“““Thank you very much.”””

Three days have passed since Gregor-san agreed to take on the prototype request. He didn’t give me the stereotypical “give me three days” line that dwarves in another world are famous for. Then again, I didn’t expect something like that to be done in just three days.

Considering he has other work as well, making prototypes like that must take time. Honestly, I would’ve been surprised if he said it could be done in three days. For now, let’s wait patiently for the prototype.

“Good work today, everyone. Thanks to you all, we managed to get through another day.”

This week, we also started selling a new product—alpha rice. It was particularly busy until early afternoon, when long lines of customers formed. But once that rush was over, things settled down, especially since the new product sold out quickly.

“The sales of the new alpha rice seem to be going smoothly. Just like stick ramen and nutritional bars, having proper daily meals is important.”

“It looks like not just adventurers but ordinary people are buying them for their daily meals and snacks now.”

“Fia’s family eats it sometimes too!”

It’s true that lately, even people who don’t look like adventurers have been visiting the outdoor shop to purchase food-related products. Ideally, I want fledgling adventurers to buy these products, which is why we’re selling them at a low price, but that’s a bit tricky.

By the way, all employees can purchase items like stick ramen, alpha rice, yokan, and chocolate bars from the shop at cost price. This is part of the employee benefits. We aim to be a worker-friendly shop.

“Speaking of which, I heard the maps we started selling at the Adventurer’s Guild are doing well too.”

According to a regular customer, the detailed map of the area around Al-Flare that went on sale earlier this week at the Adventurer’s Guild seems to be selling quite well.

“It’s more detailed and covers a wider area than the maps we had before. Plus, it’s not too expensive, so most adventurers are likely to buy it.”

“Yeah, it’s definitely convenient to have when traveling to other towns or taking on requests in far-off places. And when combined with a compass, it makes navigation much more precise.”

As Lange and Lilia said, maps and compasses are truly essential for adventurers. Since a portion of the map sales revenue goes to our shop, and selling maps doesn’t make us busier, leaving the sales to the Adventurer’s Guild seems to have been the right decision.

“Tetsuya-san, after you’ve seen Fia-chan off, can I have a word with you? Could you spare some time?”

“Sure, I’ve got time. What’s up?”

“…I’ll explain later. Once you’ve dropped Fia-chan off, come back quickly. It won’t take long.”

“Alright, I’ll wait. Should I hear it alone, or is it okay if Lilia and Lange are with me?”

“No, it’s fine if they’re there. In fact, I’d prefer if they hear it too.”

“Got it…”

Dolph spoke with an unusually serious expression. Oh no… could it be…?

“Oh no, this is bad… This has to be one of those times when Dolph is going to quit the shop!”

“I don’t know what Dolph said to make you think that, but I doubt it.”

“No, trust me! In my world, this kind of atmosphere is exactly what happens when someone’s about to quit their job! This is really bad… I’d be in serious trouble if Dolph left. Was it the low salary? Or was the job too demanding? Maybe it’s not too late to raise his pay and make him reconsider…”

Dolph had gotten used to working at the outdoor shop. His way of speaking might not be as polished as customer service in my old world, but in this world, it’s good enough.

He’s also gotten used to handling customers, and he rarely makes calculation mistakes anymore. Plus, he’s good-looking, popular with female adventurers, and strong enough to act as a guard. In a starting town like this, finding someone like Dolph again seems impossible.

“Hmm, Dolph seemed to be enjoying his work here, though. Personally, I have no complaints about the job, but then again, I know I’m a bit of an oddball.”

It’s nice of Lange to say that, but he does have a habit of only taking on requests that interest him, so calling him a bit eccentric isn’t entirely wrong.

“Lilia, do you think there’s anything to complain about? I’ll have to ask Fia-chan tomorrow too. If someone says the problem is with me as the manager, I’ll be seriously depressed…”

“Calm down, Tetsuya. There’s no issue with the shop, I can assure you of that. If Dolph is really thinking of quitting, it’s probably due to family… or maybe something to do with his sister, Angel.”

“Do you think so? If that’s the case, I’d like to help in any way I can…”

If there’s something going on with Dolph or Angel, I want to support them. It’s part of the manager’s job to create a comfortable working environment for employees!

Knock, knock.

“Tetsuya-san, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“It’s fine, I’ll open the door now.”

While I was talking to Lilia and Lange, Dolph arrived.

“Sorry to disturb you so late at night.”

“No problem. Angel, please come in as well.”

Dolph arrived with his sister, Angel. As Lilia suspected, it seems this has something to do with Angel.

Since there’s no dedicated reception room in this shop, we sat at the living room table. Dolph and Angel sat across from me, Lilia, and Lange. Slowly, Dolph began to speak.

“The truth is…”

My stomach churned… Please, don’t say you’re quitting the shop!

“Tetsuya-san, I have a request. Could you hire my sister, Angel, to work at this shop?”

“Tetsuya-san, please let me work here!”