Chapter 61

"Alright, you guys, let's work hard for our customers today!"

Lady Reire stood at the front of the store and called out energetically.

The other members looked at her with wide-eyed surprise.

"Who is she?"

"That's the daughter of the Glossam family, you know."

"Oh, she's the one who declared war on us before."

Beowulf and the others whispered to each other.

"She became Makoto's disciple."

"What, why!?"

Maur, who had heard from Meala, exclaimed in surprise.

Of course, it was surprising.

"Um... Lady Reire?"

"Call me Reire. I'm your disciple, after all."

"Then, Reire, why did you suddenly decide to become my disciple?"

Until yesterday, we were rival store managers, competing against each other.

Reire's eyes lit up as if to say, "I'm glad you asked!"

"Makoto, I want to see you up close!"

"...Huh? See me?"

"I admire your way of life!"

She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and spoke dreamily.

"The way you easily knock down those tough men! The way you manage the store at such a young age and create great success with many companions! The way you stand up to the unjust misfortunes that befall you! It's very ideal!"

...Embarrassing!

Bathed in Reire's musical words, I felt my face heat up.

"So, from today, I will be your disciple and learn from you up close!"

She pointed at me with a sharp finger.

Well, even if you make a pose like Kizaragi Gentaro from Kamen Rider Fourze, it doesn't change anything.

"Who is this woman? She just appeared and is acting so high and mighty."

Delfai, who had been listening, stepped forward.

Well, you're pretty high and mighty too, you know.

"Hey, you! Let me tell you, Makoto is a woman with artistic sensitivity that can stimulate my senses! Don't think you can easily imitate her!"

"Ha!? Who do you think you are! Ignorant people like you shouldn't talk so grandly!"

Delfai, who had lunged forward, was pushed back by Reire.

"Let me tell you, I know who you are, Delfai Eegis! A pretentious artist! Makoto might have recognized your skills, but your arrogant and condescending attitude and personality are lacking in manners! It could damage the store's reputation! Stay out of the way!"

"Ah!"

"Alright, both of you, save the fighting for another time. It's almost time to open."

I separated the two and calmed them down, then gave instructions to the others.

The third day of operations for the Abatos Village direct sales store began.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Once the store opened, Reire started working efficiently, almost like a shift leader.

As the heir to a large merchant family dealing in produce, she certainly had the skills.

She gave instructions to replenish the shelves when inventory was low, guided customers who were in trouble, and sensitively noticed the store's conditions.

Her instructions were accurate and helpful.

It was around noon.

The store was packed with customers.

However—

"Hmm..."

I grunted as I looked at the outdoor dining area.

"What's wrong, Makoto?"

"I think there are fewer customers for meals today."

"Really..."

Maur and Meala also seemed to notice after I mentioned it.

The number of customers in the outdoor dining area seemed to have decreased compared to the previous days.

"It's not just this store, though."

"Iksa."

Iksa, yawning, came over.

"I checked the other stores on the way here... especially the ones with outdoor seating, they all have fewer customers."

"Maybe it's the temperature?"

"Probably."

Iksa nodded.

Today, the temperature was noticeably high, almost like a heatwave.

"I've noticed it getting hotter recently, but today is particularly so."

"What should we do, Makoto? Can we attract customers with that fruit soda?"

At Meala's suggestion, I put my hand to my chin.

Selling soda could be a good idea, but...

"I have an idea."

Reire was here now.

"Reire, can you use the magic to create cold air?"

"Yes, I can."

Back inside the store, she answered confidently.

Good—let's make a dessert perfect for this scorching heat!

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

I immediately went to the kitchen to prepare.

I activated my skill, Alchemy.

I created a large "stainless steel container."

"Reire, can you put your hand on this container and use your magic to cool it down?"

"Sure, but what are you going to do?"

I prepared the milk and eggs I received as an opening gift from the ranch owner, along with sugar and other seasonings.

Then, I mixed the ingredients and slowly stirred them in the container—

"Ta-da! Ice cream is ready!"

"Wow!"

A fine ice cream had formed in the container.

Yes, I used my Alchemy and Reire's Cold Air to create an instant ice cream maker.

"Makoto, how about this? Using these glasses will make it look more artistic."

"Nice, Delfai!"

Delfai also made ice cream glasses, and we were all set.

"Alright, everyone! Take these plates to the front and let the customers try them!"

"Got it!"

"Everyone, start calling out to customers at the front! We'll get them with our cold ice cream!"

"Alright!"

We could also make sorbets with fruit and shaved ice with a metal "shaved ice maker" I created.

Let's see how the customers react...

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

"Wow, it's crowded!"

The response was excellent.

The outdoor tables, which were scorching hot, were now full.

Some people were even ordering ice cream while standing.

"It's a big success, Makoto!"

"Well, it's good for the customers, but it's hell for those serving them."

Iksa wiped his sweat.

"What are you talking about? I've prepared ice cream for you guys too. You can eat while working. Take care of your body temperature."

"Of course, Makoto. You manage the work environment well."

Of course, it's a given.

Every year, store employees collapse from heatstroke in the outdoor sales area and back room of home centers.

It's a sharp reminder.

"Oh? It's crowded again today."

Even the noble ladies from yesterday appeared.

It seemed there were more of them today.

Perhaps the word about our store was spreading among the upper class through word of mouth.

"What is this ice treat! It's sweet! It's delicious!"

"It melts in your mouth!"

The noble ladies who ordered ice cream and sorbets were squealing with delight.

I'm glad they're enjoying it.

"With this, we might reach our sales goal today."

I muttered, looking around the bustling store.

Then, I heard a familiar voice.

"Wow, there are so many people, Father! Mother!"

I turned around and saw a family.

They were the noble family who had passed by when the store was still under construction.

A young daughter and her parents.

(...It's Maple...)

I remembered.

Her flowing golden hair, her gem-like eyes, and her perfectly formed face, which seemed almost otherworldly beautiful.

Her ears, slightly pointed at the tips, were not human.

She was an elf girl.

"!"

Just then, Garai came from the back of the store with additional inventory.

He noticed Maple in the store and widened his eyes.

"This flower is beautiful! It would suit—!"

Suddenly, Maple noticed Garai.

Her previously cheerful face turned to surprise.

Garai tried to hide himself.

"A! Uncle—..."

Maple, who had been about to call out to Garai, suddenly stopped herself.

"Garai, that child..."

I called out to Garai.

"..."

Garai remained silent, averting his gaze.

"What's wrong, Maple?"

Her father called out to Maple and looked at Garai.

"Do you know him?"

"...No, I don't."

Maple answered, looking down and turning away from Garai.

...What's going on?

I could only watch the scene unfold in silence.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※

—And the day's business hours passed like an arrow.

"Everyone, thank you for your hard work."

At 8 PM, the closing time, the cleanup was complete.

The supervisor gathered everyone in the store and offered words of encouragement.

"Let's announce today's sales."

"Another 2.2 million G... to win, right?"

"Yeah, we had 7.8 million the day before yesterday and yesterday."

Everyone clasped their hands, praying for the supervisor's announcement.

Finally, he spoke.

"Today's sales are 3 million G."

For a moment, time seemed to stop.

"The total for the first three days is 10.8 million G. Congratulations, you have won this battle."

"We... won?"

"We won, right?"

Everyone said, mixed with confusion.

It might have been too easy to believe.

"See, I told you."

I told everyone.

"We're fine. I never felt like we would lose."

"......Y, YEAH!"

Instantly, joy exploded.

Beowulf's members hugged each other and cheered.

"10.8 million? ...In just three days?"

Reire, standing next to me, had a strained face.

"Amazing... Makoto! I was right to become your disciple!"

"Thank you, Reire."

"Makoto, good job."

A hand was placed on my shoulder.

It was Iksa.

"Iksa, good job. You worked as a waiter these three days."

"Sure, it was fun. From tomorrow, I'll start my real job."

Iksa laughed.

"By the way, Nero is supposed to come to the capital tomorrow. I can't wait to see his face when he sees this result. A humiliating defeat in the capital, the king's seat. A significant drop in rank is inevitable. I'll squeeze out every bit of power I can."

Iksa had a sinister look.

For now, I'll leave the dark talk to him.

I quietly looked at Garai.

Currently, he is the one I'm most concerned about.

(...Garai...)

He seemed to be acting nonchalant, but...

I couldn't help but want to know what he was going through.