Jigglypuff's Diary

The Next Day

“Ryouma-san, are you awake?” [Elia]

Early in the morning, Elia came over to visit me in my room. Sebasu-san was also with her.

“What’s the matter?” [Ryouma]
“I’m going to be instructed by my father regarding slave magic. Would you like to come as well?” [Elia]

Slave magic, huh? … Come to think of it, the only things I can use in regards to slave magic, are the contract and the ‘Monster Identify’. And then, there’s the ‘Contract Release’… are there any other magic aside from these? Well, I have time, so why don’t I go and see?

But then, there’s also that incident with the ruffians yesterday…

While I was thinking that, Sebasu-san came over and whispered to my ear.

“It’s a bit sudden, but I heard Ryouma-sama has been able to get some free time lately. Since there’s some time, won’t Ryouma-sama please consider going out with the Ojousama? After all, it’s been decided that she will be separating from Ryouma-sama soon. So I want to create as much time as possible for the two of you. I’ve also already arranged for someone to watch over your employees today.” [Sebasu]

Ah~… Now that he mentions it, it’s certainly true that ever since I’d decided to go independent, I’ve been spending my time with matters regarding the store, and because of that, I haven’t been able to make any time for Elia… She’s also concerned about her colossal magic power, so she’s probably quite happy to have been able to make a friend. I guess I did something bad…

“I understand. Then, shall we go learn together?” [Ryouma]
“Really!?” [Elia]

As Elia said that, she gave off a dazzling smile.

For some reason, I feel guilty. Or rather, since I didn’t notice that I was wrong until I was told, I guess I am at fault…

After that, I went to the store once, to let the employees know about this. With a smile they replied, “Leave it to us!” even though something like that happened yesterday, they haven’t uttered a word of complaint. Really, what a nice bunch. I’m glad to have hired them.

After that, we went to the abandoned mine. From the looks of things, our training area will be here, in the abandoned mine.

And right now, standing before me and Elia, is the Madam, who is holding a bird cage.

“Well then, let’s begin the training for slave magic. First, what is a slave magic user? Elia?” [Madam]
“A slave magic user is someone who contracts with a magical beast, and uses magic to borrow the power of the magical beast. When performing the slave monster contract, a connection is formed between the magical beast and the practitioner via magic power. Because of that, it is possible to come to understand each other.” [Elia]
“Precisely. And what we’re going to be teaching you two today, is a magic that takes advantage of that connection. This magic is known as ‘Sensory Link’. Just as the name implies, this is magic that allows the practitioner and the magical beast to share senses, and in this way acquire information. This magic is mainly used to warn the magical beast that the practitioner is in danger.” [Madam]
“This is something that conjuration can’t accomplish. So it’s something unique to slave magic users.” [Rheinhart]

Really?

“Why can’t conjurers use this ability/’ [Ryouma]
“In general, the conjuration contract forcibly makes the magical beast submit through the use of magic. Even if there’s a connection, it’s one sided.” [Rheinhart]

So that’s how it is… I don’t know much about matters concerning conjuration.

“I see. So that’s how it is.” [Ryouma]
“There’s a need to get used to ‘Sensory Link’. The longer you’ve been helping each other, and the deeper your understanding is with your slave monster, then the clearer the connection will be. Today, we prepared a magical beast inside this bird cage for you two. Contract with it, then we’ll have you guys practice.” [Rheinbach]
“Why go all the way to get a new magical beast? Isn’t it possible with a slime?” [Ryouma]
“True, it’s definitely possible to use ‘Sensory Link’ with the slimes. However, the effect is hard to grasp, and there’s no meaning to it.” [Rheinhart]
“Since slimes don’t have nose, ears, and eyes, even if you use ‘Sensory Link’, you won’t be able to understand sight, hearing, smell, and even taste. And I also don’t know how you’re supposed to understand your surroundings with that.”

Certainly, that would definitely make it hard to understand the effect.

“I understand.” [Elia]

And so, me and Elia went over to the bird cage and contracted with the magical beast inside, called Crew Bird. Oh, speaking of which, this is my first time contracting with a magical beast other than a slime!

When I noticed that, I became a little nervous. But without anything going wrong, the contract ended safely.

“Looks like you were able to contract them. Then next, become aware of the connection you have between you and your magical beast. Once you’ve done that, strongly visualize an image where you’re looking through the eyes of your magical beast. If you can do that, then even without any incantations, you’ll be able to use, ‘Sensory Link’.” [Madam]

Being told that, I used a camera connected to a TV as my image. When I did so, an image flowed through the back of my head… but…

“Somehow, it feels kind of unpleasant…” [Ryouma]

The sensation of having both my own field of vision, and the magical beast’s field of vision, go inside my head at the same time is difficult to describe. But it’s kind of like being forced to watch two TV screens at the same time, while having to understand it. It isn’t something that feels very pleasant.

“Ara, Ryouma-kun, you’ve already succeeded?” [Madam]
“As expected of you. This is actually a difficult magic, because there are many people who find it difficult to grasp the image.” [Rheinbach]
“It’s difficult so I wanted to teach it early, so you can take your time practicing it. But it looks like you’ve already managed to learn it. That unpleasant sensation after having just succeeded at ‘Sensory Link’, is something that every slave magic user has to go through. You’ll manage as long as you practice, so do your best and get used to it. I suggest you start by closing your eyes, and focusing only on your slave monster’s field of vision.” [Rheinhart]

So I need to get used to it, huh? … Just like I was told, I close my eyes, and focus only on the field of vision of the magical beast. Yeah, this way is better than a while ago. The crew bird I’d just contracted with, is currently standing on the ground, so the field of vision I’m seeing is extremely low. Because of that, it feels kind of out of place. But that’s it. Aside from that, there’s no other problem.

After that, I continued to practice for 2 hours. In the end, I was also able to order the crew bird to fly, while using ‘Sensory Link’ to see through the magical beast while it’s in the sky. This ability is quite useful for scanning the surroundings.

While I was thinking that, it would appear that Elia had also succeeded at using ‘Sensory Link’.

“This is… a rather unusual feeling.” [Elia]

Looks like Elia is also feeling that sense of being out of place.

I thought this just now, but Elia is quite amazing, huh? I used my experience in Earth to grasp the image, but Elia actually had to start from scratch. Yet, she was able to learn it within the day. Amazing.

After Elia had succeeded once, we decided to take a short break, and Araune-san prepared us some tea.

“Still, you two did pretty well to be able to actually learn it this fast.” [Rheinbach]
“Elia carries with her the lineage of Jamil, so I thought it’d be fast. But who would’ve thought that it would actually be to this extent. I also thought Ryouma-kun would have a hard time with it, but…” [Rheinhart]
“Isn’t it fine? Like this, they were able to learn it easily without any problems. Now, all that’s left is to train.” [Madam]
“So that feeling is going to continue, huh?” [Elia]

Looks like, even with her eyes closed, Elia still finds it difficult to get used to that feeling.
Well, you are suddenly having your vision changed and mixed, after all… It’s still fine for me who thinks it’s like watching television, but Elia is seeing things as if it’s actually her own field of vision… Even if I teach her, she doesn’t know about TVs, so she won’t understand. I can’t teach her. Do your best, Elia.

As we continued to discuss like that, the madam asked me this.

“Ryouma-kun, how’s your first time contracting with a magical beast other than a slime? Does anything feel off?” [Madam]
“There isn’t anything in particular.” [Ryouma]
“Then in that case, Ryouma might also have an aptitude for bird type magical beasts.” [Madam]

Aptitude? What’s she talking about?

“What’s an aptitude?” [Ryouma]

The one who answered that question was Rheinhart-san.

“You didn’t know? Slave magic users, and conjurers, all have their own respective aptitudes. What kind of magical beast one should tame, depends on the individual. And whether he should contract a lot of magical beasts or not. Then there’re also those who can’t contract with a lot of magical beasts, but are able to contract with several very powerful magical beasts. Ryouma-kun’s aptitude with slimes is probably quite high. Otherwise, I don’t think you’d be able to contract that many magical beasts.” [Rheinhart]

“After you find out what your aptitude is, it’s important to make sure what kind of magical beast you’re suited for. Aptitude isn’t strictly decided, it’s something you have to vaguely understand by probing within yourself. For example, I have good aptitude with magical beasts that have scales. And while I can’t contract with a lot of magical beasts, my magical beasts are individually strong.” [Rheinbach]

“As for me, I have an aptitude for magical beasts that walk on four legs. On the other hand, I have absolutely zero aptitude for magical beasts of the bird type. And so, I can’t contract with those.” [Rheinhart]
“My aptitude is…” [Madam]

As the Madam said that, she suddenly chanted an incantation. As she did so, light began to radiate from her side, and all of the sudden, a wolf with silver fur appeared. I was slightly taken aback by that, but the Madam laughed and said that it was alright.

“Sorry for scaring you. This child is Rogue. My little fenrir, slave monster.” [Madam]

Fenrir…? Isn’t that, that thing that comes out in legends!?

“Ara, did you perhaps think that the Fenrir and a little fenrir were the same?” [Madam]
“Are they different?” [Ryouma]
“They are. Fenrir is a divine beast, but a little fenrir is a magical beast. Little fenrirs are wolf type magical beasts that can use a little bit of ice magic. But it’s true that they’re quite strong.” [Madam]
“So that’s how it is…” [Ryouma]

Little fenrirs are amazing… and the madam too, for being able to actually win it over. Right now that amazing little fenrir is being caressed by the madam. And as if the Madam’s foot felt good, it began to turn over to its side.

“This child is the boss of its pack. I have 20 more little fenrirs. And then, I still have around 100 other wolf type magical beasts. I can do this since my aptitude with wolf type magical beasts is good.” [Madam]

20 more beasts like this little fenrir!?

While it can’t compare to the number of slimes I have, its quality is too different. And it’s at a different league compared to the black bear’s intimidating aura.

“It’s because Elize is really skillful as a slave magic user. You normally can’t make a little fenrir obey you just like that, you know? In fact, when I first met Elize in the past, I actually suffered from an inferiority complex.” [Rheinhart]
“Ara, is that really true? Weren’t you going around saying, “I have my sword!” and without minding it, zealously tempered your sword arm? Also, I don’t recall you having such a lack of talent for slave magic.” [Madam]
“… If you compare me to you or to my father, I end up getting completely overshadowed.” [Rheinhart]
“Even then, you don’t really need to mind it that much. To begin with, as a kid you always neglected your training as a slave magic user, and was always fussing over your sword training instead. So tell me, are you still going to imply that it’s my fault?” [Rheinbach]

Afterwards, Rheinbach-sama kept finding fault after fault with Rheinhart-san as he gave him a sermon. While listening to that, I looked at that little fenrir called Rogue as I thought to myself.

The Madam can make 20 and 100 of these wolf type magical beasts submit. For Rheinbach-sama to be considered at the same level as her, isn’t that amazing? No, it’s definitely amazing.

While I was thinking that, Elia called out to me.

“Ryouma-san, what are you thinking about?” [Elia]
“I just thought that Rheinbach-sama was pretty amazing, considering he’s actually on the same level as the Madam.” [Ryouma]

When Elia heard that, she smiled. I wonder if it’s because her family was praised. But when the Madam beside me heard my words, she denied it.

“Ryouma-kun, you’re a little off there. Father-in-law and I are not of the same level. Father-in-law is in fact, on a level higher than me.” [Madam]
“Really?” [Ryouma]
“That’s right. I may have more slave monsters, but father-in-law’s slave monsters are on a different level. He may not even have 20 of them, but if the adventurer’s guild were to put up a subjugation request for those, each one of those magical beasts would be classified as an A rank magical beast. In fact, half of his slave monsters are dragons.” [Madam]
“Dragons!?” [Ryouma]

I may have never seen a dragon, but I know that having close to 10 dragons, is something dangerous!! Moreover, all of them possess the power of a magical beast that’s A Rank, up. And for one person to actually possess all that, that’s overkill!! … Isn’t Rheinbach-sama an even bigger cheat than I am?

“… What’s the matter with dragons?” [Rheinbach]

Asked Rheinbach-sama, when he heard my voice.

“I heard about Rheinbach-sama’s slave monsters just now. Amazing. To think that Rheinbach-sama would be able to tame several dragons.” [Ryouma]
“In my case, I was just lucky. I may have also had the aptitude for it, but starting out with a dragon was really strong. I collected those kind of dragons and I made them my slave monsters. As allies they’re quite reassuring, but I can’t call them out for petty things, otherwise it would cause a huge commotion.” [Rheinbach]

Well that’s true…

“Moreover, I’m nothing compared to the founder of slave magic, Shiho Jamil-sama. From what I’d heard, the founder didn’t have any restrictions on the number of contracts that could be possessed. Moreover, the founder had an aptitude for all magical beasts, and was able to contract any kind of beast, regardless of how strong, or how hard they were to tame. And according to the records, the number of slave monsters the founder had couldn’t be counted.” [Rheinbach]

By founder, he’s referring to an otherworlder, right? Then in that case, isn’t the reason she was able to do that, because of her cheats? Although, from what I’d heard from Gayn and the others, she seemed to be a nice person.

For someone like me who understands that, I’m more interested in what Rheinbach-sama’s dragons normally do, rather than any story about the founder.

“That Shiho-sama seems to be an amazing person, huh? … By the way, what do Rheinbach-sama’s slave monsters normally do?” [Ryouma]
“They’re staying in a mountain within my territory. It’s a dangerous mountain because the magical beasts there are too strong. With no one coming there, I had them stay there while preventing the monsters from going down to human settlements.” [Rheinbach]
“I see.” [Ryouma]
“Slave magic users that possess powerful magical beasts have an inclination to have a problem with finding a place for those beasts to stay. So in the future, when you tame a powerful magical beast, and find it difficult to find a home for it, just let us know, ok?” [Rheinbach]
“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

When I run out of space in my space magic, I’ll talk to them about it. 

I steady my breath, then I release magic power towards the three slimes before me.

That magic power caused the slimes to shake and jump. Because it can’t be seen, if someone were to see this, they’d just assume that the slimes were shaking.

But because I have the ‘Magic Perception’ skill, I know what’s happening. The slimes are reacting to the magic power, and are absorbing it little by little.

“As expected…” [Ryouma]

I thought of this when I saw the slime’s evolution yesterday. That time, the slime released magic power, and then it absorbed it. And because the heal slimes were able to use healing magic, I knew that the slimes definitely possessed magic power.

I think the reason the slime can evolve to heal slime, is because of healing magic. Following that train of thought, if I used fire magic and ice magic, then I should also be able to make a slime according to that, right? Or so I thought before, and at that time I failed, but… what about now?

That time, I used magic several times to no effect. And with offensive magic, the slimes would only end up hurt, so I stopped. But what about this?

I release magic a second time. This time I release it while visualizing the magic power as if it’s burning up, just like when I use fire magic. The image one comes up with is different from person to person, but by doing this, one who possesses neutral magic power will be able to change that magic power into that of the fire element. Whether one is able to do this or not depends on the person, but it also depends on the attribute one possesses.

Normally, when I change the attribute of my magic power, I’ll end up firing off magic at the same time, but just right before that, I stop myself and release it as only magic power.

“Doing this is more sensitive than using magic normally.” [Ryouma]

As I kept releasing magic like that towards the slimes, the slimes slowly began to absorb magic power, slower.

When I tried changing the attributes after that, I understood that two out of three of the slimes, liked earth attribute. And one of them preferred dark attribute.

After that, while waiting for the cloths to dry, I continued to give the three slimes magic power until I almost ran out. It would be great if I could make the slimes evolve like this… anyway, there’s no harm to the slimes, so I guess I’ll keep this up.

After that, I took a break, and when the cloths finished drying, I went back to the town, and headed towards Zeke’s store.

When I got there, a boy around 14 or 15, greeted me.

“Welcome! May I know what kind of meat you’re looking for?” [Boy]
“Excuse me, I have business with your boss.” [Ryouma]
“I see. Boss! There’s a customer who’s looking for you!” [Boy]

At those words, Zeke-san, who was covered in blood, came out.

Pale skin, and thin to the point where he looks sick. On top of that, blood-stained clothes… Looking at this person, he’s quite scary, although in a different way from Wogan.

“Well, if it isn’t Ryouma-kun. What business do you have?” [Zeke]
“Actually…” [Ryouma]

I explained the situation.

“There was a slime like that? Alright, then in that case you can take as much blood as you want from my store. Since, I won’t be using them anyway.” [Zeke]
“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
“Do you need it now? I have a lot right now, since some young adventurers brought a lot of spoils with them.” [Zeke]
“I’ll take it then. Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

I entered Zeke-san’s workplace. In there, five men were working. Alongside the wall, there was a joist with many hooks attached to it. On those, several beasts hang by a cord, as it was drained of its blood.

“Over here.” [Zeke]

I was brought to two big containers that were right underneath the beasts. Inside those were all of the beast’s blood. That container was nearly as long as the room, itself.

“Thank you very much. Is it ok if let the slime drink this?” [Ryouma]
“Go ahead.” [Zeke]

After getting permission, I let the bloody slime go inside the container. In the blink of an eye, the bloody slime sucked in all of the blood.

The men who were working also told me, that it was convenient for them. Apparently, they need to get rid of all these blood when it gets full, but doing that is a hassle. And even if it’s not full, they still have to wash it thoroughly. So it’s quite convenient for them to have it cleaned like this, since on top of being big, it’s quite heavy.

“When a big game comes, just like today, it take a lot of effort just to drain all of the blood.” [Zeke]
“I see.” [Ryouma] 

After that, Zeke-san told me to come whenever I need blood. On top of that, I also got some spoiled meats and bones. It would have just been thrown away, so Zeke-san generously gave these to me. With this, I’ve managed to secure some feed for the scavenger slimes and the acid slimes.

Thank you, Zeke-san.

After that, I left Zeke-san’s store…

“Walk briskly!” [Man]
“It hurts!” [Man 2]
“What are ya bitches looking at, huh!?” [Man]
“This ain’t a show!” [Man 3]
“Shut up and walk!! [Man]

From my store, I saw some ill-bred men leave as they were escorted by the guards. Did something happen!?

I hurriedly enter my store, and when I got there, the employees were gathered.

“Is everyone ok!?” [Ryouma]
“Ah, Boss!” [Karma]
“I happened to pass by chance, and I notice some guys were being escorted by the guards. Is everyone alright?” [Ryouma]
“We’re alright~, and no one was injured either. ~” [Jeanne]
“Fei-san stopped them, all by himself!” [Maria]
“Really? Thank you very much, Fei-san.” [Ryouma]
“Don’t mind. This is also a part of my job.” [Fei]

“Fei-san and Li Ling-san were the guards of this store, huh? We didn’t know that at all.” [Fina]
“Well, it’s because there was no need to talk about it.” [Fei]
“You really saved us today. Fei-san and Li Ling were, of course, a great help. And because Ryouma-sama employed the two of you, the store, the employees, and all the customers were unharmed.” [Karla]
“Oh, no, no. I didn’t do anything at all.” [Ryouma]

After all, I got there when everything had already ended.

As I was thinking that, Li Ling-san said this.

“Boss, I have something I need to talk about with you. It’s about a countermeasure that will be necessary from here on out.” [Li Ling]

Being told that, I went with her inside the store, along with Karma-san and Karla-san, while the store was left to Fei-san and the three girls.

When we got to the office, she began to talk.

“Although I say it’s a countermeasure, there’s nothing particularly wrong with the way things are now. As long as my dad is around, there won’t be any problems. If it’s just something along the likes of ill-bred ruffians, then my dad can handle it all by himself. But there’s something I want to ask Boss. Boss, do you remember anyone holding a grudge against you?” [Li Ling]
“Someone who hates me?” [Ryouma]
“It seems that those ruffians were hired by someone. While waiting for the guards to arrive, we used some truth serum to make them spill the beans, so it’s definitely correct.” [Li Ling]

Hearing that, I tried thinking about it, and…

“I once had a dispute with an adventurer group of 40 people, and I beat them up… And then, there’s that guild master from the tamer guild who seems to hate me.” [Ryouma]

I guess it’s possible that they hold a grudge. And then there’s Matthew. But while I don’t think there’s any reason for him to hate me…

“Then in that case, I think the suspicious one is the guild master. The ruffians did say that they were paid quite a bit. The amount they were paid wasn’t something you’d pay to a ruffian, even if there were a few of them. There might be someone who would pay that much, even at the cost of being able to live. But then, the number of people who would do such a thing is exceedingly small.” [Li Ling]
“The ruffians today, quarreled with the customers, and started ranting with a loud voice.” [Karma]
“Fei-san, being cautious of that, subdued them, but…” [Karla]

Certainly, that isn’t the kind of act you’d pay someone at the cost of your own lifestyle. After all, if such a person hated me that much, he’d personally come to hurt me, right?

“Then in that case, it’s Matthew, huh?” [Ryouma]
“Is that the name of the guild master of the tamer guild?” [Karma]
“Yes. He looked down on the fact, that I haven’t tamed any monster aside from slimes. And because I have a relationship with the duke, he’s quite envious of me.” [Ryouma]
“Well, that kind of person can be found anywhere… While we haven’t confirmed whether that man is the culprit or not, we should take some precautions.” [Karla]
“It’s good that the ruffians knew, but it looks like the other side’s also being careful not to be found out.” [Li Ling]
“If our profits were to get out, then this kind of thing will more or less happen. There’s nothing else to it, aside from preparing, and dealing with it each time it happens.” [Ryouma]

The discussion proceeded like this. First, Karla-san and Karma-san will go to the merchant guild, and inform the guild master about today’s incident. As for me, I’ll let the duke know of what happened today.

And then, from today onwards, Fei-san and Li Ling-san will be in charge of the security during the day. During the night, I’ll release the slimes to patrol the premises and the store. Like this, we were able to finalize our course of action.

When I got back to the lodging, I talked to Rheinhart-san. But because he wanted me to hire some guards using his influence, it almost became a serious matter.

The ones he wanted me to hire immediately, were all either former soldiers or knights. They were all apparently veterans who had retired after suffering a wound, but unfortunately, those are not the kind of people that my store would hire. Incidentally, one of the people he wanted to introduce to me, was a former leader of the knights. Apparently, he was Rheinbach-sama’s comrade in arms… you think I can hire someone like that!!?

We took some time negotiating, and after a while, it was decided that it’ll be under observation for now.

Come to think of it, I inadvertently ignored it, but Li Ling-san actually even had truth serum with her… Well, she’s dependable, so whatever.

I guess I’ll retire for the day.

The Next Day

“Ugh, ughh… my, my head… It, hurts…” [Rheinhart]

I couldn’t see Elia and the others yesterday, so when I woke up today, I went over to their room to check up on them. There, I saw Rheinhart-san, suffering from a hangover.

“Ara, good morning, Ryouma-kun.” [Madam]
“Good morning, everyone.” [Ryouma]
“Ryouma-kun…” [Rheinhart]
“Looks painful. Should I make you some medicine?” [Ryouma]
“Mind if I ask you to…?” [Rheinhart]
“No problem.” [Ryouma]

Using warp, I went over to different stores to buy the things I need. First, I dropped by at the chemist to buy the ingredients. Then I went to the grocery to look for a fruit. When I found it, I bought it and went back to the lodging. As soon as I got back, I immediately concocted the medicine, and a fruit juice that can be drank with it.

“Here, please drink this. Then afterwards, please drink some water.” [Ryouma]

It would’ve been great if I was able to buy some Japanese persimmons, or some of the clams used for miso soup though. There were plenty of otherworlders in this world, so there should probably be some somewhere, right? I guess I’ll go looking for it next time.

“Th… thanks…I’ll drink it…” [Rheinhart]
“I think it would be better if you don’t drink alcohol too much, Rheinhart-san.” [Ryouma]
“I’m ashamed… yesterday was… ugh… it hurts…” [Rheinhart]

From what I’d gathered after listening to the groaning Rheinhart-san. It would appear that in order to curry favor, some of the people in charge continued to give them liquor and extravagant food, one after another.

The madam may have been fine, but Elia was a different story. Elia had only just recently become able to drink alcohol legally, and was still not used to it. Because of this, she was not able to pace herself.

That’s why there were also people who tried to stop them from making her drink too much, but because some were just too persistent, Rheinhart-san ended up drinking a lot in her place.

When I heard that, I became worried. Elia, are you alright with that kind of stuff? When you grow up, won’t that kind of stuff increase? I’m alright, since I won’t get hangovers or end up dead drunk because of Tekun-sama’s divine protection. And while I don’t know how much alcohol my body can take, I still have my experience from my previous life.

Speaking of which, should I test how much I can drink with this body?

While I was thinking that, I saw Rheinhart-san drink the medicine and the juice. Seeing that, I left the lodging.

It’s a bit late, but I’ll go to store. And then, after checking the store a bit, I left.

Afterwards, I decided to also go to the abandoned mine, since there’s something I wanted to try out. And along the way, also catch some slimes.

But before going, I thought I’d to the guild to get an herb collection quest, since it’s pretty convenient to collect the herbs along the way.

“Hello, Meilin-san.” [Ryouma]
“Ara, Ryouma-kun. Are you here to take a request?” [Meilin]
“Yes, since the employees have already become capable enough to take care of the shop on their own.” [Ryouma]
“To think that you’re actually already able to have your own store and hire people at your age, you’re quite the successful little boy, aren’t you?” [Meilin]
“It’s because my luck is good.” [Ryouma]
“Really? Ah, while this isn’t a request, I think it might be good for you to hear this.” [Meilin]

Not a request?

“What are you talking about?” [Ryouma]
“Actually, there’s a party of five adventurers that came from a different village. But the thing is that party actually came here to bring a rare slime they caught.” [Meilin]

What!?

“Can I hear more regarding that?” [Ryouma]
“Catching a rare beast, or providing information regarding the locations frequented by rare beasts, will normally get one, a sizeable reward from the tamer guild. And so, that party went to the tamer guild with a rare slime they’d caught, and they tried to sell it. But let alone be compensated poorly for the rare slime, their hopes for a transaction weren’t even entertained.

Because they’re still young, it would appear that they weren’t privy to the fact that despite being rare, almost all types of slime aren’t purchased. Your heal slimes are a different story though. Anyway, in the end, that party, having spent a lot of money to come here, looks to be at a complete loss on what to do.” [Meilin]

“In other words, you want me to buy that slime from them?” [Ryouma]
“Exactly. Well, what do you think? Want it?” [Meilin]
“Yes, very much. Could you tell me where that group is staying at?” [Ryouma]
“They’re staying at a cheap inn over at the east district, called Badger Inn. And the name of their group is, ‘Bridge of Scheme’.” [Meilin]
“Thank you very much. I’ll go now.” [Ryouma]

I immediately left the guild, and hurriedly went towards the Badger Inn.

I was able to easily find the Badger Inn, but… from looking outside, it looks really worn out. What is this supposed to be? An abandoned building? Anyway, for the meantime, let’s try to enter…

When I entered the inn, the man at the counter bluntly said this.

“Welcome. You a customer?” [Man]
“I have business with the ‘Bridge of Scheme’ that’s supposed to be staying here. Are they here?” [Ryouma]
“They are.” [Man]

As he said that, he pointed towards the door to the right.

“They’re eating over there at the bar that doubles as a cafeteria. One of them has been drinking since daytime while complaining, so watch yourself.” [Man]
“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

A bit blunt, but he’s a nice guy. I open the door, and enter the cafeteria. When I got inside, there were only five customers. Seeing that, I immediately understood that they’re the party Meilin was talking about. All of them looked to be around the latter half of their tens.

“Excuse me, are you the members of the party known as, ‘Bridge of Scheme’?” [Ryouma]

“Mn? And you are?” [Adventurer]
“Please excuse the late introduction, my name is Ryouma Takebayashi. I am a slave magic user and an adventurer.” [Ryouma]
“Hah! You? A brat like you is an adventurer?” [Adventurer]
“Stop it, Thayne. Sorry, this guy’s mood is a bit bad…” [Adventurer 2]
“I heard that you brought a rare slime with you, and failed when you tried to sell it to the guild.” [Ryouma]
“Yeah, and what…” [Adventurer 2]
“Hahhh!!? Then what, bitch? You came here to pick a fight!?” [Thayne]

The guy called Thayne, stood up, and walked towards me. But his party members stopped him.

“No, I didn’t come here to pick a fight.” [Ryouma]
“What? Then I guess you came here to make fun of us, huh!? For even a brat like this… fuck this shit!! Yeah, that’s right! We’re morons! We thought we’d make a killing by selling a rare magical beast, and we even went so far as to spend a lot of money just to get here. And in the end we couldn’t even sell it and made a huge loss instead!! But why do we have to be made fun of by a bitch like you!!?” [Thayne]

As Thayne said that, he broke down crying. Looks like he’s completely drunk. A bad case of persecution complex to go with it too.

“Thayne” [Adventurer 2]
“Calm down” [Adventurer 3]
“I’ll take Thayne to the room. He can’t talk like this after all.” [Adventure 4]
“I’ll go too.” [Adventurer 5]

The two men, who I’m unacquainted with, took Thayne to their room.

“Let’s do this again. We are the ‘Bridge of Scheme’, and I’m their leader, Shin.” [Adventurer 2]
“And I’m Gai. Sorry about Thayne.” [Adventurer 3]
“It’s fine.” [Ryouma]
“Thanks. Then, what business do you have with us?” [Shin]

Oh, right. That’s what’s important! Who cares about whether there’s a drunk or not!

“Just as I’ve mentioned a while ago, I would like to purchase the slime.” [Ryouma]
“That slime?” [Shin]
“I’m happy that you want to buy the slime, but why? We were laughed at a lot by the tamer guild, you know?” [Gai]

“It’s because I’m gathering slimes and researching them. Because of that, I want to acquire rare slimes.” [Ryouma]
“You’re gathering slimes? That’s quite odd. But just as Gai had mentioned, we’d be grateful if you took it off our hands.” [Shin]
“So you’ll let me purchase it, then? How much will it be?” [Ryouma]
“Right… how about you decide. After all, we were told by the tamer guild that a price can’t be attached to it, so it’s quite difficult for us to name a price.” [Shin]
“As long as you can pay it, anything’s fine. After all, we’re leaving tomorrow anyway.” [Gai]

“Is that so? Then, could you show me that slime? If it’s one of the slimes I’m already raising, then I’ll buy it cheaply. But if it’s not, then I’ll pay plenty for it.” [Ryouma]
“Alright, that’s fine.” [Shin]
“Give me a sec, I’ll bring it out now.” [Gai]

As Gai said that, he stood up from his seat, and came back with a box after 3 seconds.

“There’s a slime inside this. Carefully take a look.” [Gai]
“Excuse me.” [Ryouma]

I open the lid while being careful, and took a look at the slime in there.

That slime was dark red. And compared to normal slimes, its body was a lot more muddy and closer to liquid. After I’d confirmed that, I closed the lid.

“How is it?” [Shin]
“It’s not one of the slimes I’m raising, so I’ll put a high price on it… Excuse me for asking, but may I know how much you’ve spent until now?” [Ryouma]
“Around 5,000 suits. We cut as much as we could on our expenses, but we couldn’t cut it any further than this.” [Shin]

Hearing that, I took out a small gold coin from my ‘Item Box’.

“Then in that case, I’ll pay double of that for 10,000 suits.” [Ryouma]

When they heard that, the two couldn’t help but be flustered.

“Seriously!?” [Gai]
“Is it really ok to buy a slime for 1 small gold coin?” [Shin]
“Of course. After all, it’s thanks to everyone that I’ll be able to acquire a new slime.” [Ryouma]

There’s nothing regrettable about getting a new slime for 1 small gold coin!

“I, I see… we don’t have any complaints here either.” [Shin]
“Then in that case, please take this.” [Ryouma]

I hand over the small gold coin to Shin-san.

“Certainly.” [Shin]
“Then, I’ll be taking this slime. Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
“The one who should be thanking is us.” [Gai]
“With this, our concerns regarding money will be gone. I guess Thayne should calm down too.” [Shin]

Well, it’s not like I don’t understand how that guy feels… after all, there was also a time where I didn’t have any money, and was extremely worried.

Speaking of which, isn’t there a lucrative request that should be coming out soon?

“By the way, if you want to make some money, then I think it’ll be better if you stay in the town for a bit longer. From what I hear, there’s an outbreak of a certain monster that will occur in a nearby swamp. And apparently. that monster can be sold as ingredients for a high price. As long as you’re able to ignore the stench, then it should reap you plenty of profits.” [Ryouma]
“Really?” [Shin]
“Yes, please confirm it at the guild. And while I’m not privy to the exact date of the outbreak, it should be soon.” [Ryouma]
“You’ve saved us!” [Gai]
“Thanks for the information. Isn’t there anyway we can repay you?” [Shin]

I don’t really need any thanks though. Oh right. Since it’s like this, I could try advertising.

“Then in that case, please come over to my store. As a sideline, I opened up a laundry agency… though it turn out to become way bigger than a sideline.” [Ryouma]
“Laundry agency?” [Shin]
“Yes. You can get whatever clothes that fit into a bag, bought from the store for 1 medium copper coin, washed. Moreover, there’s a special option for adventurers that will clean armor and equipment, for only 1 medium coper coin and 5 small copper coins.” [Ryouma]
“There was such a store?” [Gai]
“Alright. It’s cheap too, so we’ll give it a shot.” [Shin]

“Thank you very much. The store is located at the east district, before the residential area. There’s also a lot of adventurers that come, so if you’re lost, just ask someone and you should find the way.” [Ryouma]
“We’ll definitely go.” [Gai]
“Thanks for everything.” [Shin]

I took the stone box, left the Badger Inn, and then headed towards the abandoned mine. After all, that’s the best place to perform slime research. I also won’t have to pay attention to my surroundings.

The first thing I did when I got to the abandoned mine, was to start the production of the waterproof cloth. Today’s quota is 50 sheets.

I’m here anyway, so if I don’t do it now, it’ll be my loss.

After I finished that, I went to taming the slime. I gently open the lid of the stone box, gazed at the slime, and then contracted it. Afterwards, I used ‘Monster Identify’ on it. At which, this came out.

Bloody Slime
Skills

The problem is its feed. Since its feed is blood, I wonder what I should do.

“I guess I’ll hunt a suitable magical beast.” [Ryouma]

I order the slimes to play by themselves without going too far, then I take the bloody slime with me to go hunting.

When the slimes got my orders, there were dozens of slimes who took out some staff and spears for practice purposes, and started practicing.

… Looks like there were some zealous slimes…

Several slimes assembled and started practicing the staff techniques, spear techniques, and Taijutsu I had taught them. The slimes performed the techniques I thought them, form after form, learning by rote. And then, there were also slimes that sparred against each other. It feels like their movements are gradually becoming better.

While I was thinking that, I went off with the bloody slime to find some prey. And after some time, I found a horn rabbit.

I took out a bow and arrow from my ‘Item Box’, then with one hit, I felled the horn rabbit. Afterwards, I went over to the corpse of the horn rabbit, then I let the bloody slime eat. When the bloody slime got my order, it slid closer to the horn rabbit’s corpse, and then it began to suck the blood coming from the wound.

Bloodsucking, huh? Well, there’re also living beings that sucked blood back in Earth. Like, mosquitoes or fleas… Come to think of it, there was also a bird that drank blood, right? I guess it feels something like that…!?

While I was observing the bloody slime, I tried to form a conjecture regarding its ecology. But while I was doing that, the bloody slime, whose body was already closer to liquid than other slimes, made its body even more like liquid, then it entered the horn rabbit’s body.

“It entered the body through the wound?” [Ryouma]

Unexpected…

To start off with, the bloody slime’s body was already not sticky, making it different from the other slimes. But now it started to become even less muddy as it became silky like liquid. And like that, it entered the blood vessels of the horned rabbit, and stuck itself to the blood as it sucked it.

“This nature is again quite different as opposed as to the other slimes. There was actually a slime like this.” [Ryouma]

While I was being shocked by the bloody slime’s behavior, the bloody slime went out from inside the horn rabbit’s body… Its color was dark red, as if someone had just blown out blood or something. It’s a little ghastly.

After I confirmed that the bloody slime had fully gotten out, I used ‘Identify’ on the corpse of the horn rabbit.

How is it?

Corpse of the horn rabbit.
It is possible to extract the horn, the meat, and the pelt.
Because it was felled in one shot by the nock of an arrow, the horn and the pelt have received little damage, and are thus, considered a high quality commodity.
It has also had its blood drained as soon as it was killed, causing the foul smell to decrease. Because of this, the meat is considered to be a high quality commodity.

I get the horn and the pelt, but what’s up with the meat? Drain? Is it referring to the bloody slime’s ‘Bloodsucking’? It’s that, right? I can’t think of anything else aside from that. But while it’s good that it’s a high class commodity, it doesn’t have any diseases, right?

As I thought that, I used ‘Identify’ another time to look for diseases. Seeing that there were none, I was relieved.

As an adventurer and as a hunter, I think this ability is really convenient.

When I got back to the mine, I took apart the horn rabbit’s body. When I tried cooking and eating it, I found out that its stench had really gone down, and has become really delicious. The stench disappearing might also have something to do with its ‘Deodorization’ skill.

… Does this mean that in order to make a slime evolve into a bloody slime, I’ll have to make it drink blood?

“Then I guess, I’ll have to gather some blood… but how? It’s not like I could go harvest a huge amount of beasts and magical beasts from around here…” [Ryouma]

If I mobilize the slimes, then I should be able to gather a significant amount. But then, the ecosystem here might be affected. And I’ll also end up ruining other adventurer’s jobs.

“Oh, I got it! I should try talking to Zeke-san.” [Ryouma]

Zeke-san is a butcher. Since it seems he also buys meat from adventurers, it might be possible to have him drain and put aside some blood for me. I should talk to him when I get back.

After that, I went back to the abandoned mine. At which, I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten to capture some slimes.

So I went around looking for some slimes. And in the end, I was able to catch 3 from the tunnels.

After I had tamed them, the cloths still weren’t finished drying. So I decided to try out an experiment.

Even if you deduct the sales of the bags, it’s still around 20,000 suits. This too, is thanks to the cleaner slimes and to everyone.

“Speaking of which, what about the others?” [Ryouma]
“They’re gathered at the employee lounge, and are confirming the earnings.” [Karla]
“Confirming the earnings?” [Ryouma]
“Because the earnings for today have medium copper coins, and small copper coins mixed up, they are currently segregating those while calculating and confirming that the amount is correct.” [Karla]
“So it’s something like that? In that case, let’s go help out.” [Ryouma]
“Please don’t, that’s servant work…” [Karla]
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Even if it’s only in name, I am the boss of this store. I’m also everyone’s comrade when it comes to this job. So I’ll help out.” [Ryouma]
“I understand. However, Ryouma-sama, you are not a manager by name, alone. You are the real boss of this store.” [Karla]

Together with Karla-san, I headed towards the employee lounge… is what I’d like to say, but really, the room is right next to us.

“Thanks for you hard work.” [Ryouma]
“Boss, thanks for today.” [Karma]
“Thanks for today.” [Fina, Jeanne, Maria, Li Ling, Fei]

When I entered, Karma-san was the first to greet me. Afterwards, the other five followed. There is a huge amount of copper coins lying on top of the big table. Looks like they’re counting by hand, one at a time.

“Thank you very much for all your hard work, everyone. It’s really a huge help to me, that I’m able to leave all the work to you guys.” [Ryouma]
“There’s no such thing, you know? After all, this store is treating us really well~” [Jeanne]
“Exactly, Ryouma-sama. Being able to do this much, is only a given, since we were hired as workers after all.” [Karma]

At Karma-san’s words, everyone in the room nodded. Karla-san, who was behind me, also nodded.

“I see. Thank you for that. Then, shall we continue? You were counting these coins, right?” [Ryouma]
“Yes. However, just with us, alone, it should be fine…” [Karma]
“The more hands, the better. Besides, this is a huge amount.” [Ryouma]

Today’s earning is 26,036 suits. And all of that is in small and medium copper coins. In other words, 1 suit, and 10 suits. That’s why it’s only natural, that there’d be so many copper coins.

“Then in that case, please, over here…” [Karma]
“There’s a spot beside me, Ryouma-sama.” [Fei]
“Excuse me.” [Ryouma]

I sit beside Fei-san, and begin counting the copper coins. Still, this is taking quite a bit of time… If you include me, with all 8 of us, the work should go faster, but…

And then, after around a minute of working like that, something hit me. Or rather, I remembered. There was that thing that could be found in a bank, wasn’t it?

I quickly take out a bag of quicklime. As I did that, the other seven looked at me. Without minding them, I used ‘Identify’ on a small copper coin. What is the diameter and the thickness of this coin?

Small Copper Coin; 1 Suit
The smallest coin; made out of copper. Diameter: 0.9cm; Thickness: 2mm

Alright! I’ve changed my opinion. I might actually be able to use this new ‘Identify’.

“Boss? What are you doing? Using ‘Identify’ on the coin… are you actually checking for counterfeit money?” [Fei]
“No, I just thought I’d make a tool.” [Ryouma]
“Tool?” [Fei]
“Please look. ‘Create Block’” [Ryouma]

Using ‘Create Block’ I transform the quicklime, into an oblong building stone. But I made the insides of the building stone, hollow, turning it into some sort of box. I remove one end of the box with ‘Break Rock’, with this, if you incline it, then the object inside will fall.

Furthermore, I use earth magic on the part that has become hollow, and cause a 5×10 square, with each grid extending 1 cm in all directions, to swell and make lines. The height of the swollen part is 2mm. With this, one copper coin can enter one grid.

When I used ‘Identify’, this is what happened.
Building Stone (Quicklime) Length: 14cm Width: 7cm Height: 1cm
Quicklime that has been hardened with earth magic. The shape has been warped according to its maker’s will.

Good, it’s a success!

“Boss, what is that?’ [Karma]
“You use this, like this.” [Ryouma]

As I said that, I put the two copper coins I was holding, inside the building stone. I pin down the end, and shake it, left and right. The coins made a jingling sound, and when all the coins fitted into the grids, I let go of the part I was holding, and the coins that couldn’t fit into a grid, went back to the mountain of copper coins. After that, I had Fei-san count the copper coins that managed to fit into the grids of the building stone.

“Fei-san, can you count these copper coins?” [Ryouma]
“Alright, I’ll count them.” [Fei]

And so, Fei-san began to count. When Fei-san got close to finishing, his eyes gave a piercing gaze.

“50 pieces. Exactly 50 pieces. Boss, you made another convenient tool, huh?” [Fei]

As Fei-san said that, Karma-san, Karla-san, and Li Ling-san all noticed the advantage of using this building stone. The 3 girls didn’t seem to notice, though. So I had them count, next. I quickly put in, the copper coins, shake it, and then distribute the remaining copper coins to the three.

“Umm… it’s 50.” [Jeanne]
“50.” [Maria]
“It’s 50 here, too. How come?’ [Fina]
“Currencies are generally decided by their thickness and size. So exactly 50 pieces are able to fit in the grid, within the building stone. In other words, if you put small copper coins into this, it will be exactly 50 pieces.” [Ryouma]
“Amazing!” [Fina]
“Ryouma-sama, could you also make that for us?” [Karma]
“Of course.” [Ryouma]
“Eh? Eh??” [Jeanne]

Looks like one of the 3 girls, Jeanne, still couldn’t get it. These guys are clearly hardworking people, but it would appear that they’re bad at thinking. Well, it looks like I was at least able to make Fina-san and Maria-san understand the benefits of this. And so, the two began explaining to Jeanne about the building stone.

I went back to the bag of quicklime, and used ‘Create Block’ to make several building blocks, and then distributed it to the others. After that, I also used ‘Identify’ on the medium copper coin, and then made several building blocks that can fit a hundred medium copper coin, and then distributed them as well.

The result of that, was that we were able to proceed smoothly. And without even taking 10 minutes, we managed to count everything.

When we finished counting, I noticed that it was mostly small copper coins. I thought there would be more medium copper coins, but as it turns out, there’re more customers that pay with the small copper coin.

After that, I asked about the state of the store. Like, if there’s anything troubling them or something.

“Something troubling?” [Maria]
“There’s nothing in particular, right guys? ~” [Jeanne]
“This store treats us well, so naturally, we won’t have any complaints.” [Fina]
“Anyone who would have the galls to complain while working in a store like this, is just too spoiled.” [Fei]
“Really? Isn’t the salary too chea–!!” [Ryouma]

Not good. I forgot to give them a rest day! What employee benefits!? I actually made them work without letting them rest!

“What’s wrong, boss? Your face suddenly became pale.” [Fei]
“… I forgot about giving you guys a rest day.” [Ryouma]

When everyone heard my words, they doubted their ears. And then, Jeanne-san yelled.

“Boss! You couldn’t possibly be thinking of going so far as to even give us a rest day!?” [Jeanne]

Eh, what’s with this reaction… isn’t that a given? Well, it’s not really something I should say after I forgot about it, but…

As I take a better look, everyone seemed to be same, and was giving me looks of surprise.

“I think it would be better if you guys had at least one rest day in a week. Have a fixed holiday, once every week, and then by alternating with someone…” [Ryouma]

When I said that, the three girls suddenly became really happy. I was a bit confused at that reaction, and so Karla-san explained it to me.

“Boss, amongst those who leave their homes to work, there aren’t many who are able to get rest. In the case where they don’t possess a certain ability, they get exploited, and are even paid poorly. But, in this store, it’s completely different. Not only are they treated well, they are even given a high salary. With these kind of conditions, it’s only normal to assume that they won’t be given any rest days.” [Karla]
“Moreover, not having a rest day is not only limited to workers that came from somewhere far. Even small stores and groceries, don’t have any rest day except for special events. After all, if they were to give out rest days, then the management will have a harder time. So it isn’t strange at all for there to no rest days.” [Karma]

In other words, stores that can barely get by, huh? Well, there are those kind of stores, too.

“When we went out of our village, our parents apologized to us a lot, you know? “Sorry for pushing this painful job to you,” they said.” [Jeanne]
“I heard that if we were to be hired by someone bad, then forget about being paid dirt cheap and being exploited, even our chastity would be in danger.” [Maria] 

This world handles their employees pretty bad, huh? As I thought that, I looked over to Karla-san…

“Employers that pursue a physical relationship do go against the law, but unfortunately, there are employers that do such things. There’s not that many of them, but still, as an employee, it’s something that one needs to watch out for.” [Karla]

Well, there was also sexual harassment in the previous world. So I guess this is one thing that won’t change, regardless of whether you change worlds or not.

“My store treasures its employees, and aims for a healthy management. So everyone, please rest assured.” [Ryouma]

When I said that, everyone broke into smiles, and said, “Please take care of us.”

Regarding the rest day, they said that it’s a waste to make it now, since we can’t interrupt the flow of customers right now. So it was instead decided, that they would take a holiday in shifts, one day at a time.

While we were having that discussion, I noticed that the time was approaching 9 o’clock, so I bid everyone goodbye, and went back to the lodging. I ended up out late again, so I might get scolded.

When I got to the lodging, Elia and the others had already gotten home.

I leave my belongings in my room, and went to Elia’s room.

There, I heard from Sebasu-san and Rheinbach-sama, that they were welcomed by the public office, today. Several scandalous things had happened, so from the looks of things, it seems that they were trying to curry favor.

Naturally though, such a thing wouldn’t have any effect. And in the end, it turned into Rheinbach-sama giving a sermon to the people in charge.

Several of the top brasses of the public office had already been arrested and fired. And as for the others, they had their pay reduced. But on top of all that, people were hired to manage the members of the public office, including the new heads. Looks like, from here on, the public office will be strictly managed by those guys.

When I asked whether those guys were from the village.

“Well, the town obviously lacks people to manage the town, so…” [Sebasu]
“Unless, we more or less beat the guts of a decent person into them, and train them, we won’t be able to supplement the town with enough usable man power. After all, there’s a limit to the number of people that we can really trust.” [Rheinbach]

Is how he replied. Makes sense…

By the way, because Elia was apparently given wine, she is already sound asleep. Even during my store’s opening party, despite having only drank one glass, her face became flushed. It seems she isn’t very good with alcohol.

Rheinhart-san and the Madam also seem to be asleep already, so I decided not to overstay and cause them trouble, so I left.

The two responded by slightly nodding their heads.

“First, I’d like you both to introduce yourselves. Also, if there are any kind of conditions you wish to have in your contract, then please, do mention it. Let’s start with the man, first.” [Ryouma]

I first called out to the guy on the right. I’ll also have the girl talk later… but honestly there’s something quite concerning about these two. First, their attire. The clothes they’re wearing are quite different from what people generally wear. Those are the kind you’d see in a Chinese movie. And on top of that, that cane the guy is holding, and that girl’s hair ornament…

While I was observing the two, the man spoke.

“My name is Fei. And this is my daughter, Li Ling. We’d be glad if you could hire the both of us.” [Fei]

Wow! They even talk like the Chinese flicks! And to think that they’re actually father and daughter…

“You guys are relatives?” [Ryouma]
“She doesn’t look like me, right? It’s because she takes after her mother. Also, there’s something I need to tell you.” [Fei]

As he said that, he showed me his right leg. On that right leg, there was a brace affixed to it.

“I’m a merchant from a country called Gilmar. We ran away from the country because of the war. And ever since we got here, we’ve had nothing but bad luck as we had our money stolen time and time again.

Since we didn’t have any money at the start, I thought of making even a little by mining. But then the cave collapsed, and now my right leg’s broken. Unfortunately, I don’t have any money to get it healed with magic, so it’s going to take time to heal. Can I still be hired even with this injury?” [Fei]

A broken bone, huh? If I remember right, you can heal that with several casts of ‘High Heal’, or alternatively, one cast of a ‘Mega Heal’. I can’t use either, but my slime can. Though then again, even if I don’t heal him and have him work as a receptionist for the meantime, there won’t be any problem.

“You can work as a receptionist for the mean time, so there won’t be any problem in regards to your leg.” [Ryouma]
“Really?” [Fei]
“Working as a receptionist is also something admirable. As long as you are able to interact well with the customers, there won’t be any problems. As for the salary, is there anything you have in mind?” [Ryouma]
“None. As long as I can be compensated enough to live, then it’s fine.” [Fei]

“I see. Then, next, is the young miss… Li Ling-san, right? Is there anything you’re hoping for?” [Ryouma]
“I’m the same with my dad. The only thing I’m hoping for is to be able to work alongside my dad, and make enough to live on. Also, if you could introduce us somewhere cheap to stay, then we’d be grateful. The place we’re staying at right now is the guild’s temporary lodging. Once we find a job, we won’t be able to stay there anymore.” [Li Ling]

“Since I can’t get any job because of my leg, my daughter is doing some odd jobs to get us by. But with only that, we’re only able to barely hang on. Actually, we barely have anything left. So as long as it’s a place we can live at cheaply, then we won’t have any complaints.” [Fei]

Live-in, huh? Well the employee lodging house I made is free anyway. As for the salary, they did say it’s fine even if it’s cheap, so I guess the salary range I had already decided before will do just fine.

Besides, everyone else aside from these two had already left. And also, I do need some extra helping hands immediately, and the job at my store isn’t difficult either. I don’t think they’ll have any problems with the job.

Moreover, although these two seem to be hiding it, they’re actually quite strong. With that much strength, I can even have them work as guards for the store.

“In that case, there’re rooms for employees to stay at, at the second floor of the store. Would you be fine staying over there?” [Ryouma]
“Really!?” [Fei]

There’s still one more thing left though. Something I need to know no matter what.

Because I believe these two aren’t the type to make an honest living.

In this world there’s nothing unusual about being hired as a guard and killing a few. In fact, I myself have killed 30 bandits. But in these people’s case, the number isn’t something like that. It’s my first time feeling something like this. Is this what they mean when they say something reeks of blood? Forget Japan, ever since coming into this world, I’ve never felt anything like this.

… In the unlikely case where we end up fighting. If it’s just me, I might still be fine. But if I have to protect the guild master while fighting, then things might get a bit rough.

“There’s one last thing I want to know, but…. Before that, guild master.” [Ryouma]
“What?” [Grisela]
“My deepest apologies, but may I ask the guild master to leave the room for a moment? There’s something I need to discuss regarding the store.” [Ryouma]

I said it lightly, but honestly speaking, I want her to leave. I think I was able to get the message across, but…

“Why are you chasing me out? If there’s something up, then just say it.” [Grisela]

Looks like she ended up doing the opposite, and asked me about my motive instead.

“It concerns the store’s secret.” [Ryouma]

While not arousing suspicion from Fei and Li Ling, I try to get the guild master out.

But when I tried to do that, I noticed Fei-san move. I guess he noticed… I’m bad at talking secretly, so it would have been great if it worked. But, it’s not like I expected anything anyway… I guess it can’t be helped.

The tension in the room got worse.

“Guild master. It’s fine. It would appear the shopkeeper’s already noticed.” [Fei]

When he said that, I felt that something was off. What’s going on?

“Shopkeeper, exactly who are you? We may be former killers, but we have no ill will against you or the guild master.” [Fei]

It’s true that I didn’t feel any intent to fight… but did the guild master know about them?

“Guild master, you knew?” [Ryouma]

When I said that, the guild master breathed out a sigh, then said this.

“Of course I knew. I don’t know about others, but before I introduce someone to a job, especially those from other countries, I make sure to properly check them. After all, it’d be bad if I introduced a spy, right?

Don’t worry, these two really did desperately run away from their country. Still though, you did pretty well figuring them out.” [Grisela]

“We even went so far as to disguise ourselves as normal people…” [Li Ling]
“The only ones who’ve managed to figure us out until now are you two. Since you were able to figure us out, you’re definitely not normal. It’s quite curious.” [Fei]
“I don’t have the same insight the guild master possesses, but I’ve been studying martial arts for a long time. Because of that I can tell whether someone is strong or weak. Also…” [Ryouma]
“Also?” [Fei]

“I was quite concerned about the hidden weapons you have with you.” [Ryouma]
“Fei! Li Ling! You two actually brought something like that!?” [Grisela]
“Aiya… you noticed even that?” [Li Ling]
“It’s because a long time ago, things regarding hidden weapons were driven into me, plenty. In this world the scariest living things are humans. They use their heads, trick people, and make others let their guard down. And the instrument used to follow that through are hidden weapons. So in order to protect myself, I studied them.” [Ryouma]

This is something related to my father. But now that I think about it, it is something nostalgic.

“I was hit by those plenty. During a disagreement in the house for one, or during my day-to-day life for another.” [Ryouma]
“Exactly how have you been living until now?” [Grisela]
“You don’t seem to be someone like us though. You’re aura is different.” [Li Ling]
“You’re close, but you’re not. Your aura is like that of someone who only learned the techniques without using them.” [Fei]

They can actually understand my aura to that extent? They’re amazing… these guys.

“True, I did learn a lot of techniques meant for actual combat from my master. However, I was only taught how to use it, and was forbidden from actually using it. I’ve only started using my abilities 3 years ago. And my opponents were nothing but bandits.” [Ryouma]

“It’s the difference in age. We killed bandits who disobeyed the law and traitors back in our country. There was plenty of fighting back in our country and the public order was bad. If we didn’t kill, we wouldn’t have been able to protect ourselves. What we told you a while ago wasn’t a lie. We’re your usual hardworking merchants.” [Fei]

“The master we were serving lost in the war, and our country as well as our work lost its meaning. And then, we came to this country. We haven’t done any job worth boasting. But even then, will you still employ us?” [Li Ling]
“The guild master acknowledges you guys, so it’s fine as long as you guys work normally.” [Ryouma]

I won’t lose out on anything as long as they work. And besides, I don’t have any intention of pursing matters of the past.

“Really? I didn’t think you’d actually hire us even after finding out.” [Fei]
“We even prepared to run away.” [Li Ling]
“Please don’t, if you do, it’ll be troublesome. I’m in need of hands right now… and besides, what’s important is the ‘now’, so I don’t have any problem with your past. Please do come and work for me at my store. Also, would it be alright if I also ask you to work as bodyguards when needed?” [Ryouma]

I doubt there’d be any problem when even the guild master left them alone, despite knowing their situation. After all, the guild master’s insight is greater than mine.

In fact, I feel like she can actually see through the fact that I’m actually a 40 year old uncle… I do hope it’s just my imagination.

“Don’t worry, I’ll work properly” [Fei]
“Just leave the bodyguard duty to me.” [Li Ling]
“Then, I’ll officially hire you two. It’ll be a pleasure working with you two from now on.” [Ryouma]

We all bowed our heads. Afterwards, the guild master spoke.

“You done? If so, then go. I’ve already had a carriage prepared.” [Grisela]
“Thank you very much, guild master.” [Ryouma]
“It’s fine, don’t’ mind something like this. Fei, Li Ling, do a good job, ok? After all, this kid’s store has a bright future ahead of it. And next time, don’t bring hidden weapons with you!” [Grisela]
“If I don’t bring them with me, I won’t be able to calm down.” [Fei & Li Ling]
“How long are you planning to act like assassins!? Aren’t you guys, merchants right now!? … Although they’re like this, they’re not bad people. They won’t commit any crimes. Please take care of them.” [Grisela]
“Understood.” [Ryouma]

“Take this with you too. It’s their resume. Show it to those two from Serge’s, ok?” [Grisela]
“Right… wait a moment, shouldn’t you have given this to me right from the start?” [Ryouma]
“Hee hee hee, I wanted to see how good your eyes were. Everyone else pretty much left, but these two are the prized catch. They can get the job done. Also your insight isn’t bad. It’s not a merchant’s insight though. Well, do your best, ok?” [Grisela]
‘Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

I left the guild with Fei-san and Li Ling-san, and rode back to the store, on the carriage the guild master had prepared.

When we got back to the store, we were greeted by a huge crowd of customers and two busy twins.

“Welcome home, boss!” [Karma & Karla]
“There’s so many…” [Li Ling]
“This is your store? It’s quite popular, huh?” [Fei]
“I’m going. Karma-san, Karla-san, please receive the customers.” [Ryouma]
“Boss, I’ll work too. If it’s carrying stuff, I can do it.” [Li Ling]
“Me too, if it’s laundry then I can also carry some.” [Fei]

They offered to help, themselves, so I didn’t hold back and took their offer. Fei-san appears to specialize at reception, but it seems he can also work to some extent.

At any rate, like this, we’ll be able to get through the evening rush.

… After a long struggle, we finally managed to reach the store’s closing hour. We put up a note saying we’re closed, and then closed the door.

“Fuu… Good job today, everyone!” [Ryouma]
“Thank you for your efforts!” [Everyone else]
“Ryouma-sama, these two are the new hires, right?” [Karla]
“Yes, the man is Fei-san, and the woman is Li Ling.” [Ryouma]
“I’m Fei. My pleasure to work with you.” [Fei]
“Li Ling, nice to meet you.” [Li Ling]
“I am Karma Norad.” [Karma]
“I am Karla Norad. It’s our pleasure as well.” [Karla]
“I actually planned to have them start tomorrow, but they somehow ended up working today.” [Ryouma]
“But of course. After all, you’re allowing us to work here as live-ins.” [Fei]
“It’s only a given for us to help out when it’s busy, right? But that aside, there’s something I wanted to ask.” [Li Ling]
“What is it?” [Ryouma]

“We’ve been carrying laundry, but when does it get washed? We just take the laundry, then toss it into the next room. Afterwards, we just get it back from the slimes.” [Li Ling]
“Now that you mention it, I haven’t explained to you how the store works, have I?” [Ryouma]

I took out a cleaner slime and a goblin’s loin cloth, and presented my usual explanation. When I did so, the two understood the reason why the guild master mentioned that my store had a good future. And after I finally told them, that today was the store’s first day, they were shocked.

For so many people to come on the first day… in my previous life, this much would be on the level of a pachinko parlor, huh? Anyway, it seems that in this world, a store being this popular on the first day is extremely rare. Is it because they don’t advertise?

Well whatever, I’ve finally completed the first stage of the store. I guess, I‘ll go heal Fei-san’s leg now.

I called Fei-san and Li Ling-san over to the employee lounge. I had them sit there, and told them to wait, while I went out to get the heal slimes. When I came back I had two heal slimes with me.

When I told them that the heal slimes were going to use ‘High Heal’ to heal Fei-san, they were shocked. But nevertheless they gave their thanks for being able to receive treatment.

After the heal slimes healed Fei-san, his leg was fully healed. It took 6 times all in all, with each slime healing 3 times because it was a bone fracture, but the slimes still managed to heal him with ‘High Heal’.

“You saved me. I am truly grateful.” [Fei]
“It costs a lot of money to be healed by magic, you know? Is it really ok to receive it for free?” [Li Ling]
“It’s fine. After all, it’s the boss’ responsibility to make sure that his employees are able to work comfortably. Also, the slimes did it, so it didn’t cost me anything. Like this, I think it’s fine to give it for free.” [Ryouma]

Looks like there’s someone in the town who can heal with healing magic, but because of the skill and magic power required, the cost is quite high.

So since it would have been expensive to receive healing magic, Fei-san decided to work at the guild, doing odd jobs, while waiting for his body to heal without relying on magic.

“It would have been great if we were able to bring more money with us, but when we were running away, we ended up using our money as bribe to cross the border.” [Fei]
“Is that why you have no money?” [Ryouma]

“The guards of our country are greedy. It doesn’t matter whether its crime or running away. As long as you bring out money, they’ll look the other way like it’s perfectly normal. But if you don’t have any, they’ll catch you and bring you back to get some reward.

That’s why we couldn’t afford to be stingy. If we did, and the reward for us was higher. Then they’ll just arrest us instead.” [Fei]

“The jobs we did were for the country… so if our identities were leaked out, the reward for us would end up higher than normal people. But there are also doubtful people who catch normal people and interrogate them. The people running away from our country usually use up their money there. After all, there’s no point in being stingy when it comes to your life.” [Li Ling]

That ‘Gilmar’ country sounds dangerous… And she also mentioned that there’s plenty of fighting. Is the country crumbling?

After we talked a bit, I assigned Fei-san and Li Ling-san their own rooms. Then, I had them put their belongings in order.

After that I went to check today’s profit from Karm-san. Today we got a total of 791 copper coin and 8 small copper coins, totaling to 7918 suits. The 18 suits came from Poline-san, who went for the option targeted at groups with more than 7 people. But as for the others, they came here to try out the store and had only bought the individual bags. They looked happy after trying out the store, so I guess they’ll end up becoming regular customers.

As for Karma-san and Karla-san, they too were surprised by the store’s popularity and were shocked to see the profit for the day. After I asked them about it, it turns out that amongst stores without nobles for its customers, a medium sized store would make 4000 suits in a day.

Even if you deduct the expenses from the profit, the earning for today’s opening day still trumps it. Seeing that, they couldn’t help but be shocked.

“This is amazing!” [Karma]
“If it’s like this, then very soon, the store will be able to make profits comparable to a large store without noble customers!” [Karla]
“How much does that kind of store make?” [Ryouma]
“20,000 suits. As a rule, anything more than that won’t be mentioned. If one has nobles as a customer, then one’s profit will greatly increase. Although it’s quite expensive, if one is able to sell luxurious goods, then it’s possible to make a lot.” [Karla]
“Well in my case, I’ve got nothing to do with nobles, but if I’m able to make 2.5 times today’s income, then it should be possible to be on the same level as a large store.” [Ryouma]

“We made this much today, so it should be possible to reach that goal within a month. We also still haven’t received the portion from the guild. If we include them, our customers will greatly increase.” [Karla]
“Perhaps, there might even be a day where our profit for a day will reach 1 medium gold coin.” [Karma]
“Ha ha ha, no way.” [Ryouma]

When you say 1 medium gold coin, that’s 50,000 suits. There’s no way that could possibly happen.

“It’s possible.” [Karma & Karla]

Eh, really?

“This town is a mining town. Because of that, there are plenty of miners and people who deal with iron. Although, the number has decreased substantially because of a big mine being abandoned, there’re still at least 10,000 people, you know?” [Karma]
“Moreover, people won’t come and buy just one bag. While I think it may be difficult to continuously go over a medium gold coin, it should be possible in cases where the adventurer’s guild has just finished a big request.” [Karla]
“I see…” [Ryouma]

It might be possible once.

“Also, if Ryouma-sama were to create another branch in a different town, it wouldn’t be hard to go beyond a medium gold coin every day.” [Karma]
“We’re already talking about branch stores? That’s quick.” [Ryouma]
“That may be so, but it’s not wrong to think ahead.” [Karma]
“As long as you have some able and trustworthy hands, then you should consider it.” [Karla]

Certainly, even though today’s the first day, we made quite a profit. I’ll take note of it. But for now I think I should look at the present.

“Ah, I forgot about it, but here. It’s the resume of the two I’d just hired.” [Ryouma]
“We’ll examine it.” [Karma & Karla]

The twins began to read the resume I handed to them.

“Although they said that they’re ok with a low salary, please pay them 150 suits daily.” [Ryouma]

I did also ask them to double as bodyguards. So it should be fine to give them the highest pay of my anticipated price range.

“Understood.” [Karma & Karla]

After that, I bid goodbye to the four, and then went back to the lodging.

When I got back, I reported the earnings for the first day to Rheinhart-san and the others. When I did so, they were shocked.

Volume 2 Chapter 12

The Next Day

~Side Ryouma~

I went to the store early in the morning today. Today will be the store’s first day so I thought I’d get a head start. But more than that, it’s also because Karma-san and Karla-san will also be coming.

After the gathering yesterday, Karma and Karla went, “We can even open the store for business tomorrow!” Or so the two twins vigorously pushed on to me. And so, I’m opening the store today… I wonder if it was too fast. I could have done things a bit more… nah, vigor is also important, right? I’m the kind who tends to drag things after all…

While I was thinking that, the twins came to the store.

“Good morning, boss!” [Karma & Karla]
“Good morning, Karma-san, Karla-san. Please take care of me from today on.” [Ryouma]

After the twins came, we ran some checks and prepared the store for opening… or so I’d like to say, but really, all we did was allow the cleaner slimes to enter the room and prepare some small change.

Speaking of which, the twins purchased and brought over a lot bags from Serge this morning. Apparently, before going home yesterday, they ordered some from Serge-san. They really helped me out there.

“Well then… I’ll be going.” [Ryouma]
“Take care.” [Karma & Kyle]

I’m going to the adventurer’s guild to do some jobs.

Since the first day, I’ve had a problem with leaving things to other people. But because I wasn’t able to make an announcement because of the leaflets and the advertisements, I made the decision to make an announcement while taking a job from the guild. Serge-san really prepared some people who I can leave everything to… putting it bluntly, I wonder if that means I’m not needed anymore. Then again though, that’s the reason why I hired them in the first place. .

While I was thinking that, I went over to my neighbors before going to the guild. I need to let Poline-san know about the store’s opening after all.

“Excuse me, is anyone here?” [Ryouma]

The store seems to be open, but there doesn’t seem to be anyone inside. So I raised my voice, and Poline-san went out from one of the rooms inside.

“I’m coming, I’m coming. Oh! If it isn’t Ryouma-kun. Did you drop by to buy some seeds again?” [Poline]
“Actually, I came today to let you know that my store, Laundry Agency Bamboo Forest, is open for business.” [Ryouma]
“Oh my! It’s already open? That’s really quick.” [Poline]
“Yes, thanks to everyone. Also I gave the bags for free some time ago, so by all means, please do try out my store’s services. And also please let Mary-san and Chiara-san know as well. I’ve already informed the two clerks.” [Ryouma]

“You hired some people?” [Poline]
“They were introduced to me by a merchant I knew. So I decided to leave things to them while I worked as an adventurer. Also, I need to pay their salaries with my income as an adventurer until the store gets going.” [Ryouma]

Even if you tell me that you don’t need to be paid as long as you’re able to work, it’s only natural that I’d feel guilty if I actually took that offer… But really, I honestly do not understand why they want to work for me that much.

In fact, rather than working at my place, I think working over at Serge-san’s would be far more beneficial… and the salary should also be bigger…. But, it does help me out a lot, so I guess I don’t really have any problems with it.

“Considering your store’s size, I guess it was needed, huh? In any case, do, do your best. After all, I’m supporting you. In fact, I’ll go there today myself to try out your store.” [Poline]
“Thank you very much. Then, I’ll be heading off to work.” [Ryouma]

As Ryouma said goodbye, he left the store and went to the guild. When he got there, someone immediately called out to him.

“Ryouma, will your laundromat be opening soon?” [Adventurer]
“When will it be opening?” [Adventurer]
“It would be nice if it opened up soon~” [Adventurer]

These are people that Ryouma got to know in the carriage from the abandoned mine monster subjugation request. Ever since then, the people Ryouma talked to outside of Jeff’s group had increased. It would appear that these guys are also waiting for Ryouma’s laundromat to open.

“Actually, Laundry Agency Bamboo Forest is already open starting today.” [Ryouma]
“Really!?” [Adventurer]
“Yes. There’s also a service targeted towards adventurers that will clean armor and weapons, so please, do try it out.” [Ryouma]
“Alright! When I go home today, I’m definitely going!” [Adventurer]

In order to announce it, I purposely spoke about the store being opened as well as its location in a loud voice. After this I’ll be going to the abandoned mine to make some rounds. So with that in mind, I also accepted an herb collection request. Like this, I’ll be able to collect the herbs while I go around the abandoned mine.

Honestly, even if you tell me to leave the store in your hands, it is the store’s first day, so I’d like to get my rounds over with quickly and go back.

When I got back to the store, what waited for me there was a huge crowd. Even though it’s the store’s first day, there’re already likee 20 people waiting outside!?

I hurriedly went inside the store.

“Welcom– … ah, boss!” [Karla]
“Karla-san, how’re things?” [Ryouma]
“I’m so happy I could scream!” [Karla]
“Boss! Even the neighboring aunties came over to have their clothes washed!” [Karma]

Said Karma-san who came out while he was carrying laundries. At any rate, we have to somehow get rid of this crowd!

“I’ll also help out. You two deal with the reception, I’ll take care of carrying the laundry!” [Ryouma]

After I said that, I did nothing else but carry the laundry and serve the customers.

But even though I kept doing that, people still kept coming. What’s going on!?

In the end, the endless human wave only ended after 3 o’clock in the afternoon. While you can’t call this ‘many’ anymore, I still needed to explain to them how things work ed one by one, and so it still took time.

Anyway, it would seem that this store’s pricing is really too cheap. Because of that I was asked things like, “Will you really wash our clothes at this price?” or “You aren’t going to suddenly demand more money from us after, right?” It was quite troublesome, because there were people that just couldn’t understand. At some point, because of all the people gathered, even the town’s guards who were on patrol stopped by.

However, the guards stopping by was unexpectedly a godsend. When they stopped by the store, the guard’s leader heard about it. Because of that he actually went, to get the group option for 35 people and even bought 2 bags with him.

It seems that they were hiring someone to wash their laundry for them, but because of the public office’s cost cutting, they became unable to do that anymore.

Then, while he said that it would have been fine if only the salary wasn’t cut, he let out a little more of his complaints towards the public office and then said that he’ll come again. Am I already landing big contracts on the store’s first day?

But the store opens from 8 o’clock in the morning, so we spent around 3 minutes per person, right? Also, I don’t know at what point in time people started to come, but the twins probably worked without having lunch until 7 o’clock.

… Isn’t this really bad? I may be fine, but these 2 are… If I leave it like this, I’ll be exploiting my employees! I need to avoid that no matter what!! I swear to my previous life!

“Good work today, Karma-san, Karla-san.” [Ryouma]
“Thanks for today, boss.” [Karla]
“There were so many people today.” [Karma]
“Right, though I do wonder if it’s ok for there to be a sudden influx of customers.” [Karla]
“I believe it’ll be better for the customers to increase quickly. But in order to be able to alternately take rest, we need four to six people. Even though we also had to explain to the customers how the store worked today, by looking at the reactions of the customers, it can be said that even if we were to focus solely on the work without the explanations, the number of people would be still be insufficient.” [Ryouma]

“The customers seemed like they were satisfied with the speed and the result, so the customers will probably increase again tomorrow. By taking applications at the guild, it should be possible to get some help quickly.”[Karla]
“I see… when employing, how much should I put the salary at?’ [Ryouma]

“120~150 suits in a day should be enough. With that much it’ll be enough for one to live on normally, moreover it should also be possible to save up. And because this is exceptional for a starting salary, we should also be able to gather people quickly.” [Karla]
“Then in that case, I’ll be going to the guild now. The faster the better.” [Ryouma]
“Please take care!” [Karma & Karla]

I quickly went out the store. When I got out, there were four people nearby who had plenty of luggage with them. They’re from the neighboring house and everyone seems to be hugging a huge bag.

“Oh, Ryouma-kun” [Poline]
“Poline-san, Reni, Rick, and even Zeke. What is that you’re carrying?” [Ryouma]
“We thought of having these washed. You see, our house is a butcher, so we have quite a number of clothes that have been stained with blood.” [Zeke]

The one who said that was Zeke, Poline-san’s husband. Zeke has a butcher just right next to Poline-san’s flower shop. The meat I bought for the celebration of the store also came from Zeke’s store.

When you think of a butcher for a husband, in anime, you’d normally imagine a big muscular man. But this guy is the exact opposite. His height isn’t bad, but his body is thin. Extremely thin. He looks like an unhealthy guy who’d topple down if the wind were to blow against him.

“I heard from the adventurers that if I bring these clothes to your store we’d be able to get rid of the blood.” [Zeke]
“So we decided to bring out the clothes that we were planning to just buy replacements for.” [Poline]
“Thank you very much. I’m sorry for this abrupt question, but do you have employees hired by any chance?” [Ryouma]
“If you include me, there’s 10 of us.” [Zeke]
“In that case, there’s a special option for 7 people above, so I highly recommend you take advantage of it. A bag for 14 people’s worth of clothes will cost you only 1 medium copper coin and 8 small copper coins, much cheaper than the individual bags.”
“Really!? That’s a pretty good deal.” [Poline]
“Then in that case we’ll take that.” [Zeke]

While I was doing some sales talk, Rick talked to me.

“Hey, Ryouma. What are you doing? Skipping on work?” [Rick]
“Ha ha ha, I guess it can’t be helped if it looks like that. But, I’m not. I’m heading to the merchant guild.” [Ryouma]
“Really?” [Reni]

The one who asked that was Reni.

“The store became a lot more popular than I’d expected, and so if we were to continue like this, we wouldn’t have enough people.” [Ryouma]
“No way!? It’s the first day, you know!?” [Reni]
“Well I did do some advertising, but I honestly still didn’t expect this much to come. So I’m going to the guild now to get some extra helping hands quick.” [Ryouma]
“I’m shocked. That many people actually came?” [Poline]
“Yes, in fact the two people I’ve hired have been working the entire day for 7 hours without rest.” [Ryouma]

After I talked with those four, I left them and went to visit the merchant guild. When I got there, I was brought to the reception room again, and the guild master came to meet me.

“Today’s the store’s opening, but… is there some sort of problem?” [Grisela]
“Yes, it was a lot more popular than expected. Thanks to that I need to hire some more people.” [Ryouma]
“On the first day? Well I’m beat, even I couldn’t have anticipated this… So you came here to get some helping hands, huh? In that case, I’ll go gather some guys who can immediately work starting tomorrow. Once I do, you choose who you want.” [Grisela]

After that, until the people have been gathered in the guild’s meeting room, I was told to wait at the reception room. When the people have finally been gathered, they contacted me, and I went to the meeting room. When I got there, there were 30 people. Some were old, some female, and some male, there were all sorts.

They looked at me and appraised me as an employer. Then after a while, they made a face as if they had seemingly lost interest, and turned their gaze away from me.

Well it can’t be helped because I’m in an 11 year old kid’s body after all… There are definitely people who wouldn’t want to work under me, right? Well, there’s nothing that I don’t understand here.

“Everyone here can do basic calculation. Any one of these guys are able to work at your store immediately.” [Grisela]
“Got it. It’s a pleasure to meet you all, I am the manager of the store, Laundry Agency Bamboo Forest, Ryouma Takebayashi. Thank you for gathering here today, despite your tight schedules.” [Ryouma]

When I said that, the people around made a commotion. After listening to their whispering voices, it would appear that they didn’t think I would be their employer and had just assumed I was a lapdog or something.

Turns out, they actually weren’t evaluating me a while ago.

After my greeting, the tension in the room had clearly gone down. I ignored that and asked a question.

“Umm… Then I’d like to ask a question first. Amongst the people in this room, is there anyone who has something against working at my store?” [Ryouma]

At that question, several objections were raised. They were mainly the younger ones, though.

Even though I’m shorthanded, I have no interest in picking up people who don’t want an 11 year old kid as their boss, or people who will work unwillingly. Because of this, it’s better for me to talk about the salary, last. I’d be troubled if people just crowded over me just because the salary was high. There’s also a lot of them, so I guess I might as well reduce them.

The people who weren’t satisfied left. I told those kind of people that I won’t pressure them if they don’t want to work, and then had them leave the room.

24 out of the 30 people here, ended up leaving the room. The remaining ones were just 6. Well it’s not like I don’t understand why those guys left… in any case I first give my thanks to the people who’ve decided to stay here.

“Then, to the six remaining here, I’ll have you talk as someone who is interested in working at my store. But before that, for telling me that you don’t mind working even for a child like me, I give you all my sincerest thanks.” [Ryouma]

As I said that, I bowed my head once. Then I began to talk.

“Going to the main point. My store, Bamboo Forest, is currently hiring people who can serve customers and carry some things. But even though I say ‘carry’, it really only involves just clothes, so even girls can do it. However, there is one point that you need to take note of. I am not only a shopkeeper, but also a slave magic user. Because of that, there are slimes in my shop, which I am using as helping hands.” [Ryouma]

At those words, the remaining 6 were surprised. Hearing about being a slave magic user seemed to be normal to them, but it would appear that hadn’t thought of slimes being used to help out.

“As such, people who are afraid of slimes, or people who do not like slimes will find it difficult to work in my store. Hence, I would like to know if there is any among you who would find this to be a problem.” [Ryouma]

When I said that, one girl raised her hand up.

“What is it?” [Ryouma]
“Are you using that slime because you lack people? Or will you be using that slime even after you have enough people?” [Girl]
“I will still use it, even with sufficient hands. If I say something like this, there are probably some of you who wouldn’t like it, but I’d like you all to treat the slimes as your coworkers.” [Ryouma]

When I said that, the girl along with 3 others, refused to work with the slimes and left the room. With this, the only ones left in the room, are the middle aged man and the young woman.

Eh? I’m only going to be interviewing these two?

They just simply gathered people who could immediately work, so it’s not like they gathered people who would want to work at my store… but still, this is quite shocking! … Well whatever, I wonder how these 2 remaining ones will go.