I explained our situation to Mr. Braimon and Ms. Madret. I told them that we were reaching the limit of available space to display our products, customers were being kept waiting, and the store had started to feel cramped for them.

“Oh, you're moving your store to a new location!”

“Oh my, that's really impressive. But it’s a bit sad that Mr. Tetsuya and Ms. Lilia will be moving away...”

“I'm really happy to hear you say that. But even though we're moving, we’re not planning to leave this town.”

After all, I want to run my business here in this town where beginner adventurers gather. I don’t intend to open a store far from the town of Al-Flare. Opening a branch might be an option, but for now, it's fine as long as we can distribute our products to adventurer guilds in other towns.

“That being said, I’d like to ask for your help—both of you who know real estate well—to help us find a new property. Of course, this will be a formal request, as a proper business matter.”

When we chose this current store, Lilia and I went around more than ten properties listed by real estate agents in Al-Flare. But this time, we're considering not only rental properties but also purchasing land and a building. That’s why I want to rely on these professionals.

We’re neighbors and have a good relationship, but business is business. I fully intend to pay the standard brokerage fee. ...Though I must admit, I do hope they’ll be more diligent than with regular clients because we’re neighbors.

“Ah, if that’s the case, leave it to us! I’ll find a store that meets your liking, Mr. Tetsuya!”

“Yes. If that’s the case, please leave it to us.”

“Thank you very much. I’m counting on you.”

“Sorry to trouble you, but we’re in your hands.”

I’m glad to hear they’re willing to take the job without issue.

“Hmm, in that case, maybe we should ask other real estate agents for help too.”

“Yes, if Mr. Tetsuya is looking for a new store, I’m sure the other agents will also be willing to cooperate.”

“Hmm, so there’s cooperation among real estate agencies too?”

“Oh yes. Basically, agents prefer to sell or rent out properties listed through their own agency to get full commissions. But for large properties, the number is limited. The brokerage fee is the same, and if we go through other agencies, we still receive a portion of the fee. It’s better to search broadly for a good property that way. It will take a bit more time though—but you're not in a rush to move, right?”

“Yes, we’re not in that much of a hurry. Then please handle it that way.”

It seems that for large properties in this town, the total number available is quite limited. And apparently, real estate agents also refer clients to each other. The commission doesn't change, and I’d rather be shown more properties, so that helps us a lot.

As expected, real estate professionals know more about this than I do. It was definitely the right choice to consult with them.

“So, Mr. Tetsuya, what kind of property are you looking for?”

“Let’s see... We’re considering both renting and purchasing. It’s okay if the location is a little farther from the town center or the Adventurer Guild, but in return, I’d like the store to be about twice the current size.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Mr. Braimon jotted down my request. Basically, I want the same conditions as our current store.

In the town of Al-Flare, the closer you get to the center, the more high-end the stores become. It’s also where the Adventurer Guild and Commercial Guild are located—major institutions are concentrated there.

Of course, the closer you are to the center, the higher the rent becomes. Thankfully, our store has become quite well-known in this town, so even if we’re a bit away from the center, customers should still come.

Of course, ideally, I'd like a location near the entrance closest to the forest that adventurers frequent or close to the Adventurer Guild, but more importantly, I’d like to display more products and lower prices by saving on rent. That would be better for the customers too.

Our shop’s main target is beginner adventurers, so we aim to provide better products at cheaper prices.

“It would be ideal if the property also had a living space for me. Though, if necessary, I don’t mind if it’s separate.”

Ideally, it would be like the current store, with living quarters on the second floor. But large properties are limited, so in the worst case, I’m fine commuting from my home to the store.

If possible, I’d really prefer a property that includes living space. I mean, you can go straight home after work! And in the morning, you can sleep until the last minute. That’s a huge perk, no doubt about it!

Well, saying something like that might earn me a scolding from someone back in the original world who had a one-hour commute every day...

“...Uh, just like before, it’s okay for Lilia to live together as my guard, right?”

“Yeah, of course. A-as long as you’re okay with that, Tetsuya...”

“Of course I don’t mind. Then, please look for a place with living space for two.”

“Oh my, my!”

“Well, how sweet.”

““………………””

Now that I think about it, that exchange was embarrassingly awkward. It seems Lilia felt the same—her cheeks turned a little red.