Seiun wo Kakeru Chapter 61

Chapter 61 – The Tribal Chief of Mostori, Pierro (middle part)

Eiji sat on the bed. Despite it producing a creaking sound, the elasticity coming from the cotton bounced back to him.

The last time Eiji was able to properly feel a cotton mattress was when he was still living in Japan. In other words, a year ago.

He looked around inside the room once again.

Since it was used to receive visitors, there was nothing better than making it as extravagant as possible; nevertheless, this place was quite luxurious.

Eiji thought that Fernando acted like a kid, still, he would probably do the same, were he alone inside the room.

Their bodies, which weren’t familiar to boat trips, felt very relaxed.

In comparison to a straw bed, this one was overwhelmingly captivating.

Eiji wondered whether he could replenish the stock with the cotton at the time he would be doing business with Pierro,

Obviously, because it was intended for his personal use, he would have to pay using his own items.

No, it should be necessary at the time their child will be born.
Mumumu – At the troubled Eiji, Fernando, who unaware of the circumstances, asked him with a strange expression.

– What’s the matter?

– Well, if it’s Eiji-kun, then can’t you do it? If you present them the hoes and knives, you might understand the value of the cotton even if it’s a bit expensive.
– I guess you’re right.

For Eiji, there were things he wanted to lay his hands on.

As long as they continue going downstream, it will be natural for them to reach open water in the end.

As the salt produced by the villages near the seaside continues to be traded between each village, its value rapidly increases.

Because of that, salt is regarded as a high grade product.

For Siena, leather is a material that can be easily obtained, but the closer to the open waters it’s trade is, the more steep the price becomes.

And then, once Eiji obtains the salt, he planned to use them for various things while being aware that they might fail.
However, that plan too, probably needed to be given up on.

– Whatever we do, we first have to ask them how much they’re willing to share the cotton with us.

– Yes, by the way, Fernando-san.

– I’m not sure if it’s going to be today or tomorrow, but, can I have you leave the negotiations to me?

Eiji couldn’t forget about his bitter experience.

Even now, Eiji wouldn’t consider that time as his mistake.

Still, the fact he was one-sidedly dominated remains.

Carrying out the task as the village’s representative, he also established a friendly relationship with Girolamo.

That’s why, if one has to make a fast decision, it’s wiser to entrust Fernando with that job.

However, the reason why Eiji wanted to participate during this time’s trade wasn’t solely due to him being the initiator.

He didn’t let anyone know what he thought, neither through his words nor his expression, he had been hiding it all the time.

The next time I confront Franko, I’ll produce a result that will surpass him. –
Eiji thought as he breathed out his high spirit.

– Oh my, were you able to enjoy your time?

– Then, I’m glad. This place is the pride of our village. You see, recently, visitors have become acquainted to this place, but as expected, seeing new visitors like you becoming surprised makes me happy.

By the time Eiji and Fernando visited Pierro’s house once more, the inside of the room was lit by a fire, and an aroma of delicious cooking was rising into the air.

It seemed that they were all Pierro’s wives.

Even being with widows has its difficulties.
Once they become the wives of a tribal chief, it’s possible for them to live together by using their own and the tribal chief’s status. Perhaps, it’s type of a relief measure.

– Well then, please sit. We give thanks to god for bringing us this glorious chance of encountering you today as our visitors from far away
– Bon appétit.

The wine was poured.

In Tal village, the wine had more acidity; nonetheless, in Mostori, it was noticeably sweeter.

It will be bad if I drink a lot. Since I’m not good with beverages, I better refrain from that. – He thought.

He had been drinking continuously for the past few days, but Eiji’s worry was probably a needless one as Fernando didn’t seem to fall into alcoholism.

– Oh my, could it be that Eiji-san can’t drink much?

– Is that so? Then, how about some ale? You can probably cope with this easily.

– It appears to be using yogurt from a goat. As for why this bread is soft…

– Fermentation?
– No, please don’t mind. I was talking to myself.

Pierro’s eyes were shining while goggling at Eiji, however, Eiji himself could only let his wry smile show.

There’s also no gain in being treated like as an eccentric.
In that case, it would be much better to give the impression of being someone who possesses a wisdom unknown to others.

At Eiji’s ambiguous reply, Pierro didn’t poke his nose further into that matter.

– More importantly, Pierro-san. According to what you said, your grandfather, Pierro-san, was quite an excellent person. Unfortunately, I’m not well informed about Mostori, so can I hear the story?

– Poor…? It doesn’t appear as such.
– It seems that people here used to barely survive each year without being contented with wheat. But! My grandfather wouldn’t let it end like that.

As Pierro continued to talk about the past of the village, his tone began to fill with passion.
Probably, everyone would do so when talking about oneself and one’s village’s past.

– On a certain year, due to the shortage of crops, my grandfather went to the neighboring villages for a trade in order to replenish the stocks in the village. Despite there being two neighboring villages trading with the same item, the exchanged amounts were different. One side had a large quantity, whereas, another had a scarce number. At that time my grandfather seemed to have notice: ‘Even if we don’t produce anything, can’t we become wealthy by supplying different villages with items stocked from some other places?’

– That’s right. Despite the business being small, it all began with grandfather’s awareness. After he gained the trust from every village, he established a starting point in trade. It would be fine to say that our village stopped starving thanks to him. For that reason, he’s called the father of trade.

– Yes. However, it wasn’t just thanks to grandfather’s influence, but also my father’s cooperation.

– My father made further developments of my grandfather’s methods. He improved carts used for trade and made it easier for horses to pull them. And then, he turned the trade that was solely performed by my grandfather into this village’s main industry and established the group of peddlers. With that, it was possible to carry our trade on this whole island. So as to make every village function efficiently and allow transport to all areas, he decided to set up outlets.
– That’s truly amazing….

One couldn’t help but to say that Pierro’s father was periodically one or two steps ahead.

What’s more, being able to make constructive and efficient thoughts was certainly a rare talent.

– With just one thing, it was troublesome for my father to gain his achievements; nevertheless, he wouldn’t give up. Using trade, he created a surplus of manpower and set out next to develop the village. At that time, he hired only a single carpenter, with the knowledge of using bricks. And while he trained the villagers, he built solid and magnificent houses one after another, many of which are left nowadays.

Being puffed up with pride, Pierro said it naturally.

Thinking that way, it was indeed suitable for Pierro’s father to be considered a great man after founding the group of peddlers.

What Eiji was curious about more than anything else was that despite the group of peddlers reaping great profits, every village, who was their client, could remain stable after acquiring goods at its hands. At the same time, they were able to maintain their good relationship as buyer and seller.

– Despite that, there was no way for my father to succeed in everything?

– Yes, his biggest failure was, how should I say, was the abandonment of road construction.

Certainly, there were splendid stone-paved roads in the village.

Eiji hadn’t seen road-like paths in either Siena or Tal.
At most, there were marks of cattle-pulled tracks passing through, but not something that was arranged.

– If roads are built, the wagons will be able to run even faster than now. My father suggested that idea to the neighboring villages, and told them that by doing so they will be able to deepen their interaction with every village, but…

– That’s right. In the first place, the problem of manpower was too large. The neighboring villages usually makes living from farm works, you see. Nevertheless, he wasn’t able to convince them about the importance of roads. What’s more, those guys would trade once or twice per month at most. Having hard feelings, they would refuse by saying that there was no gain for their village, or that it was bit too early. My father as well, didn’t predict that, still, it’s only something that can be actually done at once during a war when using a great number of people. Like that, the plan of roads construction ended inside the village. Once they finished the construction in order to show an example, they went into the red.

Despite saying so, the roads themselves should have been convenient for the village.

Because Eiji wanted to pave ways so as to make the wheelbarrow become more efficient, he too understood the desire of making roads well.

After hearing the story of development about Pierro’s grandfather sowing the seeds and his father growing a splendid flower, Eiji enjoyed himself.

Even in Siena, there was a similar drama, and his wife, Tanya, probably had recollection of that.
As soon as I return back, I want to ask her at once. – Is what he thought.

– By the way, Pierro-san
– Yes, what’s the matter?

At the time the story reached the point where one could pause, Fernando called out while holding his wine cup singlehandedly.

– No, I mean, I can understand well how praiseworthy your grandfather and father was, but, wouldn’t you tell us about your life as the current tribal chief?
– Ah!

Shortly after that, Pierro grasped in a suffering manner as he looked up at the ceiling.

Could it be? – Eiji made an expression written with these words while staring at Fernando.

– In comparison with my grandfather and my father, I’m very mediocre. I’ve thought about the next stage, but it will be difficult for my village alone to put that into practice, and it requires time.

– It’s a city. Putting away trade at once, I’d like to gather people from the neighboring villages and have them stay in guest houses. By just promoting this place, we would receive some income. The trade itself would decrease in profit, but the number of people and trafficked goods would surely increase.

This household is indeed superior – Eiji thought.

More than just the potential gains coming from a city, Pierro probably imagined how the lives of villagers and the village activity would prosper.

It was a policy that focused far ahead.

– If so, what’s the problem?
– Our village isn’t fully independent, you see. We are still trying to persuade other villages to cooperate with us, but it doesn’t go favorably. Well, I guess that too is just a matter of time.

Throwing out his chest, Pierro asserted.

There was probably a relative number of interactions around Mostori during normal times.

Even if it’s someone like Pierro’s father, as long as there are no mutual gains, a negotiation will breakdown.

Presenting the merits to the allies in some way and making them give in voluntarily is probably the key to a successful negotiation.
Even Eiji had the feeling like he could understand that knack little by little.

– You, have brought goods with you, haven’t you?

– Can I have you show them tomorrow morning?

– That’s because the fur and the knitting wool from Siena are of fine quality, right? I’ll make sure that the cost of your trip will properly pay off in your calculations, so it’s fine for you to have expectations.

– Heh, what could it be? Is it perhaps the soap that Jean mentioned?
– Please look forward to it tomorrow.

When it comes to attracting someone’s attention with iron-made products, rather than letting that person have time to calm down for a single evening, it’s probably better to show the products at once.

Holding their beer and wine singlehandedly, they drank it bit by bit while munching on the cheese and smoked meat.

As one would expect, was it due to Fernando not being able to call out to his wife? He would focus his attention on his wine while exchanging a conversation.
And then, the night advanced on.

Translator and reference notes:

[1]: Sounds strange, but couldn’t find a better translation.

Chapter end