Chapter 79

1/2

The store was so crowded that it was obvious even from the outside.

I had been reading the reports diligently, especially those of the stores in the capital, but... it was quite different to see it in person.

I knew from the sales, inventory, and supply orders, as well as the business reports, that the store was busy, and I had taken measures to address it.

But, seeing it in person... I couldn't help but be amazed all over again.

"...I think this is much better than before, when I saw it last."

Mimosa, glancing at me sideways, said this.

...Right. This is better...

The store was packed with people, leaving no empty space.

The checkout lines were long, and there were people waiting outside who couldn't get in.

From the perspective of the head of the guild, this scene was something to celebrate.

But for the employees, it must have been a daunting sight.

We entered through the back door, which was for employees only and led directly to the back space.

"...Welcome, Iris-sama, Sei. Thank you for coming."

The store manager, who immediately spotted us, ran over and bowed.

"Please relax. We're just here to deliver some refreshments from Iris-sama."

Sei smiled wryly and handed something to the manager.

"...Refreshments?"

The manager repeated the words, as if in a daze.

He probably wanted to ask what they meant, but he didn't look at me, perhaps to avoid being rude.

I, too, smiled wryly and spoke.

"Yes. It's been busy lately, and everyone must be tired. I brought a few types of juice, so please have them during your break."

"Oh, thank you."

The manager took the items from Sei hesitantly.

"Are there enough staff? Is there anything troubling you?"

"No, it's fine. Compared to last week, things have calmed down a lot..."

Just as the manager said this,

Smash...! A sound of something breaking and a shout came from the store.

Instantly, Lyle and Dida shielded me, alert to the surroundings.

I stood there, sandwiched between the wall and Lyle.

The manager immediately headed towards the store.

"Dida. Stay here and follow the manager to check the situation."

Dida frowned at my words.

"Princess, I'm your bodyguard."

He said this with a serious tone.

"Isn't it necessary to understand what's happening?"

Whether he gave in because I was persistent or because he realized the situation needed to be assessed, Dida sighed.

"...Alright, I understand. Lyle, take care of the princess."

"Of course."

Dida then ran towards the store.

Next, Sei moved. Having visited the store multiple times for inspections, he knew the building's layout.

"This way."

He led us to an office and reception room set up inside the store.

Several desks for work were lined up, and beyond a screen, there was a reception desk and chairs.

I sat down in one of the reception chairs.

At that moment, a knock was heard, and a man who appeared to be an employee entered the room.

"...Excuse me. Is Sei-sama here?"

Sei stood up and approached him.

"Yes. What is it?"

"The person who subdued the troublemaker at the front of the store, Dida-sama, wants to see Sei-sama..."

I let out a breath I had been holding. Dida would have easily caught the man.

...Still, why did Dida call for Sei?

"Me? Dida said that?"

Sei, also puzzled, echoed the question.

"Yes... The troublemaker is demanding to see someone in charge, and Dida-sama said it would be better to talk in the store rather than here in the back space."

"Understood. Let's go."

I apologize for the long delay in updating.