Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 158. The Bumpy Family And A Passing Grade

“When did you arrive in this country?”

Rotten Maguwa of the Adele Trading Company smiled broadly.

“Around noon yesterday. I also visited the Infinite Water Jar—it was splendid.”

“Indeed, it is the pride of our nation. A fountain of endless life, mirroring the spirit of the resilient citizens of Sebetes, don’t you think?”

“I see now why this country is flourishing.”

“When did you notice the rise in food prices?”

“Maybe when the tavern food felt a bit expensive, and the central square had fewer food stalls than expected. When there are many people, usually food vendors line the streets.”

“You have a sharp eye. But 4,800 yen per kilogram isn’t such a bad price, is it?”

“No, it’s not unfair. But perhaps this country is also running low on luxury goods?”

Rotten’s eyebrow twitched slightly—no doubt on purpose.

“What makes you say that?”

“If I had a bit of extra money, it would be natural to want to indulge in something I’ve enjoyed before. And more people here seem to be coming into a bit of wealth. Also, this jerky is top-tier, even though it’s off-season. There’s no way it wouldn’t sell.”

“Exactly. Well said. You’ve got me—I give up. 5,800 yen per kilogram, no further negotiations!”

Rotten joyfully clicked his abacus.

I extended my hand with a smile.

“You didn’t push for another price cut?”

“I could tell I was being tested.”

“Please consider coming to Adele Trading Company for your future business deals. For someone like you, Akira, our doors will always be open.”

“Thank you.”

And so, I successfully closed the deal.

2.32 million yen—a decent sum. On my way out, I slipped a tip to that kid from earlier.

Remaining balance: 2,760,441 yen.

Alright, I’ve secured the necessary funds. Thanks, Cherina.

Now, time to see if the plan works.

After considering the items, everything was approved without any complications.

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When I returned to the slum, where our camper was parked, the scene had changed quite a bit since morning.

Beside the camper, a brick structure had sprouted.

…Wait, do buildings just sprout like that?

The answer came soon enough. Hagg appeared, carrying a load of rubble, and dumped it next to the half-finished building.

“Impressive.”

“Indeed. I took some usable bricks from a collapsed building. Nobody complained. I’ll have it done by the end of the day.”

“Reliable as always.”

Honestly, the camper was way too cramped, so having a proper space to stretch out would be a blessing. Hagg really understands these things. And the timing was perfect.

“Hagg, got a minute?”

“Yes?”

I stepped into the half-finished building and made sure no one was watching before pulling it out.

“…What a strange object. But it does pique my interest.”

“I knew you’d say that. Think you can make something similar, just by looking at it?”

“Hmm. Let me see it more closely.”

While Hagg inspected it, I subtly shooed away anyone trying to peek through the unfinished walls. If this works out, I’ll show them soon enough.

“Can I take it apart?”

“Not yet. First, I’ll show you how it moves and what it does. After that, you can disassemble it.”

“Alright. But in that case…”

“Yeah, sorry, but I’ll need you to build another shed as a blind spot.”

“Then let’s expand this building and add more rooms.”

“That works.”

This thing was a bit too big to handle inside the camper. I could pull it out, but doing anything more would be impossible in such cramped quarters.

“Where are Yaralai and Lalaila?”

“The idiot went hunting. The daughter is playing with the neighborhood kids.”

“And the patient care?”

“Horn’s widow came by to help.”

“That’s a relief.”

“I gave them the leftover cassava, but that should be fine, right?”

“Yeah, no problem. I’ve earned enough funds for now.”

“As expected of the god of trade’s disciple.”

“Not that it has anything to do with that.”

Following Hagg’s directions, I arrived at a place where a crowd had gathered.

It wasn’t just kids—adults were mixed in too.

I wish I could find some work for them soon.

I pushed through the crowd and reached the center.

There stood an angel.

Shimmering particles swirled like a dance around a golden-haired girl. The glowing particles gave her an ethereal presence, making her look like a spirit.

For a moment, I could only watch in silence.

The goddess perched on the rubble noticed me and gave a radiant smile.

“Akira! Over here, over here!”

Her voice, more fitting for a boy, abruptly shattered the mystique.

The spectators snapped back to reality and sought refuge in the shade—they didn’t have the stamina to stand under the blazing sun.

I, too, regained my composure.

“Hey, there you are.”

“Yeah, just taking a break. Viola came to help.”

“Viola?”

“…Horn’s widow. No kids, no work—so she decided to lend a hand.”

“I see.”

I hadn’t met her, but it seemed she’d been a great help to Lalaila.

Whenever the three vigilantes came up, the mood always darkened.

Fortunately, kids are a blessing at times like these—they approached us without hesitation, oblivious to the heavy atmosphere.

“Hey, what was that just now?! It was so pretty!”

“Is the elf lady an angel?”

“Huh? No, no! I was just playing with some light spirits! They’re all over this area!”

So, spirits, huh? Interesting that they’re visible to people.

As we continued playing around with the kids, I noticed a boy standing a little ways off, watching us intently. He looked about Giro’s age.

“Hey, you, come join us. I’ll tell you some travel stories.”

“Huh? Uh, sure.”

Despite his tough attitude, he awkwardly marched over with exaggerated steps.

“Who are you guys?!”

“Traveling merchants, if I had to say.”

“Merchants? With a fancy elf and a well-dressed guy like you?”

Oof. I thought I was building some muscle from training, but I guess I still look too soft by this world’s standards.

“Merchants dress to impress.”

“Huh?”

The kid gave me a skeptical look, which stung a bit.

Still, I stand by what I said… probably.

“The elf isn’t a merchant. She’s just a traveling companion.”

“…Are you two married?”

“Bwaha—!”

The one who burst out laughing wasn’t me—it was Lalaila.

She didn’t have to reject the idea that strongly…

“No, no. I owe her father a lot, so we ended up traveling together. Right now, we’re just taking a break. If you want to hang out, we can play for a bit.”

I’d left too much of the caregiving to Lalaila.

She needed some time to relax, and playing with kids is always a good way to unwind.

“So, you’re really a merchant?”

“Yeah. Looking for something?”

“No! If you plan to do business here—”

“Hey!”

A sudden shout came from another direction.

A young man, about my age or a bit younger, stormed over with a stern look.

The tension in the air was palpable.

“Kud! What are you doing?!”

The man grabbed Kud by the collar without warning.

“When are you going to stop acting like a child?!”

“S-Sorry, bro! I have a reason—”

“Shut up! I bet you were just staring at the elf, weren’t you?!”

“Ugh…”

They don’t look alike.

…But I guess that doesn’t matter.

“Take it easy, brother.”

I grabbed the man’s arm.