Episode 81

After finishing lunch, I came to the shop to take a breather while doing afternoon smithing.

There, soldiers were looking at the swords while helping stock the shelves.

“…Every sword in this shop is just too well made, huh.”

“If you keep this many good swords here, there’s also the risk of theft.”

…Is it really that bad?

The best material is swords made from Cirea Magic Ore.

There are about ten of those. Below that are only swords of somewhat lower ranks.

Capri and the others seemed to notice me and bowed their heads slightly.

“Lord Faik, what’s the matter?”

“No, I just came for a short break. …Does the shop seem okay?”

“Yes, leave it to us. We were just thinking about where to position security.”

“I see…. Sorry. I’m causing extra work for you.”

“No, no. Don’t worry about it. Actually, may we ask something… Is it okay if we wear plain clothes in the day?”

“What do you mean?”

Right now they were clad in armor like knights.

From a defensive standpoint, armor is better than plain clothes, I thought.

I wouldn’t want anything to happen to them either.

“We thought that pretending to be customers would make us less intimidating inside the shop.”

“…Ah, I see.”

Capri had a point.

With Capri and the others present they might help prevent crimes, but some customers might feel intimidated.

If Capri and the others wore plain clothes, that worry would be reduced.

However, intimidation isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The likelihood of a crime occurring would drop drastically.

…The person I’m most worried about is Alicia. Many adventurers probably don’t know Alicia. If they’re from this town and grew up here that’s one thing, but adventurers coming in from outside might do something like sexual harassment toward Alicia.

It would be terrible if she were touched even by accident. Considering that, being intimidating might actually be better.

“For now, how about having one person wait in the back dressed as a soldier?”

“I see… So we pretend to be customers and keep watch, and if anything happens a soldier from the back will rush out. That might be good!”

Not only Capri, but the other soldiers nodded in agreement.

It seemed everyone thought this compromise plan was a good idea.

For now we’ll operate that way, and if any problems arise we can rethink it.

There are still many unknowns, so we’ll have to feel our way through it; it can’t be helped.

I glanced toward a corner of the shelves.

There were cooking tools lined up there, like knives and frying pans.

Before I went to the court, I used to make these kinds of utensils often. It’s also part of a blacksmith’s work.

There’s a chance housewives might come to buy them… so I keep a few on hand just in case.

The space is limited, though.

“Alicia, are you taking a break?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Faik, don’t spend all your time smithing either.”

“I know. I’m on a break even now.”

I was taking a proper break too. I puffed out my chest proudly, and Alicia stuck her face close to me with a look.

“You’re on a break but thinking about the shop and all?”

“…W-well, that’s…”

“Hehe, don’t make such a troubled face. It’s okay, I understand.”

Alicia smiled teasingly and I felt relieved.

…T-true, if I say I’m taking a break but hang around the shop people might not think I’m really resting.

But I wanted to see Alicia’s face. Seeing her face cheers me up the most and makes me feel like I’m resting.

Alicia didn’t seem to notice that and tilted her head curiously.

“What’s wrong?”

Alicia stared at me intently.

I remembered her kind words and returned her smile.

“No, I just thought that looking at your face, Alicia, is the most healing for me.”

“… Wh-what are you saying all of a sudden…! E-everyone can hear!”

…Ah, right.

I had said it intending to tease Alicia like I usually do.

Of course, everything I said earlier was sincere, but I only said it out loud to tease her.

Alicia’s ears turned red as she raised her voice. Nearby were Capri and also Refy.

I felt a little embarrassed too.

“Ah, we’re fine! Think of us as the pillars of the house!”

“Yes, me too. Please, don’t worry and carry on flirting. We’ll amuse ourselves independently.”

“We also agree with Refy.”

Who would think that, idiot…

“W-well then Alicia… see you later.”

“…Eh. You’re going to leave me like this…? Hey, Faik…!”

Alicia, face flushed, reached out her hand, but I ran away.

“Well then, let’s wrap up work for now.”

“Got it. Shall we head back to the manor?”

“…I think I’ll stay over tonight. I want to check the flow after opening ahead of time.”

The shop is scheduled to open soon.

It’s better to run a simulation beforehand.