AIWON Mall Isekai Store, Grand Opening Today! - Chapter 77
Episode 8-4
We visited the Merchant Guild alongside the peddler and Chloe while testing the carriage. The peddler’s handover seemed to be going smoothly, and we received the green light to post the tenant recruitment notice.
Just as I was about to ask what might be a sticking point in the content—since the guild staff’s reaction suggested there might be something—we were interrupted.
“Well, well, isn’t it the new store manager?”
The Merchant Guild Master had approached us from behind. Chloe regarded him as a formidable opponent and he had shown significant interest in the Aion Mall Otherworldly Store.
“What brings you to the Merchant Guild? Oh, perhaps you’ve given up on doing business outside and decided to come under our wing?”
“Grrr!”
“Easy, easy! Chloe, why are you growling? Are all elves like this…?”
I tried to calm Chloe and refocused. The Guild Master moved behind the counter, glanced at the “Tenant Recruitment” notice the receptionist was reviewing.
“Well, well, tenant recruitment, is it? I see, I see.”
The Guild Master stroked what seemed to be his chin, though it was mostly buried in flesh, and nodded. The receptionist, who had been reviewing the notice, looked troubled but said nothing.
“There shouldn’t be any problem posting this. Go ahead and put it up.”
The Guild Master instructed the staff with a smirk. The receptionist glanced at me, as if wanting to say something, but complied and stood up.
“You certainly seem to have a talented team, new store manager. Perhaps we should stop calling her the ‘Failed Elf.’”
“You scoundrel, what are you plotting!? I won’t be deceived even if you stop calling me names!”
“…You could just accept the compliment, Chloe. And let’s stop with the name-calling.”
I pacified Chloe, who always became extreme when dealing with the Guild Master. Neither the Guild Master nor his guards seemed bothered, and the other staff members just smiled wryly.
“Oh, I mean it sincerely. And you’re planning to run a free shuttle carriage? Both for tenants and customers?”
The Guild Master now focused on the application forms submitted by the peddler and me, nodding as he reviewed them.
“A retired peddler as the coachman, no guards. Well, I suppose you can handle that.”
“I’m honored you remember me.”
“As the Guild Master, it’s my duty. Especially considering the illness case recently.”
He mentioned how fortunate it was that there were no additional infections, making it clear he was closely watching how I would turn this situation into a business opportunity, given that Anna-san had officially registered her pharmacy with the Merchant Guild and distributed medicine to those who had been in contact with the Red Death patients.
“Nonetheless, a ‘Failed Elf,’ a skilled pharmacist, and a former peddler without need for guards—all under your management. Quite the team you have.”
“Yes, I’m very grateful.”
“Is it your leadership that attracts such talent?”
“No, it’s just luck. We’re still recruiting and striving to improve.”
“Hmm, sometimes having such talent can blind you to certain things.”
“Did you say something?”
“No, just musing.”
Maintaining a smile, I conversed with the Guild Master. The peddler had become accustomed to this dynamic and was helping to calm Chloe. His competence was truly appreciated.
“By the way, isn’t it almost time for the ‘Dragon Sale’? I might take the shuttle carriage myself.”
“Aren’t you going to use your usual splendid carriage? We welcome you, just like any other customer.”
“Well, I look forward to it.”
We exchanged fake smiles and pleasantries. His plan to ride the shuttle was likely reconnaissance. I did similar things back in Japan, always informing neighboring supermarkets if I planned to visit.
“Hmph! I hope you can keep that confident face after seeing the ‘Ten! Twenty! Thirty! Dragon Sale!’”
“Stop it, Chloe, you sound like a small-time thug. Or is this actually a declaration of welcoming customers?”
Chloe’s taunt sounded almost like a petty threat, but the Guild Master maintained his calm smile. It made me feel like the villain.
“Well, we’ll be waiting. We’re done here, so we’ll take our leave.”
“Very well. If there are any applicants, we’ll notify you. Though I doubt there will be.”
With a less confident farewell, we left the Merchant Guild. I held Chloe’s mouth shut to prevent any more outbursts, while the peddler helped guide her out.
On the 17th day since I became the manager of the Aion Mall Otherworldly Store, we officially began recruiting tenants!
I did, however, forget to find out what the guild staff wanted to say. Hopefully, everything will be fine. If not, we can always adjust the conditions.