SWNOVELXO Chapter 93
Chapter 93. The Girl and The Envelope In The Wilderness
How did it come to this?
A crowd that didn’t understand lining up had gathered in front of us.
The first day was good.
A few traveling merchants and locals curiously picked it up, chatted with me, and bought it only if they were convinced by my explanation.
It started getting weird from the second day. The flow of customers didn’t stop.
By the third day, it was no joke.
The number of people visiting the stall we set up in the central plaza, arranged by the Veliero Company, was clearly increasing.
At first, I thought the increase in stalls due to the revolution led to more customers. But these people were clearly targeting our stall. Many were waiting even before we opened.
Do you know how terrifying a crowd that doesn’t understand lining up is?
Imagine it.
Picture five people loitering in front of a small space of about 4.5 square meters.
…Right. Enthusiasts might compare it to a certain summer and winter convention with crowds of passionate hobbyists. If you don’t understand, just let it pass.
At first, it’s fine, but things get weird when more people come behind those five.
Hands start reaching in from the sides to grab the product samples. Pushing and shoving. Interrupting conversations with other customers.
When five turns into ten and then fifteen, the crowd spills over to the stalls on either side. Glares filled with hostility fly from the sides. They straightforwardly yell, “You’re in the way! Move!”
When I ask them to line up, customers start complaining. “I was here first!” “No, I was first!”
Some even try to sneak off with the goods. Those ones get caught by Yaralai in an instant and are painfully brought down to the ground. Yaralai’s intimidating presence helps maintain some order, but only for those already there.
New customers, unaware of the situation, ignore the line and peek in from the neighboring stalls. This triggers angry shouts from the sides, and the lined-up customers erupt in fury, causing the line to collapse again into a chaotic crowd in front of the stall—a vicious cycle.
For the enthusiasts, it’s like a situation where a wall of major publishers is set up all over the island.
One of my bosses had a peculiar hobby and was passionate about creating thin books featuring close bonds between men. Somehow, during the precious summer and winter breaks, I got roped into helping with ink and tones, and even selling in an intense, woman-only zone.
I don’t want to remember the looks and heavy breathing of the women eyeing me as they picked up those thin books. Anyway, back to the story.
Only Yaralai and I are managing this small stall.
Yaralai is trying hard. Really hard. But it’s not enough. Even with the occasional help of spirit power for quick movements, it’s still chaotic.
I’m struggling to deal with the continuous stream of customers.
Initially, we were handing out one sample per person, or at most two or three. But now, ten has become the norm, and more people want twenty. Currently, it’s reached the point where transactions involve large burlap sacks.
That was the situation on the second day, and by the third day, it was like a storm of activity.
I’m using all my energy techniques.
Having to pretend to take out the products from the large wooden box borrowed from the Veliiero Company doubles the effort.
And the number of people trying to shortchange us is alarming.
Whenever I point it out, they say, “Then count it again,” or “There are fewer products,” or “You’re the one shortchanging.” It might be a kind of bargaining, but they should look behind them. You didn’t enjoy waiting all this time, did you?
When I’m dealing with that, more angry shouts come from the line.
It’s no joke.
That day, despite being energized, I had such muscle pain that I couldn’t lift my arms.
As an apology, I gave a bag of goods to the stalls on either side, and they somewhat forgave us. I’m glad there wasn’t a fight.
…
Really, how did it come to this…?
The story goes back about four days.
――――
“It looks like we won’t be able to meet for a while.”
Cherina sighed deeply as she returned to the company.
“Well, that’s expected.”
I said. As the representative of the provisional government, she won’t have time to sleep. There was still much to decide in today’s meeting, but it was cut short out of consideration for Cherina. The sky outside was already dark.
“Akira-sama, Hagg-sama, Yaralai-sama, I’ll have a late-night meal prepared for you,”
Cherina offered graciously, and we accepted.
“Aren’t you inviting Master Max?”
I asked about Max, the master wave user assigned to protect Cherina.
“He’s already gone to bed. Another guard has taken his place.”
“Got it.”
I wasn’t particularly missing his muscles, but I was curious if he was being left out.
Instead of heading to the dining hall, Cherina led us to a small meeting room.
“Here, the lighting from the air fixtures alone will be enough.”‘
She explained. Indeed, using the large dining hall would require additional candlelight. She’s economical even at times like this.
“Well then…”
We filled our stomachs with snacks and transitioned to tea time.
“What are your plans, Akira-sama?”
Cherina asked, holding a delicate cup.
“What do you mean?”
I replied, not understanding her question. She frowned slightly.
“Will you stay in this country, Akira-sama?”
Her voice faded toward the end.
“Why?”
I said. “I’d only be in the way if I stayed.”
“I plan to wait a few days for contact from the priests. If I don’t hear anything within seven days, I’ll leave the country.”
I know the main temple or headquarters is in a country called Lakelel. If I head there, it shouldn’t be a problem.
“Isn’t that a bit hasty? It’s not an urgent journey, is it?”
“True, but lingering around isn’t my style. Besides, I have three places I need to visit. Right, Hagg? Crossing that mountain isn’t easy, right?”
Hagg, who had been stuffing himself, looked up.
“Yes, but if you have money, it’s better to use a Shift Room.”
“Oh, the warp… teleportation technique, right?”
We discussed this when we talked about air tools.
“They charge a high fee and squeeze you into a cramped space, but it avoids the dangerous mountain crossing,”
Hagg said, downing his drink without restraint.
“That’s only available in Lakelel, right?”
I asked.
“North of the Midal Mountains, yes.”
“Then Lakelel it is. No need to hesitate.”
With the destination set, I felt a sense of relief. I had been going with the flow for too long.
Cherina, on the other hand, looked unusually serious as she set down her cup.
“Akira-sama, won’t you stay in this country? We can send capable people from the company to make offerings to the temple…”
“You know I have to do this myself.”
“…”
Cherina looked down, hiding her expression.
“I understand the SHOP’s abilities are tempting.”
“That’s not it.”
She denied it firmly. Then there’s no reason to insist on me staying.
“I’ll visit again if I feel like it after I’ve been to all my destinations.”
“…”
Cherina’s reaction was still subdued. She should have known this from the start.
“Speaking of the SHOP, something strange has appeared.”
“Strange?”
“Yeah, something really odd.”
I didn’t elaborate. When I approved the emergency kit for Cherina, my god level reached 10, and a “Quest” option became available in the SHOP. I’ve been too busy to check it, but I need to.
Closing my eyes, I saw the familiar list, now with a “Quest” tab added.
“There it is…”
I muttered to myself. I knew it would be something troublesome.
Quest 0 = 1000 yen
I didn’t want to look at it.
“What’s wrong, Akira-sama?”
Seeing my tired expression, Cherina asked with concern.
“Nothing… okay, I’ll buy it.”
Reluctantly, I purchased the quest from the list.
My remaining balance is 4,751,061 yen.
From the container, I retrieved it…
“That’s a quite colorful Japanese paper.”
“The famous paper, right?”
Cherina and Hagg peered over. I wanted to toss it into a fire immediately.
It was a letter. In a flashy pink envelope adorned with cute characters. The seal was a rabbit.
“So cute.”
Cherina said, her voice slightly breathless. It’s probably good Narnia isn’t here.
“It’s a letter… I have a bad feeling about this.”
I said, opening the envelope with my finger, and tearing the rabbit seal. Cherina let out a small cry. Too bad.
The stationery inside was as expected.
It featured a familiar, indeterminate character—a cat or rabbit, who knows—drawn in a cute style. Like something a junior high school girl would use.
I sighed deeply and finally read the letter.
【Hello! Long time no see, Akira-sama!
It’s me! It’s me!
Do you remember?!
I’m your lover, Melhes!
Eek!
How embarrassing! Just kidding! Did you take it seriously?
Tehe☆
I was once nameless, but the world has recognized me, and I’ve been given a name!
Please call me Mel-chan☆
Ta-da! Here’s a big announcement!
Thanks to Akira-sama raising my divine rank, I can finally issue quests!
Wow! Clap clap clap!
Amazing, right?!
From now on, I’ll assist you through quests!
Nice to meet you!
Don’t sulk just because we can’t meet☆
There are lots of rewards for completing quests, so do your best☆
Success reward: 100 yen
Completion condition: Read this quest】
…
……
……….
I silently stomped on the letter.
My remaining balance is 4,751,161 yen.