Chapter 49

The morning in the capital city.

I was in the store with Tetti.

I planned to start looking for the legendary treasure that would reduce the cost of rejuvenation and the princess's soul, which Edgar wished for, after opening the store.

Actually, both tasks can't be done unless the bookstore is open.

In the narrow store, I displayed the monster parts at five times their value, along with herbs and mushrooms.

Inside the glass counter, a row of petite elixirs was neatly arranged.

I also changed the store name to 'Petit Ely' and put up a sign.

The dazzling morning sun illuminated the sign.

Looking up at it, I thought,

--I never intended to do business at first.

It's quite emotional.

Inside the store, the elf girl Tetti was cleaning, her golden hair swaying. Her sweeping movements were light and graceful.

I entered and called out to her.

"Kou will clean, so you don't have to work so hard, okay?"

"But this is my place! I want to keep it clean with my own hands!"

Tetti answered while sweeping lightly.

I thought that was the case and didn't say anything.

Instead, I asked her another question.

"Elves are known for their archery and spirit magic, but Tetti isn't that strong, right?"

"That's right. I haven't learned them."

"Do you know how to get better at spirit magic and archery?"

"If I knew, I would have become stronger and a adventurer."

"That's true... I'd like you to protect the dungeon, though. Maybe you should learn how to use spirit magic from someone."

This morning's sudden dungeon attack.

If we are going to be attacked frequently, it would be good to have someone to guard the store.

Tetti still seems to struggle, but if we need to strengthen our forces, it will cost money...

--I'd like to save money if possible.

Creating an ideal living environment is tough.

I put my hand on my forehead and shook my head.

Then Tetti opened her carefree smile.

"Okay. By the way, I envy Alerk-sama. I wanted to be a dungeon master too--like Danmis."

"Danmis?"

At my words, Tetti turned around with her emerald eyes wide open.

"What!? Alerk-sama doesn't know Danmis!? --The Dungeon Mistress Story."

"I don't know. What kind of story is it?"

"Well, a duke's daughter who trained to become a queen is engaged to the first prince, but she is dumped and exiled from the country. She befriends a dungeon core she finds in a remote area, uses her innate administrative and diplomatic skills to create a labyrinth empire, and even creates a reverse harem of handsome men to take revenge on her original country. It's a best-selling novel that has sold over a million copies!?"

"I don't read many books. What kind of dungeon does she create?"

"It was a forest-type field dungeon that could heal everyone. She befriended pegasi, unicorns, and fairies."

"Hmm. Is there such a thing as a field-type dungeon?"

--Well, it's dangerous to believe in imagination too much, so I'll consult with Kou later.

While I was thinking, Liricia came out from the wardrobe.

"Master, I'm ready."

"Then let's open the store."

"Okay!"

Tetti answered in a cute voice, stopped cleaning, and headed for the entrance.

She opened the curtain on the front window and unlocked the door.

She flipped the sign from "Preparing" to "Open" and her golden hair sparkled in the morning sun that shone through the door.

Then she spread her skirt and turned around with her whole body.

"Then, we're open!"

"Have you memorized the prices?"

"No problem!"

"Is the change ready?"

Tetti hurried back to the counter and peered into the change box.

"Well, yeah. There are plenty of coins. I think it's fine!"

"Well, since we don't have many products, it won't get too busy."

"I might get bored... Oh, can I read the books in the dungeon room?"

"Yeah, use them as you like."

"Yay, thanks--oh!"

Then, a person came in. A middle-aged, slightly overweight woman.

She was the landlord of this store.

Tetti greeted her in a cute, energetic voice.

"Welcome!"

"Oh, I'm not a customer."

I stepped out to the counter and faced the landlord.

"This is the landlord. This is Tetti, who will be in charge of the store."

"Oh, you hired such a cute clerk... Oh, I heard! You defeated the dungeon in the eastern part of the capital!?"

"I did it because it was bothering the store."

"The store was cursed because of the dungeon. Lately, there were even rumors of a woman's sobbing... I'm really happy."

The landlord smiled broadly and shed a tear.

I was surprised and asked.

"Is it that much to cry about? It's not a big deal."

"No, the dungeon in the eastern part of the capital is my husband's revenge!"

"Huh?"

"Even though he wasn't that strong, he would go into the dungeon on his days off. He would bring back useless items."

"Was exploring the dungeon his hobby?"

"But one day, he didn't come back. I waited for him to come back for so long. I'm sad but happy! You did a great job!"

The landlord shook her plump body, showing her gratitude.

I suddenly thought of something.

--Maybe I can get a discount for the period when the store couldn't be used.

"Ah, by the way, about the rent."

"I received three months' rent, but I'll make it six months! It's a thank you! The monthly rent will be 50,000 gold! --Ah, I can't calm down unless I do this!"

"Really... That's a big help. Then, while I'm at it, here's the remaining six months' rent."

I rummaged through the bag and took out three large gold coins (300,000 gold) for six months and handed them to the landlord.

I did this because I was afraid she might change her mind later if it was a momentary whim.

The landlord clutched the gold coins and laughed while crying.

"Your generosity is charming! I'd like to make you my husband!"

"Th-That's not possible!"

Liricia jumped and hugged my arm from the side.

The landlord opened her mouth wide and laughed.

"Ahaha! Just a joke! I won't take a man who already has a cute wife!"

Seeing the landlord laugh heartily, I suddenly remembered yesterday's idea.

"By the way, the landlord owns various properties, right?"

"Huh? Well, I have houses and storage facilities, but what's the sudden question?"

"Well, I have a vague idea, but I was wondering if you have any large plots of land."

"What do you want to do with it?"

"Maybe I'll try to open something like a bathhouse."

The landlord's smile disappeared, and she looked at me suspiciously.

"What, are you planning to open a sleazy place?"

"No. A regular public bathhouse. A bathhouse with many medicinal hot springs."

"A private public bathhouse? I've never heard of such a thing. Will it work?"

The landlord frowned and scratched her head.

I turned to Tetti and asked.

"Was the bath we went to yesterday good? I was thinking of preparing various medicinal hot springs."

"Yes! That bath was so comfortable! It felt like I was reborn. --I think it's a good idea. If it can cure injuries and illnesses, customers will be happy."

Tetti smiled cutely, her golden hair swaying as she nodded.

However, the landlord's frown deepened, and she looked even more troubled.

"Even so, there isn't that much large land in the capital. Not just my properties, but no real estate agency has such large plots."

"That's true... I might have to consider a location outside the capital or in another city."

Personally, I thought it was a good idea, but realistically, it had too many problems.

They say a fool's idea is like a rest, and they are right.

The landlord nodded vigorously.

"Well, such places might be better as vacation spots or tourist attractions. I'll look into it. --Well, see you later!"

"Wait a moment."

I called out to the landlord as she was about to leave the store.

I took a bottle of petite elixir from the store and handed it to her.

By the way, I set the price at 20,000 gold per bottle.

"Would you like to try this potion? It's our flagship product."

"Wow, really? Thank you!"

The landlord accepted it sincerely, raised her hand, and left the store.

Liricia and I also headed for the entrance.

I turned around while reaching for the door.

"Then, Tetti. I'm going to the adventurer's guild and the bookstore. I'll leave the store to you."

"Okay, see you later!"

"See you, Tetti!"

With Tetti's smile, Liricia and I stepped out into the morning sun.

I and Edgar's search items should be found at the bookstore.

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The next chapter will be updated tomorrow

→ 50. Shopping at the Bookstore