By the Grace of the Gods

Today, four chapters posted simultaneously.

This story is Chapter 1.

Day 12

Before noon, a carriage moved leisurely through Gimul. Inside were Griciela, Pioro, and Serge from the commercial guild, branch chief Taylor from the Tamer Guild, two subordinates of Serge, and a pair of twins, a male and female, introduced as assistants to Lord Ryoma.

"Alright, I think we're almost there, right?"

"Yes. Just two more turns ahead."

The twins, who shared similar features but harbored tension and anxiety beneath the surface, turned their eyes to the window at Serge’s words.

The whole thing started a few days ago. They had been working at a branch in a town called Luiam when an official order arrived from headquarters, instructing them to complete the handover of their duties and come to Gimul. The order bore the signature of Serge, the head of the association.

Since that day, everyone had congratulated them on their transfer to the headquarters. After finishing the handover as instructed, the two had come to Gimul. That was just this morning.

Due to weather, their arrival was delayed by a day. Upon arriving and heading straight to headquarters, they were told the truth: they were not to work at the headquarters but were sent on temporary assignment. Moreover, their new boss was an 11-year-old child connected to the Duke’s household. Those were two facts they had to face. Afterward, the two hurriedly changed into travel clothes to attend the opening party, boarded the carriage, and found themselves here.

Aside from the risks of business failure, they also had to be careful about their relationship with a boy who appeared to be from a noble family. They braced themselves, knowing their future would depend on their performance from now on.

"I see it, that’s it."

"Hoho, that kid’s impressive."

"What a splendid store! Built all this in just over a week?"

"Sis, look at this."

"Yeah..."

The store’s exterior was simple: pure white walls with windows here and there. But around it were meticulously maintained lawns and flowerbeds, brimming with cleanliness.

When the six of them got off the carriage and entered the store, their eyes were drawn to shelves near the ceiling and four statues placed atop them. Looking around inside, they saw a wooden interior that gave off a soft atmosphere, a right-angle counter with a gentle sheen, and more. Serge and the others were amazed by the quality of the building, while Calm and Karla felt a faint hope for the future in this bright shop.

"Welcome! This is Bamboo Forest, your laundry service!"

The person who appeared was Ryoma, who would soon be their boss and also their biggest source of anxiety. Naturally, their eyes became those of people sizing him up.

"Ryoma, thanks for inviting us today. I’m really glad you even brought me along."

"It’s a nice store. Looks promising."

"Congratulations on the store’s completion."

"Thank you, everyone."

Ryoma greeted them with a smile. He seemed like an ordinary, straightforward child, not the type suited for business. Both twins thought he looked his age, for better or worse. If he were just a local kid, they wouldn’t think anything of it, but knowing he would be their boss made them worry about the hardships ahead. Business was no easy matter, and their experience at the trading company made them even more wary.

"Thanks as well to branch chief Taylor for coming."

"Congratulations. I hadn’t heard a thing from you since your registration... I guess Reinbach found it worthwhile to introduce you."

Facing four people representing two guilds and two trading companies, the boy spoke cheerfully. The twins exchanged glances as if sharing unspoken understanding, their conviction that this boy truly was a noble child strengthening.

"Serge, are these the two?"

"Ah, sorry for not introducing them sooner. They will assist Lord Ryoma."

"My name is Karla Norad. Until recently, my brother and I worked at the Morgan Trading Company’s Luiam branch."

"I’m Calm Norad. Please take care of us, along with my sister."