AIWON Mall Isekai Store, Grand Opening Today! - Chapter 128
Episode 10-31
28 days since I became the manager of the Aion Mall Otherworldly Store.
Early in the morning, before dawn had even broken, I was walking around the store alone, flashlight in hand.
“Fwaaah. I’m definitely sleepy.”
“You did enjoy yourself last night, after all.”
“Whoa!? Don’t just start talking all of a sudden like that! I thought my heart was going to stop!”
“Rest assured, even if it stops, it won’t be a problem.”
“It would be! I’m not undead! I don’t want to work even after I’m dead!”
My heart was still pounding. The one who spoke to me from the dark corridor behind me was Anna-san.
She was laughing quietly—it seemed to be an undead joke. I wasn’t laughing.
“Also, I had fun last night, but the way you put it is a bit…”
Last night, after returning from a business trip to Twin Dragon Island, Barbera’s homeland, we had a banquet on the rooftop to welcome her parents and Quano-san of the dragonkin.
We didn’t wake up Colette, Fanchine-san, or the peddler family, to avoid startling them.
Afterward, I wrote the business report, adjusted the orders, and went to bed late.
With only short naps day after day, I was seriously sleep-deprived.
“I’m definitely taking a day off once the Dragon Sale ends the day after tomorrow… and I’m giving everyone else time off, too…”
“Hehe, I don’t need any rest, you know?”
“That may be true, but as the manager, I need to set up a proper schedule with days off, or else I’ll be in trouble with the higher-ups.”
“Is that how it works?”
Apparently, the undead, including Anna-san, don’t get tired or need sleep.
They handle cleaning and security all night after the store closes and are even helping with the construction of the employee apartments.
“By the way, how’s the apartment construction coming along?”
“I’m sorry, it’s not finished yet. We’ve been busy preparing for the sale and couldn’t get to it… Should I bring in more help?”
“No, no, it’s fine. I told you to prioritize the sale. Besides, we don’t need more help. Or more undead.”
The skeletons and ghosts were helpful, but if we added more, it would start to feel like the Aion Mall Otherworldly Store was turning into a dungeon filled with undead.
We even had lich and dragons around, which definitely made things feel boss-like.
“I see… But if you ever need more, just let me know. I’ll make it happen!”
“What do you mean by ‘make it happen’? No, I’m definitely not asking for that.”
My resolve melted into the dark interior of the Aion Mall Otherworldly Store.
…Maybe I’ll ask for help if I really can’t manage it.
………………….
………..
….
“Welcome! We’ve got something amazing today! We’ve got fish too!”
“Ah, I’m not really a fan. It tastes too muddy.”
“Heh, adventurer, that’s because you’re thinking of the river fish from around here, aren’t you? Today, we’ve got something special! We’re selling sea fish as a test!”
“Whoa!? No way! That’s nostalgic…”
“Now that you mention it, weren’t you from a port town? Let’s give it a taste then.”
“Alright, I’m done with work for today! The deadline for that request is still a ways off. Let’s drink today!”
“Colette-chan! More grilled fish over here!”
“Yes!”
At the front entrance of the Aion Mall Otherworldly Store, Colette was bustling around in the eat-in space. Chloe’s sales pitch was going strong, too.
28 days into my role as the store manager, the Aion Mall Otherworldly Store was doing well.
Though it wasn’t even noon yet, the eat-in space was already full.
“…I’ve brought it.”
“Thanks, Barbera. Let’s set up some extra tables and chairs over there.”
“…Understood.”
“Mm-hmm, well done, Barbera! You’re small, but impressive—just like my beloved child! Let me lend a hand—”
“Now, dear, calm down. Today is the day to watch Barbera-chan grow.”
“Oh, good sales today, huh, Manager? Looks like if you can supply it, it’ll sell.”
“That’s right, Quano-san. Sea fish are a rarity in the nearby towns.”
I had secured a reliable supply of seafood and a means of transportation, but it wouldn’t mean much if it didn’t sell. Today, we were starting a test sale of seafood, dried fish, preserved foods, and ready-to-eat meals for our general customers. The sales were going well. Though, I had to admit it was a bit awkward with Barbera’s parents watching.
“Hey, sis, what’s this plant stuff? Is it for kindling?”
“Calling me ‘sis,’ huh? I’m quite a bit older than that, you know. This is dried seaweed. It’s used to make ‘dashi,’ which enhances the flavor of dishes.”
“So is this square thing for cooking, too?”
“That’s actually for washing your body. It lathers well when used with soap.”
“Hah, sounds like some fancy high-class product. C’mon, let’s go get some food instead of looking at goods. You don’t cook anyway, right?”
As usual, we had set up a special section beside the eat-in space. Fanchine-san was manning the booth, displaying dried goods and miscellaneous items brought from the port town. People were gathering out of curiosity, but sales here weren’t as strong. Still, it was impressive how Fanchine-san quickly memorized and explained all the new test products.
“Sorry for the wait. Three bouillabaisse, right?”
“Here’s the grilled fish! Watch out for small bones! If one sticks in your throat, I’ll heal you, as a Holy Knight, no less!”
Of course, we were also test-selling ready-to-eat meals. We offered simple grilled fish, various sautéed fillets, bouillabaisse, and fish head soup. The salt-crusted fish had received good feedback, but it was too labor-intensive for a test sale. We also weren’t offering sashimi. However—
“Man, this is delicious! Who would’ve thought I could eat sea fish in a place like this?”
“Damn it, why doesn’t this place sell alcohol? I need a drink with this!”
“This freshness and the generous use of salt… I can’t believe it.”
“I prefer this soup over the grilled fish. If I had this during my camping trips, I wouldn’t mind roughing it.”
“Hey, look at that guy. He’s eating something weird…”
“No kidding. Guess all mages are weirdos…”
“This ara-jiru (fish head soup) is exquisite! Such depth of flavor, the textures vary by part, and the seasoning is unlike anything I’ve tasted. To refuse such a delicious soup based on its appearance—these adventurers lack courage!”
“Huh!? Fine, I’ll eat it! Anna-chan, give me one of that ‘mud soup’ or whatever!”
The eat-in space was filled with smiles and laughter. Outside, the carriage turnaround was packed with parked carriages.
“…No more. Three per person only.”
“Hmm, limiting the quantity was the right move. Well then, I’ll purchase some for my guards, too. It was wise to bring extra hands.”
“Damn, as expected from a large trading company. Barbera-chan, three for me, too.”
“Ice in small bags for transport? You must have a mage skilled in ice magic…”
“Hah, in a store run by a Holy Knight, what else would you expect?”
At the refrigerated display area, Barbera, along with the peddler’s wife and daughter, were selling the seafood. Traders passing through on the highway and peddlers from the nearest town, who had already heard the rumors, were gathering there.
“Limiting the quantity was a smart decision. Good, good. Looks like seafood will sell well. We can make this work.”
I clenched my fist in silent triumph. Strengthening the “supermarket” section, a key element of Aeon Mall, seemed to be the right strategy. Despite the constant anxiety of my first managerial role, the smiles of the customers gave me confidence.
I refocused my energy on future business operations and the upcoming Dragon Sale.
…Though, even with this success, I was still far from reaching the monthly sales goal of 100 million yen.