Chapter 25

It has been two days since I received various instructions from Neska about the Adventurer's Guild.

I had heard that the inspector would come to town no later than today...

"Big brother Shiro, the inspector hasn't come yet."

"Yeah, they haven't."

"Maybe they got lost on the way?"

"It's supposed to be a straight path to the neighboring town. Maybe they're taking a detour?"

"I hope they come soon."

There was no sign of them at all.

There were only two possible reasons for the delay.

Either an accident happened, or the inspector is just very laid-back.

From what I heard from the Ryahs, the latter seems more likely.

The sun was already beginning to set and was about to disappear behind the mountains.

I felt sorry for Karen, who had been waiting at the town's entrance since yesterday, ready to welcome them at any time.

Well, I'm also dressed formally (in clothes borrowed from Karen) in case they come to the store at any time.

Wearing unfamiliar clothes is tiring, even just standing still.

I want to be released from this soon.

"Oh, I hear the bell."

Aina tilted her head and listened carefully.

The sound of a bell, "Kan-kan-kan," came from the center of town.

This bell rings several times a day to inform the residents of the time.

The bell ringing now is to signal the evening.

In other words, it's a sign that it's time to go home because it's getting dark.

"Looks like they won't come today. Alright, Aina, you can go home. Thank you for today. Good job."

"Thank you, Big brother Shiro."

Aina smiled and said, "Go home before it gets dark."

"Okay. What about you, Big brother Shiro?"

"Hmm, the inspector might arrive at the last minute, so I'll stay a bit longer."

"Then I'll stay too?"

"No, that's not a good idea. Your mother will worry, right?"

"...Okay, I understand."

Aina nodded at my advice.

I've never asked, but Aina's mother must be very important to her.

After all, she works even though she's only eight, all for her mother.

"See you tomorrow, Big brother Shiro."

Aina left the store with a reluctant look on her face.

I waved to her until she was out of sight.

"Bye-bye, Big brother Shiro!"

Aina turned back several times, waving vigorously.

I turned back and waved until she was out of sight, then returned to the store.

◇◆◇◆◇

In the end, the inspector didn't show up even after an hour.

The sun had set, and the town of Niorich, which had no streetlights, was pitch black.

Without any taverns, the area was eerily quiet.

I thought it was finally okay to close.

Just as I was about to lock the door, a small, adventurer-like woman suddenly entered the store.

"Excuse me, is this 'Shiro's Shop'?"

I realized I hadn't decided on a name for the store, but I answered, "Yes, it is."

The woman looked relieved.

"That's good. I wasn't sure if you were still open."

"You look like an adventurer. Is there something you need?"

More than half of my customers are adventurers.

So, I was already used to serving them and could even chat with them, throwing in light jokes.

"No, a friend told me that this store has a good selection of items for adventurers. I came to see what you have."

"I see. Is that so?"

"I'm sorry to come so late, but could I see the items in your store? I'm in a bit of a hurry."

"Of course, of course. Please feel free to look around. If you have any questions about the items, just ask."

"Thank you. I'll take a look then."

The woman looked around the store.

The shelves were lined with items for adventurers, and Aina had written handwritten explanations for each one.

While the items were easy to use once explained, this kind of attention to detail was surprisingly well-received.

"Is this... the famous 'match' I've heard about?"

"Yes, it is. Would you like to try it?"

"Please."

Our main product, matches, are now so common in Niorich that it's harder to find someone who doesn't have them.

"I'll do this... and there, it's lit."

"...I've heard about it, but I can't believe it even when I see it with my own eyes. Can I try it myself?"

"Of course. Please go ahead."

The woman struck the match, and a flame appeared.

"...This is a wonderful item."

The woman said, moved.

She then looked at the items on the shelf.

"What is this silver item?"

"That's the 'Survival Sheet.'"

I pulled out a sample of the item the woman pointed to from behind the counter.

"It's a portable thermal blanket. Let me show you how it works."

I unfolded the survival sheet.

A survival sheet is a thin, aluminum-coated thermal blanket.

By wrapping it around the body, it helps maintain body heat and provides warmth easily.

It's highly practical, and many mountaineers carry it in their gear as a precaution.

It measures 210 cm in length and 130 cm in width, and when folded properly, it can fit in a pocket.

With this, adventurers don't need to carry a blanket, which has made it very popular.

It was also one of the items that surprised Karen when I showed it to her.

"This is a thermal blanket?"

"It looks a bit flashy, but it's better to experience it. Please wrap yourself in it."

"...Okay."

The woman wrapped herself in the survival sheet, and her expression changed to one of surprise.

"Amazing. It's so warm, even though it's so thin."

"Right? With this survival sheet, you can use the space you would have used for a blanket for food or water instead."

"Exactly. This item... is revolutionary for adventurers."

The woman nodded, clearly impressed.

"Then, what is this item?"

"Oh, that's—"

An hour after Aina left, just as I was about to close the store, the adventurer woman came in and stayed for another two hours.

I explained all the items in the store to her, including demonstrations.

"Thank you for the explanation. I'll take my leave now."

I tried hard to explain, but the woman was so amazed that she left the store without buying anything.

As I watched her disappear into the darkness, I muttered to myself.

"I wonder what she was in such a hurry for?"