Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 160. The Bumpy Family And Pocket Money

Hagg studies the treadle sewing machine I brought out, inspecting it closely like she’s licking it.

“Hmmm. No matter how many times I see it, the craftsmanship is remarkable.”

“I’ll show you how to use it now, so pay attention. You don’t have to master it, but it’s good to know.”

“Of course. But I can’t even imagine what it’s for…”

“Well, just watch.”

After the business deal was closed, two items were approved. I had already purchased both, so the remaining balance looked odd, but it’s actually correct.

Treadle Sewing Machine = 49,800 yen

Sewing Scissors = 3,570 yen

Remaining Balance: 2,706,991 yen

As I set up the machine, I explained it to Hagg. Thankfully, the first set of threads and needles came with it.

I took out a tattered dress shirt I had saved. It wasn’t in good enough shape to be properly repaired, but it would work to demonstrate stitching.

As I folded an intact part and ran the machine, Hagg let out a cheer.

“Whoooooa! So that’s how it works! Stepping on the foot pedal makes the metal rod rotate, and the leather belt transfers that motion to the machine above! Hmm… I don’t really get the inside, but that power moves the needle up and down, huh? But how does that sew the thread?! You need a backstitch, right? A backstitch!”

“You’re getting too excited. The secret lies in this part called the bobbin.”

“Hmm… such delicate work. So, it stitches with two threads, not just one? What an incredible idea! It’s thrilling!”

“What do you think? Can you make one?”

“There’s nothing I can’t make! …That’s what I’d like to say, but it’s tough without a blueprint.”

“…Maybe we could just get it approved instead?”

“No, I’ll figure it out. This might be a trial from the gods, after all.”

“Is that so?”

I didn’t really agree with that, but I figured approval would go smoothly.

Still, if she wanted to take on the challenge herself, I’d let her. I wanted her to enjoy it since she’d be helping us.

Speaking of trials, I remembered there was one more quest left. With some budget freed up, I should buy the necessary items tonight.

“Alright, I’ll leave it to you, but there’s one condition.”

“Let me guess—make it so others can use it too, right?”

“Exactly, Hagg.”

“Humans might not manage, but skilled dwarves should be able to handle it.”

“Thanks, I’m counting on you.”

“No problem. But dealing with human bureaucracy isn’t my concern.”

“Yeah, I’ll ask Uthis for help with that.”

“Is that all?”

“No, there’s one more big job left.”

“What’s that?”

“Organizing the people here.”

“Yeah… that’s important.”

When I stepped out of the building, it was already dark. And just as I did, Lalaila came rushing over to me.

“Akira, something’s come up.”

“…Yeah, I can see that.”

A horde of glowing eyes surrounded our base—it didn’t take a genius to realize this was trouble.

“Did they say anything?”

“No… but maybe they’re hoping for food, like this morning.”

“Probably. What do you think we should do?”

“Um… If it’s not a bother, I’d like to feed them.”

The hesitation in her voice showed that Lalaila understood the risks.

“You know what that means, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

“It might get tough for a while.”

“I’ll manage. Besides, saving this slum is part of the gods’ guidance, right?”

“It’s not that grand, but alright. I’ll prepare the ingredients.”

“Leave it to me!”

“Sorry to put you through this. You just came to visit your dad.”

“It’s fine! I’ve been wanting to help anyway, so I’m happy.”

“Got it. Let’s make it happen.”

“Yeah.”

“…But with this many people, a normal pot won’t cut it.”

By now, over 200 people had gathered—several times more than in the morning.

I approved a new stockpot and a ladle.

Industrial Aluminum Stockpot (170L) = 34,470 yen

Aluminum Ladle = 561 yen

Remaining Balance: 2,671,960 yen

“Wow, what a huge pot! It must’ve been expensive, right?”

“Don’t tell anyone, but it was about 35,000 yen.”

“Eh?! I thought it would cost way more. Your powers are amazing… Are you sure we can use it?”

“I’ll build a stove now. Be ready.”

I pulled out a large amount of ingredients—enough for several days—and put them in the camper.

Potatoes, bread, and other food items filled the space. I also refilled the water tank, costing 58,243 yen in total. Even with a thin soup, this would be a challenge.

Remaining Balance: 2,613,717 yen

“Akira, you can move the women over here… wait, is that made of aluminum too?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Not really, but you might want to warn the dwarves about it.”

“Come to think of it, there aren’t any dwarves or elves here. I’ve only seen beastfolk occasionally.”

Among the residents, some had cat or dog ears, but there weren’t any dwarves.

“Well, we craftsmen have our trades.”

“Yeah, that makes sense.”

Elves would probably just return to their forest homes rather than linger in a place like this.

“I’ll set up a sleeping area. It won’t be visible from the outside, right?”

“Correct.”

“Got it.”

I laid out blankets in a large room in the new building—our new base, perhaps?

Four blankets spread wide were just enough. I also added some nostalgic spring mattresses, four in total. It would be tight for eleven people, but it beat cramming into the camper.

The cost came to 117,880 yen.

Remaining Balance: 2,495,837 yen

While helping Lalaila prepare the food, Yaralai returned.

“Hey. Good work.”

“Yeah.”

I used my cleaning tool to wipe the dust off his clothes, and he handed me a small pouch.

Inside were coins. I pretended to pocket them but stored them in the container instead—102,000 yen.

Remaining Balance: 2,715,717 yen

“You made quite a haul. I thought you said the Stone Coyotes didn’t pay well.”

“I hired someone. A cart carrier.”

“Smart move.”

“Sometimes I get things right. Hunting alone is easy.”

Though his words were blunt, he seemed pleased—at least, as much as someone like him could show.

“Alright, everyone’s here, right? I’ve got a proposal.”

“What’s that?”

“Faf’s not here.”

“We’ll fill him in later.”

“Fair enough.”

“Poor guy…”

“Don’t worry about it. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we have some room in the budget. So, I’ve decided to give you all pocket money.”

“Pocket money?”

Yaralai raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah. Everyone has things they want or need, right? Use this however you see fit.”

“I see.”

“But…”

“Some things are hard to ask for, especially for girls. It’s good to have personal funds, separate from the main budget. Being broke in an emergency is also bad.”

“True.”

With Yaralai’s nod, Lalaila seemed satisfied.

“How about 20,000 yen per person?”

“Fine. We can submit requests for necessary expenses separately, right?”

“That’s the plan.”

“Heh… Just 20,000 yen each? Why not make it 100,000 yen?”

“When did you get back?! If I gave you that much, you’d blow it all on booze.”

“Correct!”

“Geez… Anyway, I’ll hand it out now. I’ll try to give pocket money regularly, so let me know if you run out.”

“Got it.”

“Understood.”

I handed out 20,000 yen to each person, but when I tried to put my share in a pouch, Hagg stopped me.

“Wait, you don’t need pocket money.”

“Yeah, Akira should just use the funds freely.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re not the type to waste money.”

“…I do smoke, though.”

“That’s not a big deal.”

“True.”

“Exactly. You’ve got a good head for managing money, so just do what you always do.”

“Now you’re making me second-guess myself…”

“Akira, they trust you.”

“Heh…”

Feeling embarrassed, I turned away from everyone.

“Alright. I’ll use the money wisely.”

“You could indulge yourself a bit more, you know.”

“Hehe.”

“Don’t laugh, Lalaila…”

Somehow, my back felt itchy with all this attention.

Remaining Balance: 2,635,717 yen.