After a big job was finished, I was lounging around.
There was nothing I could do until my body healed, and adventurers wear themselves down the more they work.
Even the princess who usually gives me assignments is very busy right now.
If I don’t take it easy when I can, I’ll wear myself out.
As I relaxed, I thought about the two party members who had left before me.
Those two probably wore themselves out before I did.
Of course, they also had dreams of owning a shop.
I wonder how their shop is doing now.
As I pondered this, I plucked a grape from the bunch Noel had prepared and popped it into my mouth.
I’m the type who sucks out the pulp and swallows it whole. The juice between the skin and the flesh is the best part.
Mastema, on the other hand, stuffs as many grapes as she can into her mouth at once.
Juice was dripping from her mouth, so I wiped it with a handkerchief.
“More.”
“Here you go.”
Noel brought another plate.
Is this really the same beautiful demon who fought fiercely with me?
She looks the same, but…
“If you can’t eat your meal later, it’s not my problem.”
“It’s fine. I can eat.”
In the end, Mastema asked for refills three times, and with her stomach full, she ended up just staring at her omelet rice at lunch.
I don’t tolerate leftovers.
While watching Mastema poke at her omelet rice with a frown, a visitor arrived.
Arnella handled the guest and, at my instruction, invited him to the reception room.
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Kasugal Noaroad.
The undisputed strongest former mage of the empire.
If he had been there, he could have blocked Mastema’s black flames.
Kasugal sat on the couch opposite me, and I sat down as well.
Arnella prepared tea and snacks.
Two of my idle slaves stood behind the couch where I sat.
For some reason, Mastema imitated them and stood behind me but soon got bored and clung to me.
Why is she even here? If this is a serious discussion, I’ll kick her out.
While thinking about how to start the conversation, Kasugal took a sip of tea, moistening his mouth before speaking.
“It’s been a while, Ahavain. It’s good to see you in good health.”
“You too… though you look a bit tired. Is there a problem with the shop?”
“Ah, no, the shop itself is doing well. I’ve had various connections help me out, and the interior is almost complete.”
“So, what’s the issue?”
“I want to have a big opening ceremony. It’s a thank you to our supporters and a celebration of the opening.”
“Then go ahead. You still have money, right?”
“Of course. But I haven’t been able to find reliable employees.”
Kasugal’s shop is both a restaurant and a hotel.
It’s not particularly high-end, but being in one of the best locations in the capital, it has some of that aspect.
Finding staff for such a place must be difficult.
Once the business is up and running, you can train them, but the initial employees need a certain level of skill.
“And Rena’s baby is due soon.”
“That’s wonderful news. With a priestess giving birth, the risks should be low.”
“Yes, but Rena’s mother died in childbirth, so she’s quite anxious. I want to be by her side as much as possible, which is why I haven’t been able to secure enough employees.”
I see.
Happy news, but also a lot of responsibilities.
Kasugal is a capable leader, but this is a tough situation.
As I listened, Kasugal bowed his head to me.
“I know it’s unreasonable to ask this after dissolving our party for my own reasons, but could you help me?”
“Wait. Even if you ask me, I can’t do much. You know what I can and can’t do.”
Kasugal looked at my two slaves.
“I understand. But it’s hard to ask anyone else. These two seem like excellent slaves. Their demeanor shows they are well-trained.”
It seems Kasugal doesn’t consider Mastema at all.
“Ah, I see.”
“I’ll pay you, of course. Could you please consider it?”
Indeed, these two could handle working at the shop.
They usually take care of me, and they’re as capable as top-tier inn staff.
They are of the caliber that nobles and wealthy people would buy as maids who double as night companions.
“Would you two be able to do it if I ordered you to?”
“At your command.”
“No problem.”
“I’ll do it too.”
“Do you even know what you’re volunteering for?”
I held back Mastema’s head.
She’s smart, but can a demon serve customers?
It seems like she has no pride left.
A fallen demon… not funny.
And the angel just sleeps all the time.
“Well, I want your shop to succeed too…”
“Please.”
“Alright. It sounds interesting, so I’ll join in. I’ll act as a guard.”
“That’s fine. It would be a great help. With you around, no one would dare cause trouble.”
“That’s more about you. If any thugs show up, you could kill them with a glance.”
“That would scare the customers. I can only burn things.”
He often said he was good with fire, which is why his cooking is also excellent.
“I’ll bring her along too. Think of her as a mascot.”
“…A demon? She doesn’t look like one, but is it safe?”
“I keep her powers in check. She needs some social experience too.”
“Understood. Thank you. Now, about the details…”
And so, we ended up helping with Kasugal’s shop.
