"I want to see the ends of the world."
With this thought, I have been gathering strength.
There is still one thing left to do in this country. Once it's done, I’ll set out on my journey. That said, preparations for the trip must begin.
Scritch, scritch...
Using memories from my past life, I draw a map.
In my previous life, I visited many countries and regions. Based on the geographical data I gathered during that time, I use basic mapping magic to create an accurate map.
Currently, there are four known continents and many islands:
- Felden Continent, where magical culture thrives,
- Arond Continent, advanced in mechanical culture,
- Sardis Continent, which lies somewhere in between,
- Dradren Continent, largely undeveloped.
This information aligns closely with the knowledge I had in my past life.
Among the four continents, Dradren Continent is particularly remote.
Due to its distance, there has been little colonization, and its population remains sparse.
Meanwhile, the Felden, Arond, and Sardis continents, being relatively close, maintain active exchanges and trade.
Dradren, however, is an exception due to its isolation.
"This can't be all there is to the world. There must be other continents or islands out there."
Felden and Arond have formed economic zones focused on magical and mechanical civilizations, which limits their interaction.
A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts, and I permit entry. Sorderic steps in.
"Sai-sama, preparations are complete."
"Got it. Pal, let’s go."
"Yes."
With the end of the Blackface Disease, Bale’s shop, long planned, has finally opened.
We supplied soap to Bale’s shop for its opening, and the next day, the stock sold out entirely. A frantic request for restocking came immediately.
Although the disease has subsided, patients are still recovering. I sent a celebratory gift on the shop’s opening day since the clinic wasn’t closed, but I’ve never visited the store myself.
Since today happens to be a rest day, I decided to deliver the additional soap myself.
A cart piled high with soap is being pulled by a worker named Pados, accompanied by Sarge, a former assassination squad leader, and his subordinate, Beck, as guards.
The soaps are divided into two categories: luxury soaps for the wealthy and regular soaps for general use.
- Regular soaps include bar soap for the body and shampoo for the hair. To avoid confusion, hair soap is sold under the name “shampoo.”
- Luxury soaps for the wealthy have added scents like rose or lavender, with matching shampoos. There’s also a hair treatment product for extra hydration and a facial soap for skincare.
When treating Blackface Disease, I emphasized that poor hygiene could lead to a resurgence, persuading nobles and the wealthy to buy soap. I subtly threatened that they could still contract the disease from infected servants despite their precautions.
This strategy led to servants frequently visiting me to purchase soap. While relapses are rare, the possibility is never zero. It’s all in how you present it.
Since I stopped selling soap at my clinic, wealthy servants rushed to Bale’s shop as soon as it opened. Despite my assurance of ample stock, fear of scarcity must have driven their urgency.
"Young Master, Bale's shop is now in sight."
"Quite a crowd there…"
Though it’s not yet opening time, about 30 people are already lined up outside the store.
On the first day, a 30% discount sale explained the lines, but it’s surprising to see this on the third day.
"Wow, so many people!" exclaimed Pados, pulling the cart.
"Pados, mind your language."
"Oh, uh, sorry!"
Despite training from Pal and Sorderic, Pados sometimes reverts to his natural speech when relaxed. His discomfort with their strict lessons is evident.
As we entered through the back door of Bale’s shop, his daughter, Rose, was doing laundry.
"Ah, Sai-sama!"
"Rose, it’s been a while."
"Yes, it has!"
Rose, with her charming blue braided hair, looks delightful. Being blue-haired myself, I feel a sense of kinship.
"Remember, the Young Master already has Pal!"
Suddenly, Pal steps in front of me, pushing her well-endowed chest upward. It’s an overwhelming sight, but now’s not the time for this.
"Right, I’m dedicated to Pal."
"Oh, Young Master~"
Pal’s coquettish antics make her chest bounce, a mesmerizing sight filled with boundless dreams.
At that moment, Bale’s wife, Usha, greets me with a warm smile. Despite being over 40, Usha still retains beauty that could pass for her 20s. Bale, who has been married to her for about 20 years, remains utterly smitten.
"Thank you, Sai-sama. Your soaps are extremely popular; our stock ran out by the morning of the second day!"
Hearing this, I decided to deliver the same amount of soap daily for now, ensuring steady supply.
Upon returning to the manor, I instructed Boronbo, who oversees the orphans working on soap production, to increase output.
"Don’t overwork the children. Keep it manageable," I said.
"Thank you, Sai-sama, for everything."
"What’s this all of a sudden?"
"Thanks to you, the children no longer go hungry and can now work as skilled soap makers."
The orphanage has over 50 children under Boronbo’s care, making it a lively place. The soap production provides them not just sustenance but also meaningful work.
Even if I leave for my journey, the soap business will continue to thrive in my absence.