Chapter 2 first act

"Hey, bastard! Stop the boat! Our side is carrying silver from Imidra!" "What are you talking about! It's our side that came in first! You should stop!" Such angry howls came and went, and scenes of ships colliding with each other and splashing water also happened from time to time. The commotion in Port Reynolds was like breaking a beehive.Just heard a howl that was part cry and wail, and then there was the sound of something falling into the water. The surface of the water, which is usually as calm as a mirror, has now set off unprecedented waves. , Under such circumstances, the cargo ships scrambling to the port, ignoring all the howls and cursing, were probably all carrying furs.Obviously there is usually only one person in charge of rowing the boat, but now any boat employs more people.Drive out at a very fast speed.

In all trades, the one who can get the most profit at any time is the first to eat the crab.So this can be said to be a natural phenomenon. but.Lawrence watched their struggle with cold eyes. "Hurry up, don't stare in a daze, hurry up and find the boat!" "It's a bit redundant to say, but do you really want to go by boat?" Under such circumstances, I want to find a ship that is willing to sail leisurely looking for travelers.It really takes a lot of luck.The cargo ships waiting to leave the port have been lined up like ants. "Aren't you the one who said it would take more time to go by horse-drawn carriage?"

"Although that's what I said..." Although it is not clear from here, there are loud noises from time to time from the area where the river exits from the port. Presumably those who want to stop the outflow of furs are blocking the port. "What's wrong?" "You don't seem to have plans to take a boat." "No, there is no... such a thing." Hearing this answer that even a child knew was a lie, Holo raised an eyebrow, glared at him and said: "In that case, hurry up and find the boat!" Because it had long been expected that it would be impossible to find a big boat that could carry the horses down the river together.So Lawrence rented out all the horses to horse dealers who were closed for business.The cargo-laden part was leased to the port under the introduction of a horse dealer for cargo handling.

No matter how reluctant it is, it is impossible to travel in a carriage now. In the port town of Kenroube, there are many merchants who have nothing to do because of the winter, so it can't be said that this can't help the business at all. There is no other way, Lawrence sighed in his heart. Alright, alright, then I'll go find the boat first, and you can use the money... to buy some food from the open-air stalls nearby.Probably as long as three days of serving is enough.When it comes to wine, try to buy something stronger. " Lawrence took two gleaming silver coins from his wallet and handed them to Holo.

"Where's the wheat bread?" Holo, who had a good grasp of the market situation of the goods, knew very well that the money could not buy wheat bread. "Bread needs to be inflated in a clever way. If so, the money to buy bread should be the same." "..." Regarding the small bread, Holo had already given up after a conversation in the hotel. Although Holo nodded with a resigned expression on her face, she didn't feel reconciled in her heart. So, she immediately raised her head and said: "But why the spirits?" If asked what kind of wine he likes, Lawrence would still choose the wine that is easy to drink - it seems that Holo has also grasped this point.Although not a tailor shop or a shoe store.It is indeed a joyful thing to remember your preferences when you go to the store.

only.Of course, Lawrence would not show it on his face, but replied briefly: "You'll soon see why." Holo was stunned for a moment when she heard this sentence, and then she didn't know what she misunderstood. He patted Lawrence's arm happily. "Let's ask the store to give you a good discount and buy some good wine." "It doesn't take much." "Well, then let's meet up around here." "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!" Lawrence nodded, but accidentally hurt his cheek that was swollen from Eb's beating. The face was swollen and turned purple, and I was still hesitating whether to go to the pharmacy to prepare ointment

But he suddenly noticed Holo's expression and changed his mind. Because after all, she still showed an expression of worrying about herself, maybe it would be better just like this. Ok. "...We can see clearly what you are thinking about." "I was taught when I was a child that honesty is a virtue." "You really think so?" Holo tilted her head with a smile that didn't contain her heart at all. "No, the master seems to have taught me that being honest is a sign of being dull." Holo snorted and said as if joking about him: "It's because you are too dull, people can't help but make fun of you."

Then, she turned around gently as if she was dancing, and took a step towards the crowd. Lawrence shrugged and sighed, then scratched his head a few times. The reason why the corner of the mouth is smiling is naturally because I think this kind of conversation is very interesting up. But—thought Lawrence. "Is there no way to regain the dominance?" If it was a confiscated certificate, he still had the confidence to get it back—this kind of thinking might be a sign of his unwillingness to admit defeat. I like you. Obviously it just happened just now, but now it feels like a sentence said to Holo a long, long time ago.Whenever he thought about it, Lawrence fell into a kind of dilemma.

In the mood of words. It was a strange mood that made it hard to breathe, and even tensed your cheeks. Even so, I don't think it's a bad mood. Instead, there is a sense of peace of mind that things that were originally vague have become clear and clear. Just a little—no, just very shy. The reason why I feel a little regretful is probably because of the feeling of "losing in the contest". "What kind of contest is that?" Lawrence smiled half-mockingly, and turned to look in the direction where Holo disappeared. He shrugged his shoulders and sighed, then walked towards the trestle.

Perhaps it should be said that it was luck. Unexpectedly, the boat was found very quickly. Although the port was crowded with people scrambling to get out of the ship, if you look carefully, there are also many merchant ships carrying goods as usual.Lawrence said hello to one of the ships, and the other party immediately agreed to come down.Because all the boats seemed very busy, Lawrence originally thought that the boatman would take the opportunity to blackmail him, but the fee offered by the other party was very reasonable. As soon as he told about the woman he brought with him, the old boatman immediately smiled - Lawrence just pretended not to notice.

In this way, Lawrence understood the reason why Abu wanted to hide his face and hide his identity as a woman to do business. "But, what's the point of going to Kenrube? In this season, there won't be any good ships to sail even if we go now." The boatman's name was a bit difficult to pronounce, and his name was Ivan Ragusa.It is said that they came from the place that went north along the west coastline, and it can be said that they were born in the cold village in a double meaning. Speaking of people in the north, people will give people the impression of strong physique, dark face, taciturnity and sharp eyes.But Ragusa has a fat and round body, a loud voice, and a fiery face as if he had drunk wine. "It's a fur-related business like everyone else." "Oh?" Ragusa carefully looked at Lawrence from top to bottom.Twisting the neck that was almost completely sunken into the shoulders. "It doesn't look like you have luggage." "Because I was taken a step ahead by the person who was originally my partner." Seeing Lawrence pointing at his swollen face, Ragusa immediately laughed.His face.It looks like a pufferfish. It happens sometimes—he patted Lawrence on the shoulder as he spoke, and asked, "So, where's your companion?" "Now. I just went to buy food—" The moment Lawrence wanted to turn his head to look at the town full of open-air stalls, he felt a certain aura around him, so he turned his eyes to look over. The person who came was Holo who seemed to have been standing there for decades. "It's this guy." "Oh! This is really a good product!" When I saw Holo.Ragusa clapped his hands loudly.Because of the loud voice, Holo shrank her shoulders in fright. Most of the people who sail the boat have loud voices. Maybe a little too harsh for Holo's ears, which were said to be able to hear the frowning of people's brows. "So. What's the name?" The reason why he didn't ask Holo directly, but asked Lawrence, was probably because he regarded the two of them as husband and wife. It seems.He was at least a little different from the money changer who suddenly accosted Holo. On Holo's shoulder was a bag that was supposed to be stuffed with bread or something.He also held a small wine bottle in his hand.Holo, who looked like an apprentice nun who was asked to go shopping, was looking up at Lawrence. It would always give Lawrence some face in front of others, perhaps this was one of the reasons why he couldn't get angry when Holo made fun of him - Lawrence thought. "Her name is Holo." Oh, what a good name! Please give me your advice. I am Ragusa, who is called the master of the Roma River. " Ragusa, who seemed not surprised to have a daughter of the same age as Holo, puffed out his chest while speaking, and stretched out his thick, callused hands. "However, in this case, this voyage can be regarded as safe." "why?" With a smile on his face, Ragusa patted Holo's slender shoulder while letting out a "gahaha" laugh and said: "The one who stands on the bow and prays for safe navigation must be a beautiful woman!" Indeed, most of the bows of long-distance trading merchant ships have female portraits. Although some of them are pagan goddesses, and some are famous women who participated in the history of the church, but it feels that the escorts are always women, and the names of the ships are mostly women's names. but.Although this Holo can be said to be the best safe prayer object on land, because it was originally a wolf, it is not very reliable in water. and.Lawrence almost laughed at the picture of Holo swimming in doggy style. "So. Are you ready? Although I don't plan to make a fortune from fur like everyone else, but because I have some urgent goods." "Ah, yes. It's alright. Have you bought the food?" Lawrence asked Holo.Holo nodded slightly. He's obviously a wolf, but he looks decent when he pretends to be well-behaved. "Then you just find an empty place to sit down, and you won't have to pay the fee later." Late. " This habit of paying later is only found on ships surrounded by water and difficult to pay. "Well, then we're in the same boat." Then he laughed out loud like this, which is also a common feature of all boatmen. The boats of Ragusa were probably among the smaller ones among the cargo ships that go down the river with their cargo. There are no sails, the bottom is flat, but the hull is very narrow.If the boat is narrower, the boatman who is not skilled enough may capsize. Right in the middle of the boat, what appeared to be almost enough space for Holo's sacks was piled up to waist height.You can tell from the things leaking from the mouth of the sack that the sack is filled with wheat and beans. Then, next to the hills of sacks—that is, near the stern—several wooden boxes were piled up. After all, you can't open it to see what's inside, so you can't know exactly what's in it.However, those wooden boxes were stamped with some kind of crest or seal of the same specification, and they probably contained quite expensive things.This was, without a doubt, the cargo of which he was speaking in a hurry.As a businessman, I can't help but be concerned about what's inside. If it is Dongliang carried up the river, it may be metal raw materials excavated from silver or copper mountains, or small coins minted near the mines.If it was tin or iron, it would not be so carefully packed into a wooden box: if it was a gem, it would be too abnormal not to bring any guards. Compared with the overall volume of the cargo ship, the cargo is relatively small, probably because the river water is constantly decreasing. In this season, the precipitation will gradually decrease, and the mountains that serve as the source of the river will freeze due to snow.Due to the reduction of the water volume of the river, if too much cargo is piled up, it is easy to run aground.Just as the wheels of a carriage on a rainy day will slip on a wet road, hitting a rock will become a matter of course.Once it hits the rocks, the goods may be thrown into the river, and more importantly, it will become an obstacle for other boats, which is related to the reputation of the boatman. Among the people who have sailed on the same river for many years, it is said that there are people who can steer with their eyes closed regardless of the state of the river. So what about Ragusa? While thinking about these things, Lawrence sat down in the open space of the bow and untied the blanket he was carrying. Because the water surface of the port is constantly rising and falling as if drunk, the boat will of course keep shaking to and fro.Feeling nostalgic for this long-lost feeling, Lawrence couldn't help showing a wry smile.When I took a boat for the first time before, I was worried that the whole boat would be overturned and I desperately grabbed the side of the boat. Moreover, it was later heard that this was not because Lawrence's courage was particularly small. Holo showed a more serious expression than ever, and slowly sat down beside Lawrence.Seeing her appearance, Lawrence couldn't help laughing.Then, Holo put down the bottle she was holding, and put down the scented bag from her shoulder.Only then did he notice Lawrence's gaze, so he turned to stare at him. "What are you laughing at?" ' Her voice is so deep, it must not be due to acting skills. "I just think you're as nervous as I am." "Hmm... It's not that I'm not used to riding a boat... But I'm still afraid of shaking." Her frank admission of her fears was indeed somewhat unexpected. Seeing Lawrence's surprised look, Holo pursed her lips slightly angrily. "We exposed our weak side because we trust your relationship." "The fangs under your lips are shining." After hearing Lawrence's accusation, Holo covered her mouth and laughed wickedly.Although The fear she said should be sincere, but it should be intentional to say this. I don't know whether to say she is straightforward or not. As soon as she thought of this, Holo suddenly sat up. "No. Obviously we shouldn't become so close to you." she finished.He turned his face away sadly.No matter what happy things, just If you keep repeating it, the emotion will gradually fade.Holo once said that she was right This is scary.Lawrence ate it as if he accidentally touched something hot. Surprised. However, he conversely considered that it is impossible for the current Holo to seriously say Say something like this. Even if they didn't say it out for confirmation, the two of them knew very well that there was a real need for each other. What are the topics to avoid.Although if you don't know where the trap is, you will be terrified Dare to move, but it's easy to walk around if you know where the cliff is lifting things. Since she dared to say this, Holo's purpose was definitely not to warn himself, or call Lawrence's attention. It should even be the exact opposite. Travel must end with a smile.Because this matter has been agreed, so there is no There is nothing to be afraid of. So Lawrence replied very calmly: "It's like a line that appears in a play." And it's a drama about forbidden love - he also said that after all Do not export.Only talking to myself in the bottom of my heart. In contrast, Holo saw that Lawrence didn't look flustered at all.seems to feel a bit Not interested, he immediately turned to Lawrence and said: "... Should you at least respond to us?" "If you didn't have that nasty look on your face." Holo, who was looking up at Lawrence with a lonely expression, suddenly burst out laughing, and then smacked her lips. It really is a wolf that often changes its expression——Lawrence smiled helplessly. Not long after, Ragusa ran over from the trestle with loud footsteps, and shouted in the rough voice just now: "Then it's almost time for us to leave the port!" With skillful movements, he untied the rope tied to the trestle and threw it on the boat, just like a child jumping into the river to swim, he jumped on the boat, which was really choking.No matter how polite it is to describe Ragusa, who has a slender figure, once he makes such a move, it is really normal for the boat to shake.The boat shook violently and tilted to the point where it almost sank into the water. This time... even Lawrence really broke out in a cold sweat.As for Holo, her body tensed up with an unprecedented nervous expression. Her hands tightly grasped Lawrence's clothes, and this should not be a joke. "My sailing skills are number one in the world, let you see them!" With a powerful shout, Ragusa plunged the long pole into the bottom of the river.The already flushed face was further congested and injected with strength. Contrary to the yelling, the boat did not respond for some time.But not long after, the stern of the boat began to slowly leave the trestle, and Ragusa lifted the pole slightly, then changed direction slightly, and inserted the pole into the bottom of the river again. If it is transported by horse-drawn cart, these goods must have four horses to pull them.But now the ship carrying so much cargo is moving with the strength of one person. Although it is often said that boatmen are fond of rhetoric, it is not difficult to understand if you think about it this way. Because this ship is propelled by the strength of Ragusa alone. The boat finally left the trestle, and Ragusa swung the pole to let the boat enter the channel along the river. Although there are many other ships coming and going on the route, it is incredible.There was no collision with each other, and they glide easily on the turbulent water. Most of the boatmen who passed by seemed to know each other. Sometimes there was a relaxed greeting, and occasionally there were shouts of cursing at each other, and at the same time they raised their poles and sailed in their respective directions. The speed gradually increased, the slender hull gradually stabilized, and finally came to the exit of the port. On the observation tower built at the junction of the river and the port, a group of people who wanted to stop the fur from flowing out of the city broke through the soldiers' blocking net and climbed to the highest point, cursing at the people who drove away. cursed words. Rise and fall.It has been repeated for a long time. A group of men in battle armor and iron helmets came near the entrance of the tower.They must be temporarily hired knights and mercenaries. When Lawrence's boat circled the tower and came out to the mouth of the river, the people who kept cursing on the top of the tower were caught in a blink of an eye.Although Lawrence didn't mean to sympathize with them, he also hoped that no one would be killed. only.Looking at such a scene, what happened in this town resurfaced in Lawrence's mind again, and then disappeared. Just as they were at a critical moment in their lives, Lawrence had until now been at an extremely critical situation. He was taken aback when Holo said she wanted to end this trip, and even more so at the reason for it. Although it seems that Lawrence's willful wish has been fulfilled now, Holo must have expected such a result. Thinking of such things, Lawrence felt that he should be more gentle with Holo, who was not familiar with life on a boat and had become vulnerable. But.That loving care always turns into something meaningless. At some point, Holo seemed to have picked herself up again.Although she was still holding onto Lawrence's clothes tightly, she was staring at the front of the ship with great interest. Her handsome face looks like a teenager's. " At this moment, Holo noticed Lawrence's gaze, and turned her head to look up at him. As if she was 100 percent sure of how she would look to others, that was Holo's predictable move. Feeling a little frustrated, Lawrence turned his face to the other side of Holo, watching Reynolds City which was gradually going away. "Hehehe" laughter can be heard in the ear. Holo let go of Lawrence's hand, and said as if amused: "Your gentleness is really terrifying." Holo shrugged and seemed to be grinning happily.The white air that spewed out from her mouth slowly drifted backwards.Seeing her little devil-like expression, there is an urge to pluck the hair on her tail, which is something that can't be helped. However, Holo couldn't lose her tail if it was so cold on the river. Lawrence answered slowly. "I think your smile is terrible." "Big ass!" Holo's joyful smile shone brilliantly under the hood. The Roma River meanders from east to west along the edge of Reynolds City.Like other rivers, it is an ordinary river that flows slowly between grasslands. It is said that during the abundant rainfall in spring and early summer, the flow of wood along the river is as spectacular as the wriggling of a huge boa constrictor.but.Now, at most, they can only see the neat and orderly rows of ships. There are sheep drinking water by the river, and travelers walking along the river bank.And the white clouds slowly flowing overhead. Holo, who was very curious, also got bored very quickly.Leaning his chin against the side of the boat with a bored expression, he sometimes dipped his hand into the water and sighed again.Lawrence was not incomprehensible to her mood. "It's so free." Hearing her muttering, Lawrence, who was also dozing off wrapped in a blanket, woke up, yawning and stretching. "Well...it's so easy not to hold the rein." You don't have to pay attention to the countless holes dug out on the road, and you don't have to worry about hawks and kites staring at your cargo. More importantly, even if you feel sleepy, there is no need to wipe your eyes to stay awake.Hearing the sound of snoring around you will never feel annoyed. Although she really wanted to continue traveling by boat like this in the future, Holo, who had been restless since the carriage ride, seemed very dissatisfied.She raised her hand in the mirror-like calm water, splashing the water onto Lawrence. The water is very cold in winter. Seeing Lawrence's frown, Holo changed the orientation of her body, leaning her back against the side of the boat, and at the same time pulled the tail that was hanging on Lawrence's feet back to her hand. Since Ragusa, who is on the other side of the cargo, is sleeping, there is no need to pay special attention. "Why don't you just count the sheep? You'll be falling asleep soon." "We've been counting just now, but we got bored when we reached seventy-two." Holo casually combed the fur of the tail with her hands, cleaning out the shedding hair and the stained garbage. Although there will always be things like fleas popping out of it, but it's pointless to care about such things. The saying that you can't sleep because of the noise of fleas and lice in summer is probably true. "Besides, if you count the sheep, you will get hungry." "That's really not good, it's better not to count." Holo threw the flea she caught at Lawrence. It was the same quilt anyway, which was completely pointless. "but……" At this moment, Holo hugged her tail and buried her face in the soft fur.While smoothing the hair on her tail with her mouth, she said: "After going down the river and giving the fox a good meal, what shall we do next?" Although she smoothed the fur of her tail with deft movements while speaking, by the time she finished speaking, the area around her mouth was covered with hair.It seems that Chang Wu still needs to do a good job of shedding hair in spring. Lawrence was thinking about these things.At the same time, he helped her pull out the hair that she tried to pluck away with her hands several times but couldn't get rid of it. "Come on, don't move... Is it after that..." "Well, that's... after that." Holo narrowed her eyes and asked Lawrence to pick her hair, and at the same time said in a somewhat coquettish tone.While she may have said it on purpose, it was less a tease of Lawrence than an attempt to divert her attention away from the dangerous tightrope walk. In Reynolds City, conclusions had been drawn about what Holo and Lawrence could do, and what would be the best solution. There is no real "after that" in this conclusion. "Food and entertainment should be plentiful, just wait until the snow melts on the other side of the mountain in spring. Or if you are in a hurry, prepare the horses to go back to Reynolds, and then go north." "In the deep mountains of Roever. Yes?" It was said to be the direction Holo came from. If it is fast, it will not take a month.If you really want to hurry up.I'm afraid the journey will be over in a few days. Holo assumed a distinctly girlish stance, picking at her own tail. Lawrence also had experience in this area. Her behavior was begging herself to lie. "However, neither the mountains nor the people are recognizable. Even if you go up the Roever River, you may get lost along the way." "……Well?" What a thoughtful Mr. Wolf——Lawrence thought as he helped her brush away the burnt brown hair that was still sticking to her mouth.continued: "You know about going to New Hilla, right? From Reynolds to New Hilla, it will take about ten days. If you don't wait until spring, because it is very dangerous, you must choose the route as close to the villages and towns as possible, and it will take two days." Ten days." Counting fingers while talking, I don't know whether this period of time is long or short. Stay as short as possible and go as fast as possible on the road. Because this principle has been carried out for the sake of travel and business.This was already a very leisurely and slow way of walking, and Lawrence always felt something like guilt in his heart.Because in business.When selling goods, 50% of the price is the county tariff, 30% is the hotel fee, and the remaining 20% ​​is net profit.Therefore, this kind of leisurely travel that increases travel expenses will only make him feel guilty. However, if it's just this few days, after the trip is over, I will definitely feel that it is too short and regret it. He counts his fingers.Looking at the stopped fingers, he thought: Can't we figure out a way to count this finger too? "Ten days will be spent leisurely soaking in the hot springs in Nyushira." Holo reached over and pressed Lawrence's finger. The way the two folded their hands also looked a bit like a couple warming each other. Indeed, Lawrence's face burst into a smile, and he felt a burst of warmth in his heart. Holo looked up and smiled at Lawrence. Really scary smile. Stay in Nyushira for ten days.That is indeed enough to bring a smile and a warm heart. Staying in the hot spring area for ten days, I don't know how much it will cost.The high accommodation fee that seems to look down on the guests, coupled with the unpalatable and expensive meals.Unbelievably expensive clear water, and weak, smelly wine.Not only to spend bath tax.And if you soak in hot springs with significant effects, you must accept a doctor's examination twice a day.The so-called spending money like splashing water is probably referring to this. Even so, Lawrence couldn't deny it when he heard such words. Xianlang is really cunning. If you describe it in the most subtle way, it is words that make people smile and feel warm in their hearts! "Looking at your face, you must be counting money?" Holo pulled the overlapped hands over, and said viciously while rubbing her face. The tail kept wagging as if provocative. Lawrence thought to himself, just grab the tail and rub it against his face to show her. "When we went, there were already people there, and people would come in and out from time to time. We knew the way to some extent. However, we are Holo, the wise wolf of Joyz. If it is a place without people, in normal times Would it be enough to add a little money to the meal bill?" Although this is indeed the case, the so-called hot springs are those who place their hope in the hot springs. A place where miracles, guys who want to live as long as possible, and guys who can't die no matter how hard they try gather. Because basically the people who visit are for pilgrimage, and people think that the harder the work, the more effective it is. Finding hot springs in some remote and unreasonable places can also be regarded as a symbol of reputation. Although it was doubtful whether Holo could find a hot spring in that place that had not been found by anyone yet, there was the only thing that was certain. That is the "slightly" in what she said of "adding a little more money to the usual meal expenses", which is definitely not "slightly" in the true sense. "Every time you say to add a little money to the meal, I will be farther and farther away from my dream." If she didn't tell her in advance, she wouldn't know what she would buy. Although Holo immediately showed an expression of "how dare you say that", Lawrence still did not budge. Even if you tell Holo face to face that you like you, you are completely at a disadvantage. "Although we have a lot to say to tease you, but before that—" Holo coughed lightly, then flicked her tail and said: "Didn't you come to welcome us after you gave up your dream of opening a shop?" The eyes that seemed to be testing each other. The amber pupils gleamed from behind the white air exhaled between the thin lips. "It's just put aside for the time being, it's not that I've given up." As if to say, "You think that excuse can make sense?" Holo let out a big sigh. Moreover, there is a false element in that sentence. Holo, who can easily see through other people's lies, should have understood this long ago.Before she pointed it out, Lawrence took the initiative to confess: "But, well, I kind of really want to give up." "Using ambiguous terms to leave a way out, isn't it the unique character of a businessman?" Hearing her helplessly say this, Lawrence had no choice but to say "I've really given up". "Since this is the case, it doesn't matter if you spend a little more money. Let's wait for you to tell me the reason for giving up." Should I answer "It's a great honor"? Lawrence was annoyed for a while, then shrugged his shoulders and replied: "Because if you open a store, the fun of doing business will probably be halved." "……Well?" "Once I feel that I can open a store, I feel a little indifferent. That is, once I get a store, the adventure is over at that time." When you smell the smell of making money, you will naturally be attracted to it. but.Making money is no longer the top priority.The desire to make money.Nor is there any hesitation like going straight to somewhere in a storm. Instead, he felt that it would be a pity if he got it. Just because I have been chasing this dream, and because I have been moving towards that goal. Holo changed her joking expression before, and then nodded with a "huh". No matter what fun things are, one day they will find it boring—for Holo, who is afraid of longevity, this is probably the same. "However, it is precisely because it is a long-standing dream that you think so. I hope you can consider this point. If you get the shop, it is of course something to be happy about." Holo nodded slowly, but said with a slightly confused expression: "That... well, it's really a disaster." "Ah...ah? Disaster?" Hearing this completely inexplicable speech, Lawrence stared back at Holo blankly.However, she put on a natural look. "Of course. Regardless of the reason, you have come to welcome us with a serious determination to give up your dreams. Well, in this way, I am afraid that even the person who coined the phrase 'There is no one like the other' Feel helpless too?" Although Lawrence, who had nothing to say, actually felt that his mouth was wide open, he didn't even bother to close his mouth, so he began to think in his head. No matter how many times you think about it.Holo's words pointed to only one fact. That is - although I gave up one rabbit to chase another rabbit, I still didn't get it in the end. A feeling of disgust like losing his wallet suddenly appeared in Lawrence's mind. Even if it's a joke, I don't want to hear such words. Lawrence turned away as he thought, then looked at Holo again.Her expression was as if she was pitying the sick. "It's okay, you? Take it easy. You haven't got anything yet, have you?" Is it anger or sadness? Or is it some other emotion? The moment Lawrence felt that Holo seemed to be speaking a completely different foreign language, the ends of her lips curled up, and the mischievous tongue could be vaguely glimpsed. "Hehe. Because you haven't done anything to us yet. If you can get it without reaching out. Are you a capable person who can use some kind of magic?" There was probably no time when he wanted to throw Holo in the water more than now. 其中的主要理由，是因为被她看到了自己最不想被人看见的表情。 “嘿嘿嘿。不过，所谓的地盘也并不是实际上用绳子圈起来的地方。要怎样看待这件事．就全看汝自己了。” 赫萝把身体凑了过来．就好像狼偎依着狼一样，抬着脸对罗伦斯说道。 她那白色的温暖气息触碰到了罗伦斯的脖子。 要是一看她那边就算输了。 然后，在产生这种想法的时候，恐怕就已经输了。 “不过，汝不是真的放弃了梦想，这也是咱所希望的。而且，如果因为得到了店子就满足的话，接下来找个徒弟就行了吧?毕竟这是非常深奥的事情，恐怕也不会有安心度日的时候呗?” 赫萝说完，就呵呵呵地笑着移开了脸。 被啃光了身上的肉只剩下骨头的鱼，恐怕就是现在这种心情吧。 事到如今就算再怎么挣扎，也不可能让事态扭转过来。 至少也不能继续暴露出这种丑态吧——罗伦斯深呼吸了一下．然后呼出了气息。 赫萝仿佛在享受余韵似的露出了平静的笑容。 “可是，你难道还收过徒弟不成?” 虽然声音还有点僵硬，不过赫萝还是放过了他。 “嗯?唔。因为咱是约伊兹的贤狼赫萝啊。向咱请教的人也有很多。” "Oh~" 罗伦斯几乎忘记了刚才的对话，率直地表达了自己的佩服之情。 这时候，赫萝却仿佛感到很意外似的害臊了起来。 或许她是为了抵消捉弄对方过了头的部分，而故意把话说得夸张一点吧。 “虽然能不能把那称为徒弟也很难说……不过至少他们是这么自称的 舞了，总之咱在那帮家伙里面是处于最高位置的。 ，如果汝，想要成为接受咱教导的新人，嗯，那大概要等一百人才轮得到呗。 ," 虽然赫萝转而以得意的口吻说出这句话，可是罗伦斯却无法像平常一样笑出来。 如果仔细一想的话，赫萝就是这样一个存在。 只是．对于本来应该存在于她身上的威严却会产生某种不自然的感觉。这大概是源自于跟赫萝在一起的记忆使然吧。 会哭、会笑、会生气、会撒娇的赫萝，就算现在有人说她是云端之上的存在，也还是没什么实感。 zheng 罗伦斯把手臂搭在赫萝肩膀上并将她搂近自己，她就在罗伦斯的臂弯里轻轻叹了口气。 她的叹气声听起来就像是心满意足的表现，恐怕这并不是错觉吧。 “咱现在……” 这时候．她又挪动着上半身转了过来，两人就形成了一高一低的脸互相正对的状况。 “这样子从下面看着汝．就会觉得很开心。” 就在自己身边的一位可爱少女，正抬起视线看着自己。 即使习惯了跟赫萝的对话，这种状况还是很难适应过来。 “因为从那个位置看到我的脸，一定是傻乎乎的样子吧。” 所以当罗伦斯皱着脸这么回答的时候，狼少女就露出心满意足的样子，紧紧抓住了他。 每当赫萝的尾巴沙沙地摆动起来，跳蚤就好像在说“谁能继续待在这种尾巴上”似的纷纷蹦跳出来。那也是当然的吧——罗伦斯刚在心中这么一想．胸口就突然感觉到一阵暖意。原来赫萝正把她的脸贴在自己胸前笑了起来。 罗伦斯也笑了。的确，要是被看到这副模样的话，不管是如何忠实的徒弟，也不会称呼她为师傅吧。实在是愚蠢至极的对话。 但是，这毕竟是赫萝所期望的，所以也没办法。 作为最低限度的借口，罗伦斯在心中如此自言自语道。 忽然，在货物另一侧出现了有人活动的气息。大概是枕着手臂睡觉吧，脸上印出了奇怪痕迹的拉古萨大大伸了个懒腰。 他跟罗伦斯对上视线后，又把目光转向靠在罗伦斯身上睡觉的赫萝，然后哈哈一笑打了个呵欠。 ． 接着，罗伦斯向他手指的方向看去，有一条连接河两岸的栈桥。这是乘马车在原野和山路行走的旅途中也无法避免的关税征收所。 明明离那里还有好远的距离，可是他就算在打瞌睡也可以凭经验感觉到。据说航海者并不是通过记号、而是通过海的气味来确认自己身在何处的．难道拉古萨也是那样吗?正当罗伦斯想着这些 当罗伦斯想着这些事的时候．赫萝就换上了柔和的笑容握住罗伦斯的手。 “当然．汝这个人非但没有求我教导，反而是个拼命想要抓住咱的缰绳的罕见大笨驴啊。虽然在成功率上没什么希望，不过汝肯定是想站在跟咱相同的高度上呗。咱一直都是独自呆在山上，我已经对从下面看着咱的目光感到厌倦了。” 作为神被崇拜，就意味着孤独。 在跟赫萝相遇的当初，赫萝曾经说过是为了寻找朋友才出来旅行的。 赫萝虽然面露笑容，但却笑得有点寂寞。 “看，汝不是来迎接咱了吗?” 虽然话语本身充满了捉弄的味道，不过面对这种寂寞的笑容，罗伦斯当然不会认为她在捉弄自己。 看见罗伦斯反而露出了苦笑，赫萝就摆出一幅满脸不高兴的样子． 罗伦斯把手臂搭在赫萝肩膀上并将她搂近自己，她就在罗伦斯的臂弯里轻轻叹了口气。 她的叹气声听起来就像是心满意足的表现，恐怕这并不是错觉吧。 “咱现在……” 这时候．她又挪动着上半身转了过来，两人就形成了一高一低的脸互相正对的状况。 “这样子从下面看着汝．就会觉得很开心。” 就在自己身边的一位可爱少女，正抬起视线看着自己。 即使习惯了跟赫萝的对话，这种状况还是很难适应过来。 “因为从那个位置看到我的脸，一定是傻乎乎的样子吧。” 所以当罗伦斯皱着脸这么回答的时候，狼少女就露出心满意足的样子，紧紧抓住了他。 每当赫萝的尾巴沙沙地摆动起来，跳蚤就好像在说“谁能继续待在这种尾巴上”似的纷纷蹦跳出来。那也是当然的吧——罗伦斯刚在心中这么一想．胸口就突然感觉到一阵暖意。原来赫萝正把她的脸贴在自己胸前笑了起来。 罗伦斯也笑了。的确，要是被看到这副模样的话，不管是如何忠实的徒弟，也不会称呼她为师傅吧。实在是愚蠢至极的对话。 但是，这毕竟是赫萝所期望的，所以也没办法。 作为最低限度的借口，罗伦斯在心中如此自言自语道。 忽然，在货物另一侧出现了有人活动的气息。大概是枕着手臂睡觉吧，脸上印出了奇怪痕迹的拉古萨大大伸了个懒腰。 他跟罗伦斯对上视线后，又把目光转向靠在罗伦斯身上睡觉的赫萝，然后哈哈一笑打了个呵欠。 ． 接着，罗伦斯向他手指的方向看去，有一条连接河两岸的栈桥。这是乘马车在原野和山路行走的旅途中也无法避免的关税征收所。 明明离那里还有好远的距离，可是他就算在打瞌睡也可以凭经验感觉到。据说航海者并不是通过记号、而是通过海的气味来确认自己身在何处的．难道拉古萨也是那样吗?正当罗伦斯想着这些 事的时候．把杆子戳进河底的拉古萨大喊了一声，睡得正香的赫萝也大吃一惊醒了过来。 “这是最近刚换代的迪杰恩公爵的关口。人头税就包在船费里面吧!听说他最近沉迷于猎鹿，关税真的很高啊!” 因为不明白沉迷猎鹿和关税高有什么关系，罗伦斯就反问了一句。拉古萨马上笑着回答道： “公爵明明没有参加过任何战争，却自称箭法天下第一。也就是说，他认为每射一箭都一定能猎到一头鹿啦。” 虽然对随他出行狩猎的家臣们的辛劳感到同情，不过对在事前狩猎公爵猎物的附近猎人们来说，这恐怕是一件美差吧。 罗伦斯的脑海中顿时浮现出一个连城里的小丑看了也会觉得很滑稽的领主形象——不知天高地厚的、浑身胖圆的，不由得笑了出来。 “原来如此，那样的话，公馆里的人也真够辛苦的呢。” “不仅这样，他最近还热衷于赢取意中公主芳心啊。不过关于这方面，听说他最近似乎也开始逐渐理解到自己的水平如何了。” 虽然有这样那样的不是也依然会讨人喜欢的领主，很多时候就是那些行为经常令人发笑。 尽管不知天高地厚的傲慢领主会被讨厌，但是如果加入．滑稽故事的话．就会让人产生可爱的感觉。毕竟就算是愿意听取民众意见、生性严格认真的人。最后也有可能在领主这桩买卖上干得不尽人意，这的确是很难办的一件事。 拉古萨虽然在话语中充满了轻蔑的味道，不过从他准备付关税的态度来看。似乎也并非很不情愿的样子。 就算是那愚蠢的什么迪杰恩公爵，如果在领地卷入战争的时候能果断地挺身而战的话．说不定也会成为一个比其他领主更能带领民众的人。比起高高在上说这说那，还是让人们明白到“没有自己就不行”这一点更好吧。 罗伦斯这么想着，忽然觉得身边好像就有这样的例子，于是看向旁边的赫萝。 “汝好像有什么要说啊?” “不．没什么。” 拉古萨缓缓放慢船的速度，向已经停泊着一艘船的栈桥接近。 不过，即使是连这条河里面的鱼的亲子关系也很清楚的拉古萨也可以看出，应该会知道栈桥上出现了奇怪的情况。 手握长枪的士兵，正在跟什么人发生争执。 虽然不知道在说些什么，不过至少可以知道其中一方正在发出怒喝声。 驶在拉古萨前面的船夫，也站起身来伸长脖子想看看到底发生了什么事。 “发生争执还真是少见。” 拉古萨用手抵在眼睛上方远远望去，以悠哉游哉的口吻说道。 “该不会是说税金过高了吧?” “不．因为税金太高而动怒的应该是从海那边来的家伙们才对。因为他们付了钱用马来把船拉到上流，到这里还要给货物付税金嘛。” 罗伦斯向一边掩藏着利牙一边打着呵欠的赫萝瞥了一眼，然后马上就发现了奇怪的地方。 “但是，这一点无论是来自海上的船还是来自上流的船都是一样的吧?” 罗伦斯轻轻敲了敲用他衣服擦掉眼水的赫萝脑袋，如此说道。拉古萨抽起竿子，马上大笑起来。 “对我们这些在河里生活的人来说，河就是我们的居屋嘛。住在房子里要交房租是理所当然的事。但是，对海上那帮人来说，这只不过是一条路而已。如果每次走这条路都要付钱的话，那当然是会生气了。” 原来如此——罗伦斯点了点头，不禁对世上还有这许多种想法感到佩服。 然后，就在这个过程中，事情的概况已经开始逐渐明了。 看来在栈桥上发生争执的是一名持枪的士兵和一位少年。 发出怒喝声的就是那位少年。 只见他喘着粗气，从嘴里吐出来的气息就像白烟一样。 “可是．这里不是有着公爵家的印记吗!” 那个声音，也不知道过了声带变化的年纪没有。 发出这个声音的少年，的确还很年轻。 年纪大概是十二三岁。有着灰色的蓬松头发，脸上沾满了不知是泥还是污垢，总之就是很肮脏。体格也相当纤瘦，要是跟赫萝相撞的话也不知道倒下的会是谁。至于披在身上的衣服，看起来仿佛只要打个喷嚏就会被吹散似的残破不堪。 脚踝也很纤细，穿着一眼就知道底部已经快磨平的草鞋，给人冷飕飕的感觉。如果他是个长着胡子的老年人的话，看起来可能会像个备受信仰者敬仰的隐士吧。 那样的少年，在右手上拿着一张古旧的纸，一边喘着粗气'边盯着士兵看。 “怎么了啊?” 被中途打断了午睡的赫萝一脸不悦地问道。 “不知道，而且你也应该听到了他大喊出来的那句话了吧?” “呼啊……啊唔。睡着的时候，就算是咱也会听不见啦。” “也对，毕竟连自己的鼾声也听不见嘛。” 罗伦斯才刚这么说完，赫萝就毫不留情地一脚把他踹飞了。 罗伦斯的抗议之所以被打断，是因为至今一直保持沉默的士兵也大声喊了起来。 “所以我都说那是假的啊!如果你不适可而止的话，我们也有办法对付你的!” 然后．他就举起了长枪。 少年紧抿着嘴巴，仿佛要哭出来似的皱起了脸。 拉古萨继续放慢船的速度，靠在原本已经停泊于栈桥边上的另一艘船的旁边。 那艘船的主人似乎跟拉古萨是认识的，两人寒暄了一句，然后就凑近对方说起了悄悄话。 “那到底是怎么啦?难道是莱诺恩大叔的徒弟?” 在他扬起下巴所示的方向，有一位已经停下船的船夫。那是一个比拉古萨他们还要年长、头发花白的船夫。 “如果是的话就不会一脸困惑地待在船上了吧。” “也对啦，啊啊，难道是……” 没有理会悠闲对话的两人，栈桥上的少年也不知道是因为寒冷还是过于激昂的关系．一边颤抖着双脚和肩膀一边注视着自己手上的那张纸。 虽然好像还有点不想放弃似的抬起了脸，可是看到抵在眼前的枪尖，也只好无奈地摇住了嘴唇。 他的双脚一步一步的往后退，最后终于在栈桥边缘上瘫坐了下来。 “打扰大家了。那么请继续缴税……” 听到其中一名士兵的声音，在旁边注视着事情发展的船夫们都纷纷开始了行动。 那种漠不关心的态度，就好像觉得这是常有的光景似的。 独自·人被扔在那里的少年，手一L依然握着那张纸，罗伦斯看到上面盖着一个红色的印章，马上理解过来了。 少年看来是栽在一个骗子商人手里了。 “是被骗了吧。” "Well?" 花白头发的船夫把船划了出去．另一艘船则进入了那个位置，而拉古萨的船则紧贴在旁边。 罗伦斯配合着船只晃动的节奏，在赫萝耳边开口说道： “经常都会有的。伪造的免税特权证书，或是领主发出的支付督促状之类的。他恐怕是拿到了伪造的河税征收权证书了吧。” "meet……" 大体上来说．这一类东西都会以远远不及其本身能带来的利益低价卖出，可是也不知道为什么，有很多买家都会相信那是真 、的。 “好像有点可怜呐。” 河面上。一艘艘船都向着关口排成队列。 因为多余事而耗费了时间的关口士兵们正加快收税的速度，而少年的存在也被彻底忘记了。 正如赫萝所说，看他的样子的确是值得可怜，不过本来只要仔细想想的话就不会中招了，这也可以说是应有的报应吧。 “应该会是一次很好的教训吧。” 所以罗伦斯就作出了这样的回答。赫萝听了，马上把落在少年 身上的视线转回到罗伦斯身上，以稍带责备的眼神看着他。 “你难道要说我不近人情吗?” “汝因为贪心而失败的时候，好像也为了求助而东奔西走呐?” 虽然罗伦斯听了有点不舒服，但是因为这样就给少年施舍钱 财的话，也是违背商人原则的行为。 “即使那样，我也是用自己的双腿来东奔西走的吧。” "Woo." “我认为自己还没有冷漠到把求助者的手一把甩开的程度。不 过，那些人如果连站起来也做不到的话，不管怎么样帮助他都成不 了商人的。那种人应该穿上僧服，到教会去才对。 " 赫萝之所以还在思索着什么，一定是因为还是觉得少年很。 怜吧。 虽然说得不情不愿，不过赫萝毕竟是几百年来在没得到任何 感谢的情况下一直为同一条村子带来麦子丰收的宅心仁厚的存 exist. 也许她的性格就是想要帮助那些有困难的人。 一个个去帮助那些人的话也是没完没了的，这毕竟是事实。 界上到处都是值得可怜的人，可是神的数量实在太少了。 罗伦斯重新盖好被子，轻声嘀咕道。 “所以，如果他能以自己的双脚站起来的话．或许……” 尽管心地善良，也并非不晓世事的赫萝，也应该会理解自己 of. 虽然那位少年也很可怜……正当罗伦斯看向少年的瞬间，他 没有怀疑自己的眼睛，反而怀疑自己的耳朵是不是听错了。 "teacher!" 传来了一声尖锐的叫喊。 在场的都是习惯于市场上不绝于耳的高声吆喝的人们。for 这个声音到底是冲着谁来叫，他们都能在瞬间内理解过来。 少年站起身来，连士兵的制止也没有理会，径直沿着栈桥奔 Come. 他所奔往的方向，自然是他的声音所对准的方位—— 他就是罗伦斯了 “老师!是我!是我啊!” 然后，从他嘴里说出来的却是这样的话语。 “唔……什么?” ． 啊啊，见到您真是太好了!我正因为找不到吃的东西而头疼呢!我只能感谢神赋予我如此的运气了!” 他的脸上完全没有任何喜悦的神色，而是充满了拼命的紧迫感。 罗伦斯一时间只能愣愣地回望着他，脑海中则在商人引以为豪的记忆账簿中拼命搜寻着是否曾经见过这个少年的答案。 but.最后得出的结论是，自己根本不认识任何称自己为老师的少年。还是说，他是自己在旅途中曾经教过怎样赚取生存食粮方法的孩子们的其中一个呢? 这时候，罗伦斯醒悟了。 No.这是少年打算放手一博起死回生的大戏剧。 等他领悟过来的时候，先一步发现这一点的关口士兵，已经用枪柄打倒了少年，并抵在他的背上。 “臭小子!” 关口是权力者的权威象征。 如果在这里遇到欺诈的话，那就面子全失了。 搞不好的话，少年恐怕会遭遇被扔进河底的命运吧。 即使如此，他那淡蓝色的眼眸也依然在注视着罗伦斯。 他带着逼人的气势，仿佛在诉说着一旦失败就只有死路一条 似的。被他这种眼神深深吸引而屏住了呼吸的罗伦斯，被赫萝轻戳了一下腹部才回过神来。赫萝的脸正朝向既非少年也非罗伦斯的另一个方向。取而代之的是，她的侧脸上明确地写着“你可别忘了自己说过的话”。 因为少年已经以自己的双脚站了起来，喊出了声音。 “竟然敢辱没迪杰恩公爵的名声，好大的胆子!” 河上朝关口驶来的货船陆陆续续地排成一列。 如果出现阻滞的话受责罚的就是他们，因此对这总是在妨碍公务的少年已经忍无可忍了吧。 士兵把枪抵在少年的背后，同时对准了他的腹部抬起了脚。 Just at this very moment. “请等一下!” 罗伦斯发出的声音，跟士兵的脚正要踢在少年身上几乎是同 一时刻。 一时停不住势头的脚轻轻推了少年一下，传出了青蛙般“咕呜”的叫声。 “的确，好像是我认识的人。” 士兵看了看罗伦斯，慌忙移开了踢向少年的脚，不过似乎很快就理解了罗伦斯的真正用意了。他以稍带不快的表情比照着罗伦斯和少年的样子，半带叹息地挪开了抵在少年身上的枪柄。 , 不管从谁的角度来看，少年在演戏这一点已经是再明白不过的事实了。 他的眼神就好像在说“真是个烂好人”一样? 少年仿佛对自己的成功演技感到难以置信似的眨巴了几下眼睛，但是在领悟了事态之后就马卜站起身来，踩着牛硬的步伐径直溜进了拉古萨的船上。 在付了税金之后，拉卉萨也停下了绑扎钱袋的手．观察着：的变化和推移，在看见少年乘上自己船上的时候才终于回过神 想要说些什么，却还是闭上了嘴