The next day, I woke up at 9 AM, washed my face, and started cooking fried rice, scrambled eggs, Spam, and hotdogs. I also made instant noodles for soup. Just as the noodles were almost done, I heard the door to Fenris and Luna's room open. Luna came out, looking like she had just woken up. "Wake Fenris up. This will be done soon, so we can eat together," I said.
After we ate, I told them I was opening the store and wouldn't be back until late afternoon or evening. I suggested they take a nap so they wouldn't be sleepy when we left. I also showed them the marinated meat in the fridge and taught Fenris how to use the electric griller.
...
12:30 PM
While eating lunch and with no customers, I browsed the marketplace on social media. I was looking for a pickup truck that could fit all three of us and have space for cargo in the back. I messaged several sellers, focusing on those with off-road setups, upgraded suspensions, larger tires, and some with rooftop camping tents.
Tony is calling...
"Hello, Tony?"
"Henry, my car is going in for maintenance, so the company driver is dropping me off at the bus terminal. From there, I'll take a bus to Pampanga. Could you pick me up at the terminal later? I don't know how to get to your store from there," he explained.
"Sure, what time will you arrive?"
"Maybe 3 PM or 4 PM, depending on traffic."
"Just call me when you're close to the terminal," I said before hanging up.
I received a message notification. One seller had replied. His unit was upgraded, a 2022 model, 4x4, with a camping setup and auxiliary lights. It looked good. The price was 1.8 million, so I tried to negotiate. He said I should check the unit first before we discussed the price. He was nearby, so I asked him to come to the store for me to inspect it. An hour later, he arrived. I knew a lot about cars, especially from my time in the military, where I learned from car mechanics in our unit. After checking the car and finding no problems, we negotiated the price. We settled on 1.6 million, and I bought it. We signed the papers, and I transferred the payment.
I closed the store and decided to look for a place to buy plastic fuel tanks for extra gas when we went to Eldorath. Based on the map, we would pass through three towns before reaching the Silvercrest Kingdom's capital, a journey of approximately 7,700km. I estimated I needed around 800 liters of diesel. I found a store and bought 20 of the largest tanks, each holding 20 liters, so I would only have to return to Earth for fuel once.
The Silvercrest Kingdom is one of the kingdoms that peacefully coexist with other races. There are only a few people who are prejudiced against other races, such as Demi-Humans. However, most Silvercrest Kingdom residents accept living with other races. Slavery still exists, but slaves are not allowed to be harmed or mistreated, unlike in the Stormreach Kingdom. Slaves here are treated more like household helpers or assistants.
After buying the plastic fuel tanks, I went to a gas station. While waiting for the tanks to fill up, my phone rang. "Tony's Calling..." "I'm almost at the terminal, Henry," Tony said after I answered. "Okay, I'll be at the terminal in 20 minutes," I replied before hanging up.
When I arrived at the terminal, I saw Tony standing on the side, so I got out of the truck and approached him. As I got closer, I called him, and he looked my way. He walked toward me, but suddenly stopped.
"You're walking normally?" he asked, surprised. I nodded curtly.
"How? Didn't the doctor say..." "I'll explain everything later. Let's go," I said.
"Are we taking a jeepney or a taxi?" he asked. I didn't answer and walked towards the pickup truck.
"Whose is this?" he asked. I told him I'd answer all his questions later.
"Are you doing something illegal, Henry?" he asked seriously.
"I'm not doing anything illegal, you idiot!" I said, laughing.
"Just make sure, Henry!"
"Let's go. I'll explain everything when we get home." He got in, and we talked during the drive, but I avoided answering his questions about my leg or the truck.
When we got home, I parked the pickup truck. "Wait here a moment. I need to arrange something inside. I'll call you when it's ready," I told Tony. He nodded, looking confused. I went inside and straight to Fenris and Luna's room.
"Master!" Fenris and Luna said in unison. I turned off the TV.
"My friend is here. Don't come out until I call you, and don't make any noise," I explained. They nodded. I went back to call Tony. Inside the living room, I asked him to sit down, and I got him a drink. As he drank, I used "Appraisal" on him.
"Name: Anthony Chaves (Investment Genius)"
"Age: 27 years old"
"Race: Human"
"Skill: N/A"
"Loyalty: 97%"
"So, how did your leg heal, and whose truck is that?" he asked curiously.
"It's my truck. I bought it before picking you up."
"Where did you get the money? I thought you used up most of your savings from your parents' assets for your studies?"
"I did, but I had a business deal with Red Dragon Company."
"Red Dragon? The owners of Red Dragon Gold and Silver Trading Company and Red Dragon's Treasure INC.? What kind of deal, and how big was it?"
"₱6,480,000,000. I also have 30% shares in Red Dragon's Treasure INC. and 6% shares in Red Dragon Gold and Silver Trading Company." I showed him my six black cards and my savings account balance.
"What kind of business deal did you have with them to get that much money? How did you meet the CEO of Red Dragon Company?"
"I saved his daughter from two men who were harassing her. She passed out from intoxication, so I took her to the hospital. That's where I met Mr. Alfred Uy, the chairman of Red Dragon Company."
"But how did you get into a business transaction with him? Don't tell me your parents left you gold and expensive gems? And how did your leg heal? Did you see a specialist overseas with that money?"
"You remember the wooden cabinet in my room? I decided to replace it recently and found a hidden storage in the flooring under it," I began.
"Don't tell me you found gold bars and jewelry there," he interrupted.
"Just listen to me. When I discovered the hidden storage, it was locked. I even hired a locksmith, but he couldn't open it. Then I remembered my parents' necklace with a key pendant, so I looked for it and tried it. It worked. I found a box inside."
"And then? What was inside?" he asked impatiently.
"A Scroll Map, a Ring, and three tube glass bottles."