ITSUJITA ~ C25: The person being waited for still hasn't shown up

 

Chapter 25: The person being waited for still hasn't shown up

 

 

It's been two days since Nesca-san gave me some information about the Adventurers' Guild.

I was told that the inspectors would be in town by the end of today at the latest, but.......

 

"Shirou Onii-chan, the inspectors, haven't come, right?"

 

"No, they haven't."

 

"I wonder if they are lost their way."

 

"It seems to be a straight road to the next town. Are they taking a side tour or something?"

 

"I hope they come soon."

 

The sun had already begun to set and is disappearing behind the mountains.　

I feel sorry for Karen, who's been waiting at the town entrance since yesterday to welcome the guests.

 

Well, I'm also wearing a formal dress (borrowed from Karen-san) to welcome the guests.

Maybe it's because I'm not used to wearing such clothes, so I get tired just standing here.

I want to be free as soon as possible.

 

There is no sign that they would show up.

There are only two reasons I can think of for being late.

 

Either there was an accident, or the inspectors are just not very punctual people.

Though from what I've heard from Ryer, the latter reason is more likely.

 

"Oh, the sound of the bell."

 

Aina tilted her head and listened carefully.

From the center of town, she could hear the sound of bells ringing.

These bells are rung several times a day to inform the residents about the time.

 

The bell that was ringing now indicates the evening.

In other words, it was a sign that the sun is setting and people should go home.

 

"I guess they're not coming today. OK. You can go home, Aina-chan. Thank you for today. Good night."

 

"Shirou Onii-chan, thank you for your hard work."

 

Aina said and smiled at me.

 

"You should go home before it gets dark."

 

"Yes, I will. What about Shirou Onii-chan?"

 

"Hmm, I think I'll stay a little longer in case the inspectors arrive at the last minute."

 

"Then Aina will stay too."

 

"No, don't do that. Aina's mother will be worried. Right?"

 

"...... OK. I understand."

 

Aina nodded her head in agreement with my advice.

I've never asked her about it, but I knew that her mother must be very important to Aina.

She's only eight years old, but she's already working to help her mother.

 

"Shirou Onii-chan, see you tomorrow."

 

Aina walked out of the store with a regretful look on her face.

I also walk out of the store and wave to Aina until I can't see her anymore.

 

"Shirou Oni-chan. Bye-bye!"

 

Aina looked back at me and waved at me again and again.

I didn't want to lose, so I waved back too. When Aina was out of sight, I went back inside my store.

 

◇◆◇◆◇

 

Even after an hour, the inspectors did not show up.

The sun had set, and without streetlights, Ninorich is completely dark.

In addition, there are no bars, so the whole area is quiet.

 

Maybe it's enough.

I got up from my chair to lock the door of the store.

 

"Excuse me. Is this Shirou store?"

 

Suddenly, a petite woman who looked like an adventurer walked into the store.

I remembered that I hadn't decided on a name for the store, but I unconsciously reply her.

 

"Yes, that's right."

 

The woman looked relieved.

 

"Thank God. Are you are still open?"

 

"I see you're an adventurer. What can I do for you?"

 

More than half of the customers are adventurers.

That's why I'm used to dealing with adventurers.

I'm even able to make light jokes and laugh with them.

 

"Well, I heard from an acquaintance that this store has items for adventurers. I came here to see what kind of items you have."

 

"I see."

 

"I apologize for coming at this late hour, but would you mind if I take a look at some of the items in this store? I'm in a bit of a hurry."

 

"Please come in. Don't worry about me, just look around as much as you like. If you have any questions about the items, please feel free to ask."

 

"Sorry. Then let me have a look."

 

The woman looks around the store.

The shelves are arranged with items for adventurers, and handwritten instructions written by Aina are attached to the shelves.

They are all items that anyone can use after a bit of explanation. Still, this kind of thoughtfulness is more appreciated than expected.

 

"Is this the ...... rumored Matches?"

 

"Yes, it is. Would you like to try it?"

 

"Yes, please."

 

Our main product, the matches.

Nowadays, it's hard to find someone in Ninorich who doesn't have one.

 

"Put it here like this...... then. The fire lights up now.

 

"I've heard ...... stories about it. I still can't believe it when I see it myself. Can I try it myself?

 

"Of course you can. Here."

 

The woman picks up the matches and lights up.

 

 "………… It's a great item."

 

She looks impressed.

Next, she looks at the items on the display shelf.

 

"What is this silver one?"

 

"Oh, that one."

 

I pulled out a sample of the item the woman pointed to from the shelf.

 

"This is a survival sheet, a convenient cold protection item that is easy to carry around. I'm going to unfold it now, so please have a look."

 

I opened the survival sheet in my hand.

A survival sheet is a sheet made of thin aluminum that keeps you warm.

 

By wrapping it around your body, you can maintain your body temperature and get warm quickly.

It is convenient, and many climbers add it to their luggage in case of emergency.

 

The size is 210 cm long and 130 cm wide. When folded tightly, it is small enough to fit in a pocket.

This item has been very popular among adventurers because they don't have to carry a blanket.

And it was one of the items that surprised Karen when I showed it to her the other day.

 

"Is this a winter item?"

 

"It looks a bit flashy, though. It's faster to have you experience it than to explain it. Try to wrap yourself in this."

 

"...... OK."

 

The woman wraps herself with the survival sheet.

Then her facial expression changed to surprise.

 

"It's amazing. It's so thin, yet so warm."

 

"You see?　If we have this survival sheet, then there's no need to carry a blanket and you can have more space for food and water."

 

"That's right. This item can be considered a revolution item for ...... adventurers."

 

The woman nodded her head. She looked really surprised.

 

"Then what is this item over here?"

 

"Oh, that is......."

 

It's been an hour since Aina left.

Just as I was about to close the shop, an adventurous woman walked in.

It took another two hours to explain all the items in the shop, including the product demonstration.

 

"Thank you for your explanation. Now excuse me."

 

I tried my best on the demos, but the woman was only surprised and eventually left the store without buying anything.

As I watched the woman disappear into the darkness of the night, I couldn't help but mutter.

 

"Why on earth is she in such a hurry?"