“I-I see...”

I was a bit taken aback by how passionately Berna was speaking halfway through. She must have really wanted to convey just how amazing these compasses were. I mean, I didn’t even know compasses worked in underground dungeons...

“At first, I also couldn’t believe that such a convenient tool existed, one that always points in a consistent direction. But after seeing the real thing and actually using it in a dungeon, it truly did reduce the time needed for exploration significantly.”

“...It made everything much easier.”

It’s clear that knowing a consistent direction in a maze-like dungeon would make exploration much simpler. Also, I didn’t expect Ferry to speak in such a manner.

“Because of that, the nation, wanting to quickly clear this dungeon, tasked the Adventurers’ Guild with the request. In turn, the guild issued us an emergency mission to come to this outdoor shop, where compasses are sold, for negotiations.”

“...I heard from the Adventurers’ Guild that Lilia was here.”

“Yes. Before heading to this shop, we were instructed to stop by the Al-Flare City Adventurers’ Guild, where we learned that Lilia works here.”

“I see, so that’s how it is.”

“And so, Tetsuya, this is an official letter from the Royal Capital’s Adventurers’ Guild. It requests that we purchase 100 compasses from your shop at ten times the current selling price.”

“Ten times!?”

Both Lilia and I were shocked. Currently, compasses are sold for two silver coins each, which is about 2,000 yen. Ten times that would be 20,000 yen per compass. Twenty thousand yen for a single compass... that’s insane.

Normally, one would expect a large merchant to handle such negotiations, but sending A-rank adventurers and offering to buy at ten times the price shows just how serious the Adventurers’ Guild is about this.

“If anything, even at that price, it’s still a bargain. These tools make it easier to navigate during travel between towns and villages, and in dungeons, they provide an unparalleled level of convenience without consuming magic or taking up space. Selling them for just two silver coins is unbelievable.”

“...Everything in this shop is way too cheap.”

“This shop was started as more of a hobby. I was saved by rookie adventurers in this town, and the people here have helped me so much. That’s how this shop came to be. That’s why I want to keep prices affordable for rookie adventurers.”

When I first came to this world, if it weren’t for Roya and the others saving me, I might have died on the spot. Then, thanks to Lilia, Fia, and the rookie adventurers who became our customers, I was finally able to establish this shop.

...And it’s definitely not because I regret not realizing compasses could be used in dungeons and sold for much higher prices! Definitely not! I mean it!

“I understand your reasoning, so I’ll agree to sell the compasses. And the price will remain the same as what we normally sell them for in our shop. In exchange, please let the Royal Capital’s Adventurers’ Guild know that if anything happens to this shop in the future, I’d like them to lend a hand.”

Right now, I have enough financial leeway from map profits and encyclopedia royalties. Creating a debt of gratitude with the Royal Capital’s Adventurers’ Guild is more valuable than receiving money.

“...Are you really okay with that?”

“Yes, it’s fine. Also, I’ll sell 100 compasses this time, but I was already planning to gradually start selling compasses and other items to Adventurers’ Guilds in other towns, so please let them know to wait just a little longer.”

“...Are you really, truly sure about this?”

“Yes, I’m really, truly sure.”

She’s really emphasizing this. Does she not believe me? I just want to build a good relationship with the guild, rather than making money this time.

Besides, being able to help adventurers, earn a bit of money, and maintain my laid-back lifestyle—I’m very content with how things are. My priority is to preserve this way of life.

“Understood. Truly, thank you so much. I was so worried about what we would do if you refused.”

“...If it came to that, I was considering using mind-control magic.”

“Mind-control magic!?”

That’s terrifying! There’s magic like that in this world!?

“...It was just a joke.”

“………………”

When someone as expressionless and taciturn as Ferry says it, it doesn’t sound like a joke...

“Ferry, you’re as usual. Tetsuya, Ferry sometimes makes these kinds of jokes.”

Apparently, that’s just Ferry’s personality. I still can’t quite get a read on her...

“Your way of thinking is truly admirable! If only there were more merchants like you in the Royal Capital...”

“...As a merchant, you’re a failure. But as a person, you’re amazing.”

Well, I’m fully aware I’m a failure as a merchant.

And in the Royal Capital, where competition among merchants is fierce, someone with such a naive mindset would likely be weeded out immediately. Considering all that, opening my shop in this starting town was definitely the right choice.

“I’m glad to see that Lilia is working at such a wonderful shop. Personally, I’d love to help as well. If anything comes up, please don’t hesitate to rely on me—not just the Adventurers’ Guild!”

“...For Lilia’s sake, I’ll cooperate with this shop too.”