THE NEXT DAY
"Okay, it's done. They're yours to set up now, Brunhild."
"Understood, my Lord. I shall begin at once."
Last night, I'd finished restocking toiletries, kitchenware, furniture, board games, ceramics, weapons, masonry, and gemstones as usual. I also had arranged the shelves at the final space of the store, but I hadn't figured out what Brunhild's section should be.
And just after breakfast, the idea of precious metals hit me. Using [Blacksmithing] and Nomah's finest ores, I crafted bars of silver, gold, and platinum, ranging from 1 to 32 troy ounces. Each one stamped with a cute little relief of Puck's body.
The 1-ounce silver bars are the most affordable, with 1 large silver coin each, and even commoners in Remantia should be able to buy one if they save their money for a small step toward feeling secure. And the 32-ounce gold bars are pure luxury with 20 large gold coins each and aimed squarely at nobles.
Once Brunhild finishes placing the last bar, she turns to me, lowering herself to one knee and bowing deeply.
"My Lord, thank you for entrusting me with this duty. I shall sell these bars with utmost care, worthy of the people's trust."
"Let's work together, then."
"Yes."
"So, should we go upstairs and try your new uniform?"
"Yes, my Lord."
With that, we head up, and once we reach the second floor, I gesture toward the wardrobe room, where the others are already getting changed inside.
"Go ahead. They're inside."
"Yes, my Lord."
She bows once more, then slips through the door to join them.
Once the girls step out from the wardrobe room with their clerk uniforms, the stunning and dangerously hot sight hits me like it always does. Brunhild emerges last, and the moment she catches me staring, her cheeks go pink. She tugs gently at the skirt, trying to pull it lower, and shifts from foot to foot.
"My Lord, why is it that... every fabric inside your wardrobe room is always so mortifying to wear?"
"How long do you plan on squirming like that? Do you want to make a good impression on your first day?"
She cutely blurts out a little.
"I-I do! I will do my best! I only believe I may require a little time to adjust..."
Just like last night, she put on the lingerie the moment I asked her to, no hesitation. It was only after wearing it that she started mumbling, turning red, and trying to cover herself... but she never took it off. She's obedient to the core, even when she's dying of embarrassment.
Chantal and Yomogi then speak.
"Hehehe... it's fun seeing Brunhild working here with us now."
"Mhm. With Brunhild, the store finally feels complete."
"Can't go wrong with that."
Yeah, every section has someone now. But more than that, there's something about the way everyone stands together that makes it feel whole. The hair colors alone finally cover the entire spectrum like a full rainbow: orange, purple, blonde, olive, blue, red, black, and now, white. And then the fantasy features — furs and scales, beast ears and tails, pointy and mechanical ears, tentacles, dragon antlers and tails, and demon horns, leather wings, and tail — are now joined by a halo and feather wings.
Then, Manas scoffs.
"Tch. 'Tis a tragedy. If any be worthy of the shiniest treasures in this store… it should be I."
"If you were managing that section, you'd hoard everything and sell nothing."
"Mwahaha! Verily! Thou speakest the truth, mine king!"
I sigh and rub my forehead. Of course she would.
Kimberly and Pinna comment next.
"I believe… Brunhild will shine… on her first day, Motegi-sama…"
"I concur. Given her angelic background, it is logical to assume she is well-suited to handle precious metals."
"I hope so."
Lilith then giggles.
"Fufufu~... Brunhild's way too shy in that outfit. But that's what makes her irresistible, isn't it, honey~?"
"You might be right about that."
And Salacia chimes in.
"Let's do our best today, darling, everyone~!"
"Yeah, let's do it."
Then, I look over the fluffball on the sofa.
"Puck?"
"Kyuu!"
Puck perks up and leaps into the air, landing on my shoulder like always.
"Alright, let's head downstairs now, shall we?"
"Yes!"
And then, we head downstairs together to open the store after our day off to Turivel yesterday. I take my usual spot behind the counter, and the girls move to the front to swing open the doors. With the addition of Brunhild, they step outside and say in unison.
"Welcome to the store! Please enjoy your visit!"
**********
Once the customers pour in like a flood, another busy day begins.
As usual, the toiletries section returns to its usual frenzy as Pinna informs everyone about the new products.
"We have added new variants of shampoo today. These formulas contain black cumin extract from Nomah. It eliminates harmful bacteria, reduces plaque accumulation, and decreases gum inflammation. Additionally, its mild numbing effect helps with tooth sensitivity. Flavor is herbal with a cool aftertaste."
"Whoa! This is incredible!"
"I want one!"
"My whole family's switching to this!"
That's all it takes for the customers to practically climb over each other to grab the new items as Pinna continues to watch over.
At the kitchenware section, Yomogi is already surrounded by a familiar cluster of eager housewives as she holds up an unfamiliar pot.
"This one is called pressure cooker, everyone. It builds pressure, cooking tougher cuts of meat and beans in half the usual time. And it keeps flavors from escaping."
"Ooohhh!"
"I've never seen a pot do this!"
And the housewives begin snatching up excitedly.
Then, a controlled chaos unfolds in the woodworks section.
"No more free games today…"
"She wiped the floor with him again…"
A group of men surrounds a dejected fellow slouched at a mahjong table, lost to Salacia, a flirty woman sitting opposite and giggling playfully.
"Fufufu~ did you boys really think you'd win a free set off me~?"
Then, she asks them again.
"So~... will you stay there pouting, or will you buy the board games properly~?"
"Yes..."
The men grumble good-naturedly, picking up the board games.
At the ceramics section, Kimberly approaches a noblewoman and asks softly.
"Have you… decided… which piece... you would like… today?"
The noblewoman gestures toward a blue-glazed flower vase.
"That one. It's perfect for my sunroom."
Kimberly nods gently.
"Very well, you have… a discerning eye, miss..."
At the rowdy masonry section, Chantal leans against a display of stone slabs, arms crossed as she eyes a bulky mason.
"Don't tell me, basalt pavers again?"
"Ahaha… yeah. Wife loved the last batch."
"I told you to buy more last time."
The second mason chuckles awkwardly.
"Haha… yeah, sorry…"
And she sighs.
"Go get your stacks, and carry them yourselves."
At the weapons section, Manas laughs as a young female archer asks for new arrows.
"Mwahaha! A fair archer approacheth. Thou hast come to the right place."
Then, Manas retrieves a quiver brimming with polished arrows, and the archer's eyes widen.
"Behold! These be the finest arrows thou shalt ever witness, swift as thunder!"
"Amazing... I'll take them all!"
"Splendid!"
At the gemstones section, Lilith sensually rubs a deep green emerald.
"Mmm~… don't you think this gem is tempting enough to take home?"
The noblemen in front of her nod immediately, flustered and enchanted.
Then, a clear voice rises above.
"If I may have your attention... we now offer silver, gold, and platinum available here, and affordable for everyone. Please, take a moment to have a look. It may be the first step toward securing your future."
Nobles and even commoners turn instinctively, noticing a woman with white feathered wings standing at the store's brand-new section and curiously approaching her.
A nobleman steps first, brows raised in surprise as he eyes the shining bars.
"Wait… are these actual bullion bars?"
The woman inclines her head with quiet confidence.
"Yes, they are. We carry silver, gold, and platinum in multiple weights. Each one is engraved with our signature imprint modeled after our pilus follis mascot."
Behind him, a woman in modest clothes sighs with folded arms.
"Must be expensive. No way something like this is actually affordable."
But the woman turns toward her with composure.
"That is not entirely true. Please allow me."
The woman lifts a 1-ounce silver bar from the front display and holds it out, resting it gently in her palm.
"This was created with accessibility in mind. A stable and practical option for those with smaller incomes. It remains a secure and lasting investment."
The commoner eyes the bar, intrigued.
"How much is it?"
"One large silver coin."
The commoner's eyes widen slightly.
"If I save up for two months… maybe I could get one…"
And the woman nods with a gentle smile.
"There is no need to rush. These will remain available. When you are ready, it shall be here."
Meanwhile, the nobleman examines the tiny, curled creature adorning the top of each bar, then gestures as he finally makes his choice.
"That five-ounce gold bar over there, please."
"Very well, that bar is priced at three large gold coins and one gold coin."
"Hmm… sounds reasonable. I'll take one."
With that, curious customers begin to gather as they're drawn in by the shimmer of polished bullion and the quiet prestige of the display. And that's all it takes for Brunhild, the newest clerk, and precious metals, the newest section, to have made a stunning, dignified debut.
At the counter, Motegi handles payments and change as usual. And tiny Puck sits proudly on his shoulder, chirping delightfully at every customer as Motegi calls out.
"Kyuu!"
"Next one, please."
The earlier nobleman who bought the gold bar gently places the item on the counter. And the moment Motegi spots it, his eyes widen for a moment before he clears his throat.
"That will be three large gold and one gold coin, sir."
"Of course."
The nobleman places the exact amount down in, and Motegi accepts the payment with a nod.
"Thank you. It's been a pleasure doing business with you, sir."
"Likewise."
The nobleman replies, and as Motegi watches him walk off, he can't believe what he just witnessed. One customer had bought a five-ounce gold bar, which was a single sale worth the equivalent of three million yen and three times more than the entire store usually earned in a day.
And with that, the store rolls on just as busy and alive as always.
LUNCH TIME
**********
When the last of the customers filter out, the girls lock the doors, and we all head upstairs. Arriving at the kitchen, I take over the cooking duty as Yomogi asks me something.
"Motegi-chan, are you using the focaccia you made earlier?"
"Absolutely."
"I can't wait... to taste... it, Motegi-sama…"
"Me too, Kimberly.
Yeah, they're not wrong to look forward to it. I mean, Heiligeichen does have focaccia, but only the plain kind topped with sea salt, and that's it. So earlier this morning, I made my own variation of focaccia with garlic confit.
Then, the others' requests come in.
"Mmm~… I don't know if I want seafood today, darling~..."
"Mayhap… I shall be fine if thou makest something not so spicy today, mine king."
"Hnn~... I want something fresh and oozing in my mouth, honey~..."
"Something with cheese, Motegi-kun! Please!"
"I would prefer something that is not fried, Master."
Then, I turn towards Brunhild.
"What about you, Brunhild? Any requests?"
"As this is my first lunch here, I place my full trust in your decision, my Lord."
"Alright then, let's keep it simple and quick. I'm going with sandwiches today."
With that, I head out to the terrace garden to pluck a handful of basil and make my way back to the kitchen. From the fridge, I take out glossy, ball-shaped Misdaras's cheeses that perfectly resemble mozzarella and a bowl of vibrant red tomatoes, and I slice them all up.
Then, I grab the three focaccias I baked earlier and slice them horizontally. I layer the insides with tomato, cheese, and basil, then drizzle them lightly with balsamic vinegar and grind a touch of black pepper over everything. Once finished, I close them off and press gently.
And finally, I cut each sandwich into three pieces, arranging one piece per plate across nine plates. From my own, I cut a smaller bite and slide it onto a tiny dish set aside for Puck, and then I bring them all up to the table.
"Okay, lunch is ready. I made caprese focaccia today."
And the reaction is instant as we all take a bite.
Yomogi and Chantal chew in delight as Kimberly adds in bliss.
"Mmm! It's so crunchy and soft at the same time, Motegi-chan!"
"Ehehe... as I thought, fresh cheese just hits different, Motegi-kun!"
"This focaccia is… much better… than the ones… in Heiligeichen, Motegi-sama…"
"I'm glad to hear that."
Then, Salacia, Manas, and Lilith give their own verdicts.
"Darling~... why is even something this simple so delicious~?"
"Verily! Why doth thy most mundane dish still taste so pleasant, mine king?"
"Mmhh~ it's oozing just how I wanted it to, honey~…"
"Thank you."
Pinna begins analyzing as usual.
"This sandwich's texture is balanced. The flavors are bright and mildly acidic, the bread structure maintains stability, and the nutritional value is moderate yet complete. Conclusion: satisfactory. Thank you for listening to my request, Master."
"You're welcome, Pinna."
Then, Brunhild takes her first bite and chews slowly, then blinks at me in wonder.
"This is… incredible, my Lord… truly…"
"Don't start crying again, alright? We've got way more delicious stuff coming. You'll run out of tears."
She says nothing... just gives me a quiet, glowing smile and takes another bite.
"Kyuu!"
Puck chirps from the table's edge, munching on its tiny piece.
"You like it, Puck?"
"Kyuu!"
Finally, I take my own bite, enjoying how the crust crackles, the tomato bursts with juice, and the cheese and basil wrap around it all in my mouth.
"Yup, a quick sandwich is always a win."
And just like that, we keep eating our sandwich together and reopen the store soon after.