The Time When I was Reincarnated as a Spirit

V "Deal!"

CASPER POV

I wake up and glance out the window, noting that it's still dusky outside. Deciding to start the day, I step out of my room and am surprised to find Mabelle waiting outside. "Lady Mabelle, why are you up so early?" I inquire, taken aback by her presence.

"Milord, since you're awake, it's only natural for a spirit maiden to be at her master's service," she replies with a serene smile.

Curious, I ask, "But how did you know I was awake?"

"For a spirit maiden and a spirit guardian, there's a connection. Try taking a deep breath and focus on feeling my presence," she suggests.

Following her advice, I take a deep breath and concentrate, sensing something different. The colors swirling within her are mesmerizing, but their significance eludes me. Turning to Mabelle, I inquire, "Lady Mabelle, I see these different colors, each with its own meaning. Can you elaborate?"

"Milord, indeed, each color holds significance, but it's for you to interpret. Give them your own meaning, and you'll understand," she responds.

Her explanation brings a smile to my face. The warmth emanating from her is comforting, a soothing blend of red aura that signifies her affection for me. I chuckle softly.

Blushing, Mabelle suggests, "Milord, perhaps we could take a stroll outside and explore the town together."

I nod, smiling at her as she takes my hand and leads me outside. As we walk, I sense a presence trailing us, but I pay it no mind. I recognize it's Randal. Around us, people are already up, tidying the area and getting ready for the day ahead. Glancing towards the horizon, I spot several caravans approaching the town – seven in total, accompanied by around thirty people.

Returning to the mansion with Mabelle, I make sure to inform the others of what I've observed.

Lutar informs the townspeople to prepare for the upcoming visitors, and soon after, Frederick summons us for breakfast. The table is adorned with another exquisite array of dishes – a testament to the culinary wonders of this world. As we indulge in the delicious food, I notice Randal's absence.

After we've eaten our fill, I take a moment to breathe deeply, sensing Randal's presence nearby. To my surprise, I find him kneeling at my feet.

"Milord, I've investigated the visiting caravan. They're merchants carrying a lot of goods," he reports dutifully.

"Thank you, Randal. But before anything else, join us for breakfast," I insist, gesturing for him to take a seat.

With breakfast concluded, I turn my attention to preparing for the arrival of the merchants. I go over my speech for the negotiations and instruct Lutar to make ample space in the town for their arrival. Meanwhile, I ask the residents to take a moment to rest, knowing they've been hard at work preparing for this day.

Minutes pass as the caravan halts outside the town's border. Ten individuals emerge, five of them adorned in full plated armor and armed with swords, while the other five wield spears and shields. They cautiously approach the town, emitting a soothing green aura that I sense. With confidence, I step forward to meet them, meeting their gaze with a smile as they lower their weapons.

From the caravan emerges a man with a robust physique, wielding a large, impressive sword. He dons barbaric attire, emphasizing his muscular frame as he strides towards me with an air of superiority.

"Are you the ruler of this town?" he questions, his voice resonating with authority.

"I am more than a mere ruler; I am a spirit guardian, entrusted with the care of this town and, ultimately, the world," I respond confidently, asserting my position.

"Our Lord does not concern himself with beings or politics; he seeks only business," he asserts bluntly.

Wishitar approaches, bowing his head respectfully. "Milord, allow me to handle this conversation," he requests, his smile unwavering.

I step back, allowing Wishitar to engage with the man, whom I assume to be the leader of the warriors from the caravan. "I, Wishitar, shall gladly entertain your master with discussions on matters of business that he may find appealing," he declares confidently, impressing me with his astuteness in discerning the identity of the caravan's leader.

He winks at me and offers a reassuring smile. "Experience and information are powerful assets in this world, Milord," he whispers.

"I'm Morginar, the leader of these troops," the man introduces before returning to the caravan to inform his master.

A stout man with a distinctive ducktail beard emerges from the caravan, adorned in a fine robe. He introduces himself as Money, the master of the group.

Wishitar approaches Money, and they exchange greetings, engaging in silent conversation. Wishitar gestures to me, tapping his temple, I understand his signal, and the two of them head to the tent for their discussion. As they do, I take a deep breath, feeling reassured by Wishitar's presence.

My presence is inside the room where Wishitar and the man are about to discuss something, unseen and unheard. They shake hands once more, and I witness Wishitar reintroduce himself.

"I'm Wishitar the Wise, right hand of the great spirit of knowledge. It's my pleasure to engage in business with you, merchant of the seven wonders," he states.

"Wishitar, you're truly remarkable. Your talents could be put to far greater use. If you join me as my personal advisor, we could explore the entire world, expanding your knowledge," the man proposes.

Wishitar's response is unequivocal. "I will not. The wealth of knowledge lies within the realm of my lord," he replies, smiling.

The conversation then turns to the goods and items carried in their caravan, intended for sale. Wishitar mentions my interest in such business dealings, prompting the man to insist on my presence in the negotiation. With a series of claps, he signals for the armed individuals to bring forth the large boxes from the caravan. Alongside them, the five individuals in light rouge attire, who had previously emerged from the caravan, assist in carrying the boxes. Sensing the surrounding presence, I count twenty-nine individuals, one fewer than before.

Where is the missing one? I wonder.

Searching, I suddenly detect someone hiding among the trees, with Randal nearby.

I reach out to Randal using telepathy to inquire about the situation. He informs me that the person hiding had been scouting me, waiting for an opportunity to attack. I instruct Randal to bring the person to me. While the merchants prepare the boxes and carefully place them near me, Randal arrives with the scout in tow. The captured man bows his head but remains silent.

The merchant offers an apology. "I apologize for the planned attack. It was a precautionary measure in case of unforeseen circumstances," he explains.

I order Randal to release the man, who then introduces himself as Meferfito, the leader of the rogue squad. The five individuals dressed in light rouge attire, along with two armed with bows and arrows, kneel before me.

Next, the merchant signals for three more individuals to join us from the caravan – two wearing long robes and one in regular clothing.

"I'm Jin, just an ordinary man with a few spells," the man in regular clothes introduces himself, while the other two bow silently. Jin emits a calm blue aura as he smiles at me.

"Now, let's proceed with our business without any further concerns," the merchant declares.

As the boxes are opened, I inspect the various items, including peculiar weapons, utensils, and raw materials. I select an item called a "little fire," which is essentially a relic that creates fire. In my world, it's simply a lighter. I inform the merchant that I can replicate this item if provided with the necessary materials. We agree that if I can produce at least three of them, he will supply the materials for free.

"Deal!" I confirm, shaking hands with him.

I propose that we stay for a week and enlist some help to aid in building up the town. The merchant agrees, and I order my people to prepare a feast in honor of our guests. We enjoy ourselves until nightfall, and I insist that the merchant and his companions rest inside the mansion. Though he initially declines, his companions reassure him, and he eventually accepts. I express my gratitude for their company and bid them good night before retiring to my room, where Mabelle wishes me a peaceful rest.