ONE WEEK LATER, INSIDE A CASTLE IN REMANTIA'S CAPITAL CITY
THE FIRST GREAT ACRUSSE MERCHANT SUMMIT
The grand hall buzzes with quiet tension, banners from each nation ripple lightly above the long, curved table where the summit's attendees are already seated. This is an eclectic gathering of Acrusse's top merchants, each representing a different corner of the world.
Clockwise from the head seat, the three most influential human merchants of Remantia — Mr. Linfield, Mr. Diaz, and Mr. Schroder — each the head of a major company that operates across the kingdom, lean toward each other and speak in hushed voices.
Next, Garou, the towering ogre from Nomah known across the land as the "asphalt boss" for his asphalt production from "black gold," sits with arms crossed. His gaze sweeps the room as he exhales through his nose and mutters.
"Why are we the only ones here?"
Beside him, Herdinia, the arachne merchant with six eyes, casually examines the claws of one of her eight legs. The infamous designer of Qualtnok doesn't even look up, more interested in grooming.
Across the table, Viola of Oserin, a mermaid and a tourism queen, owner of both the largest beach resort and boat rental fleet. She dramatically fans herself with one hand, groaning.
"When are we starting? My skin is evaporating over here."
And just past her, the elf merchant Berland of Heiligeichen lounges in his chair, playing with his folding fan.
At that moment, a cough interrupts.
"Ahem. Apologies for the delay."
A man says, adjusting his glasses as he steps inside. Clutching a wooden clipboard, he looks around the table.
"Is everyone here?"
A round of murmured affirmatives follows.
"Yes."
"Thank you all for attending the summit."
As the man continues to check his clipboard, Garou turns slightly and leans to Herdinia on his left.
"No one from Misdaras?"
Herdinia turns, grinning playfully.
"Hey, Garou... Do beastkin even have someone who dominates the economy to begin with?"
"You're right. They manage their livestock and poultry collectively."
Garou pauses, then asks another question. And Herdinia chuckles again.
"What about Turivel?"
"What? Do you think they'd actually come down from the sky to run a market stall?"
"You're right, Herdinia. I've never seen one."
Then, the man with glasses straightens his posture, giving the room one final glance before he announces.
"My name is Philip. And with that, the First Great Acrusse Merchant Summit is officially underway."
Moments later, the summit is now in full motion as Philip speaks.
"Merchants of Acrusse, you are not merely traders of goods. You are pillars of our society. Your hands guide not just economy, but culture and progress."
A respectful silence falls across the room.
"You influence what people wear, eat, and value. You introduce convenience, comfort, and innovation into their daily lives. And because of that power, we must act with responsibility."
He continues.
"One concern that must be addressed is price manipulation. Inflating costs to push out local vendors or hoarding goods to spike demand, these practices will erode public trust and stability. Let us not devour the very roots that keep our markets alive."
All nod in agreement.
"This summit was created to unite us. Not just in trade, but in vision. A vision where merchants across every nation can prosper while uplifting those beneath them."
Then, the summit shifts into a discussion as everyone expresses their ideas and concerns. But only one remained still.
"How long is this going to take…"
Berland, the elf, sighs and rests his cheek on one hand, clearly bored.
An hour later, Philip looks at the audience.
"Before we conclude today's session, are there any final questions?"
With a snap, Berland closes his fan and raises it overhead.
"Yes, Master Berland?"
"I've heard talk. In Remantia… there's an interesting store. One that sells soap and other strange magical cleaning things for cheap..."
Philip smiles faintly.
"Ah, yes. Not a rumor. The store exists just outside the capital. It's become something of a local phenomenon, changing the people's hygiene in ways we hadn't anticipated."
"Can you elaborate, Mr. Philip?"
Before Philip can respond, Mr. Diaz leans forward, and Berland is happy.
"If I may, I can answer that."
"Ah, Diaz! Please do, my friend."
Then, Diaz explains.
"It's not just hygiene. The shop also sells wooden games recently. People play them everywhere, and they've quickly become popular stress relievers. And the atmosphere in public spaces has suddenly changed into more lively and more open."
"Is that true, Diaz?"
"Yes."
And suddenly, Viola playfully laughs.
"Oh? Are you thinking of buying some for your girls too, Berland?"
"Of course. My girls deserve to be clean and stress-free."
Viola shakes her head, sighing with a smile.
"You've never changed, have you, Berland?"
After that, Diaz asks Berland again.
"Would you like to visit the shop after the summit?"
"I would. Thank you, Diaz."
"Anything for an old friend, Berland."
MEANWHILE, INSIDE MOTEGI'S STORE, THE FIRST FLOOR OF HIS RENTED PROPERTY
**********
"Achoo!"
I suddenly sneeze, then rub my nose with the back of my hand.
"Motegi-chan, are you okay?"
"Are you sick, Motegi-kun?"
Yomogi and Chantal, who are adorning their clerk outfits and standing at their respective sections, approach me at the counter and ask me, and I shake my head.
"No, I think someone's talking about me..."
And they laugh.
"What are you even saying, Motegi-chan?"
"You're so funny, Motegi-kun!"
But then, Yomogi's expression turns into something like concerned.
"There aren't many people coming, right, Motegi-chan?"
"You're right. Not much going on today."
Then, Chantal sighs heavily, leaning onto the counter.
"I'm bored, Motegi-kun… I'd rather be tired from dealing with too many people than doing nothing like this."
"Ahaha... Well, that's just how a store works sometimes..."
Honestly, they aren't wrong, though.
I don't know why, but the shop is unusually quiet today, and only a few people have come by since morning. It's so still, and I'm sure that it must be the reason why Yomogi and Chantal could hear my sneeze earlier.
Also, despite how sexy they look in their uniforms, I can see the boredom settling, and I'm not doing any better either.
This is bad.
I need something to make these two excited again.
"Status Open."
Motegi Sekino
Age: 21
Race: Human
Level 20
HP: 13000/13000
MP: 13000/13000
Strength: 5000
Durability: 5000
Speed: 5000
Agility: 5000
Intelligence: 5000
Charisma: 5000
Willpower: 5000
Perception: 5000
Luck: 750
Elements:
Fire
Earth
Lightning
Wind
Water
Cosmic
Light
Dark
Skills:
[Appraisal]
[Language Comprehension]
[Storage]
[Copier]
[Resistance]
[Hygienics]
[Blacksmithing]
[Carpentry]
[Pottery]
[Lapidary]
[Temporary Boost]
[Elemental Combo]
[Infertile]
[Tailoring]
[Milky Touch]
[Aftercare]
I say that in silence, and I check my status, but honestly, I don't know what l'm doing at first. Until...
"Yomogi. Chantal. Can you come here?"
I walk out from the counter, and they both follow me while looking at each other curiously.
"What is it, Motegi-chan?"
"You're up to something, aren't you, Motegi-kun?"
Yeah, I have an idea that I want to try.
"I want you to watch something, girls."
That only makes them more curious.
Then, I open my dimensional inventory and pull out a large pumice stone, a chunk of Terracotta's clay, a bit of iron ore, a small amount of charcoal, and some glass sand. I set them all down on the floor. After that, I silently activate my [Copier] skill to duplicate the pumice stone into many.
"Umm… what are you doing with those, Motegi-chan?"
"I really don't get it, Motegi-kun..."
"Just wait..."
Ever since I got the [Pottery] and [Lapidary] skills, I've been collecting materials here and there for future use. I got the pumice from a passing miner when I was shopping with Yomogi. And as for the glass sand, I randomly bought it from a local glassmaker.
"Well, let's try it."
Then, I bring my hands above the materials. Moments later, they've vanished and been replaced by something new: a shelf-like unit with a hinged door in the front and an additional rack on the back of the door.
"It works!"
Yomogi and Chantal are amazed but still confused by what they see.
What I did was use my [Lapidary] skill to merge those pumice stones to form something like an insulated base and use my [Blacksmithing] skill to turn the ore and charcoal into a steel hinge for the door. And I used my [Pottery] skill to mix the Terracotta's clay and glass sand to form a glazed layer inside, acting as a seal.
Then, I open the door and activate [Elemental Combo], combining Wind and Water elements. After that, I coat each of the shelf's inner walls with a thin layer of ice. Lastly, I cast a Cosmic element spell.
"Time Freeze!"
The ice-covered inner walls of the shelf glow for a while, and then, nothing happens.
"Umm... Motegi-chan?"
"Yeah, I know. That's why I want to test it."
With that, I cast a Fire Ball spell and keep it on my palm, then gently press it into each of the walls one by one.
When Yomogi and Chantal watch the ice not melt, they're obviously surprised.
"Ehhh?! Motegi-chan, the ice isn't melting!"
"How… how did you do that, Motegi-kun?"
"Well, I just protect the ice with a spell that freezes time, so that's why it doesn't melt."
And that explanation amazes them even more.
"Motegi-chan, you're a genius!"
"Really, Motegi-kun... you're unbelievable..."
But I'm not done yet as I turn to Yomogi to ask her something, and she's confused.
"Hey, sorry to ask, Yomogi, but… Can you make some orange juice? Just one bottle."
"Orange juice?"
"Yes, please."
"Y-Yes, Motegi-chan..."
Despite still looking clueless, Yomogi nods anyway and heads upstairs.
"Is it lunchtime already, Motegi-kun?"
"Not really..."
A few minutes later, Yomogi returns downstairs with a small bottle of orange juice.
"Here you go, Motegi-chan."
"Thanks."
I open the lid, then press my palm tightly against the mouth.
"Wind Burst."
In seconds, tiny bubbles are formed inside the juice.
"What are you doing, Motegi-chan?"
I don't say anything, and instead, I close the bottle and duplicate it using [Copier] into many, then I place them inside the shelf and close the door.
"Motegi-chan, what's all this?"
"Just wait."
"Another surprise, Motegi-kun?"
"Probably."
ONE HOUR LATER
The three of us stand in front of the shelf. I open the door and pull out a bottle, smiling.
"You two grab one too, girls."
Yomogi and Chantal each pick a bottle... and freeze.
"It's cold?!"
"No way… how?"
"Go ahead, Yomogi, Chantal. Let's try it."
We all open our bottles and drink together. The moment the juice hits our mouths, both girls are stunned and say in sync:
"Mmmmmm... What is this?!"
"Motegi-chan, I don't know how to say it, but it's so fizzy!"
"It tastes so refreshing, Motegi-kun! Like… it's super light!"
Then, I lift my bottle and explain it to them.
"Well, girls. This drink is called soda."
And their eyes go even wider as they ask the same thing at the same time:
"So... da?"
Never mind. The important thing is, they're happy.
Then, Yomogi and Chantal look at the shelf, hand still clutching their drinks.
"Motegi-chan, is this thing a magic item?"
"Yeah, if you call it that..."
"What's this thing called, Motegi-kun?"
I pause for a moment, thinking of an acceptable name for a moment, before I find it.
"Let's call it a freezing box."
With that, Yomogi and Chantal beam delightfully.
"Amazing!"
"A freezing box then!"
Then, I continue to explain.
"Oh yeah, you can store food in here too. And they won't spoil or decay."
"Really, Motegi-chan?! That's amazing! I don't have to worry about food going bad anymore!"
"And I can drink these amazing drinks whenever I want, right, Motegi-kun?"
"Yes."
Well, my first time making a refrigerator and soda in this world is a major success.
After we finish placing the freezing box upstairs, the three of us go back down to the store.
But then, a voice calls me from outside.
"Mr. Motegi!"
"Ah! Mr. Diaz!"
The human merchant steps through the doorway. Behind him follows another figure, which is a man with blonde hair, pointed ears, and a folded fan resting in his hand, so I quickly assume he's an elf.
As they approach, I catch Yomogi and Chantal whispering behind me.
"Yomogi, who's that man?"
"That's Mr. Diaz. He's one of the great merchants in Remantia."
Yeah, it's true.
Mr. Diaz is one of the most influential merchants in this country and one of my most loyal customers. He always buys toiletries in bulk, and lately, he's also become a pioneer among nobles, introducing them to my board games. He also even buys kitchenware often for his cooks.
"I'm glad to see you again, Mr. Diaz. What brings you here today?"
"Nothing too formal this time, Mr. Motegi. I just wanted to bring an old friend of mine."
The elf beside Mr. Diaz steps forward, flicking open his fan. And Mr. Diaz introduces the elf.
"This is Berland. A merchant from Heiligeichen."
Berland bows gracefully to me, and Mr. Diaz continues.
"A pleasure to meet you."
"Mr. Berland is interested in your products. So I thought it best for you to show him personally."
"I'd be honored, Mr. Diaz, Mr. Berland."
Then, Mr. Diaz nods.
"Good. Then I'll leave you to it. I have another matter to attend to. Excuse me, Mr. Motegi."
And just like that, he turns and leaves Berland with me and the girls.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Berland."
"Ah, Mr. Motegi, you truly are as fascinating a merchant as the rumors say."
His eyes slide past me toward Yomogi and Chantal behind me.
"And this place is even more interesting. Two A-rank adventurers from Misdaras, working here, no less."
Yomogi raises both hands quickly. As for Chantal, she laughs a little and scratches the back of her head.
"Please don't say that, Mr. Berland. You're too polite."
"Ahaha... So you know who we are, huh? Thank you."
And Berland bows at them.
"Of course, Miss Yomogi, Miss Chantal. It's an honor to meet you two..."
Then, I say something to Berland.
"Then, Mr. Berland, shall I start introducing the products?"
"By all means, Mr. Motegi."
With that, I guided him through the store. First come the toiletries — soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, deodorants, and sanitizers. I explain how to use each one, and Berland watches me with fascination, occasionally murmuring "remarkable" or "ingenious."
Next, I lead him to the shelves of board games — chess, go, and mahjong. I explain the rules briefly, and Berland's eyes sparkle with genuine curiosity, clearly entertained by each piece I show.
When we return to the counter, he closes his fan and says decisively.
"Then, I'll take fifty of each toiletry item, twenty of each board game, and some of your kitchenware, tableware, and utensils, Mr. Motegi."
"Understood, I'll prepare them right away..."
But before I can move, he raises a hand lightly.
"Ah, one more request, if I may."
"Of course."
Then, he speaks his request.
"I would like you to come to Heiligeichen and teach my workers how to use these toiletries and board games. Since you're the inventor, who better than you to explain them properly?"
Well, that's a bit sudden.
But also, it's kinda exciting. I mean... the only time I'd traveled abroad in this world was to Misdaras, and that trip had been unforgettable. So, why not visit Heiligeichen next?
"All right, Mr. Berland. I accept your invitation."
The moment I say that, Berland snaps his fan shut with a grin.
"Splendid! I knew you would, Mr. Motegi!"
Behind me, I can hear Yomogi and Chantal whispering in delight.
"We're going to Heiligeichen, Chantal!"
"I can't wait to see it too, Yomogi!"
Then, I continue to ask Berland.
"Shall I prepare the goods now?"
However, he shakes his head.
"No need. Send them to Heiligeichen a week from now, and you can teach my workers that same day."
"Understood."
After that, we extend our hands to each other.
"It's good to have business with you, Mr. Berland."
"And with you, Mr. Motegi."