The next day.

“Barley Tea, was it? Yeah, uh… Three of that, and then two orders of water. This is enough, right?” [Customer]

“Yes!” [Ryouma]

I’m tending to the store first thing in the morning. I can use Ice Magic, so I’m in charge of the drinks.

“Sorry to keep you waiting! 3 orders of barley tea and 2 orders of water.” [Ryouma]

“Wow, that’s really cold. This is great. Thanks.” [Customer]

“Please enjoy~ Next customer!” [Ryouma]

“Two barely tea please.” [Customer 2]

A few hours passed in the blink of an eye as I dealt with customer after customer, and then a face I was acquainted with appeared.

“Next~ …Ah, Jeff-san!” [Ryouma]

“Looks like the stalls are a success.” [Jeff]

“Thanks to you.” [Ryouma]

“Anyway, give me seven orders of barley tea.” [Jeff]

“Understood.” [Ryouma]

I quickly prepared the tray and the barley tea.

“Did you come with your friends?” [Ryouma]

“Don’t know if I’d call them that, but they’re some people you know. Look.” [Jeff]

“?” [Ryouma]

When I looked toward the direction he pointed at, I spotted some familiar faces…

“Oh, it’s Berk and the guys.” [Ryouma]

It was the 6-man novice adventurer party. They seem to have split up and were buying food from our stalls.

“You gave them some advice recently, yeah? You advised them to talk to other adventurers?” [Jeff]

“Ah… Yeah, I did. Wait, do you mean?” [Ryouma]

“Yep. That old man, Wogan, introduced them to me and now I have to watch over them.” [Jeff]

“Really? That’s great to hear. Here.” [Ryouma]

“Yeah. Good luck.” [Jeff]

After paying, Jeff-san left and rendezvoused with Berk and the others.

I didn’t think Jeff-san would end up taking care of them, but he’s a skilled adventurer himself and he also comes from the slums. He might be able to understand Berk and the others better. Although it’s not really any of my business, it puts me at ease to know.

After that they enjoyed the food and then went back home. Apparently, they were together for the festivities. As Jeff-san watched over the overly enthusiastic novice party, he left with a smile on his face.

10 minutes later. Another familiar face showed up.

“Yo.” [Wogan]

“Welcome!” [Ryouma]

It was the guild master of the adventurers guild. Wogan-san came with Tigger-san from the weapon shop.

“Barley Tea for me. You?” [Wogan]

“I’ll have the same.” [Tigger]

“Understood! Sure is rare to see you together, though.” [Ryouma]

“Really? We might look like this, but we used to be on the same party.” [Wogan]

“Huh, really?” [Ryouma]

First I’ve heard of that.

“It’s a story from before we retired.” [Tigger]

“Tigger has always had a good eye for equipment. On that regard, he was the best in our party. He was also particular with money, so he managed our party’s funds. After he retired, he moved full time into the weapon industry.” [Wogan]

“I didn’t have good eyes. You were all just sloppy. If I left you alone, you’d spend all your money on liquor and women, and then wake up the next day without a single suit.” [Tigger]

“We were young. And besides, it was a fitting lifestyle for an adventurer. No?” [Wogan]

“Even if you tell me that…” [Ryouma]

If he’s looking for affirmation, I’m not sure he’ll find it from me.

“Don’t sweat it. It’s better you don’t copy him.” [Tigger]

“What was that?” [Wogan]

“You two sure get along well. ‘Freeze’ Sorry to keep you waiting.” [RYouma]

“So this is barley tea.” [Wogan]

“Is this enough?” [Tigger]

“Yes. Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

The two were about to leave, but then Tigger-san seemed to have recalled something.

“You haven’t been coming lately. Is your equipment alright?” [Tigger]

“Yes. It’s still fine. The armor and knife I purchased from you have been serving me well.” [Ryouma]

“That’s good then… What happened to your search for the katana? Haven’t heard anything from you since then.” [Tigger]

“Ahh… Lend me your ear for a bit.” [Ryouma]

I briefly told him about my situation in hushed voices, then he closed his eyes.

“I can’t believe you managed to solve that problem like that.” [Tigger]

“Sorry.” [Ryouma]

“If you can use it, then it’s fine. It’s not my place to tell you how to use your familiar. Don’t push yourself.” [Tigger]

“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

After that he left with Wogan-san, and after taking a breath, went back to town.

“Good day.” [Nun]

“Welcome!” [Ryouma]

This time it was the sister from the church, Betta-san, who visited. She came with the children of the church. It’s already around noon, huh.

“Thank you for helping us out yesterday. And Bell too. You really saved us.” [Betta]

“Please don’t mind it. If it’s just something like that, I can help anytime. You’re always taking care of me, after all. And I’ve heard the stories.” [Ryouma]

In the church, they look after children with no relatives. Their lives are by no means luxurious, but the two sisters are spending money despite having to be thrifty to allow the children to enjoy the festivals like a normal child.

“For 18 people, right?” [Ryouma]

“Yes, please. Come on. You kids too.” [Betta]

“Please!” [Kids]

“18 orders coming right up.” [Ryouma]

As the voice of the children simultaneously resounded, pleasant eyes gathered from the people nearby.

“Yesterday we were at the bazaar, but today we’re going to enjoy the festivities!” Said a child I worked with at the church. That kid bought several people’s worth of hot dogs, but he smiled happily just like any child.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. There’s a lot, so it’s a bit heavy. Please be careful.” [Ryouma]

“Thank you very much.” [Kids]

“You’re welcome. Next customer~!” [Ryouma]