episode_0005

A few days later, an inspector from headquarters visited.

“I’m from the Potion Association. I’m here to conduct this month’s evaluation of outstanding shops.”

“Welcome. You must have had a hard time coming all this way. Can I offer you a refreshing drink?”

“Thank you. I was so afraid of encountering bandits on the way that I didn’t even stop to take a proper drink of water.”

“You’ve worked hard. There was no need for you to come all the way out here just to select this month’s shop.”

“Is that so? With dozens or hundreds of recommendation letters pouring in, one has to be able to withstand it.”

Upon hearing this, Mirella suddenly ran outside.

The inspector, who had been watching her intently, smiled and said, “Let’s begin the evaluation now.”

Saying that, he took out some documents from his bag.

Glancing at them, it seemed to be a checklist for each category.

For example, it would likely scrutinize things like hygiene and inventory management in great detail.

There was no need to check the internal cleanliness; I cleaned whenever I had the time.

As this was the first shop of the adventure, cleanliness was of utmost importance to make a good impression.

The inspector looked around, inspected the display on the shelves, and even examined the most important cooking area.

Judging by his expression, there didn’t seem to be anything worth pointing out.

“Next, let’s look at the exterior.”

Adjusting his glasses, the inspector looked up at the building of the shop.

Our shop is a small two-story building with a tiled roof.

I heard that it used to be a family home a very long time ago, but Jack, the previous owner, bought it and renovated the first floor.

Looking at the surface of the supporting wooden pillars, it seems to be a very old building, but we’ve managed it in our own way, painting the exterior walls, and even installing awnings that were not originally there, providing an outdoor canopy underneath for adventurers and residents to take shelter from the rain.

“The condition is quite good. According to the building register, it’s been over thirty years since it was built.”

The inspector muttered as he scribbled on the checklist with his pen.

“The surrounding cleanliness is also very good. In all my inspections, I’ve never seen a street this clean.”

It’s only natural since our village’s potion knights sweep and scrub every day.

The inspector, who meticulously checked the building’s exterior, found a nearly expired potion next to the door.

“Is this the potion?”

“Yes?”

“I saw in the recommendation letter that the owner gives away nearly expired healing potions to those in need for free.”

“Ah, I see…”

This guy, Mirella, writes all sorts of things.

The inspector carefully examined the potion, looking at it from every angle.

The glass bottle containing the potion had the manufacturing date written on it, allowing one to know its expiration date.

After tasting a bit by opening the lid, the inspector nodded.

“It should be fine to consume.”

The inspector then made some notes on the checklist with a pen.

“The taste is good. The color is nice. The glass bottle is sturdy, and the lid closes well.”

Following that, the inspector asked about the potion-making process, maintenance methods, and adherence to the appropriate pricing.

As I had almost memorized the potion management method, the answers came out smoothly.

“It’s truly excellent. There’s nothing to criticize.”

“Thank you.”

With a very satisfied expression, the inspector completed the checklist with a smile.

“I’ve visited many places so far, but I’ve never seen a place as clean and well-maintained as this. Especially the idea of giving nearly expired potions to those in need is truly innovative and admirable.”

“Thank you, Inspector.”

“The town is clean, the surrounding scenery is beautiful, and the shop management is also good. When I go back to headquarters, I will strongly recommend it.”

And so, the inspection of the outstanding store for this month ended without any issues.

I didn’t apply for this, but the results seem to be turning out fine regardless.

I didn’t intend for this kind of action, but it seems to come back around.

After the inspector left, I noticed a red-haired person peeking from the alley.

“Mirella.”

“Did the inspection go well?”

Mirella, who had been peeking over here, ran towards me from the alley.

“The inspector said our store seems to be the outstanding store of the month.”

“Huh, really?”

Seeing Mirella’s expression turn sinister, I felt uneasy.

What scheme is she planning now?

After a while, our store became the excellent store of the month.

Among thousands of stores across the empire, it means being the best.

Along with a splendid certified signboard, a considerable amount of prize money was given.

The certified signboard was placed in the most visible place on the outer wall of the entrance, and the prize money was decided to be kept in the safe for now.

I need to think a bit about where to spend that money.

There’s no more investment to make in the store anyway; I plan to use it for improving the village.

“Ahem!”

Mirella went out in front of the store, looked at the certification mark on the outer wall, and boasted as if she had achieved something.

“Whose achievement is this?”

“It’s thanks to you. Thank you.”

“Just in words?”

“Well then, what should I do for you?”

“Let me use the store as the headquarters for the knights.”

She said something unbelievable, leaving me speechless.

“The store…?”

“Yeah. This is practically the knight’s supply warehouse. The space is spacious and clean, so I’ll make it the headquarters.”

Setting up the headquarters for the knights? This is getting serious.

I thought for a moment.

Our store’s first floor has quite a bit of space.

Like most of the stores in the starting village, the furniture is shabby.

So we were able to gather the village kids and teach them how to read and write.

It would be perfect to bring in a desk to the empty space next to the cash register.

Even if we call it the headquarters for the knights, it’s not really a headquarters. It’s just a space for Mirella to sit and boast.

“Okay, let’s do that.”

“Really! I’m excited!”

“But in return, you have to promise something.”

“What is it?”

Since it’s inside the store, you also have to greet customers. Occasionally, you’ll have to clean the store and organize the items.

“Huh? Isn’t that what employees are for? But it’s not that difficult.”

Mirella smiled confidently.

“Of course, and I can do the dishes, cleaning, cooking, and laundry too! No room for objections later, right?”

“I don’t have any other objections. That’s what I wanted to tell you.”

“Then I’ll go get what I need!”

A little later.

Mirella, carrying an enormously large bag on her back, looked at me with a smile.

What’s in that bag?

“What’s in that bag, Mirella?”

“Excuse me, please.”

Mirella pushed me aside and came into the store.

Following the brisk steps up the stairs, Mirella entered one of the rooms on this floor.

Upon peering in, it seemed that Mirella was not laying out her belongings and other items while humming a tune, but rather unpacking her bag and other possessions.

“No, could it be…?”

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like? I’m unpacking.”

“Unpacking…?”

“I promised to set up headquarters at the store.”

Leaning the lid of her always-carried rare item, the Bint’s bottle opener, against the head of the bed, Mirella stated, “I am the deputy commander. It’s necessary for me to stay at headquarters, providing 24-hour standby and accommodation.”

“Does that mean you’ll be staying here indefinitely?”

“No problem, right?”

“Many problems.”

“No problem.”

Mirella’s confident attitude left me chuckling involuntarily.

Having unpacked everything without restraint, she suddenly started changing clothes, leaving no choice but to escape from the room.

“A promise is a promise! Lying is bad.”

For some reason, Mirella shouted from outside with an infuriated voice.

It couldn’t be helped.

Mirella has no relatives in this village and there’s no comfortable place for her to rest.

Outwardly spirited, but no one can truly know what she’s really like inside.

Perhaps it might be better for Mirella to occupy and stay in this room.

So, Mirella completely settled into our store.

She also utilized part of the first floor as her own space.

The area next to the counter.

So, she brought a desk and chair to the coziest spot inside the store and used it as her office.

There, she would dawdle, and when customers entered the store, Mirella would rush over to greet them.

“Welcome to Jack and Mirella’s Potion Shop!”

I don’t know when their shop became ours, but it wasn’t serious enough to point out, so I just let it be.

By settling into the store like this, Mirella never left my side.

So, before I knew it, she became our shop assistant.

Tsk tsk, foolish Mirella.

If you keep coming into our store like this, you’ll end up being an unpaid employee, won’t you?

Laughing at Mirella, who was tidying up her things, I thought to myself.

* * * * *

Silly brother.

If I go into the store like this, you’ll be halfway my husband without a word?

Did I come here thinking that I had no thoughts and would help with the hustle and bustle?

Innocent.

Once you settle in, it’s hard to chase someone away, and it’s natural to develop affection if you’re in the same space.

It’s easy to watch others flirt with you.

It’s entirely advantageous for me, but now you’re probably misunderstanding and liking me, thinking you’ve deceived me.

Yes, keep misunderstanding like that.

That’s how it goes, slowly becoming lovers and then slowly becoming a couple.

Huh huh.