Published: August 15, 2025
Four Days Later
"......"
Without any alarm or signal, I woke up as usual.
Then, as always, I prepared the meals for the slimes and my own breakfast.
Once that was done, I got ready and, if time allowed before heading to work, I would make a statue of the god.
This had become my morning routine lately.
"Ugh..."
Ever since the incident in the Artisan District, I've been feeling gloomy.
Although, maybe it's better that I was at least aware that I was on edge that day?
What comes to mind is something Seerelipta said before.
"In the near future, things around you will become chaotic, so do your best."
This "near future" meant after returning from Fatma Territory. And "things around you becoming chaotic" likely referred to the current situation in Gimul Town, where the public security was worsening.
After all, she is one of the gods of this world, so it wouldn't be strange if she knew about the state of the town back then. I wish she had said it more clearly! But she doesn't seem like the type to straightforwardly share information. I suppose it's kind of her to warn one person in advance.
Still, why does my heart feel so troubled?
When I calmly considered the cause, I realized something.
"The current atmosphere in Gimul is similar to that of my previous life and my company in the previous life."
Even though the scenery, the air, and everything else should be different, I sense something familiar in subtle moments, like I'm about to remember something. It's as if everything before was a happy dream (......) and now I've awoken from it... Since I felt lucky before, this might be the backlash of misfortune about to hit me... There's a vague unease that can't be explained rationally.
It's not that I don't trust my employees.
No, precisely because they are always kind and helpful, I want to protect them.
And I'm scared of losing them, just in case.
I hope it's just needless anxiety; that would be the best. But this kind of thought might become just another part of my routine. I haven't found an answer yet.
"Sigh... Oh, it's about time."
So, once again, the time came, and I dragged myself to work.
When I arrived at the shop,
"A letter?"
"From that laundry service we mentioned."
"From that store?"
As soon as I got there, something happened that could have made me feel gloomy.
...That was fine, but it seemed my feelings showed on my face, and Mr. Calm, who handed me the letter, looked apologetic. Feeling guilty, I opened the letter.
"I see."
"Manager, if you don’t mind, may I see it too?"
"Sure, go ahead. The content is basically an apology."
The letter began with an apology for the other day and went on to explain the female manager's (mother's) thoughts, the men who were in front of the shop, and the reasons behind their response on that day.
"What will you do about this?"
"There's nothing to do... They didn't ask to come again or to talk. I’ll just accept the apology. More importantly, let’s finish the other tasks."
"I see."
"Is there a problem?"
"No, I agree with your judgment and have no objections. But if it were the usual manager, she might laugh it off and forgive them, then go talk again. It seems, after the recent events, you’re 'not like your usual self.'"
"Hmm... Well, I do tend to not mind small things, and honestly, I’m not bothered anymore, so I can't deny that... But I still don’t feel like entrusting the shop to that person. However, I understand the sentiment. Thank you."
She was probably concerned about my mental state.
"Have any other letters or documents arrived?"
"These are the ones we have now. The senders are the commercial guild, Master Griciela; the Tamer Guild, Master Lord Taylor as usual... but this envelope has no sender's name... I think Beck, the adventurer boy, delivered it."
"Then it must be from Mr. Rible, the coordinator of the slum district. Let me see... Ah, that's good."
"You look happy."
"Yes, I had some consultations earlier, and it seems things are moving in a good direction. You know, the trash disposal site using slimes we talked about the other day and the slime product factory of Morgan Trading Company — this is a continuation of that.