THE NEXT DAY
"Welcome to the store! Please enjoy your visit!"
After four days of closing, the store doors are opened once again. Yomogi, Chantal, Kimberly, Pinna, Salacia, and Manas... with the addition of Lilith, welcome everyone in unison as she also adorns the same clerk uniform as the others. And just like that, the customers flood in like a storm and split off toward the familiar sections as each woman smoothly returns to her post.
As usual, the toiletries section returns to its usual frenzy as Pinna takes a deodorant pouch and recommends it to a young man.
"This one contains no added fragrance nor alcohol. It is composed solely of finely ground natural alum... a mineral salt compound. Naturally antibacterial. Soothing on sensitive skin. Monitor your dermal response."
"That actually sounds perfect. Thank you, miss!"
"Please proceed to purchase. The queue forms at the counter."
As he walks off, the rest of the customers continue swarming the section and grabbing things off the shelves as Pinna continues to watch over.
Meanwhile, the kitchenware section becomes its usual hub of energetic housewives as Yomogi demonstrates a new set of stainless steel knives, holding up a slim, curved knife first.
"This one here is perfect for fruit. It's lightweight and small, so it won't bruise the flesh when you slice."
A soft murmur of admiration runs through the group as she lifts a gently serrated blade next.
"And this one is for bread. The curve and teeth help keep the shape when slicing soft loaves. Your breakfast won't get all flattened."
Several women nod with knowing chuckles as she picks up a solid cleaver.
"And this big one is your meat all-rounder. It can handle it all without slipping."
The gathered women hum in approval, glancing between each other as they inspect the knives closely.
"Oh, and one more thing. We'll have more of these sets restocked in two days, on the Day of Souls. So don't miss it, okay?"
"Definitely!"
"Bring more of the fruit one, please!"
"And the meat cleaver!"
The housewives light up instantly, exchanging excited words and marking the date in their heads.
At the woodworks section, Salacia greets a group of nobles, mostly men, as she sits down on the edge of the smooth tabletop for just a moment, then slides off again. A damp imprint, shaped perfectly by her butt, remains on the polished wood.
"Now don't forget, gentlemen~. Come back on the Day of Souls. I'll be offering two of this imprint on any table or chair you buy~…"
"A double imprint? Remarkable!"
"I like leaving my touch on the things people bring home~..."
The nobles are delighted and already planning their return.
On the other side, the ceramics section remains the quietest corner of the store, but never empty. Kimberly smiles as she approaches a noblewoman browsing tea sets.
"Please… do consider visiting… on the Day of Souls. There shall be… a significant discount… on all tea sets… If refinement… is your wish… that day… will serve you… well…"
"A discount?"
"Yes. We shall prepare… something... worthy... of tea... lovers…"
More delighted murmurs flow through the small crowd as they admire the porcelain.
At the masonry section, Chantal stands and calls out a group of bulky masons that loads plaster bricks.
"Oi, is that all you're taking?"
One mason laughs awkwardly.
"Ahahaha... y-yeah, this is enough."
"C'mon, take a few more. Don't make me beg, fellas!"
"We promise we'll come back next week!"
She dramatically boos them, sticking out her tongue.
"Boooo! Cheapskates!"
And the whole group bursts into roaring laughter.
The weapons section is no less crowded either, as adventurers are packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Manas lifts a spear and studies the man before her.
"Thou art not fashioned for brutish claymores. Nay thy frame proclaimeth agility, not mere brawn. This spear suiteth thy form most faithfully."
The man accepts it and spins it once, stunned.
"Whoa! This is lighter than my claymore! Way lighter! Thank you!"
And suddenly, a sultry voice ripples like velvet...
"Don't miss the shine, everyone~ Come take a peek~..."
Nobles turns instinctively, noticing a bespectacled woman standing at the store's brand-new section and curiously approaching her.
"What might be found here?"
The woman explains sweetly.
"Rubies… emeralds… sapphires… diamonds… and so, so much more~. Enough sparkle to make anybody's heart flutter~..."
She picks up a pink tourmaline and runs her fingers across its surface in a slow, sensual glide.
"And the best part? These beauties are already half the price, and they'll stay that way until the Day of Souls~..."
A noble gasps.
"Really?! How much for that gem?"
"Just one large silver coin, sweetheart~..."
Within seconds, nobles rush eagerly. And that's all it takes for Lilith, the newest clerk, and gemstones, the newest section, to have made a flawless, gleaming debut.
Meanwhile, Motegi handles payments and change as usual at the counter. And tiny Puck sits proudly atop his head, chirping delightfully at every customer.
"Kyuu!"
A woman finishing her payment stares up at the creature, utterly mesmerized.
He coughs politely, and she jolts.
"Umm… excuse me, miss. Would you mind stepping aside? You're blocking the line."
"Ah! I-I'm so sorry, sir!"
"It's okay. And don't forget to come on the Day of Souls for the big sale!"
"I'll be here!"
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 I ask everyone at the table.
"So, what do you all feel like for lunch?"
As expected, their answers are varied.
"Something… simple… would be nice… today, Motegi-sama…"
"I would prefer something that is not fried, Master. Fried items result in inefficient energy use and promote excessive oil intake."
"Fish, darling~. Something with a nice, meaty bite, please~..."
"I'm craving cheese, Motegi-kun. Real melty, oozy stuff, okay?"
"Let it be fiery! Let the tongue dance upon the flames! I desire spice, mine king."
Yomogi taps her chin thoughtfully and somehow summarizes their suggestions.
"Hmm... how about sandwiches, Motegi-chan? I think something like that would be lovely."
Finally, I ask Lilith.
"What about you, Lilith?"
"Mmm~... it's my first lunch here, so I'm good with anything you whip up, honey..."
"Okay, then."
I nod as I turn back to the counter, processing everything on the list.
"Simple… sandwich… cheese… fish… no fried… spicy. Alright, I've got an idea."
I swing open the fridge and begin pulling out what I need, including a glass jar of my homemade canned tuna, made from Oserin's freshest catch, obviously.
In a wide mixing bowl, I add the tuna and start breaking it up gently. Then come the finely diced celery, chopped capers, a dash of mustard, a spoonful of mayo, a small drizzle of my homemade hot sauce, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of zest, salt, and pepper. I stir them all, combining just enough without mashing everything.
Next, I pull out a massive loaf of rustic bread, which is the biggest one Kimberly found in Heiligeichen this morning, and cut it into four long, thick slices. I grate a generous amount of Misdaras's cheese, the kind that turns into long, gooey strings, and layer it over the tuna mixture, which I've already spread thickly onto two of the slices. I close them with the remaining bread, pressing down to form two hefty sandwiches.
I preheat the large flat pan and toss in a slab of butter until it foams. Carefully, I place both sandwiches onto the pan, then press them down with protein presses I made with [Blacksmithing]. Ten minutes later, I flip them and add a bit more butter and press them again, letting the other side brown and the cheese fully melt.
Once done, I slide them off the pan and onto the board. Each sandwich gets sliced into four neat pieces, making eight perfect slices in total. I plate them up, place them on trays, and carry them over to the dining table.
"Alright, everyone, I've got all your requests in one go. These are called tuna melts."
I serve each one of us a slice on our plate. The moment the girls take their first bites, a harmonious chorus of delighted hums fills the room.
Yomogi's eyes light up.
"Mmmmh… This sandwich is amazing, Motegi-chan…"
Chantal pulls her piece apart and watches the cheese stretch with satisfaction.
"Ohhh, thanks for going hard with the cheese, Motegi-kun! This pull is insane!"
"Glad you like it, Chantal."
Salacia covers her mouth as she chews, cheeks pink.
"Mmh~ thank you, darling~. So much fish… just like I hoped~… but… whew… it's got a kick~…"
"Take your time, Salacia."
Kimberly nods, savoring her bite.
"It's… simple… but… delicious, Motegi-sama…"
Manas finishes a mouthful.
"'Tis not a blaze upon the tongue… but a gentle warmth most fitting! Acceptable, mine king!"
Pinna, as expected, begins her culinary report.
"The sandwich structure demonstrates logical layering. The bread-to-filling ratio is ideal. The tuna mixture is moist yet contained. The lack of frying maintains an efficient nutritional profile. This meets my expectations. Thank you for incorporating my request, Master."
"You're welcome, Pinna."
But then I notice Lilith, fanning herself lightly with one hand, and I freeze for a moment.
"U-Umm… honey… this is spicier than pepper…"
"Oh! Sorry! I added just a little sauce, it's made from something I grow on the terrace. I didn't think it'd hit that hard for you..."
She takes a sip of water but waves her hand gently.
"It's alright. I'll get used to it, honey..."
"Ah, yeah... take your time, Lilith."
Okay, so... we just have another spice lightweight in the house. Kimberly has finally graduated from that role, while Salacia is still in her adjustment phase. And now, Lilith joins the class in fire tolerance, and I didn't even warn her because I just followed Manas's request without thinking.
Then, a soft chirp interrupts my thoughts.
"Kyuu!"
I turn toward the table and see Puck, happily munching on a little plate of tuna I prepared just for it. No sauce, no seasoning, just plain, clean protein.
"You like it, Puck?"
"Kyuu!"
Just like fried foods, spicy stuff is a no-go for Puck. I always make sure its meals are light and gentle.
Finally, I pick up my own sandwich slice and take a bite, enjoying the crisp, melted, savory, and tangy with just the right amount of heat. I close my eyes, feeling satisfied.
"Ohoho! This is incredible!"
After lunch, we all lean back in our chairs, taking a moment to breathe and enjoying chilled lemon-lime soda.
Lilith is the first to take a sip, blinking and letting out a surprised little moan.
"Mmm~… I've never had anything this fizzy before, honey. It pops in my mouth~..."
Yomogi and Kimberly follow with their own sip.
"Mmm… so refreshing. It clears the palate right up!"
"It really… cuts through… the sandwich… quite well…"
Salacia giggles behind her hand.
"Heehee~... I love this so much! It's like summer in a glass~!"
Manas and Chantal exhale loudly.
"Ahhh… why does this stuff never fail? Every single time, it slaps."
"There is no wine nor spirit within… yet still it pleaseth mine tongue!"
Pinna takes a thoughtful sip before studying it.
"The lemon and lime combination provides balanced acidity. Crisp and clean. The carbonation density is optimal. I prefer this version over your other soda variants."
And she's correct.
Among all the soda variants I've created, the lemon-lime is hands down their favorite because somehow, I managed to recreate the same green-label soda from Earth. But still, I don't know how to create the black soda yet, the infamous red-label one everyone knows. And I want to keep trying.
Suddenly, Yomogi brings me back to my senses with her question.
"Motegi-chan, can we bring Lilith to the labyrinth later?"
"Ah! Sure."
How could I forget about that?
Lilith used to be a Demon Lord's spy, so it's obvious for me to know what she can do.
Chantal and Pinna welcome the idea.
"Oooh, I can't wait. This'll be fun for real!"
"I agree. Additional team members increase tactical efficiency. Expanded formation flexibility benefits overall survivability."
Kimberly sets her bottle down to explain something.
"Succubi… are known to be... masters... of illusion. They disrupt… and manipulate… enemy perception, Motegi-sama…"
With that, I curiously ask Lilith for confirmation.
"Is that true, Lilith?"
She smiles, adjusting her glasses playfully.
"Very true, honey~. I've been refining my illusions to be just as powerful with these glasses on for centuries. If you think I'm the best illusionist among succubi... well, you might be right~..."
Then, Manas scoffs.
"Be not surprised, mine king. She is the oldest one here, after all."
"Y-yeah, I know, Manas..."
I mean... come to think of it, we don't have a debuff specialist yet, and Lilith will definitely fill that gap.
Then, Salacia taps a finger on her chin thoughtfully.
"Hmm... I wonder if I should make more potions~…"
"You better be, Salacia."
"Okay, darling~..."
Finally, I take a sip of my soda once more, enjoying the fizzy and citrusy punch.
"Yup, this one is always the winner."
And just like that, we all continue our relaxing time before reopening the store soon after.
HOURS LATER
After the last customers leave, the girls close the store once again. I count today's sales at the counter as usual, and I can't believe what I see.
"It's... it's one large gold and one gold coin for today, girls!"
The moment the words leave my mouth, their reactions erupt like a chain reaction.
"R-Really, Motegi-chan? We actually earned that much today?"
"No way… that's way past what we made four days ago, Motegi-kun…"
"It's... unbelievable, Motegi-sama…"
"This income equates to the combined daily revenue of approximately ten high-end boutiques. It exceeds our previous maximum by thirty-seven-point-two percent."
Then, Salacia curiously asks me.
"Ooh~ is that a lot, darling~?"
"Yeah, of course… it really is, Salacia..."
Manas throws back her head with a triumphant laugh, and even Puck joins in.
"Hah! At last, mine king hath proven himself worthy of the crown! Truly, thou deserveth the golden seat!"
And I can't help but congratulate Lilith for her first day.
"You've done a good job, Lilith! Really do."
"Told you, honey~. Those little beauties were meant to fly off the shelves~..."
"You were right..."
1.1 million yen.
This is the first time we hit six digits on our income. And Chantal is right because it blows past the 800,000 we made four days ago before the Qualtnok trip. But more than that, a whole quarter of today's income came from Lilith's gemstone section alone.
Once we're done basking in the good news, I turn to the girls again.
"So, should we head to the labyrinth now?"
"Yes!"
We head upstairs together excitedly. As the girls enter the wardrobe room to get changed, I make my way to the living room and gently set Puck on the sofa.
"Take care of the house for us, okay?"
"Kyuu!"
"Good boy."
I smile as I tap its nose.
Thankfully, Puck isn't the kind of creature that knocks over vases or chews on furniture when no one's looking. Puck seems to know how to spend its time quietly, and whenever we return from the labyrinth, it always throws its body at us and greets us with those cheerful little chirps.
After the girls are finished changing, I open a teleportation portal, and we step through towards the Remantia's labyrinth, leaving Puck behind.