Volume 2 Chapter 14 (1/2)

“I’ll be going then, Procell-sama, Kuina-anesama.”

“Yeah, do your best!”

One of the two Mythological Foxes, in human form, bid farewell and went outside of the city. Accompanying her as her guard was a Mithril Golem who possessed the strength comparable to a B rank monster.

Kuina waved her hand and sent her off. Her destination was a certain highway outside of Avalon which was the route often taken by many adventurers in the early morning, the present time. Our plan was a straightforward but reliable approach at getting their attention. Just the large signboard carried by the beautiful fox-girl was sure to stand out.

The message written in the signboard read that bread, dried meat, and water were for sale here and for 40% cheaper than the price offered in the city of Eclaba. Taking the opportunity, it was also written there that our inn only offered the service for an overnight stay without any meals and was therefore dirt cheap.

The adventurers that were on their way to the dungeon probably already had enough provisions on them but upon seeing our prices, some might think about getting even more provisions while some to replenish their stocks on their way back.

Also, upon chancing on our city on their way home, they might consider staying the night at the inn and should they find the experience to be pleasant, we might be able to make them to consider another visit on their next expedition to the dungeon.

My plan was to slowly but steadily accumulate regular visitors.

Kuina had an unusual uneasy look on her face.

“I’m worried about the Mythological Fox. She went outside even though she’s weak.”

“She might be weak compared to a Celestial Fox like Kuina but she’s actually pretty strong, you know?”

A Mythological Fox was a B rank monster. It was a powerful monster with a mastery over fire.

And when it came to B rank monsters, even first-rate adventurers were no match in single combat.

Between that, her raised level and the Elder Dwarf-made knife she kept while wearing the lovely uniform, the chances of encountering an adventurer that could defeat her was next to nothing.

“Uuhh, even so, I’m still worried.”

“She has the Mithril Golem with her so there’s no need to worry. Besides, we have our jobs to do.”

I said so as I tapped her head.

By the way, the Mithril Golem wasn’t sent out there just to be a guard but also as another way to attract the humans in. A gigantic Golem was after all more conspicuous than a beautiful girl.

If the Mythological Fox— or if by some chance the Mithril Golem—was asked, they were instructed to explain to the adventurers that the city selling the products was founded by the descendants of great sages and powerful dwarves. In other words, a glorification of our story.

Well then, I’m looking forward to how many will come.

◇

At about the 30-minute mark after the Mythological Fox went outside, a party of four adventurers arrived.

They were a well-balanced party composed of a male warrior clad in light armor, a giant of a man with truly impressive facial hair, a short but agile female thief, and a female magic user.

However, each one of them looked worn-out. The two vanguard looked especially worse: their swords were broken and their armors were full of holes. They also hobbled which certainly meant that they were still injured.

It was weird for visitors at this time of day but they were probably returning home instead of going into the dungeon. Amongst adventurers, there were some who pass the night inside the dungeon. Since the dungeon was a dangerous place crawling with monsters, spending the night there while taking turns to stand guard at night would not do any help at alleviating one’s fatigue. However, such practices became necessary in order to do a prolonged hunting session.

By their appearance, I thought they probably ran into some kind of trouble and was then forced to stay the night in the dungeon.

The warrior-looking young man who seemed to be their leader rushed into the store.

“Food, water, and a place to rest ourselves, please.”

Exchanging the tired look on his face for a ghastly one, he drew the attention of the Mythological Fox in the store. Any ordinary man would be surprised at the beautiful teenage girl tending to the store but the young warrior’s circumstances didn’t allow him to care for such things. Luckily, the fox-girl was trained to be an expert clerk.

“Since you’ve ordered for some food, might I interest you in this fruit called an apple? It’s sweet and juicy. It will not go bad even after two months. It will relieve your fatigue and bring back your strength. We also sell some hard-baked bread and some dried meat, if those are more to your liking.”

A completely by-the-book response.

She only did what she was taught to do but for a man in a desperate situation, her response would of course sound indifferent.

“Anything’s fine so hurry it up.”

“Then would you like one of each? If you order it as a set, it will only cost you a silver coin.”

“Yes, yes, yes, four sets, hurry up!”

“Understood. Additionally, how about an alcohol made of apple? It’s the Avalon special for souvenirs. It’s a really sweet and good quality alcohol, a great gift to a female companion.”

The warrior-looking man popped a vein. I slightly felt sorry for him. She shouldn’t go that far with her textbook responses.

“Stop it! Are you making fun of me?! Quickly get me the food and water!!”

“Certainly. That will be four silver coins, please.”

When the Mythological fox said such, the man took out a pouch from his chest and threw the coins onto the counter.

“I received four coins exactly. There is a roofed dining area in the back of the store so please make use of it if it is to your liking.”

When the fox-girl skillfully handed over the items as a set, the man took it as though he snatched it from her.

When the adventurers were gone, so did the business smile from the fox-girl’s face.

“HAaa. I was soo nervous. Procell-sama, Kuina-anesama, how did I do? Did I pull it off?”

The Mythological Fox hesitantly asked. Actually, this was the way she truly was.

And to her, Kuina gave a thumb’s up.

“It was perfect. Keep it up!”

Oh well, I thought, I’ll just consider this one as a rare unlucky event. Besides, she didn’t mess up on her responses.

“I’m soo glad.”

I guessed it was alright until she got used to it.

Considering she properly sold the items and that it was her first customer, she did great.

Setting that aside, I decided to do a little follow-up and headed towards the dining area where the adventurers were.

~From the adventurers’ point of view~

“Geez, what was with that clerk? Just how long was she going to ask questions!”

The male warrior voiced his irritation along with his sigh.

Along with the food they bought, they came to the back of the store. Just as the clerk said, there were tables and chairs available there. What’s more, they looked comfortable.

“Calm down, Solt. We should consider ourselves lucky just to be able to get some food. It’s extremely cheap too and yet it looks to be made of fine ingredients, doesn’t it? Like this bread, no second-rate wheat could smell this good.”