Konbini Ossan Volume 3 Chapter 10 — What the Heroes Seek

“Let’s not dwell on gloomy topics. It’s not every day that we get to meet fellow countrymen here.

…

More importantly, what do you think? Perhaps you’d be interested in one of our specialty enchanted robes?”

I shifted the conversation, slipping in a bit of sales talk.

“These robes are imbued with shape-memory and shock-absorbing enchantments. They’re far sturdier than ordinary armor, while remaining light.

…

How about it? They’re especially well-suited for rear guards like Matsuriya-kun or Mimori-san, who want both mobility and protection.”

“Really?”

Mimori tilted her head, curiosity in her voice, and wandered over to look at the robes on display.

But since they were all practical adventurer gear, the designs didn’t seem to catch her fancy, and she quickly lost interest.

Matsuriya, on the other hand, seemed intrigued, though he didn’t move to inspect them. He only cast a few thoughtful glances their way.

“I don’t think Keiichi and I need them. The armor we got from the kingdom is lighter than feathers and even reflects magic!”

Toudou puffed out his chest, gesturing to the gleaming armor he and Kanehama wore.

Magic reflection was beyond my own craft, so in terms of raw performance, their gear was unquestionably superior.

For adventurers, the robes made sense, but with royal treasures like that, they had little reason to bother.

On the other hand, magic-users often preferred robes.

Carrying enchanted tools required ample pockets and utility, and these robes combined practicality with solid defense.

“The robes Mimori-san and I received from the kingdom are focused on boosting and amplifying magic.

…

Layering them with yours could actually work well,” Matsuriya remarked.

“Layering? Wouldn’t wearing them underneath be fine?” Mimori asked, sounding doubtful.

“Of course not. The durable robe has to protect the magic-enhancing one. If you wear it underneath, you only protect yourself.

…

If the enchanted robe is destroyed, your offensive strength drops.”

“Oh, I see… makes sense. Honestly, I was going to pass because they didn’t look very cute, but if that’s how it is…”

Mimori gave a small nod, convinced by Matsuriya’s logic.

“Well then, if Matsuriya-kun says so, maybe I should get them after all.”

“Yes, by all means.”

“Alright, Otsugi-san. Could I have two of these robes?”

She pulled out their money. It seemed she was the one managing their finances, like a party leader in an adventurer team.

“Thank you very much.”

And with that purchase, I had forged my first tangible connection with the four heroes.

The fact that Matsuriya, in particular, seemed favorably disposed was a promising start.

“Don’t you have anything more… fun?” Toudou asked, looking bored.

“Well, considering you heroes have been given an abundance of equipment by the royal palace, my shop’s stock might not quite satisfy you.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s true. We get to use national treasures like they’re nothing. No way your shop can compete with that, old man.”

“Still, there may be some things you’d enjoy.”

With that, I brought out a bag filled with kanro(sweet dew) mochi, my improved take on standard adventurer rations.

(E/N: Kanro [甘露] means nectar however, to give it a fantasy-like feel, it's Sweet Dew; it is also the name of one of the skills Unc has)

“This is a tastier version of the usual traveling provisions. In fact, the flavor is reminiscent of a Japanese snack — something similar to a kinako stick.”

(E/N: "Kanro mochi" and "kinako sticks" are completely different sweet snacks, as the base ingredients for former is rice while latter is soyabean. Thus, the taste differs. Just to clarify, Unc is selling traveling rations that look like kanro mochi but taste like kinako sticks.)

“Kinako sticks? Oh! I actually love those kinds of dagashi!”

(E/N: Dagashi [駄菓子] means "trivial snacks", ones that are cheap and kids love them in general. Basically a type of Japanese sweet snacks. Just fyi, sorry for the yap 😂.)

To my surprise, it was Mimori who perked up. I had intended to market the product by appealing to nostalgia, but it seemed her personal tastes lined up perfectly.

“Would you like to try one?”

I opened the bag, exposing the contents. It could no longer be sold, so I’d later cover the cost from my own pocket.

The kanro mochi looked plain, like little brown pellets. Appearance wasn’t something I could afford to fuss over with mass-produced rations.

“Just one, then!”

Mimori eagerly popped one into her mouth and chewed.

“You’re right! It really does taste like a kinako stick!”

Her face lit up with pleasant surprise, her smile widening as she enjoyed the flavor.

The others, seeing her reaction, grew interested and each tried one as well.

“This really brings me back. I ate these when I was a kid.”

“Man, this is straight-up Japanese. Feels weird tasting it in another world, but… I kinda love it. Thanks, old man!”

“Hm. Functional and tasty — a good combination. Having something like this prepared before being sent into battle might not be a bad idea.”

Each of them gave a favorable response. Still, the only one who actually purchased some was Mimori.

“I’ll definitely come back for these dagashi. Please keep them stocked, Otsugi-san.”

She smiled brightly, clearly satisfied. Whatever the case, it seemed she had taken a genuine liking to them.

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E/N:

Never have I tried these assortments! When I go to Japan, I'll buy some. At least, they won't make me go broke 😭.

Ossan certainly appealed well to Mimori and Matsuriya-kun! Let's see what happens!

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