Chapter 215
Side Carm Norad
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The next day .
“Good morning!” [Ryouma]
The boss arrived at his usual time today .
He doesn’t seem tense to me, but he’s so cheerful it’s concerning .
“Good morning, Boss . Did you go home properly yesterday and get a good night’s rest?” [Carm]
“Huh? Ah, yeah . More or less . ” [Ryouma]
He paused for a moment there, didn’t he?
“Boss? Did you rest properly?” [Carm]
“I went back home properly and got some sleep . But the slimes evolved as soon as I came back, so I stayed up late . ” [Ryouma]
“Again? Please keep your all-nighters in moderation . ” [Carm]
I’m fine . It won’t get in the way of my work, and all these evolutions should end soon . I got a lot of garbage from the villagers of Fatma Territory, so the slimes were able to get a lot of nutrients and evolve .
Ah, by the way, two types evolved last night . Both were sticky slimes who evolved after eating ‘water spiders’ . One of them became a spider slime with the skills ‘Build Nest’ and ‘Capture’, so I guess the water spiders really are spiders . I thought they were crabs, but… I guess it’s a trivial matter . The other slime evolved into a ‘Crust Slime’ with the skill ‘Mold Shell’ .
Their abilities and appearance aren’t any different from the normal sticky slimes, but…” [Ryouma]
“Ah, by the way, Boss . The laundromat we were talking about before replied . ” [Carm]
“—Ah, already? Didn’t we just contact them yesterday? I thought they’d take more time to respond . ” [Ryouma]
I feel bad cutting him when he’s so happily talking, but there’s no telling when the conversation will end when the topic is about slimes, so I distracted him by showing him the letter that arrived first thing this morning . I don’t really mind talking to the boss about slimes during break time, but we’re in the middle of opening the store right now . It won’t look good to the rest of the employees if both the boss and the assistant-manager are slacking .
Of course, the boss himself understands that and he’s also generally a diligent person, so that’s not really a problem… Oh?
“Hmm… This letter says I can visit their store anytime . Should I take that at face value and drop by today?” [Ryouma]
“Can I see that letter?” [Carm]
I got the letter from the boss and looked through it… I see .
“It does say that you can visit them, so I think it should be fine to drop by as long as it’s not at a busy time . ” [Carm]
“I see . In that case, I’ll drop by around noon after lunch . I want to wear something proper, and I don’t want to intrude on them during their break time . ” [Ryouma]
“Alright . In that case, I’ll go get ready too . ” [Carm]
While I was saying that, my eyes happened to fall onto the boss’s arms .
“It’s rare to see you wearing something like that . Is that a bracelet?” [Carm]
The boss normally isn’t one to wear accessories . In fact, I’ve never really seen him wearing one .
Depending on one’s customs, a person might wear certain things regardless of age or gender, but I’ve never heard anything of the sort from him .
But today the boss had a metallic rope wrapped around his left arm that’s connected at both ends with a clasp decorated with embellished stones – in other words, a bracelet-like object was wrapped around his left arm .
“You mean this? Fu fu fu, does it look like that to you?” [Ryouma]
“Am I wrong?” [Carm]
“No, I made it look like that, so you’re not wrong, but this is actually a slime . The wire slime that evolved at Fatma Territory could turn itself into a thread-like object by stretching its body . I figured it might be possible to combine it with some stones to make it look like an accessory, so I gave it a shot . ” [Ryouma]
“I see…” [Carm]
Is there any point in turning a slime into an accessory?
That simple question popped up in my mind, but I hesitated to voice it out seeing how happy the boss was . In the end, I didn’t say anything, and just looked for a good timing to end our conversation and went back to work .
After lunch and after having readied myself to go with the boss…
“I’ll be counting on you, Yurdum-san . ” [Ryouma]
“Leave it to me!” [Yurdum]
Yurdum-san ended up going with us too .
I was internally surprised when I found out that the boss had asked him to escort us himself .
As for why I found that surprising, that’s because the boss normally doesn’t bring any guards with him .
I know now that the boss is an adventurer and is quite powerful himself, but when I first met the boss, he really struck me as a mature child, so when people were starting to get jealous of our store and started to cause disturbances, I repeatedly advised him to have some guards with him .
The boss normally listens to me and my older sister, but…
‘I can protect myself’, ‘I’ll protect my own body’, ‘It’s fine, it’s fine . ’
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Is what he’d gently tell us while firmly rejecting the notion of having any guards . The one exception was when he went to visit the duke and he needed Fei-san to accompany him out of formality’s sake . That was really the one exception .
Even though the store is armed to the teeth with Fei-san, Leelin-san, Dolce-kun, and Ox-san to prevent anything from happening to the employees, he’s completely unconcerned when it comes to himself . Though perhaps that’s also because a half-baked guard would only hinder him…
“Carm-san, is something the matter? I feel like you’ve been staring at me since awhile ago . ” [Ryouma]
It seems I’ve been staring at him unconsciously .
“I was just thinking how strange it was for you to ask for an escort . ” [Carm]
“Huh? …Come to think of it, you and Carlsan did advise me many times to have some with me . ” [Ryouma]
So he does remember our advice . It looks like he’s also a little embarrassed for not listening to us since he awkwardly averted his eyes when he said that .
“I’m not mad about that, Boss . After all, I understand now just how strong you are . I’m just curious why you suddenly decided to have Yurdum-san accompany you today . ” [Carm]
“I hear it’s been dangerous lately, and something also seems to have happened this morning, as I saw some suspects being taken in, and these clothes (suit) also aren’t really fit for moving around in, so… Ah, but I guess I could make a suit out of beast hide or some other material that’s easy to move in for later . ” [Ryouma]
“A formalwear you can move around in easily? I don’t know about a formalwear meant for combat, but just something that’s easy to move around in should have plenty of demand . After all, even normal clothes are best when they’re easy to move around in . ” [Carm]
Come to think of it, when the boss goes to town from the northern mines, he has to pass through the northern gates . If I recall correctly, there should be a guardroom and a jail in that area . If so, then it makes perfect sense that he’d end up spotting some people being taken in, so he should have already seen something similar happening before… And besides, is having clothes difficult to move in really enough to get him to bring an escort?
“For example, even just the joints—” [Ryouma]
“Ah, there’s this place I went to before—” [Yurdum]
“There’s a beast hide and a plant like that!? There really are all sorts of monsters, aren’t there? In that case—” [Ryouma]
…Umm, Boss, could you not suddenly start talking about clothes that are easy to move in with Yurdum-san?
“As expected of you, Boss, coming up with an idea just like that from a casual conversation… I’m impressed by your imagination, but you don’t need to spill all of your ideas, you know?” [Carm]
“Ah, sorry . Let’s talk again later, Yurdum-san . ” [Ryouma]
“Okay . ” [Yurdum]
Good grief, sometimes I don’t know if the boss has the spirit of an artisan or a researcher . It might just be an idea now, but it might turn into a huge profit later . And as a merchant, I couldn’t just watch the boss spill his ideas for everyone to hear while he walked through town .
I’ve always thought that Serge-sama and the guild master were overprotective of the boss, but when he does things like this I can’t help but worry too .
While I was thinking that, I followed after the two, who spoke about idle topics like the surrounding stores or the buildings in the city .
And then—
“…Umm, Carm-san?” [Ryouma]
“Yes?” [Carm]
“That’s the store we’re supposed to be visiting, right?” [Ryouma]
“Should be…” [Carm]
When we entered the street where the store was supposed to be, we stopped walking . There was a crowd of people gathered just a few steps away from the store . What’s more was that this crowd was made up of well-statured young men carrying squared timbers and hammers . There was a dangerous atmosphere about them that suggested they weren’t customers .
“No matter how you look at it, they don’t look peaceful . What now, Boss?” [Yurdum]
“Well, they’ve already noticed us, and even if we change the date, unless we talk to them, we won’t know when it’s convenient or not . If things turn for the worse, I’ll be counting on you, Yurdum-san . ” [Ryouma]
The boss said with a firm voice, then he brazenly approached the crowd .
As we approached the crowd, ascertaining gazes fell upon us .
“Good day . If you don’t mind my asking, did something happen here?” [Ryouma]
When we were about a horse’s distance away, the boss spoke .
The crowd became a little noisy at that, and one of the men replied .
“Nothing you’d need to be concerned about . ” [Man]
…There’s no way that’s true .
“I see . In that case, can you let us pass? We have business with that store over there . ” [Ryouma]
The moment the boss said that, the countenance of the man changed from displeasure to anger .
“You have business with this store? What business?” [Man]
“Umm, are you related to the store?” [Ryouma]
“Who gives a damn if I’m related or not!” [Man]
“It actually matters, though . ” [Ryouma]
The boss’s attitude finally got to the man, and he approached the boss while glaring at him .
But…
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“We’ve come here to talk with the owner of that store . We have no obligation to reveal the details to outsiders . Such actions would only hurt our reputation as merchants; hence, it’s only natural to first confirm whether you’re related or not . In the first place, we’ve already sent a letter to the owner of that store and have contacted them prior . If you aren’t related, then I will have to ask you to stand back . ” [Ryouma]
“…!” [Man]
The man couldn’t find the words to refute with and stood there silent for a while, but after a few seconds…
“Tch! I knew it! You’re land sharks who want to use some weird contract to get the store!” [Man]
“…Hah?” [Ryouma]
Just what is this guy saying all of the sudden?
“I didn’t think you’d bring a kid with you, but if you’re land sharks, then it makes perfect sense why this brat is so gutsy . ” [Man]
“No, that’s just the boss—” [Carm]
“Don’t try to give me your lip service! We know a letter was sent to this store wanting to purchase it!” [Man]
“That’s!” [Carm]
It’s true that we sent a letter yesterday to buy the store, but we’re not land sharks . The main point of that letter was to make our services more convenient for customers .
It would also be possible to reduce the burden on each branch by distributing the customers to multiple branches .
The condition we gave was the purchase of the owner’s current store and workshop . Just the workshop alone was fine too . Everything was negotiable and after the purchase, if the other party was interested, we could hire them and they could keep working . We didn’t ask them to leave their current address .
The main difference before and after the acquisition would only be the work, as there would be a need to consolidate with the Bamboo Forest’s way of doing things .
Despite that we intended to minimize the change in the chain of command .
We wrote all of this in the letter . We’re not trying to drive away the family from their home . In fact, we even think it would be best if they could continue working, so there’s no reason for them to treat us like this…
“Please wait a moment . Let’s talk calmly . ” [Carm]
“Like hell we will! That’s exactly how you people swindle others out of their money and house!” [Man]
“Yeah! Yeah!!” [Crowd 1]
“It’s because of you people that people have been driven out of their houses!”
“And you’ve been pestering this store to sell its land for a while now too!”
The angry bellows of the first man was the impetus that drove the other men to also bellow angrily .
People driven away from their houses? Pestering the store to sell its land?
“Carm-san . ” [Ryouma]
“Boss . I’m probably thinking the same thing as you . ” [Carm]
“They’ve obviously mistaken us for someone else . ” [Yurdum]
Various problems have been occurring in town recently, and it seems this part of town is no exception .
But while the criminals they’re talking about might be active around here, we have nothing to do with them .
“I more or less understand what you’re saying, but we’re not responsible for those crimes . We are from the laundromat at the eastern part of Gimuru, Bamboo Forest . ” [Ryouma]
“The owner of that store has also replied to our letter, saying that we could drop by anytime . ” [Carm]
We firmly denied their previous accusations, and after the boss gave the name of our store, I explained to them that the store owner here has also replied to our letter .
“Bamboo Forest? Isn’t that that store?” [Crowd 1]
“Yeah, our workshop enlists their services too . ” [Crowd 2]
“The madam replied?” [Crowd 3]
“Come to think of it, there’s a rumor going around that that the owner of that store is a kid… Huh? Seriously?” [Crowd 4]
Looks like there are people who know about our store .
As voices raised from the crowd, the hostility toward us lessened, but…
“Don’t let them fool you!!” [Man]
That man from before yelled again .
“Some land sharks misrepresent themselves to be from a real store, wanting to discuss a deal, when in fact they’re just greedy to grab some land!” [Man]
“Y-Yeah!” [Crowd 1]
“But that store seems to be making a killing, though . ” [Crowd 2]
“Right? You could at least let them talk . ” [Crowd 3]
“Fool! Remember! Just how many people have been swindled because they were willing to lend an ear!? Even the guild refused to do anything when a contract was involved! At this rate, the madam and her children will be left out in the cold without any way to feed themselves! Can you guys still face the boss with that!?” [Man]
The faces of the people gathered grew darker with every word the man spoke .
Perhaps, some of these people have also been swindled before .
The guild not intervening is a bit concerning, though .
“You might be a child, but if you’re going to lay your hand on this store, I’m not going to show you any mercy! I’ll beat you up so you never feel like starting anything here again!” [Man]
This is bad . They’re not listening to us at all .
“…even though…” [Ryouma]
“Huh? Boss—!?” [Carm]
I couldn’t quick pick up what the boss was muttering, but when I turned to him, I was shocked by his eyes .
From time to time, the boss would become depressed because he remembered something, but I’ve never felt anything this dark and heavy before .
“Boss? Is something the matter?” [Carm]
“Not at all . It’s just that when I see this situation like this, I can’t help but feel disappointed… Of course, I’m sure everyone has their fair share of troubles, but… Like this, what’s the difference between the townspeople and thugs?” [Ryouma]
There was a deep dejection and disappointment mixed in with those words .
Well, I do understand why he feels that way . In fact, I agree with him, but…
“What was that, you little brat!?” [Man]
Saying that here is like pouring oil into the flames .
Yurdum immediately rushed forward—
“!? Are you sure?” [Yurdum]
—But the boss stopped him .
“This is merely the result of me giving voice to my own thoughts, so it’s only right that the one to deal with this also be me . You just protect Carm-san, Yurdum-san . ” [Ryouma]
“…Understood . ” [Yurdum]
“You’ve got guts kid . ” [Man]
“Because I haven’t said anything wrong, so there’s nothing to correct either . There’s no need for it . ” [Ryouma]
The atmosphere grew even worse because of that, but the boss didn’t stop .
“A group of adults gathered together, then started showing off their weapons and even threatened people with their loud voices . They refuse to talk properly, and they won’t even try . So I wondered to myself, just how are these people different from the thugs that cause trouble throughout town? The thought came up, so I said it . Is there something wrong with what I said?” [Ryouma]
“T-This little brat…” [Man]
Boss, I agree with you, but you don’t have to say it over and over .
He might be talking politely, he even appears uninterested, but his words are sharp .
“Yurdum, I think I get it now . That tension you were talking about yesterday . ” [Carm]
“Great, so how do you deal with it?” [Yurdum]
“…I don’t know . He usually just brushes off anything you tell him with a smile . This is my first time seeing him like this . ” [Carm]
We should probably pull him out of this situation by force if we have to—
“By the way, is the person by that door the owner of the store?” [Ryouma]
“!?” [Crowd]
“Ah…!” [Carm]
I was so preoccupied with the boss and the man that I didn’t notice her at all .
The door to the store the men were crowding had opened a little, and a young woman could be seen peeking . She’s probably the owner of the store .
“W-What are you doing, Madam!? Please go back inside!” [Man]
“Umm… I…” [Owner]
“Can we ta—” [Ryouma]
“Don’t butt in when people are talking!” [Man]
“Do you mind if we talked?” [Ryouma]
“Don’t worry! I’ll protect you and your children!” [Man]
“Ah…” [Owner]
The owner of the store glanced alternatingly between us and the crowd of men .
All the while, the noisy man desperately called out to the perplexed owner .
“…Sorry . ” [Owner]
In the end, the owner went back inside her store .
At that, the boss looked at us .
“Let’s go back . ” [Ryouma]
Uhh, what happened to the earlier exchange?
Suddenly, the boss wanted to go back as if he had lost all interest all of the sudden .
Even the man picking a fight with him was confused by his sudden change .
“Huh, ah? Hey!” [Man]
“Ah, my apologies for intruding . We’ve already ascertained the intentions of the owner, so we will be taking our leave now . We probably won’t be coming back here again, but if you still have any complaints, then please schedule an appointment through one of my employees . ” [Ryouma]
“Appoi— What?”
“Ah, excuse me, it means to promise a meeting . I won’t run away or hide . You can even bring that thing in your hands with you, I don’t mind . But if you try to scare my employees or my customers, if you try to hurt them, know that I will be dealing with you and thoroughly . ” [Ryouma]
There was a quiet but overbearing power hidden behind those words .
“Yurdum-san, let’s go . ” [Ryouma]
“Yeah!” [Yurdum]
Fortunately, the boss was just walking leisurely, so it was easy to catch up to him .
“Boss . What happened all of the sudden?” [Carm]
“Carm-san . I’m sorry, but you’ll have to give up on acquiring that store… It’s already lost its appeal . We’ll have to search for another store or simply put up another branch . ” [Ryouma]
“I agree, but there’s also no need to rush it . Let’s think this through again from the start . ” [Carm]
“Yes . ” [Ryouma]
…With that the boss went completely silent .
One of the boss’s bad habits is that he tends to think too much, but considering how sharply he dealt with that situation earlier, it might be worse this time around .
I can understand why the boss is angry, but normally, the boss just lets those things pass .
He’s not ignoring the things he normally ignores?
Is that proof that he’s been driven into a corner?
“Boss . You seem really tense . Is everything alright?” [Carm]
The boss wordlessly denied being tense, then after reflecting on it a bit, sighed and then spoke .
“I see . It seems I have been a bit too tense . ” [Ryouma]
He acknowledged it .
“If there’s something on your mind, I can lend you an ear . ” [Carm]
“It’s not a problem right now . I just wanted to be careful . And this might sound like I’m talking badly about someone behind their back, but if for example, the store didn’t have Carm-san but that woman instead, I wouldn’t feel safe leaving the store to her . ” [Ryouma]
“I completely agree with you . Putting it mildly, just as the information we’ve gathered says, her store is only able to continue to exist because of the support of the people around her . ” [Carm]
The boss nodded . It seems we share the same opinion here .
“It’s true that I’m rarely in the store, but as the owner of my store and the person above my employees, I believe it is my duty to ensure the stability of the store’s operation as well as the safety of the employees . ” [Ryouma]
It seems the boss believes that I’m capable of making that happen whereas that woman can’t .
This is probably what he means by ‘being able to entrust the store’ to me .
“But unforeseen and unreasonable things happen when they’re least expected . Regardless how careful one might be, as long as we’re humans, the word absolute doesn’t exist… It takes only a moment for us to lose something . A moment of thoughtlessness, a moment of carelessness, just one moment to lose something important forever… That’s not an uncommon story either . ” [Ryouma]
“…” [Carm]
Words that sound like they belong to an old man with a wealth of experience .
The boss naturally said such words and then wryly smiled .
“In order to avoid the unexpected as much as possible, we need to take extra care, or at least that’s what I was thinking, and before I knew it I’d ended up more tense than usual . ” [Ryouma]
“So you really can’t calm down with the town like this?” [Carm]
“I can’t refute that, but this is an issue with my personality . You, me, the townspeople… We can all feel the worsening
public order and we’re all trying to deal with it in our own way . I’m not doubting the effort made by the authorities or by other people, but no matter how many measures are taken, there are still people who think ‘it’s not enough’, right?” [Ryouma]
“That’s true . ” [Carm]
“I want to be careful too, or rather, thinking like that is simply a part of my personality, so I’ll have to rely on your continued support from here on out too . ” [Ryouma]
The boss said with the smile of someone who’s just pranked someone . There was no point in telling me that after all this time .
“But of course . That’s why I’m here . ” [Carm]
When I said that, the boss smiled again and said, “I see,” then continued walking back to the store .
That heavy atmosphere from before was gone from his back, and his stride seemed a little lighter .