CH 74

Orlando Store

***---***

When Meisa-chan and her friends saw me off with a glittering gaze and I tried to return to the guild, I saw Donovan-san standing with his arms crossed.

When I thought it would be embarrassing to be grabbed by the neck at this timing, Donovan-san pointed to the counter with his chin and walked ahead.

To all the staff, I bowed down and went to the back of the counter, and Donovan-san was preparing tea.

Maybe you're using me as an excuse to make tea?

"Do you hate being an S-rank adventurer and are willing to change jobs to a teacher?"

"No, what do you mean ... Huh? But I wonder if it is better ..."

"Hmm, don't worry about it so seriously. You can't become a teacher unless you graduate from the higher education institute and get qualification."

"Hmm ... is that right. You can't easily become a teacher."

"That's right ..."

Donovan-san also brewed tea with a dexterous hand and acted.

"Hmm ... it's a different tea leaf, it has a refreshing scent today."

"It looks like you got a good night's sleep, because you slept halfway yesterday."

"Uh ... I'm sorry, isn't Donovan-san sleeping properly?"

"Obviously, what do you think I am ..."

"A puppet that moves with magic stones ... It's a joke, I'm sorry, it's a joke."

"Hmm, don't confuse me with your genus ..."

"Yes ... that's of course ..."

"So what is your business?"

"Yes, actually ..."

Since they were staying in Volzard, the teachers said that they would like to say hello to Klaus-san on behalf of my classmates, so I told him that I came to hear their schedule.

"Yes, but it's busy after the outbreak, so it's okay at the beginning of the week. On fire day, bring them here."

"I understand. Is it difficult to clean up after all?"

"Well, it's not that easy because it's such a turmoil, but it seems to be easier because there are no dead people."

"When a dead person comes out, it's still difficult, isn't it?"

"It is natural to give condolence money to the bereaved family, but if the dead person is the main pillar of the family, we have to pave the way for the remaining family to live with peac of mind."

If an adventuere who was forcibly conscripted like this time dies, the response will be the same as the treatment of the garrison members.

In addition to the one-time condolence money, money will be paid in the form of a survivor's pension, and various assistance will be provided so that the survivor's life can be established.

"It's a lot of care, isn't it?"

"Otherwise, no matter how much forced conscription is done, morale will not rise, and if you do poorly, people will not be able to be gathered."

"I see ... but for those who are worried about their families, it may be a natural measure."

"Well, that's what it is ... is there anything else you need to do?"

"Oh, it's about the goblins that escaped to the inland of Volzard ..."

I asked for Amanda-san about the impact on prices of grains and the need for subjugation.

"That's right ... as you say, just having goblins on the road will raise the price of grain, but escorting caravans and subduing monsters is also a profitable job for adventurers. However, if you use the genus, it may be possible to subdue the roots, but first of all, it is necessary to see the situation."

"Does it depend on the grain price?"

"Yes, the life of an adventurer must be established, but when it comes to the grain market, it is a problem that directly affects the lives of the citizens. If the price soars, we may ask for a nomination."

"Yes, I will always cooperate, so please tell me."

"Hmm, it seems that if you're not considered reliable, then no one is reliable."

No, I won't deny it, but isn't it terrible to giggle, staff?

"Are there any other things to do?"

"No, that's all I have to do today. I'll go back and put together some materials for negotiations."

"Really ..."

Donovan-san drank the remaining lukewarm tea in one breath and nodded before starting another story.

"Kent, I received a meeting request, from the owner of the Orlando Store, Dellitz."

"Umm, for me?"

"That's right."

The Orlando Store was completely out of my mind because I was in a hurry with the outbreak of the rescue operation.

The father of Nazario, who is in love with Beatrice, is the employer of the Flamehounds, and the owner of Volzard's number one store.

Thinking this way, he seems like a person who is not straightforward.

Even if I have a meeting, I should carefully research what kind of person he is.

"Are you worried ...?"

"There is also the Flamehounds ..."

I mean, I don't want to get mixed up with Nazario's father.

If his goal was to have a blood relationship with the lord clan while fulfilling his son's wishes, I would dfeinitely be in the way.

I don't think the Flamehounds will come out unless there's a lot to do because I've warned them pretty well, but Orlando is another thing.

"The other party wants you to go to the store at your convenience. If you have time, go after this."

"Well, is it any time from now? That's a little ..."

"Well, it's good to be careful, but this time they're applying for a meeting through the guild, so you shouldn't have any disadvantages."

"Really?"

According to Donovan-san, applying for a meeting through the guild is also an indication that they will not harm the other party or conclude a disadvantageous contract.

If you do harm or make a disadvantageous contract, you will be forced to stop dealing with the guild altogether.

"But if it's a big store like Orlando Store ... doesn't it have a big influence?"

"That's right. The suspension of transactions with the guild will be a disposition not only in Volzard but throughout Landshelt. In that case, those who are broadly involved in the procurement of materials, procurement of workers, delivery of goods, etc. will suffer a greater impact."

Well, I shouldn't have to worry when Donovan-san says I should go, but I'm on alert because I was just hurt, so I'll be careful not to let my guard down.

I asked Donovan-san to meet with the teachers and Klaus-san, and left the guild.

[ What do you think, Reinhardt? ]

[ That's right ... If it's the owner of a big store, they should be able to determine the profits and losses. It's unlikely that they'll harm Kent. ]

[ Then ... I'll just go. ]

Orlando Store is a large store facing the main street and has a frontage of about three times that of the surrouding area.

They carry a wide range of products, from high-end jewelry to everyday goods, and they also sell equipment for adventurers.

Forgetting my initial purpose, when I was looking at the products, I was approached by a young female clerk.

"Customer, are you looking for something?"

Perhaps in her late teens to early twenties, she is a dog beast-woman with large almond-shaped eyes and looks courageous, and she has a slightly annoyed expression on her face.

If you look closely, the place where I am is an area where quite expensive items are lined up among the equipment for adventurers.

Perhaps I looked like a novice adventurer who couldn't even buy it.

"Um ... I'd like to meet Dellitz-san, I'm not here to shop ..."

When I told her that, the clerk looked even more suspicious.

Perhaps a naive child has come asking to be hired.

"Excuse me, do you have an appointment?"

"Um ... it's an appointment, or rather an application for a meeting has come to the guild ..."

"Eeeh! Are you saying you're the 'Monster User'?"

No, onee-san, I understand your feelings, but your facial expression is completely readable, is that okay?

"Hmm ... I'm called that way."

"Ahahaha ... you, if you're going to lie, you have to lie a little better."

The clerk talked to me in a tone of talking to a small child like she didn't believe me, but at the same time, whispers were heard from all over the store.

"That is the 'Maou' ..."

"No way, he's just a kid ..."

"Don't be fooled by the appearance ... you'll get hurt."

The buzz spreads throughout the store, and the eyes of the surroundings are directed toward us.

"Eh ... eh ... no way, you really are ..."

When the clerk onee-san was confused, a bitter man with the appearance of 'The Butler' came in.

"I'm very sorry. I'm Guster, the butler of Dellitz. You're Kent-sama, the Lord is waiting for you. Please follow me ..."

Guster-san politely bowed his head, handled the customers who had an interested look, and guided me smoothly to the back of the store.

Yeah, that the onlookers made a path for us, is definitely a butler's skill.

When we went out of the store to the back area, many clerks were working, but they all bowed deeply and politely to me.

However, this is not because they know me, but Guster is guiding me, so I'm recognized as an important person.

"Please relax here until the Lord comes."

The interior is fashionable, but it doesn't feel garish. When I was guided to the drawing room, the maid immediately brought me tea and sweets.

There are baked goods like cookies, cake-like scones, and things like dried fruits, althought I don't know what they are.

A cup filled with deep-colored tea with a fragrant armoa looks simple but expensive.

[ Kent-sama, they're observing from the next room. ]

[ I thought that would be the case ... ]

After enjoying the aroma a little, I slowly taste the tea.

A complex harmonic taste spreads in my mouth.

Donovan-san's brewed tea seems to be expensive, but this has a special taste.

If you look closely, the dried fruit seems to be processed livre.

When eaten raw, it tastes like a combination of grapes and kiwifruit, but the dried version has a crispy texture and a strong sweetness.

I feel a strong sweetness, but since it is the sweetness of the fruit, I have nothing to complain about, and when I put it in my mouth with tea, it became a blissful taste.

[ Kent-sama, it looks like they're here ... ]

[ Roger that ... ]

As soon as the door was opened quietly, I stood up and welcomed the owner of the shop.

Dellitz was a fat man with a mustache, with his indigo-colored hair, which had begun to recede a little, patted with oil, probably in his late forties.

It's probably because they're parent and child that he feels somewhat similar to Nazario.

"Well, well, nice to meet you Kent-kun ... no, Kent-san would be more appropriate ... I am Orlando Store's owner, Dellitz."

"Thank you, Nice to meet you, I'm Kent."

"Come, come, let's not stand around talking, please have a seat."

"Yes, thank you."

Dellitz-san has a big smile, but it feels like there is a sharp light in the back of his eyes.

Nazario was like a rich bonbon, but his parent looks like a good person.

After waiting for the maid to finish brewing new tea, he started talking to me.

"Now, let me tell you frankly, I have no other purpose than to improve the relation between you and the Orlando Store."

Dellitz-san stopped for a moment and looked at me to check my reaction, but when I was having trouble answering, he started talking again.

"I thought it was rude, but I did a little research on Kent-san."

Dellitz-san knew that I was summoned from another world, that I could use the two attributes of light and darkness, the type and number of my genus, and that I was struggling to rescue my classmates.

"I know that Nazario caused a bit of a miess, and I've received reports of the Flamehounds. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

Dellitz-san bowed his head tightly when he corrected his posture.

"Originally, we should have set up such a place immediately after the turmoil, but it seemed that you were busy, so we refrained from calling out."

That means that he knews that the rescue operation has been completed ...

[ In the end, what does this person want to say? ]

[ Maybe, instead of unilaterally apologizing and repairing the relationship, he wants you to know that they are not straightforward. ]

[ I see ... ]

Even if you don't bother to do that, most adults will look at you from the perspective of a child like me.

It goes without saying that if you are the owner of such a big store, you should be respectful and vigilant.

"You talk about improving our relationship, but what exactly will happen?"

"Before I tell you that, please understand that the things that have caused inconvenience to Kent-san are the dogmatism of Nazario and the discretion of the Flamehounds who tried to be taken in by Nazario."

"That means Dellitz-san knew, but wasn't involved?"

"That's right. I'm not saying I'm not responsible at all because it's the blame of my son and the adventurers I hired, but please understand that it's not the result of my instructions."

Certainly the adventurers Nazario was taking in didn't feel like they were being directed by Dellitz-san, and the thing with the Flamehounds was due to the letter of provocation from me, which was also not Dellitz-san's instruction.

"But ... then you don't have to call me and apologize ...?"

"Fufufu, didn't you kneel at the shoe store and apologize for the incident that your friends caused?"

"Ah ..."

"As I said, I have no direct responsibility, but I am not exempt from my responsibliity as a supervisor. Isn't that so?"

"Surely ..."

What Dellitz-san says is true, but I still don't understand.

"That ... Can I ask you something?"

"What is it ..."

"As Deelitz-san ... No, as an Orlando Store, do you think it would be desirable for Nazario-kun and Beatrice-san to get married in the future?"

"Hahaha ... no, excuse me, that's the cause of everything, and it's natural to be worried, but if I can answer frankly, I don't care."

"Well, you don't care?"

I think I'm a little out of tune with Dellitz-san, who laughs like it's really funny.

"As you may have heard, we use various means to do business. But I'm not so depressed that I have to rely on my son's wife."

The grinning face belonged to a warm merchant.

"Sure, it may be beneficial to have a blood relationship with the Lord's clan, but Kent-san, you need to understand that we're not as good as someone like you who can subdue a Salamander alone."

"Then ... Beatrice-san and I ..."

"If Beatrice-san chooses you, it can't be helped. I wish I could fulfill my child's feelings as a parent, but if he doesn't think he can get the girl he likes without the help of his parents ... ... I have to reconsider having him take over this store."

Apparently, the marriage between Nazario and Beatrice is not as important as I thought.

"And Kent-san, you may have noticed already, but the man named Klaus Volzard is really tough. Even if he has a blood relationship, he has the judgment to cut it off if he judges it to be a disadvantage to the city. On the contrary, if he thinks that it will be beneficial to the city, he is a man who joins hands regardless of blood relations."

It is true that Klaus-san, who usually looks like a light-hearted bad old man, seems to intentionally hide his sharpness when looking at the extension of the walls and preparations for the maximum outbreak.

It seems difficult to suck up to that Klaus-san just because of blood relations.

"I see ... I understand. So what should I do specifically?"

"Nother ... there's nothing to do."

"Well, I don't have to do anything ...?"

He applied for a meeting through the guild, so I thought there was some kind of request, so I was a little surprised.

"We would like to build a good relationship with Kent-san, but considering the circumstances so far, it will be impossible so suddenly. So, after making it level ... I would like to return to the state where likes and dislikes do not exist. Then I would like you to re-examine the existence of Orlando Store and make a judgment with your own eyes. That is my request."

Dellitz-san, who speaks with a gentle smile, shows his confidence and personality as a business person.

I see, this is a person who is not straightforward.

"I understand. I apologize for making a commotion by overdoing it when dealing with the Flamehounds."

I imitated Dellitz-san, and I straightened my posture and bowed my head.

"Hmm ... whether it's the original qualities, the environment, or both ... In any case, you'll be one of the top people in the future. If possible, I want you to stop being a business person."

"No, I'm just a kid after all, and I don't know anything about business ..."

"Hahahaha ... Just a kid wouldn't be called by a second name, such as 'Monster User' or 'Maou'. Excessive humility seems to be sarcasm for some people. You should be careful."

"Hmm ... yes, maybe that's the case, but I don't really feel it because I suddenly gained this power."

"Not many people know you up until now. Most people judge you by looking only at the you of now. You should keep that in mind."

"Is that right ... Thank you for your advice."

After that, I talked about the influence of the goblins that escaped, but when I volunteered to be the target of a nomination request if that was thought to be the best, I increased my impression that Dellitz-san was a thorough business person.

[ He feels like a tough person, but your reaction may be easy to read because the criteria is clear. ]

[ That's right, but I don't think it's going to work with just a small profit, so I think it's a difficult partner. ]

[ That's right, but we should judge that it was good that the hostility at this point was gone. ]

I also asked Reinhardt's opinion on the way back from the Orlando Store, but he agreed.

Well, as for Nazario, it feels like a liberalism, so don't hesitate to tighten it when something comes out again.

When I returned to the boarding house, it was time for the evening business to begin.

Let's spend time until dinner by making materials for negotiations.

"I'm back."

"Ah, Kent, welcome back."

"Kent, a letter came ..."

"Hey, for me?"

Meisa-chan brought me a high-class envelope, which was stamped with wax and sealed.

This emblem was certainly engraved on the wall ...

"It seems to be an invitation from Klaus-san ..."

"Hey Kent, read what it says."

"Well, yeah, that's right ..."

The invitation stated that he would like to thank me for my work in the outbreak of goblins and invited me to dinner.

"Well, I worked hard, so it looks like he'll treat me to dinner tomorrow."

"Eeeh ... that's nice, Kent ... I want to go too."

"Well, what about ... I wonder if we can go together ..."

"Meisa, you're not working. If you want to go, you'll be invited to work."

"Hmm ... I understand, I'll put up with it ..."

Maybe it's okay if it's just Meisa-chan, but let's follow Amanda-san's opinion here.

Instead, I'll buy some sweets.

"Amanda-san, what should I wear at such a time?"

"Oh, by the way, Kent only has the old boarder's clothes doesn't he. Hmm ... You should go buy it during the daytime tomorrow, do you have any money?"

"That's right ... hmm ..."

"What is it, your face looks gloomy."

"I have a bad sense of clothes and it's catastrophically useless ..."

"Ahahaha, you should leave everything to the clothing store."

"Oh, yeah, that's right."

That's why I decided to go buy clothes tomorrow and go to Klaus-san's mansion in the evening, but hmm ... I hope nothing happens ...