NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23 - Chapter 23: Marie Visits the Stall
Chapter 23: Marie Visits the Stall
On the third day of the street stall, Marie came in the morning.
“Hey there, Bonus. It’s been a while. Thanks for reaching out.”
“Oh! Marie, long time no see. Thanks for coming.”
As usual, she had this presence, this aura, just by standing there. I remembered her hair being flashy last time I saw her, but today, being outdoors, her orange short bob seemed to shine even more.
“So the chocolate is an extra, huh?”
“Yeah, coffee is the main thing. We don’t get much chocolate, so I’m selling it this way.”
“I see. I wouldn’t mind paying a bit more for a chunk of chocolate, but… Anyway, I’ll try a cup for now.”
“I also recommend the coffee. But if you don’t like the bitterness, I can add some milk.”
“Alright, please add a little milk then.”
“Got it. I’ll add just a bit, let me know if it’s not enough.”
Somehow, during the exchange with Marie, a small crowd gathered at a distance. She sure was picturesque just standing there, and she’s probably somewhat famous around here. This could be good publicity. However, perhaps due to her aloof demeanor, no one approached yet…
“Oh, this is good. Surprisingly, it goes well with the chocolate. Unexpected.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Um, excuse me… Are you Marie, the Dual Swords?”
Melanie timidly spoke up from the side.
“Y-yes.”
“Wow, you’re as amazing as the rumors say!”
“Thanks. By the way, the one working behind you is…?”
What a cold reaction. Melanie seemed crestfallen… But anyway, did she notice the change in Kuro?
“She’s the imp I used to have with me… Seems like she’s… grown?”
“…?”
“Gyaaa!”
“Well, it’s… not entirely impossible, I guess.”
“Gyaggya!”
For some reason, Kuro was imitating Marie’s posture.
Come to think of it, I did tell her to imitate Marie before… but let’s not do that now. Marie observed Kuro suspiciously for a while, but then seemed to decide not to worry about it.
“Hey, show me that pink thing.”
“Sure. Pink~”
Pink poked its head out of my pocket and looked around curiously.
Pink usually has quite a bit of freedom during the street stall. It pops in and out of my pocket, drinks coffee, and sneaks bites of chocolate…
“So cute. Come here.”
Unexpectedly, Marie seems to have a soft spot for cute things. It’s evident from her belongings and her sense of fashion. The details of her belongings are refined.
Pink, upon receiving the chocolate, squeezed Marie’s finger with both hands and then returned to my pocket after spreading some cheer.
“This little one is adorable…”
“By the way, I have something I’d like to ask for advice about. Is it okay?”
“Of course, go ahead.”
“I’ve just started my business, and for safety reasons, I’m hiring mercenaries individually on a daily basis. But it’s quite difficult… Do you know anyone reliable I could hire for a longer term?”
“I asked Hajiramu about it. Well, both financially and in terms of conditions, it’s usually tough. Hmm… But come to think of it…”
She seemed lost in thought. Hiring someone for a certain period in the long term would likely come with a higher price.
“I might have… a clue. Can you come to the intermediary’s office tomorrow at noon?”
“Ah, I’m done with business for today, so anytime tomorrow is fine.”
“Alright then. At that time, I’d like to have some chocolate and coffee if possible.”
“I’ll gladly bring them!”
“Hehe, thank you.”
Watching Melanie’s interaction with Marie, it seems daunting to approach her, but somehow she’s quite accommodating. Maybe it’s because of Pink and the chocolate…
“It’s nice to see you talking so friendly with Marie-san.”
“After all, I think she just happened to like your products,” Melanie said resentfully after Marie left.
“Is she that famous?”
“I think she’s quite well-known in this town. She’s top-class in terms of skill and is reportedly employed exclusively by the lord, receiving many job offers.”
She was even more impressive than I had thought. I should cherish this connection even more. Tomorrow, besides the coffee set, I’ll also bring separate chocolates.
Before I knew it, it was already noon. Although I personally felt excited about Marie’s visit, it seemed that other customers were just watching from a distance, so the sales weren’t actually that great. Anyway, I decided to do my best in the afternoon and went to the mercenary agency to greet the hired mercenary.
At the agency, as usual, the bearded man, Hajiramu, was sitting alone at the counter, reading a book with a bored expression.
“Hajiramu, I’ve come to report on yesterday’s mission. Also, I met Marie. Thanks for the message. Is today’s mercenary here yet?”
“No, not yet. There’s still some time until the appointed hour. Just wait a little longer.”
“Got it. Also… about yesterday’s mercenary, there was no problem with completing the task, but… honestly, I’d prefer someone else for future assignments if possible…”
“…Understood. I’ll take that into consideration in the future.”
“And also, the shop will be closed for a while starting tomorrow, so I’ll end the mercenary requests for today.”
“Understood.”
“We’ll probably resume in a few days, so please be prepared then.”
“Okay.”
Ultimately, the mercenary for that day turned out to be a teenage girl who just sat and slept the whole time. Well, that was fine too… In any case, the number of customers increased significantly in the afternoon. Maybe it’s the Marie effect? I was also pleased to see many repeat customers. The master carpenter from the woodworking shop unexpectedly came for the third consecutive day. When I informed him and other repeat customers about the temporary closure starting tomorrow, they seemed quite disappointed. Dealing with customers can be nerve-wracking, but experiencing such direct reactions is genuinely enjoyable. In the end, we sold 51 cups today.
“Thanks for the three days, Melanie. Honestly, having you around was really helpful. We’ll resume business in a few days, but I hope we can arrange to meet nearby again.”
“I had fun too. There aren’t many weirdos like Bonus around here.”
“I think it’s just a lack of common sense. Well, it’s true that the products we handle and Kuro are a bit unusual.”
“Say hi to Kuro for me and tell me when you come to the market again!”
“Guuuaaah!”
“Of course! Oh, and here’s something for you.”
“A tribute! Yay! I’m worried if I can endure life without coffee and chocolate. Come back soon because I want to buy more!”
“Thank you. See you later!”
“Guuugyaaaah!”
“Farewell to Bonus, Kuro, and Pink too!”
Despite all the ups and downs, I managed to get through the three days somehow. I feel like I had a more fulfilling time than I expected. Running a business with customers in front of you can be scary but fun. There are various challenges ahead, but I’ll think about them from tomorrow onwards. Today, let’s go back to the inn and rest slowly.