Konbini Ossan Volume 2 Chapter 14 – Buying Up Scrap Cloth
The day after selling the tattered robes to the rookie adventurers, I left the shop in Arisa-san’s care during our slow hours and headed out to a certain location.
I passed through the shopping district, then through the residential area, and finally reached a neighborhood where land was cheap and many poor families lived.
Following the directions I had gathered in advance, I made my way to a specific building.
“So this is the place. Looks sturdier than I expected.”
Where I arrived was an orphanage — the same one that supplies the tattered robes to the robe shop.
It was a surprisingly large stone building, fully dedicated to housing the orphanage. Behind it stretched a sizable plot of land.
This was probably all part of the orphanage grounds. After all, raising children calls for a spacious yard where they can play.
Looking more closely, I noticed that the orphanage was adorned with symbols like crosses and statues of winged humans.
Judging by that, it likely doubled as a religious institution—probably a philanthropic venture by a religious organization, both as community service and to gain followers.
“Excuse me, do you need something?”
As I stood studying the orphanage, a voice called out from behind me. Turning around, I found a woman dressed in what appeared to be a nun’s habit.
“Ah, and you are...?”
“I am Isabella, the director of this orphanage.”
The woman — Isabella — smiled warmly and gave a slight bow. She had a kind air about her and was quite beautiful. I returned the gesture politely.
“Pardon my late introduction. My name is Otogi. I run a magic tool shop for adventurers.”
“For… adventurers?”
Isabella tilted her head slightly, seemingly not grasping the connection.
Understandable — there’s little obvious link between an orphanage and a store for adventurers.
So, I got straight to the point.
“I heard that this orphanage supplies robes to a local robe shop. I came today to ask if you might also supply robes to my store.”
“Oh my, I see! If you’re willing to purchase those robes, then by all means.
…
Otogi-sama, please come inside and let’s discuss the details further.”
The moment she realized I was interested in purchasing those tattered robes — effectively a donation — her demeanor shifted.
She eagerly ushered me into the orphanage, clearly determined not to let this opportunity escape.
If I’m to be caught by a beautiful woman, I suppose there are worse fates. I went along with her willingly.
Letting Isabella lead, I stepped inside the orphanage.
“Let’s speak in the director’s office. That way, the children won’t interrupt our conversation.”
“I see. But even if they did, it would only show how lively they are. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”
“Thank you for saying that. Some merchants get quite upset about it.”
They probably find it disrespectful to be interrupted during business talks.
But it’s unrealistic to expect adult-level etiquette from children. Personally, I see it as a sign of healthy curiosity and potential.
Before long, we reached the director’s office without being swarmed by children.
A few of them eyed me curiously but didn’t approach. They must have understood that I was a guest of the director.
“Now then, Otogi-sama. Are you already familiar with the robes we make here?”
We both took our seats and began the discussion.
She opened with a cautious question — likely to confirm I understood that the robes they made were of old cloth, avoiding misunderstandings.
“Yes, of course. I’ve already purchased a few from the robe shop and have been selling them as magic tools in my store.”
“Oh my, is that so? Thank you very much.”
Isabella bowed again, genuinely smiling. Even though it was a business discussion, she seemed truly delighted.
She was one of those people who made conversation feel pleasant.
“However, I must apologize. This time, I’m not looking to buy the tattered robes themselves.”
At my words, Isabella blinked and tilted her head in confusion.
“Um… we only produce robes from reclaimed cloth, I’m afraid…”
“I understand. That’s why I will be providing the cloth myself.”
“Pardon?”
Isabella still looked puzzled, so I decided to lay it out clearly.
“In other words, I’ll supply the fabric. I’d like you and the children here to sew that fabric into robes.
…
Of course, I won’t charge for the cloth, and I’ll pay fair compensation based on the number and quality of the robes produced.”
Once I explained it plainly, Isabella’s face lit up with joy.
“Oh my, oh my! What a wonderful proposal!”
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E/N:
I apologise for the delayed upload, I slept off last night and forgot 😭
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