Last week, the A-rank adventurers, Berna and Ferry, visited this town again. I told everyone at the shop before we opened, and they all listened with envious expressions.

“I wanted to see Berna and Ferry again too…”

“I also would have liked to meet them again.”

“Sorry, sorry. The shop was closed yesterday and the day before. But since we might be asking them for help more in the future, and because Lilia is their friend, I think they’ll come again.”

“Oh, that’s impressive. So you’re planning to make a request to those two?”

“It’s just a possibility. I heard Ferry can use storage magic, so I was thinking she might help transport food supplies to the capital and the towns along the way.”

“Wouldn't hiring an A-rank adventurer be extremely expensive?”

“...There are some special conditions, but for now, it seems manageable.”

For now, just like with Lange, they only ask for periodic deliveries of stick ramen, alpha rice, instant curry, and snacks. But is that really enough…?

In addition, I’m thinking of covering their travel expenses from Al-Flare to the capital. Naturally, this means the selling price of the goods in the capital will be higher than in this town. But since the cost of living there is also higher, it should balance out.

The same goes for compasses and water purifiers. When distributing them to the capital and other towns, I plan to increase the price slightly to cover transportation and labor costs for selling them locally.

“Well, we won’t know for sure how it’ll go until a little later.”

Either way, we first need to confirm that the preservation packs work properly and that production can proceed.

Still, it seems everyone wanted to see Berna and Ferry again. I didn’t think it was necessary to call them over on a day off, but next time they visit, I’ll make sure to let everyone know.

As expected, those two really are idol-like figures in this world.

“By the way, they gave me some more good meat, so I made some smoked cuts. I’ll hand them out at the end of the day, so take them home and enjoy.”

Everyone looked really happy when I said that. Good food is best enjoyed together, after all.

“Welcome!”

The shop has been running smoothly lately. There are still morning rushes with lines of customers, but the rest of the day is calmer, and our staff has become more skilled at customer service.

“...!? Tetsuya, Number 4, please!”

“...! Got it!”

With just that one phrase from Fia, our peaceful day of business suddenly took a sharp turn.

Number codes, commonly used in restaurants in my old world, are also used in this outdoor shop.

In restaurants, these codes are discreet ways for staff to communicate without disturbing customers. I’ve never worked in food service myself, so I don’t know the exact standard, but we use them roughly like this: 1 for the restroom, 2 for a break, and 3 for restocking.

Technically, there’s no real need to use these codes here. But to be honest, we introduced them just for this specific Number 4.

“...Tetsuya, I’m going.”

“Yeah, I’m counting on you.”

Lilia pretends to check the products on display and subtly moves closer to the man who just entered.

...I see. He does match the description Angel gave us.

Yes, Number 4 is the emergency code for when Angel’s stalker shows up at the shop.

“...Tetsuya, there’s no mistake.”

“...Understood.”

Whenever a man resembling Angel’s stalker enters the store, Lilia or Lange—both of whom have combat abilities—quietly approach to observe him without drawing attention.

Meanwhile, Angel discreetly watches from the shadows to confirm if he is indeed the stalker from her previous workplace and relays the information to the rest of us.

Three times before, men who looked similar had visited the shop, but each time, Angel confirmed they were different people. This time, however, it seems to be the real one.

“...As planned, Angel, go to the register with Lange.”

“...Understood.”

Angel moves toward the register, where Lange and Fia are stationed. Right now, the stalker is browsing the shelves.

We already have a plan for when this happens. If the stalker becomes violent, Angel will be at the register with either Lange or Lilia, both of whom can fight.

Fia will keep her distance, while I observe from afar, making sure not to attract attention.

By the way, Dolph is the only one who has been given a different explanation for Number 4. To him, it just means I need to switch tasks due to back pain. I’ve even used the excuse a few times as a cover.

If Dolph knew that Angel’s stalker was in the shop, he might beat the guy up even if he hadn’t done anything yet.