CH 79

Celica’s shop was on the first floor, and the second floor was her living space. She guided me to the living room.

“Please have a seat here and wait! I’ll close the shop and tidy up, and I’ll prepare some drinks for you too!”

“Thank you. You seem busy, should I help?”

“No! This is my job too.”

With a smile, she brewed tea for me and went down to the first floor. Alone in the room, I looked around again.

There wasn’t a lot of furniture. Compared to the mansion where she had lived before, this was probably like a small cabin. She had been supported by those around her all her life, and now suddenly living alone in an unfamiliar land…

“It must have been tough…for sure.”

She received support until she started her shop. After that, she had to do everything on her own. Even just normal daily life was already hard, let alone running a shop.

It must have been a completely new experience for her. Nevertheless, to me, she seemed very happy and fulfilled.

I couldn’t imagine she would have such a refreshing and bright smile, which was different from what I knew about her.

After waiting for a few minutes, I heard the sound of someone quickly climbing up the stairs. The door to the living room opened with a bang.

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Onee-sama!”

“Did you run all the way here?”

“Yes! I didn’t want to keep you waiting since you came all the way here for me!”

“You didn’t have to worry so much.”

Celica shook her head.

“It’s because I wanted to talk to you right away! I was thinking about when you would come over.”

“I see.”

I wished I had come to see her a little earlier. Her straightforward and bright smile made me feel that way.

After refilling my tea and preparing hers, Celica sat across from me. As we sat face-to-face to talk, I felt a little nervous.

“So, how is your shop doing? Are you getting used to it?”

“Yes!”

“It must have been tough, right?”

“At first, yes. But the people at the royal castle did everything from preparation to everything else, so I felt relieved. I’m still learning about management. As for customer service, the experience of talking to various people so far has been very helpful!”

She had received various kinds of education since she was living in the mansion. Although there was a side where she was spoiled, her education was strict. When it comes to dealing with people, she’s much better than me.

Anyway…

“It looks like you’re having fun.”

“Yes! I’m having so much fun!”

She answered clearly with a big smile and continued speaking.

“When I first opened the shop, there were only a few customers. Potion shops are rare, and my prices were lower, so I got attention, but…there weren’t many people buying.”

“Because it was a suddenly opened shop with lower prices, people were wary, right?”

“Yes, that seems to be the case.”

In general, potions have become popular as expensive items. This is because the method of creation is special and the necessary materials are unique. However, because of their effectiveness, some buyers are willing to pay a high price. As a result, potions that are on the market are expensive.

However, in the case of this shop, the procurement is done through the kingdom, so it is cheaper than usual. This makes it possible to produce potions at a lower cost.

The effectiveness is, of course, guaranteed. There is an effect that is equal to or greater than that of potions on the market. However, this can only be conveyed by actually using it.

Potions are cheap, which is suspicious. You might think that there is something strange in them or that they are low-quality products only based on appearances. Because of these concerns, even though there is interest, customers are not always willing to buy.

“So, everything is OK now?”

“Yes! My customers are all very kind and I explain everything properly to them. I even show them how I use them and gradually, more and more people have started buying from me. And then, those who have bought from me even tell their friends! Now, so many people come to my shop every day.”

“I see. You’re doing great.”

I was relieved to see her effort.

“I still have a long way to go. Onee-sama, I didn’t know that I would be so happy to receive words of thanks from people who use my potions.”

“Celica…”

“That’s why I’m so happy now!”

I found out the reason for her brightness. Her heart must have been deeply wounded by that incident. Unlike physical injuries, emotional wounds cannot be healed even with potions. But little by little, her wounds are probably healing by feeling warm words and someone’s kindness.

And she was able to try her best in a real sense. She wanted to respond to the words of gratitude properly.

“I never thought I could feel so happy. It’s thanks to everyone… but above all, it’s because Onee-sama helped me at that time. So, let me thank you again!”

Celica lowered her head with moist eyes.

“Thank you for telling me to live on.”

“…No. I should be the one thanking you.”

The fact that the person she had helped was happy made her feel as if she herself was happy.