Chapter 15

It's the third morning since I came to this different world.

I logged in by slipping through the shoji of my house.

I passed through the market where there were still few people and headed to the shop (house) that the mayor lent me yesterday.

"Good morning, Shiro-oniichan."

Sure enough, Aina was up early.

I came here at 6 AM, trying my best, and she was already here... impressive.

The 10 silver coins I paid Aina as wages yesterday were, after discussion, decided to be her monthly 'salary.'

According to Aina, the daily wage was too high, and even the adults in town don't earn 10 silver coins a month, so she couldn't accept it.

When I said it was fine, Aina said it wasn't.

In the end, we compromised on 10 silver coins for a month's work.

I was a bit anxious about running the shop alone, but if Aina helps me, it will surely be fine.

So, let's do our best from today.

"Good morning, Aina. I think I'll clean the shop today instead of doing business. Can you help me?"

"Sure! I came with that in mind. Look!"

Aina showed me the bucket and mop she was holding.

I see. She's all prepared.

She's a reliable kid despite her small size.

"Good job, Aina. You're a great help. Alright, let's open up?"

"Sure!"

Using the key given by the mayor, I entered the shop.

The dusty air tickled my nose.

"Wow. The interior of the shop is clean."

Inside, there was a counter at the back, and shelves were placed on both walls.

Once we clean up and arrange the goods, we can start business right away.

"First, let's open the windows... Alright. Let's start cleaning."

"Okay!"

I raised my hand, and Aina did the same.

Then, we started cleaning.

We swept up the dust with a broom and wiped the floor and shelves with a wrung-out mop.

After finishing the first floor, we moved to the second floor.

The second floor had four rooms, and Aina and I cleaned them together.

There was no furniture, so we'll get it when we have time.

By noon, the shop and the second-floor rooms were sparkling clean.

"Phew... Is this good enough?"

"The shop is so clean now."

Aina smiled.

Just then,

"Excuse me."

Mayor Karen arrived.

"Hmm... It looks completely different."

The cool beauty of a mayor looked around the shop and said.

"Good morning, Mayor."

"You can call me Karen."

"Then you can call me Shiro."

"Aina can call me Aina too."

"Got it. Then, Shiro, Aina, nice to meet you again."

Karen extended her hand for a handshake.

Aina and I shook her hand in turn.

"So, Karen, what brings you here today?"

"Ah. I brought some refreshments for you today."

Karen took out what looked like sandwiches from the basket she was carrying.

"I hope they suit your taste. Please have some if you like."

"Thank you. I was just getting hungry. Let's eat, Aina."

"Sure!"

Aina and I took the sandwiches from Karen and started eating.

"While we eat, can you listen to me? I have a favor to ask."

"A favor?"

"Yes. Actually, in 10 days, an inspector from the Adventurer's Guild will be coming from the capital. I want you to show them the matches you're selling, Shiro."

"That's fine, but... Is there any particular meaning to showing them the matches?"

"There is."

Karen answered immediately.

"Isn't there a forest near this town? A rare monster was discovered there, and many adventurers are visiting the town for that monster. You know about this, right?"

"Yes, I've heard about it."

More than half of the customers at the market are adventurers.

It's clear that adventurers have a significant impact on the town's economy.

"Ninorichi, being on the frontier, hasn't had a branch of the Adventurer's Guild until now... But thanks to that monster, there's a movement in the capital to establish a branch here. I want to get the branch established in Ninorichi for the town's development."

According to Karen, if the town has a branch of the Adventurer's Guild, many adventurers will settle here as a base, and merchants will also come for the adventurers and materials.

When people gather, money naturally follows.

From the mayor's perspective, it's essential to attract the branch to the town.

"I see. I understand. So, the town of Ninorichi wants the inspector to think, 'This town has value for adventurers beyond just the monster,' to increase the chances of getting the branch established?"

"I appreciate your quick understanding. You're a skilled merchant, as expected."

"Hehe, I'm still far from that. But I understand. I'll prepare something that will really catch the inspector's attention."

"Thank you. I'm in your debt."

"Don't worry about it."

"Still, Shiro, thank you. I'm always asking you to do difficult things. I promise to repay this favor in the name of the mayor someday."

"Hehe, you don't need to think so deeply about it. People help each other to live. So, this is just a matter of course."

Karen's eyes widened at my words.

"...I see. You're kind. Well, I'll be going. I wish you success in your business."

With that, Karen left the shop.

"Shiro-oniichan, I hope the inspector likes the matches!"

"Yeah."

I patted Aina's head.

The key is to prepare something that the inspector will like, right?

Alright. I'll prepare more than just matches.

Let's see, what should I prepare?