Chapter 59

It had been two weeks since Karen told me about the guild's request.

--- Please keep my true identity a secret.

Under this condition, I revealed to Bash that I had the Spatial Storage skill. Bash wasn't particularly surprised. Rather, he looked as if he had expected it.

When we tested the storage capacity together, it turned out to be on a different dimensional level, with no bottom in sight. Bash managed to gather the necessary materials, supplies, and craftsmen for construction within ten days, while also finding a suitable location for the base. He planned to take about half of the guild's adventurers to help with the construction and to maintain the base.

The construction site was a three-day journey into the forest. My role was simply to transport the materials and supplies back and forth.

It would take about a week for a round trip. However, it wasn't a bad deal for me, as I was being offered the extraordinary rate of two gold coins per day.

With a week's worth of round trips, I would end up with a huge sum of 14 million yen in just seven days. The amount of the reward clearly showed how valuable a person with the Spatial Storage skill was.

We were set to depart today. So, I was saying a temporary goodbye to the young clerk who was taking care of the store.

"Alright, Aina, I'm just going to be gone for a bit."

"Shiro-nii-chan..."

Inside the store before opening, Aina looked sad. I patted her head and then squatted down to meet her eye level.

"Don't look so sad. I'll be back soon."

"But... there are scary monsters, right?"

"Don't worry about that. The blue lightning will protect me, and there will be many strong adventurers with me. The monsters will be the ones running away. So, Aina, I want you to greet customers with a smile as usual, without worrying about me."

"......Okay."

"Thank you. I'll leave the store in your hands for a bit."

"......Okay."

I patted Aina's head one more time and then turned to Stella.

"Stella, I'm sorry to ask, but can you take care of the store with Aina?"

"Yes, I'll do my best."

While I was away, we decided to temporarily close the second store at the guild. The official reason was that the guild had bought a large amount of goods for the base, leaving us with nothing to sell.

The real reason was that I wanted Stella to work at the first store while I was gone. I asked them to tell anyone who asked that I was out buying more stock.

"There's some inventory in the back warehouse, but if it sells out, you can put up a 'Sold Out' sign."

"Understood."

Stella, with a serious expression, nodded firmly. Her hands were tightly clenched, as if she was too determined. She was just like Aina in that way. No wonder, being mother and daughter.

"Normally, I would say 'Leave it to me' with confidence."

"Mom, Aina is here, so it'll be fine."

"You're right. Thank you, Aina. Having you here makes me feel much stronger."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Hehe..."

Aina's face lit up with a smile. She had been a bit teary-eyed about my departure, but yes, a smile really suits her.

"I'm going now."

"Shiro-nii-chan, see you later."

"Shiro, please be careful."

"Sure. I'll be back soon!"

With their farewells, I left the store.