CH 98.3

「Speaking of which, what about the late night store? Is it making money?」

「Yes. It is only one store but it’s making as much money as three Astrobucks.」

「That much!?」

「Well, first of all……the labor cost is literally incomparable compared to a café with several waitresses. Second, many of the products are made in house. Third, the products are relatively expensive but for some reason, they sell well. Fourth, there are many customers who came in daytime as much as late at night, mou……mou……」

The smile on Chicken’s face became wider and wider as she counted the reasons one by one and remembered the amount of money we made……by the time she counted the 4th reason, she finally had a wide smile on her face.

In contrast to that, she seemed to have been so moved by something that she find it hard to say more.

To make Chicken, who was called Iron Lady, looked this disheveled means the convenient store with no competitors is simply that profitable……

「……mou?」

When I urged her to continue, she did so with a nice smile on her face, looking truly happy.

「Mou……I’m just happy. I’d like to open two or three more stores if possible……」

「I think people are just coming there now because it’s one of a kind.」

「Still, I want to build more while they are still curious.」

Chicken seems to be really motivated.

「However, wouldn’t there be complaints from the people of the city if we establish late night businesses outside of Schenker Street?」

「Master, do you know how many properties we bought? There are still a few places besides the Schenker Street where only Schenker people live.」

「Ah, right. Then, don’t overdo it……」

「Of course!」

Well, it’s not like we’re building new factories. It’s just a convenience store.

If it fails, it’s easy to renovate.

「Ah, by the way, how’s your clothing store?」

「Ah, it’s still in the works.」

Chickens’face, which had been in full smile, turned serious in an instant!

I had heard in the report that it was not unprofitable but comparing it to the late night store(convenience store)……I guess……

Let’s not talk about it now and get back on track.

I thought quietly to myself as I looked at the sign of Chicken’s store floating in the darkness above the busy, light-filled late-night store.

-0-

『Everyone～! This is it～!　Let’s start the new year’s countdown! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! New Year! Happy new year to all!』

「Happy new year!」

「Happy happy new year!」

「Now that it’s the new year, let’s celebrate with a toast! Let’s drink and celebrate!」

「You just drink for the previous year sent off!」

「I don’t care! It’s free sake, FREE!」

「It’s a little cold so let’s buy some torquivayaki to go with it.」

After the countdown was over, the Schenker Street was filled with new year’s greetings. Last year, there was a performance dedicated to the Mole God Shrine first. This year, the order was slightly changed, and the new year gift balls will be held first.

I heard a lot of children came to enjoy it and I’d feel bad if they fell asleep and couldn’t enjoy it.

『The new year gift ball ceremony will be led by Sawadi Slayra-sama and Laura Slayra-sama on the stage in front of the Mole God Shrine. Please gather at the stage in front of the Mole God Temple, children first. Go now……』

「Yahooo!」

「Father! Hurry up! Hurry up!」

「To the front! Let’s go to the front!」

「Mother! It’s starting～!」

The children gathered in front of the stage in a rush as the beautiful emcee announced it.

Some of them had big, brimmed hats turned upside down and held up above their heads, perhaps to catch the gift balls, while others were carrying woven wooden baskets.

While our security officers glared at the children to prevent them from getting hurt in the struggle, the assembly of the children went smoothly……

As the children’s smiling faces filled me and Laura-san’s eyes, Chicken, the one in charge of the event, gave the emcee a go.

『Now, the New Year’s Eve Gift Ball Ceremony will begin. Everyone, are you ready～?』

「「「「「Yes!!」」」」」

The new year’s gift ball began with the children’s energetic response to the emcee.

「Happy new year!」

「Happy new year to all!」

「Kyaaa!」

「Here here!」

「Yay!」

The children shouted as we threw gift balls around.

Seeing how happy they are, it’s all worth it.