"My second request is this: Could you introduce me to someone who can use storage magic and is also a capable adventurer for protection? Preferably someone trustworthy and experienced."

"Storage magic... I see, so that's what this is about."

Wow, Patrice is sharp as ever. It's a big help when someone catches on quickly.

"...What is this about?"

Well, it’s not surprising that Rizac doesn’t get it right away. Patrice’s ability to infer things is just exceptional.

"To explain, my shop sources its products from rather... unique locations. I’d like someone who can use storage magic to help with procurement regularly.

Also, since my shop sells exclusive products, there’s a risk that certain individuals might use force to discover where I source my goods. That’s why I also need someone to protect the storage magic user."

In this world, storage magic exists, commonly known as an "item box." It’s a handy magic that allows the user to store and carry items conveniently. This makes those who can use storage magic highly valued by merchants and adventurers alike.

Up until now, I’ve been selling products from a stall, bringing in a large supply at once and selling them gradually. But now that I’ll be operating a storefront, I need to appear as if I’m restocking regularly. Otherwise, people might become suspicious about where my products are coming from.

To address this, I plan to hire someone who can use storage magic and have them fake periodic supply runs. They’ll visit various out-of-the-way locations before coming to my shop, making it look like my goods are sourced from secret spots.

I’ll also need to explain the situation to the storage magic user, so they must be someone I can trust to keep things confidential.

"Ah, I see. Using storage magic for procurement makes sense. Your products are unique, so it’s safer than transporting them via wagon."

"Exactly. The items we sell aren’t particularly large, so storage capacity isn’t a big issue. As for protection, I don’t mind paying a premium for someone reliable and strong."

The capacity of storage magic depends on the user’s magical power. Fortunately, the camping gear I sell—compasses, portable water filters, and the like—are compact, so the required storage capacity isn’t high.

While it seems there are enough people who can use storage magic, finding a suitable protector is more challenging. In this starting town, which attracts fledgling adventurers, most C-rank and higher adventurers are either nearing retirement, like Lilia, or have some baggage.

"I could protect the person myself," Lilia offered.

"No, I’d prefer you to focus on guarding the shop. Procurement runs could take several days."

I’d like to keep the illusion that my products are sourced from a distant location.

"There is someone who fits Tetsuya’s requirements perfectly. They can use storage magic and are strong enough as a B-rank adventurer to not need additional protection."

"Ah, you mean Lange. They’re certainly experienced, and their skills are undeniable."

Rizac and Patrice seemed hesitant, even though Lange apparently fits the bill perfectly.

"If they can use storage magic and don’t need protection, that would save us a lot of trouble. Is there some issue with this Lange?"

"No, there’s no real issue, but they’re... peculiar. They’re extremely picky about the jobs they take. Lange always insists on meeting the client before accepting a request.

No matter how difficult or low-paying the task, if they decide to take it, they’ll see it through. Conversely, if they’re not interested, no amount of money will make them accept it."

"We’ve tried to figure out Lange’s criteria for accepting jobs, but we’ve never been able to. When asked, they just say they go with their ‘instincts.’"

"...I see."

It seems Lange is a person with quirks—perhaps many quirks.

"Also, they don’t stay in one place for long. They tend to wander from town to town. Luckily, they’re in this town for now. You should meet them first. I’ll also look into other candidates in case Lange declines."

"Thank you. That would be a great help."

It’s a bit disheartening to proceed under the assumption that I might be turned down, but Lange seems to be an unusual individual. Ideally, I’d prefer to entrust the procurement to someone who can use storage magic and doesn’t require protection, minimizing the number of people aware of the shop’s secrets.

The guild agreed to contact me at my inn once they reached Lange.

When a burly man with a fearsome face approached me earlier, I had no idea he was the Guild Master of this town. Despite his appearance, Rizac turned out to be reasonable, and Patrice seemed sharp and dependable. Hopefully, this will be the start of a good relationship with them.