THE NEXT DAY
"Welcome to the store! Please enjoy your visit!"
After another seven-day closure, the store doors are opened once again. Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, Pinna, and Salacia... with the addition of Manas, welcome everyone in unison as she also adorns the same clerk uniform as the others. And just like that, the customers flood in like a storm and split off toward the familiar sections as each woman smoothly returns to her post.
As usual, the toiletries section returns to its usual frenzy as Pinna informs everyone about the new products.
"We have added new variants of shampoo today. These formulas contain aloe vera extract from Nomah. It reduces dryness, improves shine retention, and promotes optimal sebum balance."
"Whoa! That's amazing!"
That's all it takes for the customers to practically climb over each other to grab the new items as Pinna continues to watch over.
Meanwhile, the kitchenware section becomes its usual hub of energetic housewives as Yomogi demonstrates an oven-safe cast iron skillet.
"Take a look at this, everyone! This can go straight into the oven! Perfect for baked omelets, skillet pies, roasted veggies… all in one dish!"
"You're kidding..."
"That's genius!"
On the other side, the ceramics section remains the quietest corner of the store, but never empty. Kimberly holds a delicate teacup set to a nobleman, presenting it to him.
"This one... would make… a gentle gift… for your wife's birthday, sir..."
"Yes, magnificent! She'll love it!"
Then, a controlled chaos unfolds in the woodworks section.
"Seriously? You lost to her?"
"No free board games now, man!"
A group of men surrounds a dejected fellow slouched at a game table. Salacia, seated nearby, giggles flirtatiously.
"Oh~ don't bully him, everyone. He was very distracted~…"
Then, she reminds them.
"So~... a deal is a deal, okay~?"
"Yes..."
The men grumble good-naturedly, picking up the board games. As Salacia turns back to her chair, she notices the damp butt imprint left behind and murmurs to herself.
"Fufufu~ ...just leave it~..."
Meanwhile, the masonry section is absolute chaos once again.
"Oi! Keep this up and I'm gonna age ten years faster! Can't any of you spare my bones?!"
"That's what you get for vanishing for a whole week!"
"Vacation's important!"
A dozen sweaty, hyped-up builders surround Chantal, who lifts two mortar sacks onto her shoulders without breaking a sweat, but she jokingly asks for mercy from them as they "punish" her for going missing. And just like that, the group roars with laughter, the energy as chaotic as it is joyful as usual.
Then...
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
That sound comes from a red-haired lady who hits a massive pavise shield that's resting on a shelf with a mace in her hand. At the new weapons section, Manas stands tall proudly as she declares something.
"Hearest me, noble souls! From this day forth, weapons be sold within these walls! Come forth, and witness steel most splendid!"
A cluster of rookie adventurers gathers near the weapons section, casting sideways glances at the weapons — short swords, spears, shields, even a full set of armor — as they whisper to each other, unconvinced.
"Why this shop have those gears?"
"I dunno. If it's fake, we'll waste all our cash…"
"Let's just wait, see if someone else tests it first."
And then, a group of slightly more seasoned adventurers approaches, eyes narrowing at the display.
"Thought this place only sold soap and shampoo. Now blades and armor? Sounds like a scam."
"Yeah. No offense, lady. But the craft here's kinda… questionable."
Manas meets their gaze without flinching. Her lips curve into a small, knowing smile as she gestures to the pavise shield beside her.
"Thy doubts are not unwarranted. Behold — this shield was forged by the same hand and craft as the blades thou seest here. If thou truly seek truth, test thine own weapon against it. Let steel speak for itself."
The men exchange glances, murmuring. And then, one of them steps forward.
"Alright. I'll try."
He hefts his claymore and swings it to the shield...
CLANG!
And he's surprised when he notices a crack that spreads across his blade, and he can only stare in disbelief.
"No way… that's my favorite sword…"
Seeing that, Manas breaches to the shelf and retrieves a matching claymore, presenting it with both hands.
"Then try this."
The man accepts it hesitantly, his grip unsure. He takes a breath, raises the sword, and strikes again.
CLANG!
Once again, he's surprised because this time, there's no crack. The blade remains whole and unbothered by the impact.
"That's… incredible..."
"Claim it for but two silver coins."
And he's surprised by what she says.
"Seriously? Only two?"
"Indeed. And more still... thy broken blade shall be restored by the morrow. Free of charge."
"Really?!"
"Verily."
The other adventurers behind him stir.
"No way. That was rigged."
"Let me try mine."
Then, they step forward one by one, testing their own weapons against the same shield, but the result is the same. Cracked edges. Bent blades. And then, the same test with one of Motegi's weapons... and again, the blades hold firm. Finally, they place their broken gears into a basket for the promised repair with a sigh as they claim their new weapons.
"I believe it now."
"Me too. I'm in."
The rookie adventurers, who have been watching all the time, are finally intrigued.
"Did you see that?"
"He really cracked it… and hers didn't even chip."
"They're real!"
With that, the group is no longer hesitant and excitedly crowds around the display. In just a few short minutes, the weapon section becomes as lively as any other corner of the store.
Near the front, Motegi stands at the counter and holds the line as usual.
"Next one, please. Step up if you're ready."
When an adventurer arrives and places his displayed weapons on the counter, his eyes widen briefly before his friendly smile returns.
"Is that everything, sir?"
"Yes."
"That will be nine silver coins, sir."
"Here you go."
"Thank you for your purchase, we await your next visit."
"U-Uh... yes..."
Unlike his woodworks, which had already gained a reputation among customers, and Salacia's damp butt gimmick that only served as playful charm on top of proven furniture… Motegi thought he couldn't do the same with weapons.
Even though he fully believed that Manas could sell as she promised, he still couldn't rely on her "blessed by a dragon" claim to make people drop their cash in the first place. He had to prove the quality first, then make some sales before the whole gimmick thing came up. That's why he came up with the idea to duplicate Manas's pavise shield with [Copier] and placed the copy in her section as a demonstration piece. So adventurers could test the weapons and feel the difference, and he could offer free repairs for their broken ones.
And now, he's smiling because he has successfully sold weapons. Even Manas, who watches the crowd grow in her section, also marvels at his genius mind.
LUNCH TIME
**********
When the last of the customers filter out, it's time for me to announce our next activity.
"Alright, it's lunchtime, everyone!"
Chantal stretches her arms up with a groan.
"Oh finally... I'm starving, Motegi-kun!"
Kimberly and Pinna smile.
"Ah… break time… has finally… come…"
"I have been anticipating this interval extensively, Master. My projections indicated a high likelihood of increased comfort and replenishment."
Salacia murmurs delightfully.
"Lunch~… lunch~… lunch~…"
Then, Yomogi approaches me.
"Motegi-chan, I'll take charge for lunch today."
"Sure, go ahead."
"Thanks!"
While the girls begin locking the store doors, I walk over to Manas.
"Great job today, Manas."
"Well done indeed. Never did I expect thy curious stratagem to triumph! Truly, thou art a merchant most strange and cunning."
"Ahaha... let's just call it a hunch."
And finally, we head upstairs together. Arriving at the dining room, Chantal, Kimberly, Pinna, and Salacia immediately take a seat at the table, and Manas joins them. Yomogi heads straight to the kitchen, and I call after her.
"Need help, Yomogi?"
"No need, Motegi-chan. I can do it myself."
"Alright."
That answer is enough for me to take my seat with the others. Then, Chantal reaches for one of the jars on the table. She grabs a thin, curved crisp and crunches down on it loudly, sighing like she's been waiting her whole life for that moment.
"Ugh… so good. Perfect pre‑lunch snack."
Pinna follows, selecting a few chips and chewing.
"Despite containing only salt and pepper, the flavor accuracy is impressive. Minimalist. Efficient. Entirely sufficient."
Across from them, Salacia grabs from the other jar and bites into a round puff.
"Mmm… so good…"
Kimberly takes one too, nibbling with delight.
"The buttery… taste… is simply… wonderful…"
Manas watches all four of them eating curiously, and I can see her drooling a little, so I ask her.
"Want some?"
She nods silently, and I take both snacks and place them in front of her. She picks up the crisp first, bites into it with a crunch, and her eyes brighten immediately.
"What is this wondrous delight? It singeth of crispness upon mine tongue!"
"That's called chips. It comes from potatoes, one of the garden crops."
"Better than nuts! Far better, mine king!"
Next up, she tries the puff with another crunch and another hum of satisfaction.
"This one differeth from the first… airy, yet a most pleasing crunch remaineth."
"That's called popcorn. It comes from corn, also one of the garden crops."
She blinks at me in amazed disbelief.
"Why dost thy garden birth such marvels?"
"Hehe... I'll take that as a compliment. Do you like them?"
"Of course I do!"
Chantal grins.
"Just wait till you try the spicy chips. Those are the best."
Pinna shakes her head lightly.
"I prefer the original. The simplicity optimizes the tasting experience."
Salacia sighs.
"Darling's caramel popcorn is sooo good~…"
Kimberly adds.
"That… is my favorite… as well…"
Hearing that, Manas smiles and is clearly intrigued, and I nod.
"Then I am curious to taste every flavor thou speaketh of."
"Sure. I'll make some for you."
Minutes later, Yomogi's voice drifts out from the kitchen.
"Motegi-chan, can you help me with the plates?"
"Sure!"
With that, I head in at once, and arriving there, I see seven plates of glossy pasta, each swirl coated in a thick golden sauce and topped with the crispy meat.
"Is that carbonara?"
Yomogi turns toward me with a bright smile.
"Yup! I used your recipe book, Motegi-chan."
"Ah? Ahaha... is that so?"
Honestly, I don't know what to answer for that one. Yomogi has gushed over everything I've ever cooked in this world, so I started jotting down recipes on slips of paper, step by step, until it accidentally became a thick little "book." I didn't expect her to rely on it so earnestly, yet here she is. And yes, even the salmon en croute she made to welcome Salacia back then also came from this collected piece.
Then, she suddenly giggles.
"Do you remember? That was the dish you made when we met for the first time."
"Ah, you're right. Back in my old home, right?"
"Mm-hmm."
That somehow feels like nostalgia for me. I remembered every detail, from how her stomach growled to how I invited her for lunch to how I cooked carbonara to impress her. And somehow, the dish became the beginning of everything.
"Should we bring these out?"
"Yes, let's go, Motegi-chan."
We each gather three plates and head into the dining room. The moment we set them down, we all sit together and eat.
Yomogi takes a big bite first, her eyes sparkling proudly.
"Mmm! It's so creamy! As expected of me!"
Chantal digs in, her smile widening immediately.
"Ohh... I love this pasta!"
Kimberly twirls a small portion, takes a bite, and smiles softly.
"The flavor… is wonderfully… rich…"
Salacia is already munching in bliss.
"Sooo tasty~…"
Manas tries hers, chewing once before her expression brightens with delight.
"What a wonderful dish thou hast prepared, Yomogi! 'Tis a feast most splendid!"
Pinna chews and analyzes as usual.
"Texture is smooth… sauce viscosity is optimal… ingredient balance is adequate. Overall nutritional value is satisfactory."
I take a bite myself and immediately smile with delight.
"Wow, Yomogi… this is better than mine!"
And Yomogi playfully narrows her eyes.
"Mou.... Motegi-chan, stop flattering me, you naughty boy..."
"Hahaha..."
Once all seven plates are completely cleared, I stand and walk to the fridge to take the dessert I've prepared before I opened the store. I take out the tray and plate seven neat servings, bringing them carefully to the table.
As soon as I set the first one down, Yomogi gasps.
"Ah, it's tiramisu!"
Chantal also beams.
"I love tiramisu!"
Kimberly leans in with surprise.
"It's… more colorful… than usual, Motegi-sama…"
"That's because I added strawberries here."
Pinna examines hers.
"Confirmed. The red color contrast and chocolate drizzle create a more visually appealing presentation than the cocoa-powder version. The aesthetics are improved significantly, Master."
"Good to know that, Pinna."
Salacia is excited.
"I can't wait to eat it, darling~…"
And yes, tiramisu was one of the desserts they loved so much, and it's also written in the recipe book. But today, I wanted to try something new with soaking ladyfingers in strawberry juice, arranging the ladyfingers with chopped strawberries on top, adding the usual mascarpone layer, covering it with melted chocolate, and topping it with a grated chocolate bar.
Once we lift our spoons, Yomogi hums with her first bite, and Chantal confirms with a mouthful.
"Mmm! I think I like this version more than the original, Motegi-chan..."
"Same here. This is amazing, Motegi-kun!"
Kimberly takes a small bite and closes her eyes.
"So much… more flavor… in this one…"
Pinna chews and analyzes again.
"The strawberry acidity enhances sweetness. Chocolate provides contrast. Flavor accuracy and texture consistency are both excellent. The taste matches and validates the improved presentation."
Salacia takes a bite, humming softly.
"This is perfect after creamy pasta~…"
Manas raises her spoon, tastes hers, and freezes as her eyes widen.
"Never have I tasted such delight before! This dessert befit kings and legends, mine king!"
I smile and take my own bite, enjoying the sweet, creamy, and fruity wonder.
"Oh yeah, this version is way better than the original!"
And with that, we quietly savor the last bites together.
MINUTES LATER
After we finish our lunch, we let our stomachs settle and relax as usual. And I've been sinking into the sofa and rubbing the pilus follis egg on my lap with [Fluffmaster] activated. Then, Manas leans in with amusement.
"How long dost thou intend to rub that shell, mine king? 'Tis but a fool's hope to believe thy fingers alone shall stir life from within."
"I know, maybe I'm just being impatient."
"Truly, thou art a curious man."
"Thank you."
I know this won't make it hatch quickly. But after we wrap the second shift and head back into the labyrinth, I'll definitely try to bring the egg along and let it be exposed to the anomalous energy there... just like Manas said, and I can't wait to see if it works.
Once I think we're done, I speak up to the girls.
"So, should we reopen the store now?"
"Yes!"
And with that, we descend together to welcome the next wave of customers.