Chapter 88

As I feel the pressure from both sides saying, "I want to go home," I also want to go home. I want to go back home even if it means canceling the reservation. In front of me, a discussion about fashion is taking place, but I don't care. Well, considering I just criticized their outfits, maybe I should say something. But no, if it's just to please women, I can just leave it to them, right?

"Um, we should probably head this way..."

"Already leaving? Wait a moment, a rare delicacy is coming. Just try this one thing."

As I was about to get up, Maidy stopped me.

"This... it's sort of an apology, but it's something I caught. You don't get to eat this often, so you should try it. It's quite expensive."

The last part wasn't necessary, but it's true that it's a bit intriguing.

"But, still..."

"Here you go. It's grilled Fanfockle ears."

What did she just say? I couldn't help but look at the sister who brought the plate. On the plate, there were definitely mushrooms. They looked like thick, buttered mushrooms.

"Ears...?"

"Fanfockle is a tree creature. Its ears are delicious. They only live high up in the mountains, so it's hard to catch them. They can fly, too."

No, they're just mushrooms, right? What flies? The ears? The ears fly?

"One of these can buy a whole bottle of alcohol. It's delicious, but I prefer alcohol."

"Hey, Maidy! We agreed to split the bill today! Why did you order something like that?"

Panta, who was talking with Century, suddenly barged in.

"I'll pay for it!"

"Great! Another silver alcohol, please!"

"Huh? Just the Fanfockle! Cancel the rest! And Panta, your chest is showing!"

"Hehe, sorry about that. Maidy, it won't spill."

"Take it off, you!"

...The ears are delicious. Rada, trembling, is eating what looks like a mushroom. Koushin has no expression left. I remember, a while back, I got caught up in a verbal fight between girls. But these people really have a bad drinking habit. Maybe Mou doesn't come because of this.

Panta, who was reliable during expeditions, has changed. Alcohol really does change people...

"Hehe, it's lively."

Is it okay to clean up the mess, Gabal?

"So, what do you think about the engraving itself?"

Ah, you want to continue the conversation? I'm not really interested in decorative stuff, and I wasn't expecting advice or anything. I just wanted something made for me.

"Koushin, do you know about this?"

I need to do some reconnaissance.

"No, I don't really know."

Koushin answered while chewing on the ear. It has a good texture, doesn't it? And he seems to like it. There's another one on the side plate.

"What about Rada?"

"Huh!? Well, I like looking at them, but I can't tell the differences. Maybe Nilva-sama knows more..."

"Yeah, but we can't call her here."

"True."

I don't want to bring her into this chaotic space. She's probably still in town, but... no, she's not here, right? I quickly looked around. Good, she's not here.

But I can't really imagine anything. For accessories, there are rings, earrings, and so on, but I don't really want any. I'd prefer something we can use. Hmm, I don't want a statue or furniture. Can it be used for horse gear? But I usually prefer plain designs.

"Of course, I'm not suggesting it be free. If there's anything we can do, please let us know..."

While I was thinking, Gabal said anxiously. No, I'm not worried about that.

"Hmm. Who is your target customer?"

When I asked, the bald and mohawk guys, who had somehow taken off their shirts, tilted their heads. Why did they take them off? Oh, I see. Looking around, Panta and Maidy were stripping the clothes off the surrounding men. Is that even legal? The men seem to be enjoying it, so maybe it's okay? Koushin and Rada are... safe.

"Secret move!"

I reached into my magic bag and threw something at the two of them.

Puff!

The control was accurate, hitting their faces. A little green powder flew, but it's non-toxic, so please bear with it.

"Ahem, ahem. What's this, already~"

"Ahem, ahem! Ahchoo! Ahchoo!"

Oops. Did it get up Maidy's nose?

"Are you sober now, both of you?"

Yes, what I threw at them was a hangover cure. It's usually dissolved in water and drunk, but the appraiser said it works just by inhaling. I prepared it in case I got harassed by drunk people, and it came in handy.

"I wasn't that drunk..."

Panta, who started to say that, suddenly let go of the man's clothes. The men around us, now shirtless, scattered without much fuss. Good. I was worried they might cause trouble.

A bit refreshing. It might be fun for them, but it's tough for sober people. But it really works well. I should get more made.

"Um, what was it again? Oh, the target customer. It's hard to make something that appeals to everyone, so maybe you want to increase female customers, or make expensive items for nobles, or something for adventurers, etc."

The two brothers went back to talking with Century. The two women... were huddled in a corner of the table, arguing about who started it. To be precise, they were pushing it onto each other.

"I've never thought about a target before."

"Me neither. We're just trying to stock up on items. The customers are mostly neighbors or people introduced by my dad, and some from the furniture store my dad told us to visit..."

"Ah, so the shop hasn't been open that long?"

When I asked, Gabal nodded.

"The location isn't that bad, but not many customers come in."

So you want to sell something that sells quickly. No, I think hiring staff would be the quickest way.

"Hmm. Then maybe something that's not too expensive but sells in volume would be good. Something anyone can use... Hmm, how about something with a poison-removal enchantment?"

"Hey, are you stupid?"

"What?"

Maidy interrupted, and I couldn't help but sound a bit rough. Panta elbowed Maidy's head.

"You're too harsh with your words."

Panta, what's in that cup you're holding? Are you drinking again because you're sober? I need to finish this conversation before she gets drunk again.

"Anyway, there aren't many enchanters. Plus, special materials are needed for enchantments, so the price naturally goes up."

"Exactly. So something everyone can afford is impossible."

"Really?"

I remember, when I saw the guild's items, the enchanted ones were in a different league.

"I only have one myself."

"Maidy, you just spend money recklessly."

"Panta, you spend it on alcohol."

"I save money."

Really? We have them normally.

So, what else could there be?