Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 166. The Bumpy Family And The Project

Spent the whole morning negotiating the details at the Fashion Guild.

First, while I couldn’t provide an exact count, I informed them that we had secured a certain number of sewing machines. This is because they can be bought from the SHOP at any time. Keeping it vague was to prevent potential inconsistencies.

Next, I promised to speak privately with the Smithing Guild soon and gather skilled craftsmen. However, since I’ve never dealt directly with the Smithing Guild before, I asked for some time.

We may need to stay in this country longer than expected, but I’ll have to ask Lalaila’s mother to be patient. The church shouldn’t be a problem. In a civilization like this, delays of several months on journeys are commonplace.

Still, things might progress faster than expected. After all, it’s a witch leading the negotiations. I wouldn’t be surprised if things are settled tomorrow.

With this, I had my excuse ready to establish a factory before mass-producing sewing machines. Apparently, the Smithing Guild would take a big cut from the sewing machine manufacturing rights. That can’t be helped.

If I can reach Cherina…

Her crimson hair and composed, slightly youthful profile flashed in my mind.

…I just wanted to talk business. Yes.

Switching gears, I continued. The Fashion Guild would likely strictly manage the use and purchase of sewing machines. Even if we aim for mass production, making a few units per month would be impressive. Even Hagg was struggling with it. Initially, the machines would only be sold to guild-approved merchants—essentially fashion brand merchants dedicated to clothing production.

A specialized project team was to be formed within the Fashion Guild, and I would work with Guildmaster Felicia and the project members moving forward. They introduced me to a few team members.

All of them were beautiful women. Was this intentional? No, I’d prefer to believe that clothing-related work is simply a woman’s domain in this world.

When I demonstrated the sewing machine, they were initially amazed but soon turned pale. They must have realized that the skill they honed over long years of hand-sewing precise, straight stitches might become obsolete.

It’s okay. You can become a sewing machine professional. Plus, clothes won’t be finished by machine alone. There will always be parts that need to be sewn by hand.

Even without my reassurance, prolonged use would help them understand. The first step was getting them accustomed to it. Later, Uthis would join the team.

Uthis’s main role was to serve as a liaison with me. Of course, they would also learn to use the sewing machine, but their practical position would be as the project’s sub-manager.

I was initially concerned about not having a guild member, but it turned out that the company where Uthis worked was ideal as the first merchant to receive a sewing machine. It was deemed valuable to have someone with comprehensive project knowledge on hand.

Afterward, Felicia treated me to lunch, and I learned more about this country.

The country was prospering and attracting many people, but there were also many refugees. I learned that these people tended to congregate in slums.

It’s unclear what some god is planning, but it seems there’s some intent to help humanity. …Though, when I recall that letter, it seems more like a whim.

Leaving the Fashion Guild, I headed to the Adele Company next.

It appeared smaller, and its employees were bustling about as usual. I caught a young worker and asked them to call Rotten. I handed them 50 yen as a tip, which they initially refused until I insisted. A well-disciplined company.

Remaining funds: 2,557,347 yen.

“Isn’t it Akira-sama? Today… you’re here on business, aren’t you?”

A monocle-wearing man, Rotten Magua, emerged from the back, instantly understanding as he saw the bundle I carried under my arm.

Wrapped in a blanket was a long, rectangular object. I wore a business smile.

“Yes, I have a profitable proposal. Preferably in private.”

We were in the company lobby, with employees and merchants bustling about.

“I understand. This way, please.”

He led me to a small room like the one Cherina used—windowless and designed with anti-eavesdropping measures. Its thick walls discouraged any sneaky listening or peeking.

I sat down with peace of mind.

“How did the jerky sales I brought last time go?”

Starting with small talk.

“They sold quite well. High quality. Not just among gourmet nobles but also among merchants who have developed a taste for luxury.”

“I’m glad to hear it’s profitable.”

“What do you mean?”

“If it hadn’t been profitable, we might not be meeting today.”

“Ha-ha-ha, that would never happen. I only buy items with profit potential. It was impossible for it not to sell, and even if it didn’t, the Adele Company would never act dishonorably towards you, Akira-sama.”

“Impressive thinking.”

“Does this alleviate any concerns about our new deal?”

Rotten played along with my theatrical chatter. I appreciated it.

“Yes. First, please take a look at this.”

I carefully removed the blanket covering the item leaning against the wall.

“This is…”

Rotten widened his eyes, adjusting his monocle repeatedly as he stared.

“What a magnificent, enormous… And to think it can be made so flat…”

Whether genuinely entranced or putting on an act, Rotten seemed completely absorbed.

“I’ve never traded this product before. What do you think of the quality?”

He snapped out of it, straightened up, and stood tall.

“It is… remarkable. I’ve been in trade for many years, but I’ve never even heard rumors of something so large and flawless… It’s like something out of a storybook.”

“I see. Would you be interested in trading for it?”

“Frankly, I’d hate to see it go to another company.”

“Good. I, too, wish to work closely with the Adele Company.”

“But… for such an exquisite piece, the frame is a bit… crude, wouldn’t you say? Not to haggle, of course!”

His candidness revealed that the wooden frame likely appeared subpar in this wood-centered world.

Perhaps there was another motive, but it was beyond me. However, I trusted that Rotten wouldn’t exploit me for profit.

“Shall we discuss the finer details?”

“Certainly.”

My business smile reflected back from the mirror.