SWNOVELXO Chapter 102
Chapter 102. The First Open-Air Stall In The Wilderness
When I started the stall, people trickled in. The big potatoes displayed on the counter seemed to be a novelty. Originally, I wanted to make samples using a small charcoal grill, but I was advised against it to avoid conflicts with the food guild.
The expressions of people walking through the square were all bright. I sincerely hope things continue to go well.
When the store opened, relatively well-dressed people came to take a look. They were looking for food but were struggling to find any due to the recent chaos.
Normally, they wouldn’t buy at these prices, but they considered it cheap for the quantity. The problem was that they were afraid of eating something they had never tried before.
Initially, they bought one at a time, or sometimes two housewives would pool their money to buy one. I shared all the cooking methods I knew, including how to process it into flour.
I handed a symbol to everyone who bought something.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a bonus, a sort of charm from my hometown.”
Well, it’s not far from the truth.
By evening, I managed to sell to nearly 40 people.
Incidentally, a familiar face appeared among the customers. Since they bought two, I secretly gave them an extra one. They danced a little when I tossed a candy into their mouth. Stop, you’re drawing attention.
Although I had to restock potatoes along the way, I’ll summarize those calculations later.
“Looks like we’ll be taking turns watching the stall tonight.”
While discussing with Yaralai, someone from the Veliero Company came again today. Initially, I refused, but they pleaded, saying they were strictly instructed by Cherina and Friena.
I handed them some small change as a tip and said:
“If you like, please eat the potatoes in the box. There’s about a bag left. Please inform the replacement staff as well.”
Then I realized I didn’t have a charcoal grill or any charcoal.
“I’ll drop by the company to get some fire.”
The company boy hesitated at first, but I insisted, saying I wanted to greet them.
On my way to the company, I hurriedly bought a leather bag.
Medium leather bag = 4920 yen (6300 yen)
Large leather bag = 18,270 yen (21,000 yen)
Leather bag = 30,830 yen (30,000 yen)
Excluding the potato expenses, the remaining balance is 4,280,771 yen.
Even though I went to a leather goods store instead of a stall, they suddenly said, “Are you the young master of Veliero Company?!” I firmly denied it, but I wonder what kind of rumors are spreading…
Although there was a misunderstanding, the negotiation became quite easy thanks to his misconception.
Without saying much, he kept offering discounts. Considering the sandal incident, they might have worked hard for me.
I bought three items. The medium leather bag was chosen to resemble Yaralai’s item bag. The large leather bag was a precaution. I also bought an item bag big enough to fit a child, just in case.
But the most eye-catching item was the leather bag. It’s a shoulder type, about the size of a Boston bag.
It’s sturdily made with rivets and has a simple design that would be popular even in Japan. It would look balanced even with a suit.
When I asked Yaralai if such item bags existed, he said they occasionally circulated. I bought it immediately.
Instead of using it as an item bag, I planned to put the medium leather bag inside and take things out from there. It’s a bit troublesome, but it avoids drawing attention. Yaralai confirmed this method was fine.
As I headed to the company, I remembered something I had been meaning to try. I had completely forgotten since it was of low importance.
“Hey, can you take a look at this?”
I entered an alley and took out a new product from the container.
Kishu Binchotan (1kg) = 2150 yen
My remaining balance is 4,278,621 yen.
It’s a box of the highest quality charcoal… Is it really from Kishu? Really? Also, is Kishu famous for Binchotan… so many questions, but it was fine, thin charcoal with a clean cross-section.
“Hmm, this is good charcoal.”
Yaralai responded in Elvish. I’m starting to distinguish the languages.
“I see. Do Elves make charcoal too?”
“Yes, ours is slightly better in quality, but this is the best humans can make.”
I see. Elves make better charcoal… I can’t quite imagine it.
“That’s good to know.”
“Is there a point to this?”
“You’ll see soon.”
When we arrived at the Veliero Company, the sky was already getting dark, but the employees were still busy. Feeling a bit guilty, I stopped a familiar boy.
“Oh! Akira-sama! What can I do for you today?”
Huh? His attitude is different… Before, he was more like “Stay away from Cherina!” aura… Maybe because she’s not with me now?
“Sorry, but could you tell Melvin-san or Friena-sama that I want to see them?”
“Yes! Right away!”
The boy answered cheerfully and dashed into the building.
I shrugged at Yaralai, who silently shrugged back.
“Please come this way, Akira-sama!”
The boy quickly returned and led me to the meeting room. Before I could take a sip of the tea offered, Friena entered. Does she ever actually work?
“Sorry for the late hour. I have something to discuss.”
She responded with a sleepy smile.
“No problem. Are you here for Cherina?”
Why does she think that?
“No, I’d like to borrow a charcoal grill and, if possible, some trial charcoal.”
I explained about the stall.
“I see, it’s for a donation. We plan to put the charcoal on the sales route soon, so there shouldn’t be any problem. I’ll have it prepared and sent over.”
I offered to carry it myself, but she insisted.
“I have another matter to discuss.”
Friena narrowed her eyes slightly.
“What is it?”
I took a leather bag from my bag. She showed a sly smile but ignored it and pulled out a bundle of Binchotan. The cardboard was removed.
“Charcoal… but…”
She immediately realized it was different from what the company produced.
“Yes, this is the highest quality charcoal, even recognized by Elves.”
She glanced at Yaralai and then back at the Binchotan.
“Highest quality?”
I nodded.
“Yes. As a token of my appreciation, I’m providing this sample. Please make use of it.”
I lightly tapped the charcoals together, producing a metallic sound.
“For cooking, this type is the best. However, it’s not suitable for moisture absorption with washi paper. Please experiment.”
She opened and closed her fan with a snap.
“Thank you very much.”
“Please accept it.”
As I tried to leave, she called me back.
“Akira-san, do you think charcoal and washi paper will sell?”
A difficult question…
“Honestly, I’m not sure. Considering the labor and production costs, it’s uncertain… But I think washi paper will sell reasonably well.”
Charcoal is a complete unknown. Firewood is already widespread.
“You think washi paper will succeed, yet you don’t ask for compensation?”
Well, I owe them for the initial business deal. It’s more of a token of gratitude.
As a consultant, such opinions are probably part of my salary, though I haven’t received any.
I’m sure Cherina will give me a fair price.
“Then, let’s make a significant deal someday. For now, that promise is enough.”
I said with a business smile, and she twirled her fan skillfully.
“Understood.”
As I stood by the door, she called out again.
“Akira-san, do you have enough stock for your stall?”
I thought for a moment and turned back.
“Yes, I have plenty.”
If I said I had little and the stall was monitored, it would be suspicious. Just in case.
“I see. Have a good night.”
Friena smiled seductively, ending the conversation.
I understood the meaning of that smile later.
When I returned to the inn, the hag hadn’t returned yet.
She seemed very busy.
Lunch and dinner together cost 2766 yen for both of us.
My remaining balance is 4,275,855 yen.
That night, I teased Narnia a bit before going to bed.
Goddess Merhes, this is the kind of normal life I wish for.