NOVEL NEXT Chapter 30 - Episode 030: Headhunter, Receiving a Proposal
Episode 030: Headhunter, Receiving a Proposal
“Well then, see you later.”
“Yeah.”
After closing up the stall, bidding farewell to their acquainted neighbors, Ack and the others stopped by Clauf’s shop.
They sought to have a shaved ice machine and suitable containers made to provide shaved ice in earnest.
“Can you make it happen somehow?”
“Leave it to me.”
Showing the drawn sketches and diagrams, it was arranged for Clauf’s skilled artisan friends, who were adept at making such tools and utensils, to create them.
What Ack needed for the shaved ice to be served at the café were ice, syrup, a shaved ice machine, and containers. With only ice and syrup left to acquire.
Ice could be bought in the city, but it was too expensive. If he bought ice from the city to make shaved ice, the prices would be too high. It wouldn’t be easy to ask for assistance, and it wouldn’t become a flagship product.
Although they had made it affordable for anyone to purchase during this temporary shaved ice stand, it would be different if they were to provide it in earnest.
While Ack wasn’t financially strained and didn’t necessarily aim to profit, he wanted to ensure that at least he wouldn’t incur losses as a business.
So, if he were to offer it at a low price, he would have to procure the ice himself.
In the southern countries, shop owners either used magic to produce ice or tamed monsters capable of producing ice.
Unfortunately, Ack couldn’t use magic to produce ice, nor did he have any ice-type tame monsters.
The only place nearby where ice could be obtained was the Great Blizzard Mountain. It was said to have eternal ice, which would be just right.
However, due to the distance, they couldn’t embark on a journey to the mountain immediately.
Therefore, he decided to prepare the syrup first.
During this temporary shaved ice stand, they offered only one type of syrup. However, in southern country shops, several types of shaved ice were offered.
They also wanted to offer several varieties at the Fluffy Cafe.
When Ack returned home, he immediately began preparing the syrup.
“What are you making?”
“I’m thinking of making other types of shaved ice.”
“Not just one?”
“Of course not.”
Since Tina had only tried shaved ice for the first time, she thought there was only one type available.
However, upon learning that there were other varieties, she shimmered with excitement, albeit with a faint expression, thinking there were other delicious shaved ice flavors available.
Ack was considering four types:
1. White and pink shaved ice using Ichigo, the one offered this time.
2. White and green shaved ice using Melon.
3. White and blue shaved ice using Suoda’s fruit.
4. White and yellow shaved ice using Lemon.
(Note:”ichigo” means “strawberry” in Japanese. It’s a commonly used term for the fruit.)
(Note:It might be the fruit called “suōdā” (索噢达) in Chinese, which is also known as “soursop” in English. It’s a tropical fruit with a green spiky exterior and soft white flesh inside.)
These were familiar types even in the southern countries and were products beloved by many people since ancient times.
Since these were fruits also loved in the Kingdom of Karm, it wouldn’t be too off the mark. If they became popular, they could consider offering other types later.
Ack simmered each fruit to make syrup.
Tina sat at the counter, swinging her legs, while the monsters perched on the counter, watching with keen interest as Ack cooked.
“Smells good.”
“Kyuun!!”
“Kuun!!”
“Kururun!!”
The sweet scent wafted over, and Tina and the others sniffed with interest.
They moved in sync and looked adorable. Ack’s cheeks naturally softened.
“Ah!!”
After chilling the finished syrup, Ack placed four types of shaved ice in front of Tina and the others.
“Delicious!”
“Kyuu!!”
Tina and the others ate the new types of shaved ice with relish.
Before they knew it, they had finished all four cups.
Seeing everyone happily enjoying their food, Ack felt pleased as well.
Tina liked the shaved ice made with Suoda, Snow liked the one made with Ichigo, Chiffon liked the one made with Lemon, and Shiln liked the one made with Melon.
“I like Suoda.”
“Kyuukyuiii!!”
“Kuuuuu!!”
“Kururururu!!”
They happily discussed their preferences together.
Ack was glad they hadn’t eaten too much. If they had each gotten a full serving, they might have ended up with stomachaches and had to hide in the restroom.
Surely, he couldn’t let them experience that. As Tina and the others’ guardians, Ack had to make sure they didn’t overeat.
Now, only the ice remained.
However, that was the most challenging part.
A few days later…
Ack was still troubled by the matter of the ice.
He tried recruiting someone to take care of Tina at the Adventurer’s Guild and the Commercial Guild, and even visited inns, but he couldn’t find anyone with a reliable background whom he could trust, and the responses didn’t seem very favorable.
“Hmm.”
With furrowed brows, Ack exuded an even greater sense of intimidation than usual.
Maria, who was curious, approached him.
“Is something wrong?”
“I want to go to the Great Blizzard Mountain, but I’m worried about leaving Tina behind.”
Ack explained the situation to Maria, including the guild matters.
Even if it were just for a short time, leaving Tina alone for more than a day, despite Snow being there, made him anxious about running the shop alone.
“Is that so… Th-then, should I take care of her?”
After listening to the conversation, Maria, seeming a bit hesitant, made the proposal.
Ack pondered the unexpected proposal.
Maria was a person whose identity was well established. She had visited the café many times, and he had come to understand her character to some extent.
Indeed, if he were to entrust Tina to someone, Maria would be the most reassuring choice.
“…Is that okay?”
However, he couldn’t help but worry about relying on customers like this.
“Absolutely. There are plenty of rooms at my place.”
If she said that much, then he decided to rely on her.
The rest depended on Tina’s feelings.
She would be away from Ack for more than a day.
“I see. Tina, are you okay with this?”
“…I’ll be fine.”
Though Tina’s expression seemed a bit lonely, she ultimately nodded in agreement.