Profession, Merchant Volume 15 Chapter 3 (Patreon)

Chapter 3 – The Merchant VS The First Deva Gahotho III

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“Well, you see, the thing is, even I’m getting a headache from the proliferation of shunpon materials and the way they flood the streets. That kind of thing is completely ridiculous.”


“What?”


Gahotho raised an eyebrow. It was the first time I had seen him show an emotion other than displeasure ever since we started this chat.


“I mean, I don’t necessarily think that everything should be restricted and censored, but you see, affairs of the heart are supposed to be conducted discreetly and supported by morality, or so I believe. So I don’t understand why they have to be depicted so explicitly and openly like this in comic books and novels.”


“I see.”


“Besides, if such things become widespread, people will mistakenly believe that everyone in the world engages in such extreme sexual activities. While it may be acceptable for adults to see it, it would have a significant negative impact on children’s education if they were exposed to it.”


Although the phrase “Who are you to say that?” might be assumed if I were to be heard talking like this by those who know me, I have to do it like this, or else my credibility as a merchant would be questioned.


A successful merchant must have a thick face and a variety of masks that he can change and wear as needed, either to butter up some customers or to walk away from annoying ones.


Although I can’t deny that this practice is the very reason why our profession is sometimes considered lowly.


“Oh, I’m sorry. I got a little carried away…”


“It’s okay, I don’t mind.”


Gahotho crushed the cigar in the ashtray and lit another. Seeing that, I put out mine as well. Perhaps he had relaxed his caution a bit because he took off his coat and threw it on the empty sofa. He was pretty fashionable beneath the coat, with a dress shirt and suspenders inside.


“So, what is your request today?”


“Well, the request is related to this ‘shunpon’ business. You may not believe it, but there are a considerable number of people in our town who are also disgusted by the proliferation of these shunpon materials.”


“Is that so?”


“Yes.”


Actually, I hardly see any. But there must be some, even if it’s just a few, so it’s not a complete lie.


“I see. I didn’t know that. So even in your town, there are people who find it troublesome…. It seems that our secretary is too lenient. Getting carried away just because she’s a little favored by the Demon Lord, it’s absurd that she doesn’t regulate the expression of these ‘shunpons’ at all and instead banishes serious young men like you who tries their best to resolve the situation.”


“I can only apologize for my show of incompetence.”


All right. This man is getting more talkative. Maybe he’s starting to let his guard down. This is good because the more he talks, the more he will give away his weaknesses.


“I am thinking of mobilizing those reasonable people to clean up the situation. So I’m planning to form an organization called ‘Citizens’ Association for the Protection of Children from Harmful Books.’“


“I see. Good for you. I wish you all the best in this endeavor.”


“Thank you for your kind words. But it’s just that we have a small request for you, esteemed Lord Gahotho.”


“Hm, what is it?”


Gahotho stiffened a little at the word ‘request.’


“You see, there are people who have formed a group to oppose us, who are forming the ‘Citizens’ Association for the Protection of Children from Harmful Books.’ They even called themselves the ‘Citizens’ Association for the Protection of Shunpon’s Freedom of Expression.’ As if to blatantly declare their opposition to our cause.”


“These people, could they be…?”


“Yes, the secretary and Black Dragon Nigel are at the center of this group.”


This is a complete lie.


“Those people are supported by the secretary and Nigel, which puts us at a disadvantage. So I was wondering if Lord Gahotho could become our advisor and give us your valuable opinion.”


“Hmm, I understand. In that case, I’ll support you.”


Gahotho readily agreed and lit his cigar again. Watching this, I let go of my tension and sank into the sofa.


Alright, today went well.


While I was thinking that, I noticed a small blue oni standing near the entrance of the living room.


“Father, we have a guest?”


This Oni was a girl. Her skin was blue, and she had a small horn, but with silky bobbed hair and delicate shoulders, she had a unique charm. However, her casual clothing of a sweatshirt and hoodie gave her a somewhat disappointing vibe.


“Who might you be?”


“This is my daughter Vivid.”


Unlike her droopy-eyed father, the Oni girl had slanted eyes without a hint of fear in them. Her eyes had a unique gallantry, with long curled lashes and a tense delicacy at the corners.


I smiled and nodded at her. But as soon as her slanted eyes looked at me, she quickly left without any reaction. At the same time, Gahotho sighed.


“I apologize for her rudeness.”


“Oh, no need, sir. It wasn’t a problem.”


“You see, my daughter is also obsessed with these shunpons, even though she’s already 18 years old. She’s so gungho with them that she never dresses like a girl anymore. It’s embarrassing.”


Gahotho then began to speak passionately about his daughter.


“She is supposed to be the most beautiful girl in the world, but because of shunpons, she no longer pays attention to fashion.”


Or,


“Because of these shunpons, she’s always alone and never hangs out with her friends at school.”


Or,


“We used to bathe together as a family, but because of these shunpons, she doesn’t bathe with us anymore.”


When it comes to his daughter, Gahotho becomes much more talkative than before. It is as if all his dissatisfaction with her current state is due to the shunpons. It’s no wonder he hates them as if they were the root of all evil with that kind of thinking.


Whether it’s the Minister of Finance in Andersen or the leader of the Four Devas in Newland, those in power seem to adore their daughters so much. I don’t know how many times I wanted to go home while nodding along to his stories.


However, Gahotho’s discussion of his daughter went on for about an hour, leaving me no choice but to stay still until I was numb in my seat.


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