"Lady Reis! Sorry to keep you waiting! I've brought a Guild official with me!"
After finishing the "Scolding and Reflection Session" regarding my kids' 'Fruit Heist,' the adventurer party returned to our spot. They were accompanied by a man introduced as a Guild official. I had asked them to handle the exchange of monster materials, but I wondered if something had happened. Or perhaps the official came personally to explain things to avoid trouble.
"I am the head of appraisals at the Adventurer's Guild. Pleasure to meet you, Lady Reis," the man said.
"The pleasure is mine. Thank you for coming. I asked Claudius-san and his team to act as proxies for the buyback, but... was there an issue?"
The man reached into his coat. "Yes, well, it's about that." He pulled out some documents.
Looking at him, he seemed young, but he had a very distinct, seasoned way of speaking—like a grizzled old man. He looked human, but you can never be sure. Amelia-san looks incredibly young too, but as an Elf, she's apparently lived well over three digits to the point where she's lost track of her own age... Looks are definitely not reliable here.
This guy might be way older than he looks, or maybe he just has a weird way of talking. It was probably safest to ignore it. Besides, we ostriches are basically "appearance frauds" too. Some of my flock look like little kids despite being quite old, and their intelligence hasn't developed at all... Digging too deep into someone else's business would only invite trouble.
"We've verified the materials you brought in—the Orc subjugation proofs. We'll send a research team to the site of the settlement later, so we should be able to pay you properly for those soon. But the teeth of that Earth Dragon... those are the problem."
Ah, those teeth. The ones that lined its mouth like a shredder. Each one was bigger than a human fist. We'd harvested a lot of them, and since they were supposed to sell for a high price, we brought as many as we could carry. Was the quantity the issue?
"It's partly that, but more so that we've never seen these materials before. A perfect appraisal is difficult. They are clearly high-value items, and given the quantity, the payout will be substantial... but since we can't determine an exact price right now, well, it's a bit of a pickle. The Guild runs on trust; if we buy too high or lowball you, our reputation tanks. It's a bothersome business."
"I see..."
"So, I've come with a proposal."
He pulled another stack of papers from his coat and showed them to me. Let's see... a contract where the Guild buys them at a set price now, and the difference is paid out later after they're sold at auction? Ah, I get it. That makes sense.
"From what I heard from young Claudius, it seems you're in need of immediate funds. These are prime materials for us, and we expect a healthy profit. So, as an exception, I brought this contract. ...What do you say?"
"Right, I understand. Yes, that's fine. Let's proceed as you suggested."
"Oh, much appreciated!"
Honestly, the materials were useless to us. Ostriches don't have a culture of processing goods; if we can't eat it, it's just trash. If we can earn foreign currency by bringing them here, that's good enough for me. I glanced at Claudius's team, and they didn't seem concerned. Amelia-san, who had a high opinion of us (mostly thanks to Dere), nodded. It probably wasn't an unfair contract.
The man said the Guild runs on trust, so they likely keep things professional.
"In that case, I'll go process the payment right away. Please wait a moment. Here is the itemized statement. Until then!"
He handed me several documents and hurried back into town. A dedicated worker, that one. ...Hm? What's wrong, my depressed brothers? Interested in this paper? This is an important document. It's a contract about selling things for money... it proves the "exchange" I told you about... though you probably don't get it.
"Don't get it."
"Sorry..."
"Ah, today is just a wash, isn't it? Come here, I'm not mad. Let me pet you."
I rested an ostrich's head on my lap and gently stroked it with my wing. There, there, cute little guy. The one on my left knee is actually older than me, I think, but he's such a baby. Well, they're basically children forever, so I don't mind the age gap, but sometimes it makes me go 'Huh.' I'm just glad they stayed cute on the outside.
(And on the inside, I used to be a guy, anyway.)
Maybe it's because I'm a surrogate mother—or a preschool teacher—but I don't really feel "gendered" anymore. I'm happy even though these kids run me ragged, so I don't mind... but as someone who's been "TS-ed" (transsexual/gender-swapped), I've completely skipped over all the relevant developmental events. I was the leader of the flock; in the beginning, I was too busy surviving to think about anything else.
"Considering that, we've come a long way."
"Long way?"
"Long way~."
"They really are adorable, aren't they?"
"Right? Want to try, Amelia-san?"
Amelia, who had been watching with a heartwarming expression, spoke up. If you forced it, they'd get angry, but if they trust you, they'll sit or lie down if you pat your lap. Dere is... oh. She's lying down, looking depressed.
"? That child didn't charge the fruit shop, did she?"
"No, she didn't. But most of the flock did, and I got mad at them. Sometimes the kids who weren't involved think they got in trouble and get depressed too. There were so many of them this time, so the mood caught on."
Usually—on the Plateau—I only have to scold a handful at a time, but today's incident involved a huge number. This influenced the uninvolved ostriches, putting the whole flock in a "sorry mood." It's cute, but as the one who got angry, the guilt is real.
"...I imagine so. Good work, Mother."
"Don't call me Mother! I don't have kids, let alone a partner! Ahaha!"
I laughed loudly, but those words actually saved me a bit. Seriously, having someone to talk to, even for a bit of venting, is wonderful. Conversation is important. Let's talk more! And help me educate my kids so they can talk too!
"...That's a tall order."
"Ahaha! But I have high expectations. When I was the only one providing stimulation, progress was slow, but now it's accelerating. They forget, but it's not like they can't learn. So... you know?"
I want you to be friends with these kids for a long time. And with me too, of course!
"So? Since the three of you are still here, you must have some business, right, Claudius-san?"
"Yes, but you seemed to be having such a pleasant conversation with Amelia... I didn't want to be boorish."
"Oh! Sorry about that! So, what's up?"
"I wanted to ask a few questions and offer my thanks. ...Thank you for bringing us to town."
Oh right, I came here because I accepted their "request" to escort them. Between the first physical duel, the town, and my kids' rampage, I'd completely forgotten. Well, I'll accept the thanks. We were being led out of our habitat anyway, so I didn't really need a reward.
"And the questions?"
"This is more personal, but... what do you plan to do from now on?"
"From now on, huh? Well, for now, I think we'll just rent some space outside town."
It's only the first day, and we've already hit several snags. But they were within expectations, and the townspeople's reactions haven't been bad. Thanks to the Guild guy, it looks like we'll have money soon. We'll enter a phase of trying various things while believing in the potential for the ostriches to grow. Since we don't have to worry about our lives every second like on the Plateau, we can challenge ourselves.
"I'll probably try making my kids do things that catch my eye or come to mind. Well, for today they're useless because it's 'Reflection Time,' so we're just resting."
"I see..."
Oh, right. I hadn't thought about dinner. My kids filled their bellies a bit thanks to the fruit shop raid, but they'll be hungry by tonight or tomorrow morning. Should I buy something with the money from the Guild guy? Or should I look for monsters around here to eat?
"Which do you guys want?"
"Not hungry..."
"No..."
"But if you don't eat, you'll be too hungry to move tomorrow. ...I know, let's splurge and eat something delicious! I don't know the market prices yet, but if it's a 'substantial sum,' we can afford to be a bit extravagant."
As I was trying to cheer up my kids, I figured I'd invite Claudius and the others since we'd become close. Besides, whether we buy ready-made food or cook it, we need human hands anyway. 'Hey, I'll pay for dinner, so could you give us a hand? I'll let Amelia-san hang out with Dere, of course...'
"Heh, of course. I'll help even without the incentive. ...Let's see, if that's the case, we should find a merchant who deals in groceries..."
"Did someone call for a merchant?"
"PYAH!"
"Eek!"
"Whoa!"
"Enemy!?"
"Food!"
"Destroy!"
The moment Amelia said "merchant," a man appeared, leaning out from behind her. Amelia shrieked, Dere stood up behind her with a thud, and the rest of my kids started shouting. ...Wait, even I didn't notice him... Who is this guy? Not an acquaintance... apparently. My kids are quick to switch to combat mode, which is good, but stay, stay. Calm down, everyone. If we annihilate everyone who startles us, we won't survive for long! (I won't say what I mean by that).
"Oh! My apologies for startling you! I am Alan, a merchant. I smelled business in the air... I couldn't help but call out."
The man, whose hair was perfectly styled and who had slightly narrow eyes, looked apologetic. According to him, he had come outside the town with the guards. Wait, is he an official purveyor or something?
"Yes, indeed! Something like that. I heard the soldiers were setting up tents so the newcomers could rest outside the town! I came to see if you needed anything. Forgive my eavesdropping, but... were you preparing for a party?"
"Ah, yeah. Something like that."
Looking where he pointed, soldiers were indeed preparing to pitch tents. Based on his story, Matilde must have arranged this for us. I'll go thank her later. We're used to sleeping outdoors, so it wasn't necessary, but if she's offering, I'll take it.
"Actually, my business is quite extensive! Foodstuffs are a specialty of my firm! You are quite a large group... I can give you a discount?"
...What's with this guy? Is he an incredibly intuitive merchant, or just has great ears? I admire the courage to approach a large group and the speed of his actions, but... did he hear about us "buying out" the fruit shop and come running? If so, his information network is terrifyingly fast.
"I heard from Lady Matilde that your arrival will increase the town's food consumption! We are currently making preparations at a rapid pace! We've even temporarily opened our long-term storage warehouses! It's a discount campaign right now!"
Hmm, a discount, huh? I petted the heads of my kids, who still hadn't let their guard down, as I answered him.
"Oh really? Then I'll take you up on that. Can you also handle cooking utensils for large groups and some camping gear? Since you're 'extensive,' can you manage that?"
"Of course! Leave everything to me!"
"Then, handle it as you see fit. For payment... ah, right. The Guild guy is bringing the money from our sale soon. I'll give you a portion of that, so just make it work. Just make sure there's enough for all my kids."
"I see, I see. A true test of a merchant's skill...! I accept the challenge! Would you like the services of a chef? Any dietary restrictions?"
"None. I don't know much about cooking methods here, so I'll leave it to you."
We exchanged words as I made various requests. I don't know the market rates or even the currency of this country yet. As an "official merchant," he probably isn't a total crook, and he'll likely do the job properly. If he doesn't, that's that. My kids are all gluttons; the more food, the better.
(Still... he has 'eyes' that seem to be searching for something. I'd better stay on guard.)
[Ostrich Switches]
Ostriches, having survived in an incredibly harsh environment, are quick to switch gears. Or rather, they use their natural traits very effectively. When faced with an external shock—such as a sudden enemy attack—they can use their natural forgetfulness to erase whatever they were thinking about and deal with the situation with a clear head.
On the Plateau, where there are many strong enemies they can't beat even in a flock, this trait worked well and greatly increased their survival rate without a leader. In a sense, they might have become "stupid" because they incorporated forgetfulness into their survival strategy.
Note: They can still use this ability even while in "Sorry Mode," but since they were just depressed, it's difficult to exert 100% of their power immediately. They can rally if encouraged by their leader's voice, but when they are mentally drained, the switch doesn't work as smoothly.
Also, if a comrade is attacked, the switch flips completely "under any circumstances," so extreme caution is advised.