Chapter 23

"Then, how was it, Shiro? Did you gain anything from accompanying the adventurers?"

Sitting in the chair, Karen changed the topic as if to cover up the awkwardness of leaning on me.

"Yes, I did. There’s a lot. If the supplies arrive in time, I’m sure the people who came to inspect will be amazed by the items in our store."

At my words, Karen’s face broke into a knowing smile. She then leaned close to my ear and whispered,

"Hehe. 'If the supplies arrive in time.' You don’t have to hide it. You must have a storage skill or a storage item, right?"

She leaned in close to my ear, perhaps to keep Aina from hearing. I was taken aback by her words, which hit the mark.

"W-What are you talking about?"

"Hmm. You’re not a good liar, it seems. I think that’s a virtue, but as a merchant, it might be a problem."

"..."

I couldn’t argue with her logic.

"Don’t misunderstand. I don’t intend to do anything to you. While it’s true that those with storage skills or items are rare, I’ve met a few before. And when I first saw you, I sensed the same aura as them."

"Aura?"

"Yes, you could call it intuition. So... how about it? Is my intuition correct?"

I raised my hands in surrender.

"You’re absolutely right. I have a storage skill."

"Of course. I was wondering how you managed to stock so many matches in such a remote place... Hmm. It makes sense now. You must have had them all along."

"Huh? The way you say it, it sounds like...?"

Karen smiled slyly and said,

"Just kidding."

"Whaaat!?"

I couldn’t help but exclaim loudly. Aina looked at me with a worried expression.

"Shiro-niisan... Is something wrong?"

"Ah, sorry for startling you. It’s nothing."

"Okay."

I turned back to Karen, pouting a little.

"You were just kidding?"

"Hehehe. I hope it was good practice for you. I did it for your future. I don’t want you to be angry."

"I’m not angry... I see, I need to get better at negotiation."

Being a merchant means dealing with deception and trickery. I’ve always been quick to believe people, so I need to be more careful.

"That’s right. Not all trading partners are honest. Sometimes, negotiation is necessary. It’s good to keep that in mind, even if just a little."

"...I’ll try my best."

I said this with a feigned pout, and Karen laughed heartily.

"Alright, let’s get back to the topic."

Karen cleared her throat and became serious.

"Among the items you currently own, there are some that the inspector—adventurers—would want, right?"

"Yes, I’m confident."

"Hehe. You’re quite straightforward. But it’s reassuring. I must thank the gods for our meeting. Of course, I thank you as well."

"Oh, you’re exaggerating."

Karen and I laughed together.

"By the way, Shiro, what kind of items do you plan to display in the store? I’m not trying to pry into your business, but could you show me a little?"

"Aina too! Aina wants to see too!"

Hearing Karen’s words, Aina ran over with a thud.

"Sure, it’s fine. The items I plan to show the inspector are—"

I showed ‘it’ to Karen and Aina. Aina, not knowing what it was for, tilted her head in confusion. But Karen, who understood how convenient ‘it’ was, opened her eyes wide and whispered in a serious tone,

"Such an item exists..."

And that was how it happened.