The first day of the shop wrapped up successfully, though there were a few events at the end.

After closing, I went to apologize to the neighboring shops for any noise, only for them to thank me instead, saying they made more sales than usual. Thankfully, they sold clothes, so we didn’t compete.

Now, it’s time for the exciting part—checking the sales! I hadn’t kept track of individual sales during the day, but this outdoor shop has a handy feature for viewing purchase history. After enjoying a meal and drink back at the inn, I returned to my room.

"Alright, with operating hours from around midday to evening, that’s roughly four to five hours of work. Just selling three fire starters alone made a good profit.”

The wholesale cost for fire starters and twine is four silver coins, with a retail price of two gold coins. Selling three brings a profit of four gold and eight silver coins, which would’ve been enough for the day.

"On top of that, I sold about twelve sets of foldable spoons, forks, and mugs, making around 1.8 gold coins. Carabiners sold close to 20 units, adding another gold coin. Finally, with nearly 30 compasses sold, that’s another 3 gold coins in profit. Total profits for today amount to 10.6 gold coins.

“Not bad for the first day! After deducting the stall rental, lodging, and meal costs, the profit’s still around nine gold coins!”

In hourly terms, it’s close to 20,000 yen. Plus, with the shop opening only in the afternoon, it’s way more relaxed than working at my old job back in the black-company days.

“There's still some way to go for the next level-up, but at this rate, I could reach it in less than 10 days.”

In the upper-left corner of the outdoor shop display, it shows I need 46.8 more gold coins for the next level. Since I already spent five gold coins on camping gear to reach level 2, I didn’t gain much XP today.

But tomorrow, I’ll restock with new camping gear, gaining more XP. At this pace, it could take less than 10 days to level up. If the customers from today bring in others, or if Lilia’s referrals keep coming, I might level up even sooner. I wonder what new items will be available at the next level? I hope for more useful beginner-friendly gear like the compass.

“Let’s consider hiring someone from tomorrow. Following Lilia’s advice, I’ll visit the Adventurers’ Guild in the morning and see if I can find a day laborer.”

I felt a bit short-handed today, so if more customers show up tomorrow, an extra set of hands would help. Lilia mentioned five silver coins for a half-day. I’ll confirm at the Adventurers’ Guild tomorrow.

Time to get ready for another good day!

This morning, I head to the Adventurers’ Guild to hire some help. Since I went to bed early last night, I managed to wake up reasonably early.

"Oh, you’re up early today.”

"Yep, I’m going to the Adventurers’ Guild this morning.”

"Have a good day, big brother!”

"Thanks, Albera, I’ll be back!”

I leave the inn after Albera’s cheerful send-off. Today feels promising. The inn serves great food every night, and the extra camping gear makes moving around easier, so I’ve ended up staying here for a while.

Last night’s stew with horned rabbit meat was delicious! I’ve never had rabbit meat in my world, but maybe it tastes like that. If only the drinks were chilled…

"Big brother, would you like some flowers?”

On my way to the guild, a girl selling flowers catches my eye. Al-Flare has affordable living costs, but some people here still struggle to make ends meet, so even children help out.

The inn I’m staying at doesn’t need the extra income, but apparently, having Albera as a greeter boosts their business. Word is the innkeeper even taught her to call male guests “big brother.” She knows what she’s doing…

"I’ll take ten, then.”

Though I’ve seen kids selling flowers around noon, I hadn’t bought any before. After making good money yesterday, it doesn’t hurt to help a little. Plus, I could decorate the stall with these.

It won’t make a huge difference for her income, and there are many kids selling flowers out of necessity. Some may call it insincere, but I’d rather do something than nothing. Now that I have the means, I’ll buy flowers whenever I see kids selling them.

"Ten? Really? Thank you, big brother! That’ll be one silver... Oh! It’s you from before!”

"Huh? Oh…?”

"Maybe this will jog your memory?”

"Oh, right! You’re the girl I bumped into!”

She pulls back her hood, revealing brown animal ears and a large, fluffy fox tail swishing behind her. She’s the girl I accidentally bumped into the other day, whose bread I’d replaced.