Konbini Ossan Volume 4 Chapter 5 — A New System
It’s been about half a month since I recruited Shirley and brought her into the magic tools shop.
Just the other day, she finally started working, and so far, things are going well.
Maria has been put in charge of the sales floor overall, while Shirley handles sales planning and product strategies.
Since Maria already has familiarity with the customers and knows the ins and outs of the business, she was the natural choice for the floor.
On the other hand, decisions like which products to push based on sales trends, or where to cut costs based on profit margins, are left to Shirley.
On her first day, I drilled the necessary knowledge into her, then had her work alongside the regular staff on the shop floor to gain firsthand experience.
After that, I asked her to start making management decisions from a different angle than Maria.
To my surprise, Shirley picked things up at an astonishing pace. By the very next day, she was already making suggestions for the sales floor.
“I actually have information-processing skills!”
She said this proudly. Though she didn’t show me her status, from how quickly she learns, I have no doubt it’s true.
Thinking about it, guild receptionists have brutal workloads. They juggle diverse tasks while simultaneously dealing with adventurers at the counter.
Having that kind of skill is only natural.
In fact, I recall that even as my dedicated receptionist, she handled my massive daily deliveries of herbs, on top of her regular duties.
Without a skill to help, that workload would have been impossible.
In that sense, it might be because she was so capable that her normal receptionist work started to feel unfulfilling.
Either way, Shirley is learning the job much faster than I anticipated.
Even better, the teamwork among the three has turned out excellent.
Since Shirley herself has skills, and Maria, as the wife of a former A-rank adventurer, understands their importance, they both respect Arisa’s cheat skill «Calculator».
Thanks to that, even if the two disagree, Arisa makes the final decision. It prevents friction and ensures quick, clean decision-making.
Now that I’ve seen the three-person system in action, I realize it works far better than I expected.
The day when I can fully devote myself to the factory may be closer than I thought.
I shared all this with each of them, to encourage them and let them know I was counting on them.
Each of them, however, gave me unexpected replies.
“It might work out fine and all. But hey, at least show your face at the shop sometimes, alright?
…
We started this place together, the two of us. When the old man disappears, it’s kinda… lonely, y’know?”
That was Arisa, sounding a bit sulky. It seems she’s grown attached to the magic tools shop. That makes me happy.
And to think she went so far as to say she’d feel lonely without me. As an uncle, that really warms my heart.
“Yes, of course. I want to see your face too, Arisa. I’ll come back to visit.”
“Id-Idiot! That’s not what I meant!”
Her face turned red as she looked away. My niece really is a good, adorable girl. I can’t help but want to make sure she finds happiness.
Next, I spoke with Shirley.
“Um, Otsugi-san, even if you start this new project, you’re not planning to abandon the magic tools shop, right?”
“No. Once the factory settles down, I’ll return. I still want to grow this store even more.”
At that, Shirley visibly relaxed.
“I’m glad to hear that. Then I’ll protect and nurture this shop so that whenever you come back, it’s ready for you!”
“Yes, I’ll be counting on you.”
“I’ll be waiting. You’d better.”
With that, she gave me a playful wink before heading back to work.
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E/N:
Arisa-chan's such a tsundere! And for some reason my MTL was translating Shirley for Shuri-kun, tf?! Is it homosexual? 🤣
Anyway, stay tuned!
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Check out the other novel I'm working on! - Soul Devourer of Infinite Growth
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