NOVEL NEXT Chapter 53 - Episode 053: Headhunter, Teaching Newbies
Episode 053: Headhunter, Teaching Newbies
The day after Tina passed the school exam.
“From today, you guys will learn simple customer service and cooking.”
“Yes, sir!”
Ack decided to start teaching the hired novice adventurers about their tasks in the shop.
Although everyone would learn the same tasks, the plan was to leave customer service to the bright and friendly Cain and Iari, and entrust the kitchen to Hale and Corti.
Even though it was called a kitchen, they wouldn’t be doing full-fledged cooking; just reheating, pouring juice, and doing simple cooking.
It was within the range that could be learned quickly even without cooking knowledge.
Since customers didn’t usually come in, theoretically, having just one person present would be enough. However, Ack thought it would be best to have at least one person each for customer service and kitchen duty just in case of unexpected situations.
He planned to teach them how to make coffee and tea in the future, but Ack didn’t intend to charge them for the menu they ordered while they were there.
Taking money from someone half-baked wasn’t his style.
That was Ack’s pride as the owner of Fluffy Café.
“Alright, change into these. The changing room is over there.”
“What’s this?”
“It’s the uniform. Let me know if the size doesn’t fit. I’ll adjust it.”
“Got it.”
Ack handed out uniforms to the four of them.
The men’s uniforms were bartender-style clothes, while the women’s were maid outfits like Tina’s.
He prepared them for the four.
“These clothes are amazing, aren’t they? The size is a bit big, but it’s okay.”
“Mine’s a bit loose too, but it’s fine. Were these expensive?”
“These uniforms are pretty impressive. They weren’t cheap, right?”
As the four returned after changing into uniforms, Cain and Iari expressed their impressions on behalf of them, while Hale and Corti nodded beside them.
The uniforms were made of comfortable fabric and were neatly sewn, clearly crafted by a skilled artisan.
It was obvious at a glance that these weren’t clothes accessible to novice adventurers. So, they felt a little anxious about having Ack prepared such high-quality clothing for them.
“No, it’s not that expensive because it only cost the materials.”
“…What does that mean?”
“I made those uniforms. So, they’re not expensive.”
“Wha-?”
Although they had somewhat guessed from the term “material cost,” the four froze upon hearing Ack’s response.
None of them had imagined that the bulky, tough-looking man in front of them would be doing delicate sewing work.
However, there was no intention to scorn Ack; it was pure astonishment.
“Is something wrong?”
“Well, honestly, it’s surprising that someone like you, Ack-san, would sew. But, I respect it. It’s not just about being strong; having such skill is incredible.”
“That’s right. I was surprised too, but it’s amazing that you can make such wonderful clothes.”
“Is that so?”
Cain and Iari answered Ack’s question with sparkling eyes, while Hale and Corti nodded vigorously with overwhelming enthusiasm.
From their attitudes, it was evident that their words genuinely conveyed deep respect.
For them, who had become independent at the age of thirteen, earning money was the most important thing for survival.
To earn, one needed skills. They chose to acquire fighting skills, thinking that being an adventurer was the most lucrative, but specialized skills like making clothes were also profitable and could be useful even if they got injured and couldn’t be adventurers anymore.
Having such skills made Ack an object of respect, nothing else.
Ack hadn’t intended to hide the fact that he also drew pictures since Tina affirmed it, but he was afraid of being rejected for his hobbies.
They were good kids…
Ack felt relieved inwardly as all four of them showed positive reactions.
First, he decided to teach them customer service.
“Welcome! Like this, try it.”
In front of Ack, Tina put on a senior-like expression and taught the four how to serve customers, her breath puffing out as she did.
“Got it!”
“Understood.”
“Roger that!”
“Leave it to me!”
With smiles on their faces, the four began practicing greetings as instructed by Tina.
“Welcome!!”
“Kyuu!!”
“Kuukuu!!”
“Kuu!!”
Next to them, the monsters also imitated the four in greeting.
Ah, Tina, acting a bit high and mighty, is cute… The animals imitating the greetings are cute too…
With a smile on his face, Ack put his hand on his face and shed tears of admiration in his heart.
Originally, Cain and Iari, who had high communication skills, were almost flawless right away, while Hale and Corti were also fine as long as they got used to it.
Besides, it was Ack’s shop, where he, who was originally unsociable, worked. There was no need to be overly friendly. As long as they could say it without stuttering, that was fine.
Despite being young, the four had been studying and training various things to become adventurers in the future, so they were firm and had good memories.
They quickly learned what they were taught.
“Welcome.”
“Welcome.”
“Welcome!!”
After Ack and Tina greeted the customers, the four also energetically greeted them.
“Are you the new employees…? I believe I saw you here as customers not too long ago.”
Approaching them was the serious-looking young man with glasses.
Seeing the four new employees, he recalled the figures of young adventurers and looked at them with curiosity.
“Ah, yes. We ended up hiring them by chance. Since they only work in the morning and evening, you might not see them often, but please take care of them.”
“I see. Likewise, please take care of us.”
After Ack’s explanation, as each of the four introduced themselves, the young man with glasses kindly greeted them and then took his usual seat.
The four awkwardly took turns serving customers.
When other regulars arrived, they also finished their introductions and greetings in the same manner, and the day’s business ended smoothly.