Published: August 2, 2025
Today, five chapters were posted simultaneously.
This is the fifth chapter.
Now that I’ve returned to the town, there are so many things I must do and want to do.
First, I need to stop by the store and get a report on what happened while I was away.
“Welcome back, Manager.”
“Mr. Calm.”
When I stopped by Bamboo Forest after five days, he, whom I had entrusted the store to, greeted me.
He was standing near the employee entrance—could it be that he was waiting for me?
“I understood that the guild training would take a certain amount of time…”
He quickly denied having waited the entire time, of course.
“I was watching over them.”
“Them?”
When I moved aside and looked, I saw unfamiliar women carrying luggage.
“Are they new employees?”
“Yes. We implemented the idea of increasing staff only during busy hours.”
“I see.”
So they are part-timers.
“There are also various other reports, so please wait in the office.”
“Various other reports?” That’s unusual.
Usually, the reports are about the same things. I wonder if something happened?
Following his instructions, I waited in the office. When he arrived, he was carrying more documents than usual.
“Shall we start with the usual income and expenditure report?”
“Please.”
I’m quite used to this part now.
Nothing seemed off in the numbers.
The profits hadn’t particularly increased, but since there were no issues, I moved on.
The list of supplies to be restocked—no problems; approved.
Report from Renaf’s Branch—no problems.
Since the capable Mr. Calm summarizes most matters, my job mainly involves checking and approving. The workload is far lighter than before.
One by one, the tasks were completed, and the last usual job was the paperwork.
“Thank you. From here on, I have several notices. First… there has been movement on the issues between the slum and the town office that the manager was concerned about.”
“What happened?”
“To get to the point, the town office made some concessions, which has softened the atmosphere in the slum.”
“I see.”
Feeling a bit relieved, I listened as he explained in detail. The town office examined the actual usage of places like the square that homeless people were illegally occupying and allowed habitation in several areas.
“The town office’s basic policy hasn’t changed, but by showing they have no intention to resort to forceful measures as feared, the slum residents have calmed down. People are gradually responding to the town office’s employment support.
Many are still wary and observing, but we can say relations are slowly improving.”
There are probably still many problems, but for now, it’s a lull…
Maybe I should visit that café again. That person said they go there five days a week.
“Next?”
“Mr. Serge of Morgan Trading Company has invited the manager.”
The invitation was to pay respects to Duke Jamill's household.
Roche mentioned this yesterday—this is the busy season for merchants. To receive year-end orders from regular customers, and because nobles become busy with social events at year-end, many merchants visit noble households at this time.
Especially someone like Mr. Serge, who has many noble connections, has already started his rounds because he can’t cover them all if he starts too late. The plan is to meet up in Gaunago Town, where the Duke’s mansion is, and visit together next month.
“What do you think?”
“Am I even allowed to go…? No, I’m happy to be invited.”
“I understand your concern. Though our business is doing well, we are still newcomers. Merchants eager to make profits and connect with the Duke’s household never stop coming. It would be difficult for a newcomer to get their time.”
But that is under normal circumstances, he said.
“In your case, you seem to have already gained their favor, so if you wish, they'll likely make time. It’s better to greet them if possible.
It’s common to bring along someone who’s under your care, and accompanying Mr. Serge would make you less conspicuous. People might mistake you for a servant, but that’s no problem either…”