Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 164. The Bumpy Family And The Breast Demon (Lift-Up)

When Felicia, the head of the Clothing Guild, sat down on her chair, her massive magical breasts shook vigorously. Yet, despite this, she had an incredibly slender waist—making for an extraordinary figure. The cliché onomatopoeia “bon-kyu-bon” almost seemed inadequate.

“Isn’t it a bit cruel to display such a tool and then say it isn’t for sale?”

With a sly, bewitching smile, Felicia exerted pressure, almost glaring upward. I had to resist being overwhelmed by her allure.

“There are several reasons, one being that the price has not been decided.”

“And what does that mean?”

“We’re working on mass production but have yet to consult with any of the blacksmith guilds.”

“Even though you have a prototype?”

“This one was excavated, actually.”

“…I think I’m starting to understand.”

When she folded her arms, the soft mass settled on top. She’s definitely showing off! Dammit! I refuse to fall for any seductive tactics!

“We’re currently verifying whether mass production is possible, but with a gathering of skilled dwarf craftsmen, it looks promising.”

“Hmm…”

Felicia placed a hand on her chin, contemplating. Whenever she moved, her chest swayed—an eye-catching, yet toxic sight.

“I’d like to hear a more complex discussion soon.”

“Of course. First, about this sewing machine… I’d appreciate your assistance with mass production.”

“So, you call it a sewing machine? And yet, a fabric shop bowing to a smithy?”

“Wouldn’t it be mutually beneficial? Besides, who makes the needles? I don’t think we’re enemies.”

“Kuh. Not so easily swayed, huh?”

“Surely you can imagine, Felicia—rows of these sewing machines in motion.”

“Drop the titles. You can call me Akira.”

“Then, Felicia.”

“Fine by me. You could make quite the swindler, Akira.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Thirty sewing machines lined up… It would indeed be revolutionary. Quarrels with the smiths wouldn’t matter anymore.”

“Then, would you mediate?”

“Yes.”

This would make negotiations with the Blacksmith Guild easier. Hagg might be skilled at crafting but not at delicate discussions.

“As another condition, I’d like the factory built in the slums first.”

“A factory?”

“Yes, a workshop.”

“Why the slums specifically?”

“To revitalize it and employ the locals.”

Felicia immediately furrowed her brow.

“Why take such a risk?”

“The slums are dangerous because they lack jobs. Give them work, and naturally, they’ll become safer.”

Idealistic, sure. But it wasn’t entirely wrong. Given my quest’s stakes, I had to try everything possible.

“Assuming you’re right, why must we be the ones?”

“Simple. They are an affordable labor force, at least for now.”

“You’re asking us to hire unskilled workers?”

“How long would it take for someone to master this sewing machine?”

I activated it with a flourish. The rhythmic da-da-da-da hummed.

“…”

“I owe the slums a debt, and I’d like to repay it if possible.”

“…”

Felicia’s scowl remained. I chose this moment to add a negative condition.

“Once the sewing machine is completed, production will go to the Blacksmith Guild, and the Clothing Guild will handle operations. However, I’d like exclusive rights for the machine’s sale to a merchant guild called Veliero in the West and for them to use it like your guild.”

“Veliero Guild?”

“You’re familiar?”

“Furiena Veliero is an old friend.”

Whoa! Is there some kind of witch’s pact!?

“I see. Then, negotiations should be easier.”

“Friend or not, I’m not giving up such a lucrative opportunity.”

Fair enough.

“I owe the Veliero Guild a debt too. So, these terms are non-negotiable.”

“But…”

“Perhaps manufacturing and usage could be restricted within this town or country?”

“Not enough. We need a sales ban as well.”

“That’s fine… though it seems wasteful.”

“…What do you mean?”

“It’s surprising you’d propose to cut sales.”

“What? I don’t understand. If two stores sell it, revenue halves.”

Ah? For a self-proclaimed iron lady, her business sense was lacking. Furiena, Cherina’s mother, would’ve grasped this instantly.

“In a saturated market, perhaps. But our nation is thriving, with a rapidly expanding population.”

I hoped Cherina’s new country, Tessa, would prosper too.

“Market expansion should be prioritized. First, we must instill the habit of buying new clothes.”

Most commoners buy used clothing, picking through heaps in stalls for their size. Kids wear hand-me-downs multiple times over.

“Sell new clothes to commoners…?”

Felicia seemed interested now.

“It’s possible with sewing machines. Ready-made clothes.”

“Ready-made…?”

“Mass-produce three general sizes, using templates.”

“Templates… unfamiliar terms.”

I grinned.

“Templates are like blueprints for clothes. They allow mass production of identical sizes and styles, minimizing the need for skilled tailoring. Custom orders demand high skill; sewing machines and templates do not.”

She’d grasp the nuance.

“Identical mass production… Does it matter?”

“Cost efficiency. Repeated designs become faster, making individual pieces dirt cheap. Color variety? Simple fabric swaps.”

“Introduce sewing machines into current practices, then.”

“Your clientele remains merchants and nobles.”

“True.”

“Felicia, you underestimate the power of volume.”

“Excuse me?”

“Forgive me, but could you share the rough prices and sales of popular clothing items?”

Felicia’s refined face tensed. Reasonable. I was asking for her hand.

She paced the room before approaching the sewing machine.

“May I try?”

“Of course. I’ll guide you. Incorrect handling can cause injury.”

“I know.”

Over thirty minutes, she tested various fabrics, asking precise questions. I answered honestly about the capabilities, limitations, and maintenance costs.

Her hands, delicate but capable, produced a small pouch—a potential coin purse, sewn with curve precision. She’d outmatched me already.

Gazing at her work, she turned.

“General figures on affiliated guilds and merchants?”

I nodded deeply.