Kap is a merchant with a wagon.

He buys goods in bulk from cities that specialize in certain products and then travels to other cities where those goods are needed to sell them.

While doing so, he also gathers information and sells it, moving around various parts of the kingdom as a wagon merchant.

"Hmm, there are indeed six of you. Are your skills reliable?"

"Of course. You won't have to worry about monsters while we're with you."

As we set up camp at the designated location and waited for nightfall, six men and women clad in cloaks approached us.

These are our clients this time.

Sometimes, people like to hitch a ride on the wagon for convenience.

We usually charge a decent fee for letting them ride, but these guests were a bit cheaper.

After all, they’re students from Dedris Academy, which pretty much guarantees their skill.

A blue-haired female student even demonstrated her abilities to ensure their competence.

With her level of magic, she alone would be enough to guard the wagon.

For Kap, who always has to protect his goods from monsters and bandits, their company was worth more than money.

Yet, they even paid a small fee.

It was a profitable deal for sure.

'...But that guy, is he the porter?'

The chubby man who approached first to greet him.

He had a naive face but looked rather clumsy and lacked any masculine traits.

Compared to the other two men behind him, he was truly unattractive in appearance. Kap never judges people based on their appearance, but in the past, he had also been the party’s porter, much like this man.

He knew well how an unattractive porter was treated.

‘…Poor guy.’

He didn’t know why he was traveling, but looking at the three women behind him...

Their appearances were among the most stunning Kap had seen traveling all over the kingdom.

Then there were the two men by their side.

One had sharp eyes and black hair, exuding masculinity, while the other had blond hair and a refined smile.

It was likely those women shared their hearts with these men.

And in between them, this unattractive, chubby man.

It was hard not to feel sorry for him.

Perhaps, every night, he covered his ears and cried himself to sleep out of sadness.

“Nice to meet you!”

The chubby man introduced himself as Ken.

Ken smiled innocently.

‘He’s enduring hardships but living resiliently.’

Someday, surely, he would find someone who’d love him, and he would somehow manage to live his life.

Thus began the short journey of six students from the Academy and the merchant Kap.

With the break of dawn, Kap’s wagon began its journey toward their destination.

“You have crafting skills?”

“Yes, so if you need any repairs, please let me know.”

‘That's quite a rare skill.’

Kap, who had assumed Ken was a nobody, was surprised and opened his eyes wide upon hearing that he had crafting skills.

Crafting skills are among the rarest in the production skill category.

Having that skill means not having to worry about making a living.

That’s why people with crafting skills are envied among commoners.

Even Kap, as a merchant, had once envied those skills.

Because if the skill is well-developed, one can become a master artisan without a doubt.

A top-level craftsman can become a renowned artisan frequented by high-ranking nobles.

‘So that's why they're keeping him around.’

Kap glanced back discreetly to check the cargo area.

Closest to him was Ken.

And behind Ken were two handsome men and three beautiful women.

The man with black hair was sitting still, either sleeping or meditating with his eyes closed.

The blond man was reading a book, even in the jostling wagon.

The three women were chatting amiably amongst themselves.

The five of them clearly didn’t seem to match with Ken.

The reason they were utilizing Ken as a porter was obvious.

The usefulness of his crafting skills was certain.

Otherwise, there was no reason for them to travel with Ken.

From Ken's perspective, it must be tough silently tagging along with those where love was blooming.

He must be getting paid quite a significant sum.

Kap came to that conclusion.

"Hey, Ken..."

At that moment, the red-haired girl closest to Ken spoke to him.

‘Hm, were we too noisy? Sorry about that.'

Kap, who hadn't often seen student travellers, asked Ken many questions, leading to a prolonged conversation. He suspected the girl was about to scold them for this.

"I'm feeling dizzy because of the wagon..."

"Oh, really? Just a moment... there should be some medicine..."

"No, it's fine. If I lie down for a bit, I'll feel better. Ken, can I use your lap?"

"Huh? Sure."

"Ah~ this feels nice."

But Kap, not expecting this conversation, turned around in disbelief.

Inside the shaded cargo area under the canopy, the red-haired girl, who had just been talking to Ken, was now lying with her head on his lap.

"Ken, could you also stroke my head a bit? I think it would make me feel better."

"W-wait up, Raphne! What do you think you're doing?!"

"Your intentions are obvious. I'm also feeling nauseous."

"Hmph! You two can take care of each other. Whoever does it first wins, you know?"

The other two girls raised their voices, protesting at the actions of Raphne, the red-haired student.

‘...This isn't what I expected.'

With a bright smile, Raphne lay on Ken's lap as the other two girls glared at her.

‘...I guess, given his build, it would be comfortable to lie there.'

Kap awkwardly rationalized the strange scene in front of him.

After all, he considered himself as unattractive as Ken. He wasn't fat, but his appearance couldn't be called attractive either.

Even he had once been a part of a party as a porter.

At those times, he often fantasized.

Fantasies where he, ugly as he was, became popular among the women in the party, making the other male party members jealous.

But Kap knew that was just a futile dream.

He had grown up enough to realize that.

So, seeing an unusual scene like this wouldn't lead him to such fantasies.

He convinced himself with that mindset.

He rationalized that Ken's legs would indeed be comfortable to lie on.

“Ken, how about visiting this city next time? Just the two of us.”

“W-wait a minute. Mary! I'm practicing magic with Ken right now!”

“Then you can practice nearby. Ken doesn't need to focus on you, does he?”

“Ughhhh.”

“Snoooore…”

On the first night after the six of them started traveling together.

As the sun set and travel became difficult, they stopped the wagon and prepared to camp.

Kap was very much aware of the awkward scene around the campfire.

Ken, smiling awkwardly. To his left, the blue-haired girl Mary was holding a map.

To his right, the blonde girl Emily was using healing magic.

And on his lap, the red-haired girl Raphne was sound asleep.

“Well, you seem to get along well with your companions.”

A little while later, Ken, who had some crafting skills, was asked by Kap to do some repairs and posed this question.

The girls, who had been chatting noisily just moments ago, had moved to a nearby brook, leaving the men alone at the campsite.

“Ahaha... They are all quite friendly.”

Ken, holding a crafting hammer, laughed awkwardly as he scratched his head.

But Kap wasn’t letting it go.

“What’s your secret?”

“...Pardon?”

“I’m asking about your secret. There has to be something, right?”

Kap whispered so the other men around couldn’t hear him.

Ken looked puzzled for a moment, then laughed an ‘Ah!’ and lifted his hammer.

“If you’re talking about crafting, the skills help a lot so there isn’t really a secret…”

“I’m not talking about that!”

At Kap’s quiet outburst, Ken tilted his head in genuine confusion.

‘He really doesn’t know.’

But surely, there had to be something.

Having observed him all day, Kap wasn’t a fool and knew that the three girls were clearly interested in Ken.

The problem was this Ken, this chubby guy in front of him, seemed oblivious, whether because he was too innocent or just plain dumb.

‘I will figure it out… Why these women are so attached to him…’

It certainly wasn’t because of his appearance.

If looks were the reason, the two other male students were much more handsome.

So, could it be his skills?

Were they smitten with his crafting abilities? It could be possible.

Having entrusted his repairs to Ken, Kap was certain of his skills. He was indeed a very proficient craftsman.

Moreover, Kap had travelled to many places and seen women fall in love with men because of their abilities.

'No, but still...'

However, no matter how good his skills were, it was hard to understand how three beautiful girls could be head over heels for this guy.

Even having one would be a miracle.

But three?

'There must be something else...'

Flash!

At that moment, something flickered in Kap's mind.

"Hey, Ken. Would you mind going to the bathroom with me?"

"What? The bathroom?"

"Yes, it's too dark to go alone in this situation. If you run into a monster, it could be dangerous. It's basic to go in pairs during trips like this."

"If that's the case..."

Though Ken seemed flustered by the sudden request, he agreed readily.

'It must be… It has to be that.'

It's a common tale.

That thing that drives women crazy.

Once he confirms it, the mystery bogging him down could be resolved.

In fact, Kap was already half-convinced.

Aside from his other abilities, if that ‘ability’ was extraordinary, it would indeed explain why three girls would be drawn to him.

The two ventured into the forest, leaving the campsite behind.

After finding a suitable spot, they took turns handling their business.

Kap went first. Next, Ken relieved himself.

‘See, I knew it…’

While pretending to keep watch, Kap subtly turned to check the state of the target.

‘It’s quite… no, the shape is amazing…’

He swallowed hard.

It wasn't out of excitement or anything, but from a sense of male admiration.

His guess was right.

With something like that, he could easily attract not just three, but even five girls.

“Uh, Kap?”

“Oh, uh, ha ha! My bad, I got a bit distracted… Y-You know, during travels, it’s common to check on each other’s health. It’s kind of a habit…”

As Ken’s puzzled gaze fell upon him, Kap hastily made an excuse.

He had found the answer to his question.

It was a perfectly believable reason.

‘I’m jealous. If I had something like that, I could at least get one, if not three…’

Lamenting his own unfortunate love life, he started to tidy up and prepare to head back, when…

Growwwl.

A growling sound that made all the hair on their bodies stand on end echoed through the forest.

“Th-this…”

“What was that noise just now?”

Ken fixed his pants and looked around, puzzled by the sound.

But Kap knew what that sound was.

“It’s an Elemental Bear!”

Elemental Bear.

A monster in the form of a bear with elemental attributes.

Its rank is B+.

Even to ordinary adventurers, who usually have a hard time with elemental creatures, this monster presents a significant challenge.

The nocturnal creature had been lurking nearby and discovered Ken and Kap.

“D-damn it! We need to run!”

“Yes, it’s an Elemental Bear.”

Unlike Kap, who was shivering with fear and frantically looking around, Ken remained calm.

If Kap hadn’t just relieved himself, he would have wet his pants by now.

Kap couldn’t understand whether Ken was fearless or just plain foolish for his composure in such a situation.

“Y-you idiot!! Don’t just stand there, we need to run!! If we can hear it, that means it’s already close!”

At that moment.

“Growwwl.”

The growl was now much clearer.

Soon, gleaming eyes appeared in the darkness, and under the moonlight, its gigantic form emerged.

A massive bear, about four times the size of a grown man, was slowly approaching.

Judging by the drool dripping from its mouth, it had already marked them as its prey.

“It’s… It’s all over.”

At this point, it would be useless to call for the others.

By the time they got here, one of them would already be torn in half, and the other devoured.

Yet, even faced with such a monstrosity, Ken remained unfazed.

"Hmm, judging by the rocks embedded in its hide, it has earth attributes."

Ken then turned to Kap with a bright smile.

"Mr. Kap, if I save us, could we share some of the food?"

"...W-what?"

Kap, already collapsed on the ground in terror, could barely register Ken's words.

Ignoring Kap's response, Ken strode forward confidently.

"You, idiot! Don't throw your life away like that!"

At that moment.

Kap thought he was hallucinating under the moonlight, unable to believe what he was seeing.

In an instant, Ken's previously plump figure shrank.

He transformed into a lithe and muscular man.

And the most unbelievable part was what happened next.

Boom!!

"Hmm, as expected, it's tough to take down even an Elemental Bear in one blow."

Ken, who suddenly disappeared, reappeared above the Elemental Bear's head.

He then stomped down with force.

"Since it has earth attributes, physical attacks should be effective... Ah, don't worry. I have a sword too."

With that, he drew a sword that resembled a bone from his pocket.

Just a moment ago, he didn't have any bags or a sheath.

'A Subspace Pocket!'

Now it made sense why their group's luggage seemed minimal.

From the Subspace Pocket, a dream item for any merchant, Ken nonchalantly drew his sword.

Slash!

He lightly swung the sword and beheaded the Elemental Bear.

With that, the B+ ranked monster was effortlessly killed.

"Well then, shall we head back? I need to eat a late-night snack."

The boy, smiling brightly under the moonlight, extended his hand to the fallen Kap.

Taking the boy's hand, Kap looked at his face and thought.

‘What the hell, he's actually the most handsome one.’

Kap realized that in the end, everything came down to looks.

‘Of course, it does...’

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