AIWON Mall Isekai Store, Grand Opening Today! - Chapter 157

Been in bad conditions for the few weeks, sorry for the late update.

Episode 12-14

“Alright, with this, the setup is complete!”
“Kufufu, what do you think, Naoya? My squad’s performance was amazing, wasn’t it?”
“Ah, yes, I think it was fantastic.”
“Of course it was, of course it was! Now, Naoya, what should we do next? What mission do you have for this squad under the command of the holy knight, Chloe?”
“You’re a bit too enthusiastic, Chloe. For now, please stand by. Once the sale starts, I’m planning to have you handle the line management.”
“Hmph, is that so? Very well! Everyone, fall in!”
At Chloe’s command, 20 skeletons in full-plate armor lined up with a synchronized “Kerchak!”
In an instant, they formed a flawless formation, and Chloe nodded in satisfaction.
They’re well-trained, but I don’t think that’s Chloe’s doing.
“Wow! When they all gather like this, it’s really impressive, isn’t it, Manager?”
“Indeed. I imagine today’s customers will be very well-behaved.”
Even though they were undead skeletons in full-plate armor, Colette wagged her tail and twitched her ears excitedly.
Francine-san, smiling as she watched, seemed completely unbothered by the fact that they were undead.
On the other hand…
“It’s alright, it’s all alright. These folks saved my daughter’s life. They are ‘good undead,’ after all.”
Peddler-san’s family huddled together, whispering words of reassurance to themselves.
Knowing what’s inside, that reaction is completely normal.
Still, gratitude might help them overcome their fear.
After all, it was the undead, led by Anna-san, who saved their daughter from the Red Death.
“We’re truly grateful for what you did. Please take care of us today.”
The whole family bowed their heads to the skeleton squad.
They seemed to have accepted the skeletons as temporary workers, though their faces were tense.
At any rate, the preparations were done.
Thanks to the full-plate armored skeleton squad, we managed to set up more tables and chairs than ever before in the eat-in space.
“Manager, I’ll start taking the first carriage into the city now.”
“Honey, I’ll handle the carriage today. Look, you have the sales to attend to, don’t you? Besides, it’s going to be crowded, so I’ll bring this one along as a line manager.”
“…Fine, I’ll stay here, then. Manager, is that alright with you?”
“Yes, that’s fine. Originally, the plan was for the three of you to manage the daily goods section and the carriage runs, so switching roles among yourselves isn’t an issue. Thank you for handling it.”
Peddler-san nodded grimly, while his wife looked visibly relieved.
Even though they understood these were “good undead,” it was still unsettling to work closely with them.
…Will business be okay?
Well, at least the customers won’t realize the full-plate armored figures are skeletons! They’re wearing rubber masks and clothes, so it won’t be obvious.
“I hope they don’t notice…”
“…You okay? Beef stew … calm down?”
“Barbera, huh. Sure, I’ll taste-test some.”
Anyway.
The preparations were done.
There was no point in fretting now.
I took a deep breath to steel myself.
“Alright, let’s kick off the fourth ‘Dragon Sale’ at Aion Mall Otherworldly Branch Store!”
It’s the 40th day since I became the manager of Aion Mall Otherworldly Branch Store.
The fourth Dragon Sale begins.

“My, my, there seem to be quite a lot of knights today. What’s going on, Chloe-chan?”
“Kufufu, they’re all under my command!”
“Oh my, how wonderful, Chloe-chan! You’ve finally been promoted, haven’t you?”
“Thank you, ma’am! With all the rain, I figured it’d be tough for you to work or carry goods, so today I’ve got some recommendations just for you!”
“Well, let’s see what you’ve got.”
“Indeed! Everyone, continue your duties!”
Chloe, now boasting her squad of 20 full-plate armored skeletons, was practically puffing with pride.
She kept showing off to familiar faces in the crowd.
…Thanks to Chloe’s confidence in calling them her subordinates, even the initially wary customers began to relax.
This is good. Yes, this is very good.
It’s a bit awkward to admit they’re only her subordinates for today.
Well, I’m sure everyone will realize by tomorrow.
I quietly averted my eyes.
The farm ladies couldn’t seem to tell the skeletons’ true nature.
We can call this phase one a success.
If the ladies had noticed, Anna-san wouldn’t have approved in the first place, right? She wouldn’t… right?
Since the store just opened and there aren’t many customers yet, the skeletons in full-plate armor are stationed at the roadside to attract passersby and wait at the designated queue areas.
Each one is holding a placard.
It feels like their imposing appearance in full-plate armor might be discouraging customers from stopping by, but that’s probably just my imagination.
“The first free shuttle carriage will arrive soon. Once that happens, the special sale venue will be filled with customers, and the intimidating atmosphere should lighten up. At least, I hope it will.”
“Fufu, don’t worry, Naoya-san. There will be plenty of customers, and look over there.”

“How about this, ma’am? This fabric repels water even though it’s so thin!”
“Oh my, that’s amazing.”
“You can use it as a rain cover if it suddenly starts pouring while you’re working! Or throw it over your goods to keep them dry!”
“It’s light and compact, too. That’s handy.”

“Chloe-san has a real knack for interacting with customers and making sales.”
“Yeah, she’s got talent for this. As expected of a former manager.”
Chloe, who had been boasting about her new “subordinates,” seized the momentum and pulled the farm ladies over to the special sales booth.
Unscheduled, she’s now giving a live demo, selling leisure sheets.
She’s got a point—leisure sheets are handy not just for adventurers and merchants but also for farmers working outdoors.
In our world, farms were stocked with loads of blue tarps, after all.

“…Arrived.”
“Hm? What is it, Barbera?”
“…Over there.”
As I admired Chloe’s sales prowess, Barbera, with her usual blunt expression, stared down the road and pointed.
Following her gaze, I turned to look as well.

“Seems like there was nothing to worry about, Naoya-san.”
“Yes. Yes, thank goodness.”
Down the road,
The free shuttle carriage led the way, followed by a long line of carriages.
Around them, I could see adventurers—probably acting as guards or just tagging along—and even some unarmed townsfolk who seemed reassured by their presence.
A large, lively crowd approached, their faces shining with excitement and anticipation.

On my first day as the manager of Aion Mall Otherworldly Branch Store, the store had only 42 customers.
Now, just this group already far surpasses that number.

“Alright! Alright, alright, alright! Everyone, get ready to welcome them! Full-plate armored skeletons, I’m counting on you too!”
I raised my voice to rally everyone.
The skeletons placed their fists over their chests, as if to say, “Leave it to us.”
Uh, actually, you all just focus on not getting discovered, okay?