AHN – Chapter 8 Africans move to Mito (Part 2)

“Well, well, Kamon, calm down, calm down,” said Sukezo, lowering his eyebrows and waving his hand.

He walked over to the two constables, squatted down, and put his hand on their shoulders. He looked up at their faces.

“I understand your position. But we also have our own circumstances. Now, it must be hard to stand here for so long. Don’t you need to go to the restroom by now? You do, don’t you?”

Sukezo took two silver coins out of his pocket, grabbed the hands of the two perplexed men, and made them hold the coins.

“You two were at the restroom and didn’t hear anything, right?”

When Sukezo smiled brightly, the two constables, their mouths agape, exchanged glances and nodded faintly. They turned to him and nodded repeatedly.

“Go,” Sukezo said, waving his hand. The two men slowly stood up and left the room.

“Sukezo, isn’t this a bit too lenient?”

Kamon whispered into Sukezo’s ear as he returned. Sukezo, however, was indifferent.

“It’s fine. Those two are probably used to seeing ‘unusual’ dealings all the time. Every time they do, they must be given bribes from Nagasaki. I just did what I had to do to make sure they don’t become our weakness.”

Kamon pursed his lips into a frown and nodded slightly.

Nevertheless, Sukezo thought, showing a scene of buying people with money in front of the cunning Gen’emon might not have been wise. Though he’s not the type to go spreading exaggerated stories, he might use it as leverage at some point. Did Lord Mitsukuni not overlook this?

“Well then, shall we say the negotiation is concluded?” Gen’emon stood up and straightened his collar, wearing a broad grin. Sukezo’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“Indeed, it has been a most fruitful journey. You also have a long way back, Capitan. Please be careful on your way,” Mitsukuni said, standing up and extending his hand. Jong grasped it with both hands.

“My friend, Lord Mitsukuni, it was good to see you again. Please stay well.”

The group left the captain’s room together.

“About the amount, shall we speak to the main estate as usual?” Gen’emon asked, turning as they walked down a wide corridor.

“That will be fine,” Mitsukuni nodded. “I hope my presence hasn’t delayed the unloading of your cargo.”

“Not at all,” Gen’emon shook his head. “We will have our staff assist with the captain’s men, so please don’t worry. Arrangements have already been made with Kamigata, so there’s no need for concern. However…”

He trailed off, giving Mitsukuni a meaningful look.

“The ‘purchases,’ if you take them with you now, will draw attention on the way back. If you leave it to us, we can send them by special ship. What do you think?”

With a seemingly sinister smile, he bowed deeply. Judging from his expression, it was evident that he would take a hefty commission for this. Otherwise, he wouldn’t make such an offer.

Sukezo thought, “This isn’t the first time he’s been involved in ‘human trade,'” and his mouth twisted slightly.

Mitsukuni turned to the side, saying, “I don’t recall making any purchases.”

Gen’emon’s face froze in an expression of surprise.

“What? Then, those two black men…”

Gen’emon stared at Mitsukuni, shocked. Mitsukuni returned his gaze, expressionless.

“Oh dear, for someone like Nagasakiyama Gen’emon to say something so scandalous is troubling. I merely told the captain that I wished to ’employ’ those two gentlemen. I never said anything about ‘buying’ them with money.”

Sukezo held his breath. He suddenly recalled the conversation between Jong and Mitsukuni. Mitsukuni had skillfully avoided giving any clear statement.

“But, you discussed the amount with the captain…” Gen’emon pressed. Mitsukuni laughed softly.

“Now you’re saying strange things. Since the captain is their current employer, it’s only fair to pay a reasonable amount for hiring his employees, isn’t it?”

He said this with a straight face. In modern terms, it was like a financial trade. Mitsukuni proposed it, and Jong agreed. That was all.

“Huh,” said Gen’emon, taken aback and speechless. Mitsukuni had implicitly warned him not to try any tricks. If he couldn’t understand that much, he wouldn’t be a great merchant.

Sukezo inwardly marveled at Mitsukuni’s cunning.

“Ah, about the ship,” Mitsukuni said, as if he had just remembered. “That’s indeed a kind offer. Please take care of it. Kamon.”

“Yes, yes!” Kamon replied, his voice cracking as he was suddenly called.

“If they don’t understand the language, it will be troublesome for Nagasakiyama’s staff. We will return to Mito first, so you stay and accompany them as a translator. Make sure there are no mistakes.”

Mitsukuni’s eyes sharpened slightly. Kamon bowed deeply, saying, “Understood.”

Sukezo almost gasped out loud. It sounded as if Mitsukuni was merely giving Kamon instructions, but he was actually warning Gen’emon not to mishandle the situation as Kamon would be watching. Gen’emon, forcing a stiff smile, remained silent.

Even the notorious Nagasakiyama Gen’emon couldn’t do anything now. Mitsukuni had outsmarted him.

“How cunning this man is,” Sukezo thought, deeply impressed.

Thus, Demba and Kanga were to travel to Mito.