>>5522213 >>5522275 >>5522277 >>5522278 >>5522293 >>5522318 >>5522450 >>5522491You really shouldn't interfere. Ultimately, this is Takigi's choice to make. Although, you must admit that it meets the two of your needs rather well.
<span class="mu-i">I would discuss the matter with Nui first. It is a major decision. You will need to consider what is best for all three of you.</span> Takigi nods to himself. 「Of course.」Then he sighs. 「The offer really is tempting. From what I know, Kanekatsu is at the 3rd Tempering. Only that far, but he can still live a much better life than both the me of before and the me of now. I don't want Kinzou to turn out like him, but, well - if I could provide the opportunity needed to reach the same height, then I'd be satisfied. If he could reach the 4th or 5th Tempering, like those in charge of the village, then even better. ...But I can't guarantee any of that. I can just try my best to make it possible for him.」
Takigi seems to come to a decision, albeit hesitantly. Later that night Nui and Takigi discuss the issue for some time. Nui is initially opposed to taking the job, but due to Takigi's insistence that something needs to be done to ensure Kinzou's future, eventually agrees.
"So. What's your decision?" 「I'll do it. Tell me what I need to do.」
The first weeks of Takigi's employment are different from what he expected. He acquires some waste parchment and writing utensils and begins practicing basic literacy and mathematics. How to read balance sheets and terms common to loan contracts, how to calculate interest, how fixed-payment loans different from variable-payment loans, and so on and so forth. It is quite a lot of information to absorb, particularly for a man who has never studied in his life before, but he is persistent, to his credit.
After three weeks, while Takigi is still lacking, he is able to carry out basic duties. He begins carrying out basic bookkeeping and collecting funds. In Kanekatsu's words: "Going around, looking tough, maybe yelling something and punching a tree. Just get them to pay. We get our money, and their interest doesn't build up. Win win." In his spare time he continues his studies and goes on a couple of basic errands for Kanekatsu. If you were to describe his role, it would be a split between a debt collector and a steward. He just does what Kanekatsu needs him to.
When a month has passed, Kanekatsu summons Takigi to his office. "The caravan will be leaving for the county seat in a few days. If you still want the cultivation manual, I have a loan drafted. You should be able to parse most of it yourself." Kanekatsu passes a piece of parchment across the table, and Takigi begins reading it. You follow.
