Published: August 2, 2025
Today, five chapters were updated simultaneously.
This is the fifth chapter.
The next day
I arrived at Gimul around noon and decided to head straight to the shop.
“Manager, good work today.”
“Mr. Calm, you too. Good work.”
After exchanging greetings, I was about to receive a report...
“There have been no disruptions to business, but a small incident happened recently.”
“An incident? Please tell me more.”
“Yes. The charcoal the manager kept in the kitchen—it’s supposed to improve the air quality and absorb moisture, right?”
“The effects vary depending on the amount and material, but yes, that’s correct.”
“Well, when Ms. Fina and the others tried it, the charcoal kept disappearing without anyone noticing. It caused a temporary fuss about a charcoal thief.”
“A charcoal thief... You say temporary, so it’s been resolved?”
“Yes. The culprit was cleaner slimes.”
“Cleaner slimes?”
No way!
“They ate all the charcoal placed in the slime waiting room. Only a few of the slimes ate it, but according to Ms. Maria, since then those few have stopped eating laundry stains. Could they be sick?”
“Probably not. But I’d like to see those slimes myself.”
“Understood.”
Mr. Calm left the office. He would surely bring them over soon.
Slimes that eat charcoal... Carbon because it’s charcoal? Or perhaps another kind of evolution?
“Excuse me. I’ve brought the slimes and Ms. Maria.”
“Excuse me~”
While I was lost in thought, Mr. Calm quickly returned, bringing along Ms. Maria, who looked a little uncomfortable, and each holding one cleaner slime.
“Good work. Please come this way.”
As I observed the crucial slimes while listening, Ms. Maria explained that at the start of the day, she told the slimes “You can eat now,” and some cleaner slimes that preferred charcoal appeared.
“I heard they only eat charcoal?”
“Hmm... They prefer charcoal, and seem less interested in laundry stains. Eventually, other slimes ended up eating the stains.”
“Oh, I see.”
In that case, work can continue, but there’s no need to force them to do laundry.
“It doesn’t seem to be an illness. They are probably preparing to evolve. When slimes evolve, their abilities and eating habits can change, so please let me keep these two. Also, if their preferences change like this again, please contact me. They might damage the laundry, and in such cases, I’ll leave countermeasures to Mr. Calm.
Ms. Maria, please continue managing the slimes. If any damage occurs in the future, we’ll handle customer compensation and isolate the slimes.”
“I’ll do my best!”
“Thank you. Mr. Calm and I will support you, so don’t be too worried... Actually, I personally want to thank you.”
I had a feeling new slimes would be born. I was really looking forward to it. It was worth giving a monetary bonus. When I mentioned expanding the charcoal kiln after returning, Ms. Maria seemed relieved.
After transferring the contract for the two slimes to me, the slime issue was settled.
Ms. Maria returned to work, and it was my turn to report.
“...Renaf’s branch has safely started business. Regular reports will follow.”
“I’m glad everything is fine.”
“Yes. That’s all regarding the shop. But... I have one personal matter to share.”
I told them I decided to return to my hometown once to collect my grandparents’ belongings.
At first, it was through Mr. Serge’s introduction, but they trusted the work I’d done so far.
“So, I plan to gradually increase my activities as an adventurer.”
“I see, you’re returning to your original plan.”
“Sorry for the trouble, but I appreciate your support.”
“Of course. Leave the shop to us. If needed, we won’t hesitate to provide support.”
Mr. Calm accepted with a motivated smile.
I could surely leave the shop in good hands.
“By the way, where is the manager’s hometown? I don’t recognize the village name.”
“Do you know the Shurus Great Tree Sea? It’s inside there... Wait, what’s with that expression?”