NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9 - Episode 009: Headhunter, Going to Find Materials
Episode 009: Headhunter, Going to Find Materials
However, even if they acquired the shop-cum-residence, it didn’t mean they could immediately move in.
(Note:I know what you’re thinking,but no (≖_≖ ).”Shop-cum-residence” refers to a building or property that serves as both a commercial shop or business space and a residential living area. It combines both functions into one location, allowing the owner to operate their business while also living on the premises.)
There were plenty of things needed for living in a house.
Furniture, interior decor, magical tools, kitchenware, bath and toilet supplies, laundry items, and various others.
They needed to go shopping.
So, before that, Ack and the others took a break and had lunch.
In the afternoon, they went around various stores to buy the necessary items for living.
However, they wanted to be particular about furniture, interior decor, and tableware. Especially for items that Tina, Snow, and future customers would use, they wanted them to be custom-made rather than off-the-shelf.
“Here?”
Ack arrived at the woodworking shop recommended by the Commercial Guild.
It was said to be the best in town, with the most skilled craftsmen who only crafted for those they liked.
“I need something.”
Ack opened the door and stepped inside the shop.
The shop owner was working in the workshop inside the shop.
His fluent movements testified to his top-notch craftsmanship.
His gaze was sharp, reminiscent of a bird of prey. Despite his age, he looked muscular and showed no signs of decline.
“…?”
Ack sensed something familiar about the old man.
After giving Ack a quick glance, the shop owner continued his work and asked,
“What do you want?”
“I’m Ack. I want you to make the best furniture.”
“Get out.”
When Ack conveyed his request, the shop owner tried to dismiss him.
“The furniture to be used in the fluffy cafe with these kids must be the best. That’s how it is.”
Ack put down Tina and Snow and bowed deeply.
“What?”
After hearing the story, the shop owner stopped his work, raised an eyebrow, and turned to face Ack.
“The furniture to be used in the fluffy cafe—”
“Not that. What is this fluffy cafe?”
The shop owner was drawn in by the term “fluffy” and asked for details.
“It’s a cafe where fluffy tame monsters like this one are present, and customers can interact with them inside the cafe.”
Ack explained, directing his gaze at Snow.
“What, such a cafe exists…”
The shop owner was shocked as if struck by lightning.
Because, despite his appearance, the shop owner was also fond of fluffiness.
What Ack sensed was not the same ability as his, but rather a sympathy as fellow fluff lovers.
The shop owner had never heard of such a cafe before.
He didn’t have the aptitude for taming, and he had aged to the point where he couldn’t suddenly say that a tough-looking man like himself liked cute monsters.
However, if there was a fluffy cafe, he could interact with fluffiness under the guise of going to a cafe.
That was an unexpected opportunity for the shop owner.
“It doesn’t exist yet. I plan to open one in the future.”
“I see… Well then, unfortunately, there are no suitable wood materials available. If you bring the best materials, I will make the best furniture or whatever you need.”
He was not stingy about cooperating to create such a dreamlike place.
However, just a few days ago, they had used up the best materials.
If there were no materials, they couldn’t make anything.
However, if they seemed to accept requests without any conditions, it would become troublesome to refuse requests from others in the future, so they made bringing materials a condition.
“I appreciate it.”
Ack bowed again in gratitude for accepting the request.
After leaving the shop, they went to the Adventurers Guild to gather information.
“What are the best materials for furniture?”
“Well, it would be the corpse of an Elder Treant, wouldn’t it?”
Elder Treants were monster trees that were difficult to hunt unless you were a very strong mercenary or adventurer.
They were extremely sturdy, fire-resistant, and were the highest-ranking materials for building materials and furniture.
“Do they inhabit this area?”
“I believe they appeared in the northern forest. There was a subjugation request.”
“I see. That helps.”
Ack gathered information.
Buying a house, purchasing necessary items for living, ordering furniture, and various other tasks took time, so it was already dusk.
They stayed at the same inn as yesterday and decided to go defeat the Elder Treant tomorrow.
“Stay here today.”
The next day, Ack decided it was too dangerous to take Tina with him and went alone to the northern forest.
Tina hesitated and clung tightly to Ack’s leg.
“I’ll be back soon.”
Ack once released Tina from his leg, squatted down, made eye contact, and stroked Tina’s head with his large hand.
Even if he took her with him, he could undoubtedly protect her from monsters.
However, there were unforeseen circumstances in everything. The threats in the forest weren’t just monsters.
There could be weather conditions, poisonous plants, things harmless to Ack but harmful to Tina.
Taking Tina to such a dangerous place was out of the question.
“…I understand.”
Tina didn’t want to leave Ack, but she realized that she would definitely be a hindrance in the forest and stopped being selfish.
Ack asked the innkeeper to take care of Tina and departed from the town towards the northern forest.