The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

Suddenly, I want to say that I like older sisters.

...Oh, wait! 

Don't walk away in disgust!

Don't press the back button!

Please, at least hear my reasons.

In my previous life, I was an only child. My parents were always traveling abroad for work, and when I was little, my grandfather, who was a newspaper reporter, took care of me.

Because of that family environment, I was good at playing alone, but every time I saw other families, my longing for siblings smoldered in my chest. I always wanted a kind older brother or sister, or a cute younger brother or sister.

Now that I've reincarnated into this other world, my dream of having a cute little sister has come true.

Lilith was an angel, too good for me. It's a shame we've been separated for nearly four and a half years now. I wonder if she's still doing well at the girls' academy.

I don't have a younger brother, but I got an older brother too. Putting aside my annoying brat of a step-brother, my real brother, whom I only met for a day, was probably the best brother one could ask for. I wish I could have grown up with him from childhood. I'd like to meet him again.

So, what I want now is an older sister. I'm craving an older sister badly.

I've always admired beautiful older sisters. Younger siblings might still be born in the future, but whether you have older siblings or not is already decided when you're born.

An eternally unattainable utopia... that's what a beautiful older sister is.

Sometimes pampering, sometimes strict, sometimes rowdy and fun to be around. I wanted a beautiful sister with a good figure that I could brag about to my friends.

Well, forget about an older sister, I don't even have friends to brag to (coughing blood).

Anyway, an older sister is a dream itself. It's the truth of the universe. It's infinite possibility.

Why am I suddenly talking about this, you ask?

Ding! The correct answer is... escapism!

"H-Heptan-sama! Get a hold of yourself!"

Before my eyes, the elegant and refined older sister figure in a mask hiding her eyes - Heptan, an executive of Luney Trading Company - had fainted with a nosebleed and an ecstatic expression.

The surrounding women, also wearing masks, were hurriedly tending to Heptan.

How did this happen?

Well, I don't know either.

We were supposed to be having a business discussion, but suddenly it turned out like this.

It seems I've stepped on one of her landmines, but I want to say loudly that it's not my fault.

Anyway, it wouldn't be gentlemanly to stare at a lady in such an unsightly state, so I'm looking out the window and indulging in fantasies. I'm so noble, such a gentleman.

You're wondering why I'm at Luney Trading Company in the first place?

Let's go back a bit.

Woosh woosh woosh...

□ □ □ □ □

The discussion after the mock battle ended quickly.

The joint quest to the demon realm was decided, but the date and means of transportation hadn't been determined yet.

It takes a month by normal carriage to reach the Lunera Great Forest. We couldn't afford to act so leisurely, not knowing what might happen to the elf children, so we needed to move as quickly as possible.

Honestly, if our party teleported alone, it would be instantaneous, but even if we acted separately, our ability to teleport would be revealed from the travel time difference. We wanted to rescue the elf children as soon as possible, but it was a dilemma how much to cooperate.

The Guild Master, Afro... I mean Camlock, said he would discuss it with the duke and decide by the end of the day, so we were to wait at the inn until nightfall.

That said, there were several points I couldn't quite understand, so I went straight to Luney Trading Company, which was right behind the guild.

We couldn't all go together, so I had everyone else return to the inn.

"It's huge though, is this a department store?"

All the buildings in this town are two stories high.

Even the world-class Adventurers' Guild and Merchants' Guild are no exception, so their buildings are wide as if stretched horizontally. Both are as wide as school buildings, but Luney Trading Company behind them was similar.

What's with a single store being as large as world-class guilds? Isn't the power balance off?

Well, I'm just a customer, so I won't stick my nose into unnecessary things. I'm curious about how big the main store in Mataisa Royal Capital is, so I think I'll go there someday.

There were door girls at the large entrance, all wearing masks.

Come to think of it, are there no men in Luney Trading Company? They're all beautiful older sisters. As a pubescent boy who likes older sisters, I'm honestly happy, but if I ever find myself on the streets, I'd have trouble finding a place to change careers.

Thinking about such trivial things, I enter the store mixed in with other customers.

The first thing that surprised me was how high the ceiling was. The area right inside the main entrance had an open ceiling with a luxurious chandelier hanging, and below it was a huge glass sculpture. The floor was polished marble, and there was even a piano on display. It's the first time I've seen a piano in this world.

...This is another world, right?

A brilliant lobby reminiscent of Taka〇aya or Ise〇n.

[TL notes: "Taka〇aya or Ise〇n" - refers to Takashimaya/Isetan which are both renowned luxury department stores in Japan. ]

There were many tourists with their mouths agape, just like me. It's on a completely different level from the stores we've seen so far, it's almost a cultural hazard.

It was undoubtedly the work of someone from my homeland, but this wasn't the time to be dumbfounded.

Even if there was a reincarnated person who lived as a merchant, it would take extraordinary preparation and vast funds and technology to design a store of this dimension.

This is a trading company capable of making that possible.

I gather my wits before relying on my "Calm and Collected" senior.

No matter how strong I become as an adventurer, I'm a complete novice when it comes to economic and political maneuvering. If something were to happen and we became enemies with Luney Trading Company, I would have no way to resist if they tried to eliminate us through such means. Of course, I don't intend to become an enemy, but we're certainly not allies either.

In that case, they might not let us off easy just because we're from the same homeland.

"...Alright."

I psyched myself up, straightened my collar, and took a step forward.

The store interior branched left and right from the entrance lobby, with the left side seeming to be for food items and the right for miscellaneous goods and furniture. Looking closely, only the lobby had an open ceiling, with stairs on both sides leading to the second floor. Books, magical instruments, weapons, armor, and medical supplies seemed to be on the second floor. It really seems they have everything.

However, I didn't go to any of those places, but headed straight for the counter at the back of the lobby.

I showed the business card I received from Heptan to the masked receptionist.

"Hello. I'm an adventurer named Ruruk. I was told by Heptan-san of your company to show this card when I came here, could you please confirm?"

"Ruruk-sama, is it? This way, please."

Eh, an immediate answer?

I was taken aback.

"Um, don't you need to verify my identity?"

"All employees are aware of Ruruk-sama, so verification is unnecessary. I'll call the area manager right away, please come this way."

What's with this overly capable receptionist!

Could it be that she has the faces and names of all Bargia residents in her head? Is this normal for top Japanese companies? Is this the average quality of top-tier business??

I was confused, but I couldn't just stand there dumbfounded, so I followed the receptionist.

She led me to the back of the store - to a quite spacious reception room.

It was as luxurious as the guest reception room in the Muuteru household.

Almost as soon as I sat on the sofa, tea was placed on the table. This tea was probably quite high-grade too. It had a nice aroma and refined taste, and the temperature was just right... wait, wouldn't it be impossible to serve it at the perfect temperature at this timing unless they started brewing it the moment I entered the store?

What is this place, it's too terrifying.

The level of customer service was as if I had been under surveillance until now. I don't want to think this is their default, but there's no reason for me to receive special treatment, so this must be normal for Luney Trading Company.

I can't make cheap purchases after receiving such hospitality.

As I was thinking about this, the door opened just as I had taken two sips of tea.

"Ruruk-sama, thank you for waiting."

A masked lady with long blonde hair and a dignified atmosphere entered.

Her posture was as flawless as before. It was Heptan, who looked as strong as a warrior.

"I should apologize for the sudden visit."

"Not at all. Thank you very much for visiting our store. How do you find the tea we served while you were waiting? It's a new product of our company, does it suit your taste?"

Heptan sat down across from me and smiled softly.

So this was a product too, huh.

"It's very delicious. There's no bitterness, it has a deep flavor with just the right amount of acidity. Is it a blend of tea leaves?"

"Yes. We use different tea leaves from three production areas. If you'd like, please take a sample. We're also distributing them in the store, so feel free to take some home."

"I see. Thank you very much then."

A bag containing tea leaves was offered, so I kept it at hand.

"Now then, Ruruk-sama, what brings you to our company today?"

"I mainly came to buy information."

Of course, what concerned me after hearing the talk at the guild was the matter of the elf children.

I don't intend to ask about the source of the information. They probably wouldn't tell me anyway.

What I was more curious about was the speed of information transmission.

"I'll ask you straightforwardly. Does your company have a tool that allows long-distance communication? If it's for sale, I'd like to buy one too."

Assuming the information was released simultaneously to the Elf village and this dragon capital this morning, I was wondering how they could mutually confirm this information by this morning.

Even with the fastest bird carrying a message, it would take several days to cover a distance that takes a month by carriage. Real-time communication copiers should only be available at the national headquarters of the Adventurers' Guild.

In response to my question, Heptan smiled and nodded.

"Yes. I'd prefer if you could keep this confidential, but our company possesses a magical instrument capable of long-distance communication. It's a magic stone-type magical instrument called a communication stone."

"...I see."

As I thought.

I was surprised that she told me so readily, but Heptan's smile was confident. It's undoubtedly a very valuable magical instrument, but it doesn't seem to be the lifeline of this company.

"Is that magical instrument for sale?"

"I'm sorry, but we don't sell it."

"Well, I figured as much."

"However,"

Heptan took out a small box that looked like a jewelry case from her pocket.

"Our company has already presented this item to the King of Mataisa, the King of Stoania, the Dragon King Vask Bargiria, the King of Restamia, and the Emperor of Maguu. While it's not for sale, it's not something we never hand over to others. If you'd like, Ruruk-sama, please accept this."

"Eh?"

When Heptan opened the box, inside were two deep green luminous stones.

I immediately activated "Eye of Illusion" to appraise them.

[Communication Stone: A magical instrument that enables long-distance conversation by infusing it with magic of the same quality. The amount of magic consumed varies with distance. Voice may be difficult to hear deep underground.]

It's like a cell phone.

As long as you infuse it with magic, you can talk no matter how far apart you are. This is indeed a valuable item worthy of being presented to a country.

"...These are for me?"

"Yes. We'd like you to confirm if these can be used in the demon realm, Ruruk-sama. Of course, you're welcome to keep them after the quest is over, but if possible, we'd appreciate it if you could report on their usability. Would that be alright?"

"Ah, I see."

It's like a tester contract.

I'm not surprised anymore that they know we're going to the demon realm. I want to retort about how quickly they got this information when we just decided it, but I'll refrain.

In any case, if I can receive such a useful item, I'll gratefully accept it.

"Then I'll try it out in the demon realm. Is there anything I should be careful about?"

"You need to infuse it with magic of the same quality for communication, so please have the same person infuse it with magic. Also, since the demon realm has a higher concentration of magic elements in the air, it's expected that magic consumption will be higher. It's better to infuse it with as much magic as possible. It might be presumptuous of me, but I think Elenora-sama would be suitable for this task."

"I see, I'll ask her. Can you tell how much magic is left?"

"Yes. The remaining magic can be visually confirmed. You'll know immediately once you infuse it with magic."

"Understood. I'll accept them then."

Since it's such a valuable item, I immediately stored it in my item box. I put the tea in there too.

This solves the mystery of information transmission, but there's still something else I'm curious about.

"Also, Heptan-san, I don't know if you can tell me this, but are there perhaps Luney Trading Company members among the elves as well?"

"...Why do you think that?"

Heptan's smile faded slightly as she looked at me as if testing me.

The reason I thought this was simple.

"Luney Trading Company disclosed information to the Elf village as well and helped with the decision of the three grand dukes, right? Then, besides having connections with the ducal houses, wouldn't it be smoother if you had connections in the Elf village too? It's also the case that Mererosu-san has already been decided as the 'hunter' accompanying this quest, so I thought there might be elves who are fairly familiar with the internal situation."

"...As expected, you have keen insight."

Heptan looked a bit pleased.

"As you've guessed, we have several elf 'hunters' among our company members. Do you know what role 'hunters' play, Ruruk-sama?"

"Um, if I remember correctly, they're like elven guerrilla units operating outside the forest?"

"To be precise, they are special guardian unit members allowed to act freely outside the forest. While acting freely, they have the role of protecting the Elf village from the outside in times of emergency. Our comrades and Mererosu-sama are still part of the guardian unit. Of course, there's a term of service, and it's not usually allowed to become a 'hunter' on one's own."

So there was a term of service. Ah, that might be why Mererosu returned four years ago.

And then she had a fight with her parents and ran away this time. That's why Karmarike called her a "traitor." If you abandon your duty and run away from home, you'd naturally face resentment from other unit members.

"We've also informed Mererosu-sama, who is in the Elf village, through our comrades. When we told her that Ruruk-sama had accepted the designated request, she was very pleased."

"You went out of your way to tell her? Thank you very much."

Even if it's just lip service, I'm happy to hear that.

"But is it okay? To help this much with the issue between the elves and Bargia?"

"Of course, we have a contract with the ducal houses. This is business after all."

"Ah, I see."

Of course it is.

So this quest is officially backed by Luney Trading Company. That's quite reliable, especially in terms of information.

"So providing information to Ruruk-sama about this matter is also part of our contract with the ducal houses. We've already received the information fee from the ducal houses, so it's not necessary from you."

"I see. No wonder the conversation has been so smooth."

"If you hadn't come, we were planning to visit you at the inn. Thank you for taking the trouble to come here."

Heptan bowed her head slightly.

"By the way, how much information can be shared with the members of [White Tiger]?"

"That's up to you. However, if possible, we'd like to keep the communication stones confidential. Only the wearer can hear the communication sound, but please be careful when speaking."

"Understood."

"Is there anything else you'd like to know? We can also assist with quest preparations."

"Let's see... Then there are a few things I'd like you to prepare."

I restocked the potions I had consumed in large quantities. Also various equipment and miscellaneous goods that might be used in the demon realm this time.

Since the members of [White Tiger] are with us, there are various things I want to keep hidden. Since we'll avoid using teleportation as much as possible, we'll probably be camping out a lot.

Heptan immediately arranged everything I asked for. Everything was prepared before I finished my second cup of tea.

I thanked her and paid. I added a few gold coins on top.

"Ruruk-sama, it seems you've paid too much."

"You've been very accommodating. It's a tip."

"I see. Then we gratefully accept."

Giving a tip to a beautiful older sister is exciting, isn't it? What, it's not?

"By the way, Heptan-san, you're very beautiful. Your skin is smooth and your hair is silky, does Luney Trading Company also sell beauty products and cosmetics?"

"!?"

Heptan stood up, kicking her chair.

What's this? Did I step on a landmine?

"R-Ruruk-sama... what did you just say?"

"Do you sell beauty products and cosmetics?"

"Before that!"

The pressure was intense.

"Um... 'Heptan-san, you're very beautiful', is it?"

It wasn't my usual noble skill, I was just stating a fact rather than complimenting her because she's a beautiful older sister.

However, Heptan seemed unused to being praised, and once again fell to her knees and hung her head.

"...Ruruk-sama, may I ask you something, even if it's shameful?"

"Y-yes, what is it?"

"Could you please repeat those words without the honorifics?"

What's this about?

I want to refuse, but I feel like I shouldn't.

Well, Heptan must be tired from her daily hard work. As an executive of such an excellent trading company, she probably needs mental relaxation too.

I'll say that much for her.

"Ahem... Heptan, you're as beautiful as ever."

"Bupah!"

Heptan had a nosebleed.

"Fu, ufufufu... I have no regrets... thud."

"Heptan-sama! Get a hold of yourself!"

The staff members rushed over in a panic.

...Everyone has their flaws, I guess.

I pretended not to see the unsightly state of the beautiful older sister, and sipped my tea while looking out the window.