Chapter 96

Why did it come to this?

A crowd that doesn't know how to form a line gathered in front of us.

The first day was good.

Only a few traveling merchants and locals, intrigued by the novelty, would pick up the items, listen to my explanations while chatting, and only those who understood and agreed would buy them.

I started to think something was off from the second day. The customers didn't stop coming.

By the third day, it was a complete mess.

The number of people visiting the stall in the central square, which the Veriello Trading Company had arranged for us, had clearly increased.

At first, I thought the number of customers had increased proportionally as more stalls opened up due to the revolution. But it was clear that the crowd was specifically targeting our stall. Many people were waiting even before we opened.

Do you know how terrifying a crowd that doesn't know how to form a line can be?

Imagine this:

First, picture a scene where about five people are loitering in front of a space about three tatami mats in size.

...Right. For those who are into niche hobbies, think of the island-wide Piko hand phenomenon at certain summer and winter festivals. If you don't get it, just let it go.

At first, it's fine, but when more people start to join the five, things get weird.

People try to reach for the samples from the sides of those five, pushing them away and interrupting conversations.

By the time the five become ten, then fifteen, they spill over to the stalls on either side. Angry glares fly from both sides, and people start yelling, "Get out of the way! You're in the way!"

When I ask them to form a line, they start complaining, "I was here first!" "No, I was here first!"

Some even try to sneak away with the products. Those guys are quickly caught by Yarai and given a painful kiss on the ground. Thanks to Yarai's intimidating presence, they eventually form a line, but only the people already there.

New customers, either drawn by rumors or just rubberneckers, ignore the line and peek from the front of the neighboring stalls. This causes more angry shouts, and the people in line get furious, sometimes causing the line to collapse and reform into a chaotic crowd.

For those into niche hobbies, imagine a situation where wall-sized figures are placed all over the island.

One of my bosses is into a niche hobby and is passionate about creating thin books about men being friendly. For some reason, during the valuable summer and winter breaks, I was called to help with the layout and shading, and then forced to sell them at a suspiciously enthusiastic place filled only with women.

The memory of those women eyeing me and breathing heavily while holding the thin books is something I'd rather forget. But let's get back to the story.

Only Yarai and I are managing this small stall.

Yarai is working hard, really hard. But we can't keep up. Even with occasional help from the spirits to move at high speed, we can't control the situation.

I'm struggling to handle the endless stream of customers.

At first, people would buy one or two samples, but soon it became normal to buy ten, and more and more people wanted twenty. Now, we're dealing with transactions in burlap bags.

This was the situation on the second day, and by the third day, it was a storm of chaos.

We're using all our wave techniques.

We have to pretend to take out the products from the large wooden box borrowed from the Veriello Trading Company, which doubles the work.

Also, many people try to cheat with the money.

Every time I point it out, they complain, "Count again," "There's not enough product," "You're the one cheating." Maybe it's a kind of haggling, but I wish they'd look behind them. Haven't you been waiting and feeling frustrated?

Dealing with these issues takes time, and more angry shouts fly from the line.

It's no joke.

That day, despite being wrapped in waves, I ended up with such severe muscle pain in my arms that I couldn't lift them.

I gave a bag of products to the neighboring stalls as an apology, and they calmed down. It saved us from a fight.

...

Really, how did it come to this?

The story goes back about four days.

---

"It seems we won't be able to meet for a while."

Cherina sighed deeply as she returned to the guild.

"Yeah, that's right."

I'm now in the position of a provisional government representative, and I won't have time to sleep. There was still a lot to decide at today's meeting, but they ended it early, probably considering Cherina's feelings. It was already pitch dark outside.

"Mr. Akira, Mr. Hagg, Mr. Yarai, I'll prepare some snacks for you. Please have some."

It was a kind offer, so I accepted it.

"Are you not inviting Master Max?"

I asked about Master Max, the wave master who was assigned to directly protect Cherina.

"He says he's going to sleep. He's been replaced by another guard."

"Got it."

I'm not particularly missing his muscles, so it's fine if he's not invited. I was just a bit concerned that he might be being left out.

I thought we were going to the dining room, but Cherina led us to a small meeting room.

"Here, the lighting is sufficient with just the air devices."

I see, using the large dining room would require candles. She's still frugal even at a time like this.

"Alright..."

We stuffed our bellies with light snacks and moved on to tea time.

"Mr. Akira, what are your plans from here?"

Cherina, delicately holding a slender cup.

"What do you mean... I don't understand the question."

A slight wrinkle appeared between her eyebrows.

"No... I was wondering if Mr. Akira would stay in this country..."

Her voice trailed off at the end.

"Why?"

I'd just be in the way if I stayed...

"I'll wait for the priest's message for a few days. If I don't hear from them in seven days, I'll leave this country."

Yeah, I know the headquarters or main temple is in a country called Reikler. It shouldn't be a problem to go there from here.

"Isn't that a bit hasty? It's not an urgent trip, right?"

"Well, yeah. But I can't stand being idle. Plus, I have three places to go. Hagg, isn't it tough to cross that mountain range?"

Hagg, who had been eating an inordinate amount of snacks, looked up.

"Hmm, that's true, but if you have money, you could use the Shift Room."

"Oh, that teleportation or instant movement technique?"

I remember that came up when we talked about the air devices.

"It's expensive, and you're packed into a small space, but if you can endure it, you can avoid the dangerous mountain crossing."

He drank his alcohol with a bored expression. At least show some restraint...

"Is that only available in Reikler?"

"North of the Midar Mountains."

"Then there's no choice. My destination is Reikler."

Finalizing the vague plans I had so far made me feel much better. It had been uncertain for a long time.

Cherina, on the other hand, placed her cup with a strangely solemn expression, completely opposite to mine.

"Mr. Akira... Is there any way you could stay in this country? If it's a donation to the temple, the guild can send excellent people..."

"I understand, but this is something I have to do myself."

Cherina lowered her head, and I couldn't see her expression.

"I get that the SHOP's abilities are appealing..."

"That's not it."

She firmly denied it. Then there's no need to insist on me...

"Well, I'll visit again if I feel like it after going to all the places."

Cherina's reaction was still dull. I knew this from the start.

"Speaking of the SHOP... something strange has appeared."

"Strange...?"

Yeah, something really strange. When I got the emergency kit approved and my divinity level reached 10, the "Quest" became available for purchase.

I had been busy and ignored it, but I should check it out.

Closing my eyes, the usual list appeared. The SHOP now had a "Quest" tag.

"There it is..."

I muttered to no one in particular. It's bound to be something bad.

【Quest 0 = 1000 yen】

I don't want to see it...

"Is something wrong, Mr. Akira?"

I must have looked tired, as Cherina asked with concern.

"No, nothing... Let's buy it."

Reluctantly, I purchased the quest from the list.

Remaining balance: 4,751,061 yen.

What I took out of the container was...

"Quite a colorful piece of washi paper."

"Hmm, is this the paper you mentioned?"

Cherina and Hagg peered over. I just want to burn it right now.

It was a letter. A pink envelope with cute characters scattered all over it. The seal was a rabbit.

"It's... cute."

Cherina's breathing was a bit heavy. I'm glad Naria isn't here.

"It's a letter... I have a bad feeling..."

I casually opened the envelope with my fingers. Cherina let out a "ahh..." as the rabbit was torn. I don't care.

The inside was as expected.

A sheet of paper with a deformed character that looked like a cat or a rabbit. It's like something a middle school girl would use!

I don't know who to blame...

I sighed deeply and finally read the message.

I wanted to tear it up from the first line.

【Hello! It's been a while, Mr. Akira!

It's me! Me!

Do you remember?!

I'm your lover, Merhes!

Kyaa!

Embarrassing! Just kidding! Did you take it seriously?

Hehe☆

I used to be nameless, but now I'm recognized by the world and have a name!

Please call me Meru-chan☆

Pancake pan! Now for the big announcement!

Thanks to Mr. Akira raising my divinity, I can finally issue quests!

Wow! Clap clap clap!

Amazing, right?! Amazing!

From now on, I'll help Mr. Akira through quests!

Looking forward to it!

Don't pout just because we can't meet☆

Clearing quests will bring many good things

Try your best☆

Reward: 100 yen

Condition: Read this quest】

...

...

......

I silently stomped on the letter with all my might.

Remaining balance: 4,751,161 yen.

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