Chapter 36

I am now... standing at the entrance of the main street, heading to the Merchant Guild across from the Adventurer's Guild, where I am facing Mariage-san, the guild master of the Merchant Guild.

This Merchant Guild, unlike the Adventurer's Guild, is a calm space with a white theme. There are tables and chairs on the first floor, available for anyone to use freely, whether for business negotiations or other purposes.

I am currently in the reception room on the upper floor to talk with Mariage-san, the guild master.

Then, I registered with the Merchant Guild and explained that I wanted to open my own shop in this town.

"Hmm..."

Mariage-san, with her honey-orange hair, compared the documents after I finished my explanation. Her gaze was sharp and beautiful, and even as a woman, I felt my heart race when she looked at me. She seemed to be deep in thought, then looked at me again.

"I'm a bit concerned about your age to become a merchant... but since you have Alfred's backing, it's fine. Our guild welcomes you."

"Mariage-san...! Thank you so much!!"

I never thought I would get permission so easily. This is all thanks to Alfred's introduction.

"The shop for recovery potions, 'Hinami's Garden,' right? The basic handling will be limited to recovery potions... but since it's business, it's fine if you expand your product range in the future. If there are any changes in management or policy, don't forget to inform the guild."

"Understood!"

Mariage-san's smile was no longer as sharp as before; it was more like the look one gives to family or friends. She spread out the stack of documents she was holding on the table and said, "We'll proceed with the contract now." The three sheets of paper in front of me were the Merchant Guild Registration Certificate, the Merchant Guild Regulations, and the Store Registration Form.

"First, let's handle the registration. Since you are already registered with the Adventurer's Guild, please show me your guild card. We'll add the Merchant Guild registration to it."

"Oh, I see. I didn't know that was possible."

"Yes. It's better not to have too many cards..."

I took out my guild card and handed it to Mariage-san. My guild card, which I had hardly used, was still shiny. After looking at it, Mariage-san rang a bell on the side of the table, and a woman entered the room. She took my guild card and the registration certificate, bowed slightly, and left the room.

"While the registration is being processed, I'll explain the guild and the details of opening a shop."

"Understood. Please go ahead!"

I listened to Mariage-san's explanation while looking at the regulations paper in front of me.

"The regulations of the Merchant Guild are not that complicated. There are three main points. First, not to do anything that would harm the guild. This includes violating guild regulations or orders, and causing problems that require guild intervention, regardless of whether it's an individual or a group. Second, business registration. This means you must report to the guild what kind of business you are doing. You don't need to specify every item you sell, but you should report your business plan and direction. You must also report when starting a new business. Lastly, taxes. There are no taxes on sales in the market, but if you own a shop, you will have to pay taxes. The amount varies depending on the location of your shop. I'll explain the locations later."

"I see..."

Although the explanation was a bit overwhelming, I tried to digest it by repeating it in my head. It didn't seem too difficult.

1. Not to do anything that would harm the guild.

- No violations of regulations or orders, and no causing problems.

2. Business registration obligation.

- Report the type of business, industry, and product details to the guild.

3. Taxes.

- Monthly tax: 7 gold coins for the main street, 5 gold coins for the middle street, 2 gold coins for the small street, and 1 gold coin for the alley.

Yes, it's much clearer now. I thought there would be more complicated regulations, but it's not that bad. I feel a bit relieved. This fantasy world is different from Japan, and the civilization is less advanced, so the system isn't too complex. I think I can manage... maybe?

"Do you have any questions?"

"Hmm... Not really..."

"Oh, I almost forgot to explain this."

"This...?"

Mariage-san opened a drawer and brought out a small box. Inside was a beautiful white... gemstone. When she held it up to her face, I could see through it. The transparency was incredible.

"Oh, you don't know about this?"

"I didn't think anyone wouldn't know. If it weren't for Alfred's introduction, you'd have been turned away at the door."

Mariage-san chuckled and explained.

"This is a 'White Magic Tool.' It's currently handled only by the Merchant Guild. It's impossible to obtain even if you want to, as it's processed and produced by the guild..."

"Wow! That's amazing!"

"Yes. This is proof that 'my shop is not cheating.' You'll hang it outside your shop, and if the shop is cheating, the stone will turn black."

"Right. It reacts to counterfeit goods, false valuations, and various other issues."

That's incredible. I thought this world was low-tech, but this is almost high-tech. Mariage-san's explanation was followed by a simple example from Alfred. I was curious about how it worked, but Mariage-san preemptively said, "The production method and specifications are top secret," with a mischievous smile.

She's really using her charm. She's probably in her late 20s. If I hadn't been rejuvenated, I would have been around the same age, but I can't imagine being as smooth and graceful as her.

"Alright, lastly, the store registration."

Looking at the remaining sheet of paper, I saw several items to confirm:

- Shop name

- Type of business

- Location

- Operating days and hours

- Number of employees

"Right... I need to find a location for my shop."

"Yes. I'll introduce you to some places later. There are a few regulations to consider when choosing a location."

"Regulations?"

"Yes. The location of your shop and operating hours. This also affects the tax amount."

Mariage-san explained each point. It seems that the operating hours become more flexible as you move from the main street to the alleys. The tax amounts are as previously mentioned.

- Main street shops: No fixed holidays, must operate from morning to evening (or equivalent hours).

- Middle street shops: One fixed holiday per week, must operate from morning to evening (or equivalent hours).

- Small street shops: One to two fixed holidays per week, must operate from noon to evening (or equivalent hours).

- Alley shops: No fixed holidays or operating hours.

"I see... Main street shops must operate every day."

"Yes. This is important for the development of the country. So, don't think it's easy to do business on the main street."

"Understood."

In that case... my shop should be on the middle or small street. It's just Iku and me, and we have a lot we want to do. I also need to visit the goddess... What should I do?

"What do you think, Iku?"

"Hmm... I think the small street is better."

"I see... Yes, the middle street might be too big for us."

I asked Iku, who was standing behind me, what he thought, and he gave a similar answer to what I was thinking. Yes, I want some free time, and even with one day off, working full-time is a bit tough. The small street would be better with two days off and the ability to set my own operating hours.

"Mariage-san, I'd like to request a location on the small street!"

"Alright, I understand. I think it's a good choice for your first shop. It's not that there's less foot traffic or anything."

The remaining issue is...

What kind of shop will it be! Well, it's a recovery potion shop, but I hadn't decided on the operating hours.

"Um, the employees will be... me and Iku. We haven't decided on the operating hours..."

"Oh, I see... In that case, how about after morning? Adventurers usually go out in the morning, so it might be better to open after that."

"Ah, I see! Then, I'll do that!"

I immediately agreed with Mariage-san's advice, and I could feel Iku's exasperated face behind me, even though I couldn't see it. I'm sure he's making an exasperated face.

Well, I think we've filled in all the items.

"Alright, this looks good."

"Thank you!"

"Regarding the property, I'll arrange a few options for you to see from tomorrow."

"Understood."

Things are moving smoothly, and it seems I can open my shop. Well, we still need to find a property, but I'm looking forward to it. I turned to Iku and gave him a peace sign, and he smiled slightly, as if to say, "That's good."

Just as we finished, there was a knock, and the woman from earlier came in with my guild card. I saw that the card now had "Merchant Guild" written next to "Adventurer's Guild." I thanked her, and she bowed and left.

"You're now a member of the Merchant Guild. If you have any issues, come to me."

"Thank you...!"

She's so cool...!

With her long honey-orange hair flowing behind her, she said those words. I wish I could hear them from a boy I like. But I've never had a boyfriend because I was always working part-time...

"Thank you."

Iku and I thanked her again and left the Merchant Guild. We also thanked Alfred and Shia, and even made a promise to visit when the shop opens. Ugh, my face must be beaming!

"Miss...!!"

"...Kilto!"

Just as we left the Merchant Guild, I saw Kilto coming out of the Adventurer's Guild. I realized the sky was turning orange, and I must have spent more time at the Merchant Guild than I thought.

"It's getting late... Hinami, Iku. How about we have dinner at my favorite place?"

"That sounds great...!"

Iku also nodded in agreement with Alfred's suggestion.

Actually, I was quite hungry, but I hadn't noticed because I was nervous.

Hmm...

It feels like there were too many explanations and not enough fun...

6/19: Changed the tax from 3% of profit to a fixed amount.

Thank you all for your advice...!