Spice & Wolf IX (DWT)

  “May I ask you to join me outside for a moment? There appear to be mice in this place.”

  It was a curious thing to say. Mice were a friend to travelers, yet an evil for those responsible for storing goods in port towns. Keeman clearly meant he didn’t want any eavesdroppers, but using such a euphemism implied that he might actually harbor a hatred of mice.

  “If possible, I would ask you to leave this inn. Your luggage.. ah, it seems to be ready.”

  Lawrence of course realized that “if possible” didn’t make it any less of a command. But he had anticipated this much, and was fine with it. However, he felt nervous that his luggage was perhaps set aside in the corner of the room too tidily.. it might reveal how close he had been to fleeing.

  “Then I shall be waiting downstairs.”

  Lawrence couldn’t tell if Keeman noticed that.. he had left too quickly. His entrance was grandiose, but his exit was straightforward, like a demonstration.

  “Hmph. So that is what made you so fearful.”

  “Right?”

  Somehow she was disappointed with Lawrence again. She popped the last piece of bread in her mouth and whispered.

  Cole, however, was surprised at her evaluation.

  “Huh? He seemed kind of handsome to me..”

  Lawrence and Holo looked at each other, then walked up to Cole simultaneously.

  “Do not grow up to be like him.”

  The boy blinked, then nodded.

  * * *

  Lawrence went downstairs to find Keeman talking with the innkeeper. Keeman then resumed condescending to Lawrence.

  “Ah, let us graciously accept the wagon awaiting us at the front door.”

  He seemed to know that Lawrence came in through the rear entrance after his visit with Eve. Given that Lawrence told him he knew Eve, Keeman must have considered the possibility that he was her spy. But he still clearly saw Lawrence as essential.

  “My humble apologies for not preparing a covered carriage. Ah, please.”

  A beautiful six-seater passenger wagon was waiting for them outside the inn. The bearded old driver peered at them from behind his eyepatch for a moment, then averted his gaze forward.

  There were many retired sailors in Gerube who continued to work in such ways after being injured or growing old. This driver was missing a pinky and ring finger on his left hand, which was holding the reins. The back of that hand was also scarred. He didn’t seem to be the talkative type.

  The wagon had seats facing the front and the rear, so Lawrence was seated facing the direction they were traveling, while Keeman faced the opposite.

  “The port, please.”

  The driver nodded at Keeman’s request and quietly and began their journey.

  “So, the reason I came to you this early is-”

  “-that a favorable deal is to be settled in enemy territory.. or so I take it?”

  Keeman’s face froze at Lawrence’s interjection. He then nodded appreciatively. His gesture revealed that he saw Lawrence as a fool, and so was clearly surprised. He must have thought that he had driven fear deep into Lawrence from the onset. Of course, Lawrence would be nervous if Holo wasn’t at his side.

  “Mmm-yes. To prevent such incidents from expanding, people such as us are prohibited from crossing the river. Contact is normally limited to letters delivered on arrows, but this time things are quite anxious. We’ve thus decided to resolve the problem with the delta, we the young ones who are its guardians. The other parties should now be in talks to agree upon an exact date and time.”

  Those who enjoyed showing off and basking in their privilege, like Keeman, would now be gathering in the northern end of town. They would be leveraging this situation to make themselves or their companies more prosperous. Keeman wasn’t attending, out of sheer confidence that he was at the top, and that only he could have an audience with Eve.

  “I take it this mess is all over the Narwhale, then?”

  Keeman wasn’t surprised at the question. He instead nodded, realizing that he could save time and not explain the situation.

  “Correct. It’s reputed to be a more effective medicine for gout than even bird’s hearts. You can well imagine how many nobles would be after that, yes?”

  “..since gout is the punishment for that most deadly sin, gluttony.”

  Lawrence found himself relaxed, as some of that line was aimed at Holo. He was still afraid of Keeman in the sense that his words were never to be trusted, but he didn’t feel any unnecessary fear.

  “The merchants of those noble families will have already sent fast messengers to inform their masters of the situation. Yet, it is possible for us to list those nobles who most want the Narwhale.”

  “It sounds like you’re preparing for a fight?”

  Keeman’s eyes narrowed as he smiled.

  “Indeed.”

  Their wagon ventured off a narrow path onto the avenue that ran along the river. It was quite early, but they should still see people trying to cross the river. Or perhaps the prohibition had been lifted, since they could see many boats with people crossing the river from the wide view the avenue afforded them.

  “So how deeply did you discuss things with Ms. Eve?”

  Keeman was already trying to bait him. Lawrence put on his best act and smiled.

  “Hmm? Ms. Eve?”

  Lawrence didn’t fail to notice Keeman’s temple twitch slightly.

  “Apologies, my mistake.”

  After that Keeman quietly watched the river. Given where Lawrence was staying, it would be obvious that he met with Eve. Keeman was already fishing for the truth and a means to grab Lawrence’s reins. He was only silent now because he had underestimated Lawrence.

  Odds were good that was considering how to change his strategy now that Lawrence was resisting his manipulations. Lawrence took the chance to speak, although he had no intention of trying to win over Keeman.

  “Now that you mention Ms. Eve, I do recall briefly chatting with her near the Stream of Gold.”

  “..oh?”

  Keeman turned slightly toward him, with the cold eyes of a merchant only interested in his own lot, not in the concerns of others.

  “She told me that there’s nothing more irksome than selling things that can’t be bought with money.”

  Keeman smirked.

  “Yes, yes.”

  Lawrence had no desire to make an enemy out of Keeman. He was actually repeating what Eve had told him when she spoke of the landowner’s son, who aimed to marry her. He was revealing that he wouldn’t hide the fact that he spoke with Eve, even if he did conceal the main topic of their conversation.

  The implication was that it now depended on how Keeman behaved. Keeman remained silent after that; it seemed he had received the message. If Keeman continued underestimating Lawrence, he would need to scrap his plans.

  They all boarded a vessel heading to the south end of town. As Keeman paid the boatman, Holo gave his foot a happy stomp as if to remind him not to get too full of himself. He knew she also thought he could do it if he tried, but he didn’t reply.. although he had done well so far, his palms were drenched in sweat.

  The south side was vastly different from the north side of town. The buildings shared common architecture. The roads were well-maintained and paved with beautiful stones. It was that first time he had been in such a familiar place with the feeling that he was surrounded by enemies.

  “Alright, let’s go.”

  At Keeman’s lead, Lawrence and his companions made their way deeper into this nest of enemies.

  Chapter 6

  “I promise not to cause you any trouble.”

  They were brought to a five-floor inn not far from the Rowen guild-house. With such a plain entrance - and interior – it was likely one of the guild’s establishments for its traveling merchants. Lawrence and company were granted a room on the third floor facing the center of the inn.

  It was a decent room. Compared to Eve’s recommendation, it was both fre
e and had a nicer atmosphere. But it was difficult to grasp what Keeman meant. Was he saying that he wouldn’t put too much pressure on them with his monitoring?

  “If you need anything, call for the innkeeper. Also, if you would be so good as to tell us your destination when you head out, it will avoid any unfortunate incidents.”

  Lawrence expected to be barred from leaving, so this was a surprising turn of events. But this graciousness implied that Lawrence would be watched and dealt with if he met anyone in secret. That was certainly in Keeman’s power. Lawrence hid this thought under his merchant’s mask and gave a simple reply.

  “I understand.”

  “Then please have a rest.”

  Keeman smiled and left without waiting for another response. Lawrence couldn’t react at first, simply staring at the closed door. He had expected Keeman, like Eve, to reveal the role Lawrence was expected to play. He felt as if he was being given the cold shoulder.

  “..what’s he thinking?”

  He scratched his head and sighed. Having come to, he discovered Holo laughing and rolling around on the bed. Cole was running his hand across it as well, obviously surprised.

  “What is it?”

  Cole responded by turning to him with bright eyes.

  “It’s cotton! There’s cotton inside!”

  “Cotton?”

  “Hey, you, come here and lie down.. it is wonderful, like sitting on a cloud.”

  If the bed was stuffed with cotton the fees for the room were likely quite steep. Given Keeman’s high spirits and the principle of fair compensation, Lawrence’s role must be important enough that Keeman would make a profit after paying for this room. Abstract business concepts were becoming more and more concrete.

  Lawrence investigated the room to discover that it was rather luxurious. The window’s seams were quite tight, so the room wouldn’t be cold and drafty. Looking down from the window revealed a large flower garden.

  “..”

  If the room was like this, their meals would likely be just as luxurious. Lawrence was aware of this strategy, of appealing to one’s work ethic by treating them above their status. The recipient of such treatment would feel surprised, and instinctively repay the graciousness with interest by working extra hard.

  Fear began to creep back into Lawrence’s heart. If he had suspected this trick he would have asked Keeman to give him a more detailed explanation. As he pondered these things he turned his gaze back into to the room.

  “Fool.”

  Holo was standing right next to him. He nearly jumped right out of the window.

  “Wh- what?!”

  “That is what I should be asking you. Why stand there lost in thought and wearing such an ugly expression? You have been granted a room beyond your means, so you must enjoy it to your fullest.”

  Holo sounded disappointed. Behind her, Cole looked on with surprise, perched on the cotton bed

  “Uh..”

  Lawrence had no way to answer; Holo didn’t give him any time to think. She poked his chest with her index finger and continued.

  “You truly are a fool. Do you know why that nasty boy left without saying anything? There will be no eavesdropper this time, he is not the type. In fact, I find him rather interesting.”

  She turned to the door and resumed, revealing her fangs.

  “If what you told me is true, then you are still suspicious in his eyes. You do have a connection with that fox, after all. So what does he have to do if he wants you on his team? Of course he must confirm if you are working for her.”

  Her comment seemed reasonable, but it didn’t explain Keeman’s behavior.

  “So just because he isn’t sure if I’m friend or foe, he neglected to explain anything?”

  At that, Holo twisted her face into a smile-like expression that was far from being a true smile. He was on the wrong track, and his punishment was to have his beard yanked.

  “You have been brought into the territory of one you cannot deduce is your friend or foe, and have been left to your own devices. What would one normally do? Even you have gone out to acquire information upon arriving in a town, have you not?”

  Sitting behind Holo, Cole was enjoying her speech. That must be why she was acting this way, despite wanting to help. If Lawrence didn’t want to have to save face in front of Cole, he should have predicted this. Of course he’d considered the situation already, but Keeman’s purpose still eluded him. Seeing the confused look on his face, she released his beard and crossed her arms.

  “It is the same for man or wolf.. one must go and see those whom they know or trust. Put in another way, you navigate unfamiliar territory using the map within you. A beast’s heart cannot be seen, but once they move it is revealed through their behavior. Just like my ears and tail, or your beard.”

  It was a fine joke; he was unconsciously stroking his beard.

  “To put it simply..”

  If he was unable to give her a good answer now, then she might as well grab Cole and drag him with her straight back to Yoitsu. So when she paused, he immediately finished her sentence.

  “..he’s testing me to see where I go when my nerves get the better of me.”

  “..”

  She was silent for a while, probably because she had already swallowed her anger at his slow pace.

  “Correct.. the reason he put us in such an expensive room was..”

  “To make us worry.”

  She then shrugged, flicked her ears and turned away. Cole, the student, widened his eyes and slowly nodded.

  “So what is it we should do?”

  Cole was stunned for a moment and couldn’t answer. He was thinking furiously, and Holo’s tail swished about to make it plain that she expected a prompt answer. It was like tempting a starving dog with meat. Lawrence noticed his disadvantage and knew he was trapped.. she had taken the lead and now had two foolish males in her palms to play with.

  “We should enjoy ourselves to our fullest.”

  Lawrence replied first, but the sad fact was that Cole had begun opening his mouth to speak. Holo first glanced at the boy, then slowly turned around and smiled to show her appreciation.

  “Since, if we assist Keeman from the bottom of our hearts, then this isn’t a nest of enemies – it’s our main camp.. our home. We should have nothing to fear.”

  Hearing this, Holo nodded and flicked her ears as though she had just found a treasure she sought. Lawrence walked past her to Cole, and asked if he had come to the same conclusion. The boy smiled and nodded sheepishly.

  “Moreover, if you wish to send someone on a mission, but think they may crumble under the pressure, would you not have second thoughts?”

  Before now, since Lawrence always traded and thought on his own, he never really gave it much thought. The idea to use someone was so alien to him that he never thought past that point.

  He was confident in his own skills, and in this world there were many who were skilled with spears and arrows. But the ones who won the wars were the generals who never had to touch a weapon. For a long time, that had been Holo’s role. Her small and slender body now seemed much larger to Lawrence.

  “When I was doing these kinds of things, I did not use such roundabout methods.”

  Holo proudly smiled to show off her white fangs.

  “I am Holo, the Wisewolf of Yoitsu!”

  With her hands at her hips, she stood tall in praise of herself. Although she hadn’t done this for a long time, she had never lost her carefree complacency. For Cole to be regarding her with admiration, it couldn’t be such a bad thing. If the Wisewolf was too wise, she wouldn’t be able to act with such childish pride.

  “So, what do you suggest as our next course of action?”

  It was an honest question.

  “To simply wander around.”

  “Indeed. With brash confidence.”

  She stole a peek at him, obviously being careful to confirm that he understood. He opted to intentionally ignore it.


  “Then, hmm.... Let’s go see the Narwhale at the church.”

  He spoke in a grandiose manner to underscore the fact that this had been his original idea. Cole seemed a bit surprised, and Holo also feigned surprise. He had to give her credit, she was an expert at reading the mood.

  “Also, when we passed by earlier, you saw the large crowd that was there. If we ask, its likely we’ll be permitted to see it.”

  Lawrence didn’t think that going to see the Narwhale whilst under suspicion of working for Eve would be a clear sign of betrayal. After all, if Lawrence intended to betray him, he wouldn’t try to draw attention like that. Of course this was all just conjecture; Keeman might still react unexpectedly.

  “What do you say? It’s too boring just idling here eating and drinking.”

  It was a suggestion worthy of the Wisewolf. He took some time to consider and declare it, but it was just brash enough to pass muster.. it contained two opposing ideas: the confidence of a Wisewolf, and her child-like sense of intrigue. Or so he hoped.

  And indeed, she seemed thrilled. It must have been a relief to hear such an answer from him.

  “That is a good suggestion, coming from you.”

  Such an evaluation from Holo was like a top grade in a schoolroom. Even Cole stood up, looking forward to the plan. They were such a ridiculous trio.. but such ridiculous behavior was more comforting than just about anything.

  * * *

  As expected, when they told the innkeeper they wished to see the Narwhale, he replied that just had to mention Keeman’s name to the church. Keeman must have been prepared for this. Holo didn’t seem to mind, but once they set foot outside the inn, several people began following them.

  The church was on the avenue at the southern tip of the port. It was a grand place. In contrast to the north side of town, the height of buildings here were regulated. Even their décor and architecture couldn’t be too expensive or luxurious. The church was therefore able to stand out with solemn beauty.

  It towered higher into the sky than any other building, crowned by a large and shiny bell. The doors facing the road were made of a hefty wood, strengthened with many layers of wood and metal, that required much force to open; it was said to be strong enough to withstand any evil spirit wishing to enter the church.