The Retired [Armed Merchant]’s Laid-back Journey Across the Continent 2

Chapter 2: The Rip-off Artist Departs.

“Eh? You’re retiring?!”

When I got home, I gave Al, the half-elf I employ as a part-timer, a quick rundown of what had happened and told them I was retiring.

I gave the shocked Al a grin.

“So, that’s the deal. I’m leaving town. I’m giving you this house and all my business tools, so it’s time for you to stand on your own two feet, Al.”

“Huh?”

“What, you got a problem with that?”

“It’s not that, but… leaving town? You’re giving me all this? You mean you’re not planning on coming back?”

Seeing Al’s flustered state, I nodded. “Yeah.”

It’s been exactly five years since I took this kid in.

It all started when I caught them trying to pick my pocket on the main street. After a few twists and turns, I ended up hiring them as a live-in part-timer.

I felt a little sympathy for them, being an orphan, and hired them on a whim to watch the house and shop… but Al, being clever and skillful, handled almost all the household chores flawlessly. Eventually, they grew to the point where I could leave the shop in their hands.

For a disciple of mine, I’m proud to say they’re quite excellent.

“You should get to the Merchant’s Guild and register your own company soon, you hear?”

“What are you going to do, Master?”

“Haven’t decided yet. Guess I’ll just wander around a bit.”

With my business license revoked and my company deregistered, I can no longer do business in this city.

Before I cause any trouble for my sister or Al, I should probably head to another city—no, I feel like it’d be better to cross the border.

“Then, I’m coming with you.”

“No, you can’t. What would you even do, coming with me?”

“Well, I’d take care of you like I always have, Master.”

“I told you, I’m not your master anymore.”

“Eh?! Since when?”

“Since just now!”

We don’t seem to be on the same page here.

I’m pretty sure I told them to become independent.

“What’s wrong? Am I a bother? Am I not allowed to be with you?”

“I-I never said anything like that, did I?”

“You did!”

Al’s eyebrows shot up, tears welling in the corners of their eyes.

What are you being so stubborn about?

“I did not!”

“So it’s okay, right?”

I let out a small sigh at Al’s words and wondered what to do.

I’m already over thirty. Retiring now and settling into a quiet life doesn’t sound so bad.

It might be a bit early, but I feel like I’ve worked hard enough and fulfilled my ‘duty’.

That applies not only to my sister but to this capable disciple as well.

Al has a future as a merchant.

I can even set things up for them.

But if they come along on my aimless journey, won’t that all be for nothing?

I have no desire to hold my disciple back.

“I get what you’re trying to say, Rody-san.”

“Was I thinking out loud…?”

“Loud and clear. And, well, I’m happy and grateful for the thought, but… for me, being with you is more important, Master.”

“That’s nice of you to say. But really—”

“I’m coming with you.”

Al looked up at me, their eyes filled with determination.

They’ve filled out a little, but they’re still scrawny.

I’m an armed merchant, so I can handle myself, but the outside world is too dangerous for Al.

“Al, reconsider.”

“No! My life is something you gave me when you took me in, Master. So… I have to stay with you.”

My disciple’s lonely smile made me hesitate.

It was the first time I’d seen such a stubborn side to my normally obedient disciple.

“It’s dangerous out there, you know?”

“I’m not scared. Yep, it’s decided!”

“Good grief… alright, fine. Do as you please.”

At my surrender, Al beamed, then turned around and started humming happily.

“Alright, time for dinner! I made Cockatrice and Tomato Soup today!”

“…Well, that’s much appreciated.”

“You’ll get to eat my cooking on the road, too. It’s a good deal, right?”

“I see. Not bad at all.”

With a faint, wry smile, I accepted the steaming bowl.

◆

After dinner, we quickly packed for our journey and left the Labyrinth City of Alanis at sunrise.

I was conflicted about the house… but decided to leave it as is.

My sister might come home for a visit someday, and some of her things are still there.

I sent the shop’s deed along with a letter explaining the situation via Mail Bird, so she can do whatever she wants with it now.

“You know, being outside the city feels kinda fresh.”

“I guess so. You’ve spent your whole life inside the Labyrinth City, after all.”

I felt a little guilty about that.

In a Labyrinth City, where the dungeon entrance is right in the middle of town, there’s absolutely no need to go outside.

The Labyrinth City of Alanis also serves as a trading hub, so you can get anything you need within the city walls. In fact, there are people who live their entire lives without ever stepping outside.

That’s how comfortable and prosperous that Labyrinth City is.

“Well then… shall we go?”

“I’m getting nervous.”

“Well, it’s not an opportunity you get many times in life. But we’re not in a hurry, and our pockets are full. Let’s take our time and enjoy it.”

About an hour’s walk from Alanis along the main road, in a clearing carved out of the forest, stood a large brick building.

The building was so tall you had to look up to see the top, making it look like a small fortress.

“This is… the station?”

“Yep. This is Alanis Station, a stop on the Dunan Continent’s pride, the Trans-Continental Railroad. It’s one of the biggest stations since it also transports all the resources excavated from the dungeon.”

“Whoa… that’s amazing.”

“Come on, let’s go.”

I chuckled and gave Al a light pat on the back.

Doing this feels like I’m traveling with a close younger brother. Not bad.

“Tickets, please.”

“Wah…”

As we approached the fortress-like gate, a slender, armored figure held out a hand toward us.

It wasn’t a person, but a golem.

“Here you go. For two.”

When I presented the tickets I’d bought in Alanis, a “Beep” sounded from within the armor, and the golem opened the gate.

“Your room is Cabin 7 in Car 2. Have a pleasant journey.”

“Oh, thanks.”

I wasn’t sure if it had a personality, but I gave a small nod and passed through the gate with Al.

The station was already bustling with people.

From upper-class folk in fine clothes to traveling merchants carrying luggage and adventurers.

Until the train arrived, everyone had to wait here together.

“That surprised me.”

“Haha. You’ll be seeing a lot more of them from now on.”

“R-Really?”

“Most of the workers on this Trans-Continental Railroad are golems. Look, there’s another one over there.”

Al looked surprised at my words.

They’re smart, but they still have a lot to learn about the outside world.

Considering that, maybe bringing them along on my retirement trip was the right choice.

“They handle the train’s operation, maintenance, and security. You can assume that any job that doesn’t need a human is done by golems like that.”

“Why’s that?”

“Why do you think?”

Al tilted their head at my counter-question.

It’s important to think for yourself first.

“Because… they don’t get tired?”

“Half right. You can think about the rest while we’re on the train.”

“Yes, sir!”

Such an obedient kid.

Maybe bringing them on this journey was the right call after all.

Traveling alone isn’t bad, but having a companion seems like it would be more fun.

As I was lost in thought, the sound of a steam whistle echoed from the distance.

A massive iron behemoth slid slowly toward us.

—The Magitek Train.

The massive magical artifact, as it was called, came to a stop before us with an overwhelming presence.