that things wouldn't spiral this far.
But Subaru stepped forward, shaking his head firmly. "No, Otto. You're not a slave. I didn't buy you to own you—I'm freeing you. At the same time, I'd like to offer you a job."
Otto's eyes widened, life returning to them as he stared up in disbelief. "R-Really? You're serious?"
"Yes," Subaru said with a smile. "I've seen your resourcefulness and instincts. You have real potential, Otto. I want to make use of that."
Although, inwardly, Subaru chuckled. Mostly, I just want someone to dump all the tedious paperwork and logistics onto. Heh, sorry in advance, buddy.
Regardless, Otto's reaction was immediate and emotional. He leapt to his feet and threw himself into Subaru's arms, wrapping him in a tight embrace as tears welled up in his eyes. The relief of escaping a grim fate was overwhelming.
Both the Branch Manager and the accompanying knight stood frozen in shock at the display. Reina, on the other hand, looked absolutely livid. Her hand had already flown to the hilt of her sword, her knuckles white as she prepared to draw it.
"There's no need, Reina," Subaru said quickly, holding up a hand to calm her. Otto, now realizing the massive blunder he had just committed, turned deathly pale.
"I—I'm so sorry! Forgive me! I don't know what came over me!" Otto exclaimed in a panic, dropping to his knees and bowing his head in apology.
Subaru sighed. "It's fine. Just… keep your hugs to a minimum, alright? At least when we're in public."
After the ordeal, Subaru arranged for Otto to be cleaned up at a nearby inn. A long, hot bath helped restore a bit of Otto's dignity, and Subaru made sure he received a new set of clothes. Once that was done, the group shared a modest lunch at a quiet establishment.
Subaru informed Otto that they would discuss the details of their partnership later, once things had settled down. For now, he had another matter to attend to.
His next destination was Crusch Karsten's manor. He had only one goal in mind—to see whether Patrasche, the brilliant ground dragon that was he supposed to form a deep bond with, existed in this world as well. And if she did, Subaru was determined to purchase her from Crusch's camp—no matter what it took.
To be continued...
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