The innkeeper where I was staying had complained about those creatures.

“You wouldn’t believe how troublesome the increasing number of cats has become. The lord forbids killing animals that don’t cause harm, but these multiplying cats steal fish every single day.”

The rapidly increasing cats and the lord who prevents harm to them.

Couldn’t I make use of them?

“Have you thought of something good?”

“What if we collect transportation fees from people who have money? Like how we squeezed Duncan’s pockets.”

“You’ve already made friends with a wealthy merchant when you’ve barely arrived in the Philia Islands?”

The Guildmaster seemed genuinely surprised.

It was as if he was asking, ‘How did you, who is small, delicate, kind, and incapable of deceiving others, manage that?’

Of course, the lengthy interpretation might be my imagination.

“No, what wealthy merchant? Marco is my only friend.”

“That’s more like it…”

But he shouldn’t be disappointed just yet.

“But I can make wealthy merchant friends starting now, right?”

“What? I’m not sure what you mean exactly, but it’s nice to see you so serious about business today.”

You probably don’t realize that my increased dedication to business and desire to succeed is because of you.

I still wanted to be of help to the Guildmaster.

“Let me explain in detail. If I can help, I’d like to.”

I began whispering my plan into the Guildmaster’s ear.

***

The lord ruling the Philia Islands was Count Scott Falcon.

He had two children – the first was clever enough to succeed the Count and became the heir early on, while the second was born sickly and could barely participate in public activities.

Everyone living in the Philia Islands knew that Count Scott took great care of his second son with various medicines out of concern.

Today was no different.

Count Scott had actively recruited a doctor who came by ship from the Western Regions to examine his second son.

However, sadly, the Western doctor said the same thing as the local doctors.

“I can prescribe medicine, but I cannot guarantee his strength will recover.”

The Western doctor finished his examination and left the room.

In the room remained Count Scott, his second son, and two maids.

Count Scott looked sadly at his son lying neatly in bed.

“What a pity.”

Despite his lack of strength, his son’s eyes remained bright and clear.

“I’m fine, Father. Life is still bearable.”

“Still, stay in bed for a while.”

“Yes.”

A faint smile appeared on the son’s face as he answered leisurely. Though his complexion was pale, that very paleness seemed to maximize his beauty.

The melancholy embedded in that face drew attention for some inexplicable reason.

The sickly, beautiful youth. That’s what the Count’s household servants called Count Scott’s second son.

At that moment, there was a knock. It was Count Scott’s aide.

“Count, I have something to report.”

“Come in.”

The aide who entered the room walked up to the Count.

“What is it?”

“A suspicious letter has arrived addressed to you, Count.”

“If it’s suspicious, you could have just disposed of it…. Is there any need to report this to me?”

Count Scott indirectly expressed his annoyance.

Numerous letters and invitations were delivered to the Count’s residence daily.

Unless it was a letter requiring security, most matters were handled at the aide’s level.

Count Scott didn’t have time to examine all of them in detail.

“But the sender is the Master of Chelsea Center.”

“Chelsea Center? You mean the one in the capital?”

“Yes.”

“The contents?”

“Please read it yourself.”

Count Scott tilted his head as he received the letter.

The Philia Islands rarely had gates appear, and even when gates did appear and otherworld monsters emerged, most were non-dangerous entities.

So the Count’s private soldiers often handled the monsters themselves.

In such circumstances, Chelsea Center was unexpected.

The Count’s eyes began scanning the contents of the opened letter.

The letter’s contents were short and simple.

Duncan, as the Center Director, clearly expressed what he wanted without any flowery language or unnecessary additions.

To summarize, it was like this:

‘We will transport goods from the capital to the Philia Islands through the Center’s affiliated company.’

Count Scott Falcon also read the part mentioning that affiliated company.

[…Jinjijo Transportation.

This is the transportation company that has formed a partnership with the Chelsea Center.

They cooperate with docile monsters and animals to transport people and goods.

Our center entrusts them with gate movement for guides and espers, which has made our dispatches faster and more convenient.

This Jinjijo Transportation has grown rapidly and is now establishing a branch in your territory.

While preparing for the branch establishment, we heard that while the Philia Islands are rich in food, it’s difficult to obtain supplies from the capital.

This must be due to the Pandora Forest that one must pass through to reach the capital. Dangerous monsters frequently appear in the Pandora Forest.

If you use Jinjijo Transportation, you can obtain goods quickly and safely.

Would you consider trying our services, trusting in me?]

Count Scott Falcon let out a deep sigh. It was the first time he had heard of using tamed monsters and animals for transportation.

‘Does Chelsea Center have an esper who can tame animals?’

Otherwise, there would be no reason for Duncan to be so actively involved in this matter.

Therefore, he was certain that Duncan and Jinjijo Transportation must be connected somehow.

And if Duncan’s words were true, that transportation company could be beneficial to the islands.

‘Not a bad proposal.’

But it would need verification.

Just as he was thinking this, his second son, who had been quietly watching Count Scott Falcon, spoke.

“Father. Could you show me the letter as well?”

Count Scott Falcon exchanged secretive glances with his second son. Then, as if about to discuss something confidential, he dismissed all the maids and aides.

“All of you, leave us.”

“Yes, Count.”

Soon, only Count Scott Falcon and his son remained in the room.

Count Scott Falcon approached the bed and spoke in a low voice.

“If it’s the Chelsea Center’s director, could it be who I think it is?”

The face of the man, who until moments ago had been a sickly but well-mannered son, hardened.

He even went so far as to speak informally to Count Scott Falcon.

“Yeah. It’s who you think it is. I thought he was keeping quiet, but it seems he is up to something interesting.”

“I see. Please read this.”

Count Scott Falcon respectfully handed over the letter.

The man who received the letter burst into loud laughter while reading it, as if he couldn’t contain his amusement at Duncan’s letter.

“Hey, Count Scott Falcon. Do you know where Jinjijo Transportation’s branch is located?”

“I’ll find out right away.”

“Yeah. I think I’ll need to go see it myself. cough cough”

The man’s face twisted unpleasantly as he let out a dry cough. He quietly brushed back the hair that had fallen onto his forehead.

“I won’t stop you from visiting the branch, but you must prioritize your health.”

“Thanks for your concern.”

“It’s only natural.”

“Well, I’ll rest now. Go attend to your duties, Count.”

“Yes.”

The man closed his eyes and considered when to visit Jinjijo Transportation’s branch.

Or perhaps he should meet the branch manager first?

A playful smile appeared on his lips.

***

Two days had passed since I helped Marco’s sister, Bonnie.

The Guildmaster had gone up to the capital two days ago because of what I had asked.

I asked the Guildmaster to find out if ‘Duncan could vouch for Jinjijo Transportation.’

The Philia Islands were a frontier region where rumors from the capital rarely reached.

Moreover, since otherworldly monster appearances were infrequent, it was obvious they wouldn’t know much about Jinjijo Transportation, which was currently a hot topic in the capital.

That’s why I sought help from Duncan, an influential figure.

With his endorsement, even Count Scott Falcon, the lord of this place, would view Jinjijo Transportation positively. Hehe.

Just as I was feeling bored waiting for the Guildmaster’s contact, someone came to visit the branch.