Chapter 26

Finally, that day arrived.

"Big brother Shiro!"

Aina, out of breath, burst into the store.

Panting heavily, the face she lifted to look at me was dead serious.

I immediately understood what Aina was trying to say.

"Big brother Shiro, the inspector has arrived!"

"Finally. They were quite late."

It had already been five days since the scheduled arrival date.

During that time, Karen had been waiting at the town's entrance, and her face had become sunburned, making her look very pitiful.

"Aina, do you know where the inspector is now?"

"I know! Aina saw the mayor and the inspector enter the town hall just now!"

"I see. Then they'll be here a bit later."

According to what Karen had told me beforehand, the inspector would first be shown around the town, then given an explanation of the types and ecology of the monsters in the forest, as well as the herbs and minerals that could be collected.

After that, they would tour the market, and as part of that, I was to show them various items, including matches, at my store.

Finally, they would be asked whether they would establish a branch here.

Karen was putting all her efforts into attracting the guild.

While the Adventurers' Guild has a bad reputation, I owe Karen a lot. I hope I can repay her a little today.

"Alright. Let's do our best."

"Yep! Aina will do her best too!"

◇◆◇◆◇

"Shiro, I kept you waiting."

Two hours later, Karen entered the store.

She was wearing a top with a lower neckline than usual. Was it because of the local culture, or for the reception?

There were a few adventurer customers in the store, and Lyaer was there too, probably worried about me.

"Shall I bring the inspector in now?"

"Sure. I'm ready whenever they come."

"Thank you. ...It seems he's a bit difficult. I'm sorry, but if he says anything unpleasant, please bear with it."

Karen suddenly bowed.

Even though we haven't met yet, this exchange alone makes it clear that this person is going to be a hassle.

"I understand. I'm used to unreasonable abuse, so it's fine."

At my previous job at a black company, abusive language was common.

I've been hit with it many times, so I'm used to it.

"Thanks. I'll bring him in then."

With that, Karen went outside and brought back a chubby middle-aged man.

The chubby man scanned the store with a stern face, his gaze settling on Karen's cleavage.

"Mr. Gabus, this is our town's pride, a store."

Karen introduced my store to the man.

The chubby middle-aged man, called Gabus, turned to look at me.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Shiro, the store owner."

I introduced myself and bowed slightly.

"I'm Aina, the store clerk."

Aina also introduced herself, mimicking me.

She's already a proper store clerk.

"..."

Despite our introductions, the chubby middle-aged man—Gabus—remained silent, completely ignoring us.

Is he ignoring us?

He is, isn't he?

"...I was expecting a store with amazing items, as the mayor said... Huh. This place is quite dirty. Are you cleaning it properly?"

These words hurt Aina, our cleaning minister. I could see tears welling up in her eyes.

Come on... hold it together, Shiro. Endure like a blade on the heart.

"Well, we do daily sweeping and mopping."

"Is that so? Tsk, tsk. Do people living in the frontier not know how to clean properly? Or is it just that the frontier is dusty? I can't believe you can do business in such a dirty place, living in the capital as I do."

Gabus shrugged.

Karen, flustered, interjected:

"I'm sorry, Mr. Gabus. Nolitch is surrounded by fields and forests, so dust inevitably gets in."

She then took a match from the shelf and handed it to Gabus.

"Mr. Gabus, this is the 'match' we talked about. It's a very effective fire starter, and it can only be bought at this store. Shiro, is that okay?"

In response to Karen's question, I gestured, "Please go ahead."

"Hmm. So this is the famous... Let me try one, shall I?"

Gabus said this and, with practiced movements, took out a match and lit it.

"...I see. The store may be dirty, but the items are of good quality. I can understand why the mayor recommends this store."

"Can you understand, Mr. Gabus? This store will surely be useful to the adventurers in your guild. I guarantee it on the mayor's name."

"Hmph. A guarantee from a frontier mayor means nothing to me."

"..."

"However, this 'match' does seem useful for our guild's adventurers. In that case... Hmm. Yes, as the one entrusted with full authority by the Grand Guild Master, I can place a branch of the Adventurers' Guild 'Plunderers of the Labyrinth' in this town."

This must be the effect of the match. It feels like the negotiations might be wrapped up right here in my store.

Hearing Gabus's words, Karen was surprised and quickly showed a joyful expression.

"R-Really, Mr. Gabus? Will you really place a branch in Nolitch?"

"Yes, really."

"Then immediately—"

"However! ...However, there are a few conditions."

"Conditions? What kind of conditions?"

Gabus smiled lecherously and opened his mouth as if he had been waiting for this moment.

"Oh, simple things. First, the Adventurers' Guild to be placed in this town should be ours, 'Plunderers of the Labyrinth.' Of course, there probably aren't any other eccentric guilds that want to place a branch here."

Gabus continued.

"Next, tax exemption. This is natural because it's difficult to make a profit with a branch in the frontier. Also, the construction costs for the branch should be borne by this town. And finally..."

He narrowed his eyes and looked at me.

Then he said:

"I would like the priority sales rights for this 'match' as well."