After barely managing to pacify both of them, we ended the rather hostile meeting.

After Olivia left, the Guildmaster reported about his trip to the Philia Islands.

“I purchased a building suitable for use as a branch of Jinjijo Transportation. Construction work will begin immediately, so you’ll be able to use it soon.”

As expected of someone competent, his work speed was surprisingly fast. Perhaps money was what made everything move so quickly.

Time could indeed be bought with money.

And then the Guildmaster added something that seemed to prove he was indeed a ‘money-loving evil boss.’

“The money spent on building the branch will be split according to our rate, that is, 50-50.”

Well… since he used his own money too, maybe he’s not that evil after all.

I couldn’t just be happy about the good first settlement. Now that we’ve secured a branch, I felt we needed to gather more funds.

‘I wonder when we can launch the VVIP special monster carriage.’

Since I fell from the cliff, Bless hadn’t transformed into his adult form even once.

At least if he were in his adult form, I could ask him to help with the transportation business.

First things first, we needed to move to the branch, so I started packing up the few office belongings.

While doing so, I found Duncan’s jacket from Constitution Day.

“I probably don’t need to return this, right?”

Though it looked expensive, I didn’t think Duncan would come looking for me to get his jacket back.

Though neither of us said it, Duncan and I both sensed that day would be our last meeting.

Feeling somewhat sad about that fact, I hugged Duncan’s jacket. The jacket had a pleasant scent that calmed my mind.

Just as I closed my eyes and inhaled its fragrance, I sensed a quiet presence.

―Kyuu…

‘Pervert…’

It was Bless, who had been to Pandora Forest during the day for an important mission.

“Oh, this is a misunderstanding!”

I pulled Duncan’s jacket away from my chest.

“It just smells nice, I was only smelling the fragrance!”

Still seeming somewhat doubtful, Bless tilted his head.

―Kyuuuu?

‘Do I smell good, too?’

“Of course. You smell like freshly dried laundry. A crisp, clean, and soft kind of scent.”

―Kyu?

‘Laundry…?’

“Anyway, it’s a good smell.”

―Kyukyukyu.

‘Then enjoy my smell more! Kuk. Kuk.’

Even without the invitation, I was already smelling Bless’s scent every day.

I loved burying my face in Bless’s soft feathers and nuzzling them for no particular reason.

The soft feathers tickling my face and the pleasant smell made me happy every time.

On impulse, I grabbed Bless with both hands and nuzzled my face against him.

Bless remained perfectly still, accepting my childish behavior.

I wondered how the small bird felt about accepting such affection from someone hundreds of times larger than itself.

I just hoped he didn’t find it creepy.

After finishing my nuzzling, I told Bless about the move.

“Bless. We’re moving to the Philia Islands soon, are you okay with that?”

―Kyuukyuukyu.

‘It’s fine! Anywhere with master is good.’

“That’s a relief. If you have anything to pack, do it now!”

At my words, Bless fluttered away as if to pack his things.

He took out a small handkerchief from my drawer and spread it neatly on the desk. Then, he carefully placed a single button on top of it.

Finally, he wrapped the handkerchief nicely with his beak and hung it around his neck.

I couldn’t help but laugh as I watched this adorable scene.

“Is the button all you’re packing?”

Why did he pack a button of all things?

His modest luggage was just too cute. I couldn’t help but laugh.

―Kyuuuukyu. Kyukyu.

‘This is a button master dropped. I found it, so now it’s mine.’

“Why are you keeping that! Do you like buttons?”

―Kkukyukyukyu.

‘A man’s actions always have reasons! It’s a secret.’

I couldn’t possibly fathom his reason. But since Bless was sometimes smarter than me, he must have had a significant reason.

Even if it’s just a button, I won’t mock Bless’s belongings. One must show respect to their life companion. Yes, indeed.

“Alright. I should finish packing too.”

My luggage was just as modest as Bless’s, just one full bag.

When I worked at the Center, I only wore Center uniforms, and I hadn’t bought any clothes since starting the transportation business.

I was still wearing pants that were good for running away in emergencies. Somehow, they reminded me of the Center uniform.

I must be the first Transmigrator in a romance fantasy novel who has never worn a dress.

‘I should try wearing dresses in the Philia Islands.’

It seemed like a good idea to try things there that I couldn’t do before.

Though I felt sad about parting with those I had formed connections with in the capital, I was looking forward to a life where my freedom would be guaranteed.

It wasn’t difficult to set a departure date.

I planned to ride Ptero early tomorrow morning to the Philia Islands.

Although the branch wasn’t complete, I wanted to stay at a nearby inn and observe the Philia Islands.

What kind of people lived there, what shops were in town, which restaurants had good food. The last one was especially important.

“I wonder if it’s okay not to say goodbye to Olivia.”

But thinking about it, it didn’t seem like something to worry about too much.

She might look for me at first, but before long, she’d completely forget about my existence.

After all, Olivia’s life was quite busy dealing with those three troublemakers.

She had to find love, work as a guide – how could she remember someone she’d only met twice?

That way, forgetting about me, she would probably get along well with the Guildmaster, bickering as in the original story.

I should ask the Guildmaster later to tell Olivia to ‘forget about me and live well.’

That seemed like an appropriate farewell for someone as overwhelming as her.

Just then, Bless flew over with his luggage bag and gently pecked my hand. He seemed to have something to say.

―Kyukyukyukyu. Kyuuu!

‘I met friends in Pandora Forest and completed the mission you gave me!’

“Oh! So?”

I had given Bless the mission to meet with Potas on my behalf.

Although they wouldn’t be able to communicate through language, I thought they could at least convey whether or not they’d work together in our business.

And sure enough, Bless seemed to have succeeded in communicating.

―Kyuuuu kyuu.

‘Though I couldn’t understand everything because we couldn’t speak the same language, I think they want to work together.’

“Wow, really? I should meet Potas before leaving the capital to sort out the waterway business.”

I immediately prepared to go to Pandora Forest. It was still daytime, and if I rode Ptero, it would be a quick trip.

But then I suddenly remembered Olivia’s words.

“Oh right. And Lambert is searching frantically for that person.”

What if I ran into Lambert, who was desperately searching for the person who had held his hand, in that forest?

Potas’s dwelling was very close to where Lambert had collapsed.

I didn’t want to risk facing danger again by going to Pandora Forest alone like when I helped Potas before.

But without going myself, I couldn’t talk to Potas…

I turned sharply to look at Bless.

“Bless, could you deliver my note to the Guildmaster?”

At times like this, it was right to ask my business partner for help. With him, I felt I could meet Potas without any danger.

After all, the Guildmaster was skilled enough in fighting to subdue poachers in one go.

―Kyuuuu! Kyukyu, kyuu.

‘Yes! Leave it to me! I’m also a small boss of the transportation business, so I should work properly.’

“Oh my, our little boss, Bless. There, there. I’m counting on you. The Guildmaster should still be in the study.”

―Kyuu!

‘Yessir!’

I helped Bless put down his small luggage and securely tied my hastily written note to his leg.

Bless flew out through the open window, saying he’d be back soon.

While waiting for Bless, I read a book about Potas that I had bought recently.

Since we were about to become real business partners, I wanted to learn more about their preferred food and habits.

Then suddenly, I realized something.

“Oh, right. I have the watch the Guildmaster gave me?”

I could have contacted the Guildmaster without sending Bless.

I belatedly pressed the button on the watch.

***

Meanwhile, Bless hesitated before entering the potato wholesale store right in front.

He had spotted a man who seemed out of place in this back alley.

The man was, in a word, noble-like.

He looked like someone born into nobility who had never gotten his hands wet.

His eyes shone coldly like an emotionless doll, matching his noble appearance and upright posture.

He was staring at “Hot Potato” with a cold gaze. Perhaps due to his pale face, the man’s gaze appeared even sharper.

Bless recognized the man at a glance.

‘He’s one of the men who tormented Yerena.’