Chapter 20

June 27, 15th Year

Numerous corrections made.

Well, it's bustling, bustling.

I'm selling all potions and rings at a 30% discount as a special price for the opening, so if the word spreads by word of mouth from those who buy, it will be ours.

"Ten bottles of healing potion, please!"

Sure thing, busy, busy.

We're short on staff, so Feelia is handling the sales counter while I'm taking items out from the warehouse.

I've also asked the soldiers provided for security to help manage the customers, and I'll give them extra rewards personally today.

"Five jars of white sugar!"

Feelia's tone is getting rough.

Her eyes are bloodshot...

Come to think of it, she hasn't had lunch yet.

I'll give her some snacks later.

As evening approached and the customers dwindled, we closed the store.

The first day was busy, but it went well without any particular issues.

I got permission from Father to include the Brütsels Margrave family crest on the sign, so I don't think any troublemakers will show up, but I'll keep an eye on things for a while.

"Everyone, thank you for your hard work today. Good job, Feelia."

"I'm tired."

When I patted Feelia's head, she wagged her tail happily.

"Here, it's not much, but please keep it."

Today being the first day, I was specially given three soldiers.

Thanks to them, they helped manage the customers, and all three worked hard without lunch, so I gave each of them 10,000S as a lunch allowance and a special reward.

"10,000S!?"

"We can't accept this much!"

A regular soldier's monthly salary is about 30,000S, so 10,000S is a third of that.

"It was particularly busy today, so this is a special reward. Plus, none of you had lunch, right? I don't think it will be as busy tomorrow, so consider it a congratulatory gift for the opening."

The dispatch fee is paid to the Brütsels Margrave family, so I don't usually give money directly to the soldiers, but today was special and a congratulatory gift for the opening.

"Thank you!"

The three soldiers left with unexpected extra income, their faces beaming.

Of course, I also gave rewards to my guards.

They helped with customer service and other tasks.

After that, I took the remaining six guards, Feelia, and me to a nearby restaurant for a meal.

We were quite hungry, so we ordered dishes that could be prepared quickly.

"Sir Christophe, do you think it won't be busy tomorrow?"

"Well, it might take a while for word-of-mouth to spread, so I think it will be quiet for a few days."

Feelia thought for a moment and then spoke.

"I think it will be busy tomorrow. After we finish eating, I want to restock the inventory."

"Why do you think so?"

"Thirty percent of today's customers were women."

"Hmm, but that's only 30%. Even if 30% of the people spread the word, it won't be as busy as today, right?"

"You can't underestimate the women's network!"

It's a strangely convincing reason.

"Alright, I'll stock up as much as possible."

"Thank you."

Thinking about more work waiting after dinner, I ended up eating quickly rather than savoring the meal.

On the way back from the restaurant, I'm prepared for an all-nighter.

However, I intend to let Feelia, who is a salesperson, rest early.

It would be too hard for a 10-year-old like Feelia to stay up all night, and I don't want to see a salesperson with dark circles under her eyes.

"Gael, tell the mansion that I'll be staying at the store tonight."

"But Lady will worry."

"I'll apologize to Mother when I get back."

Gael, who is the captain of my six dedicated guards, reluctantly gave instructions to his subordinates.

When we returned to the store, Feelia was checking today's sales and restocking the shelves, while the guards were taking turns resting and keeping watch.

I, on the other hand, unexpectedly increased the production of the best-selling white sugar and restocked the potions and rings.

I remember Father making a lecherous face when I reported the white sugar.

If it weren't for Father's request, the white sugar wouldn't have been this cheap.

I don't want to get involved in political matters right now, so I didn't ask for the reason.

...I can imagine, but I'll ignore it for now.

It was past 2 AM when the restocking was completed, and I heaved a sigh of relief that I managed to avoid an all-nighter.

I told Feelia to rest in her room on the second floor, but she was preparing for the next day at the counter, and the guards were resting in various spots.

Everyone is working hard.

"Feelia, I told you to go to bed."

"I can't let you work alone, Sir Christophe!"

"Really... The restocking is done, so I'm going to bed. You should rest in your room, too."

I forced Feelia into her room and, feeling quite tired, decided to sleep in a separate room.

I'll hear the sales report in the morning.

...Good night.

I woke up to a noise.

The sun was up, and it was bright outside.

Looking at the clock, it was just past 6 AM, and the guards were not in their usual spots from yesterday.

"Good morning, Sir Christophe."

Feelia called out from behind.

"Good morning, Feelia."

"Breakfast is ready, please come inside."

It seems she had prepared the meal.

The store has a kitchen, dining area, and living space on the second floor.

The only downside is the lack of a bath.

I'll go back to the mansion to take a bath today.

In this world, the habit of bathing is not well-established, and while noble mansions have baths, they are not used daily.

Because I almost bathe every day, I often get strange looks from others.

I'll make more money and design a bath when I rebuild my store from scratch!

After breakfast, I received the sales report from Feelia before opening.

"Yesterday's sales for healing potions... totaled 1,613,300S. Amazing!"

"Is that so? It sold more than I expected. We need to increase the variety of products, too."

Indeed, the store's selection is limited, and I want to add more product types.

I also need to think about products that I don't have to produce myself.

It's starting to feel like I shouldn't be attending the Royal Magic Academy anymore...