Chapter 36

When I arrived at the village square, the main members were already gathered.

"Oh, Lord Mako."

Among those seated in the prepared chairs, there was one human man.

An elderly man dressed in fine attire.

He is the current head of the Weeble family, who runs high-end produce stores throughout the country.

We met by chance, and now he handles various specialty products produced in this village in his stores.

This time, he proposed opening a direct-operated store in the capital, mainly dealing with these specialty products—something like an antenna shop.

"Hello, Head."

"Then, let's get straight to the point."

Thus, the head announced the outline of the store opening plan.

First, regarding the location.

The place is said to be a prime spot in the capital, lined with food and beverage stores.

"The land is already secured. It was originally planned to be the site for the next store of our Weeble family's produce shop."

"Huh? Is that okay?"

"Yes, Lord Mako, you have always been very helpful to us."

Since the market city started handling the village's specialty products, sales have skyrocketed.

This store opening plan is a result of that relationship.

It's truly a blessing.

"So, we need to build the store first, right?"

When one of the Beowulfs, Uga, reacted, the head nodded.

"Well, we will take care of the construction. The issue is the interior design and the products to be handled once the store is completed."

"The products... I think vegetables and crafts would be good."

I said.

The vegetables grown by the Beowulfs in this village.

The flowers cultivated by Orkidia and Fressa.

The flower arrangements made by Mau and Meala using those flowers.

And the various crafts carved from wood by Gara.

These will be the main products.

"Furs?"

"No, let's skip the furs."

I dismissed Ram's suggestion.

We used to sell wild vegetables, fruits, and furs from the nearby mountains, but due to certain circumstances, we had to stop shipping them.

Even the people who sold them were confused about the situation.

"So, the main products will be the recently grown vegetables and the fruits that Uga successfully cultivated, right?"

"By the way, how far is it from here to the capital?"

I raised another question.

"It takes about two days by carriage."

The head answered.

It took about half a day on foot to the market city.

Of course, the capital is farther.

"So, we need to consider transportation methods to prevent the crops from getting damaged. Also, since it's a direct-operated store, we need staff who can properly explain the products and promote them."

I looked around at everyone gathered there.

"Maybe it would be faster to go and run the store ourselves rather than training someone."

"Wow! That's a great idea! Running a direct store in the capital!"

Everyone got excited.

...But.

"But, is it okay?"

One of the Beowulfs, Bagos, said, looking worried.

What's wrong?

"No, I don't think we'll be well-received if we, as beastmen, do business in the capital."

"Hmm..."

Everyone fell silent at Bagos' words.

Indeed, that's a valid concern.

This country has a deep-seated prejudice against beastmen, which is believed to have originated from the royal family's ideology.

There is tension between humans and beastmen.

It's easy to imagine that we won't be well-received, which is why everyone's enthusiasm suddenly dropped.

"Right."

I said.

"But, that's why we should go."

At my words, everyone looked up.

"We're selling products made in this village, so we need to be accepted on those terms. We can't fake the origin, and we should proudly promote them."

"Mako..."

"Hmm... If that's the case..."

I glanced at the head.

"Maybe we should build the store ourselves?"

"What!?"

Everyone exclaimed in surprise.

"L-Lord Mako, but without specialized knowledge, such a thing is..."

"No, Head! Mako can definitely do it!"

Mau stood up.

"Because, Mako and Gara built that house together!"

"W-What!?"

The head reacted well.

Indeed, this isn't the first time.

With the hardware infused with my magic and Gara's precise craftsmanship, we can build a house of that size again.

"I think it would have more impact. I'll draw the design plans for the store."

"How about the materials? Should we arrange them here?"

"Yes, that would be very helpful... But if we can, it would be better to make the materials in this village and bring them there to build the store, as it would create more buzz."

Cutting trees and making lumber is possible with Gara and Orkidia.

The problem is transporting them to the capital.

If we do everything ourselves, we need the transportation capacity...

"Wait! The boars!"

'You called, sis, Kora!'

Turning around, I saw a few boars walking towards us from the feet of the gathered group.

They are wild animals living in the mountains near the village.

We formed a bond with them after they helped us defeat Antimishka.

"Boars! It's time to ask for your help again! We need you to help transport the materials and products for the store in the capital!"

"Leave it to us, Kora!"

"It's a piece of cake for us, Kora!"

The boars responded, hopping around.

They are so cute.

With the power of the "paint" awakened, we can freely decorate the exterior and interior of the store.

"Alright, everyone! Let's work hard to build the store in the capital!"

At my cheer, everyone cheered.

"That sounds fun!"

The Alraune girl, Fressa, said, hugging her older sister Orkidia.

That's right, if we have her as a salesperson, sales will definitely increase.

"Lord Mako, not everyone can go..."

"I understand, Head."

We can't take all the villagers.

Leaving the village unattended is dangerous.

So, a dozen or so selected people would be the right number.

We could even do it in shifts.

"Hey, Gara, what do you think?"

I casually asked Gara, who was standing next to me.

"...Yeah."

However, Gara's response was hesitant, and his expression was clouded.

"...Gara?"

...Ah.

Then, I remembered.

Right, Gara originally belonged to a dark guild in the capital.

And for some reason, he had to leave...

"..."

* * * * *

Over the next few days, we prepared for the store opening.

I drew the store plans while receiving advice from the head, who is currently running a store.

The Beowulfs continued their usual field work.

Gara prepared the crafts and lumber.

Orkidia and Mau provided support for these tasks.

"..."

Based on the plans I drew, Gara cut the trees and made the lumber.

He worked diligently, but his expression was still gloomy.

(...Maybe Gara doesn't want to go to the capital...)

I had said before that I wouldn't force him.

He has his own reasons.

If he is concerned that something might happen if he goes to the capital and it could affect us... I can't ignore his consideration.

"Hmm... Should I clearly state my thoughts?"

I wandered around the village, constantly thinking about this.

The plans are ready.

The construction work can be done with the help of the Beowulfs.

But, to be honest, losing Gara would be a loss...

...Just having him around gives me a sense of security.

"Hmm... Huh?"

Before I knew it, I had reached the entrance of the village.

I stopped when I saw someone standing there.

A familiar face.

No, I couldn't forget it.

Blonde hair that falls to his ears, and a sweet, handsome face as always.

Wearing the uniform of the Magic Tool Research Institute, and carrying a magic bag that can store anything on his shoulder.

"Iksa!"

"Hey, Mako. What's wrong? You look troubled."

The seventh prince of the country... no, the third prince now (the number indicates the order of succession).

Iksa Raven Grouga himself stood before me.

As usual, Suaro, his supervisor, was by his side.