Vending Machine - 149 - Business Rival (Patreon)

Beyond the gates were the remains of a burnt-out village.

Not a single house remained standing, all had been reduced to charred ash. Ramis gently touched the skeletal framework of a former house, only to see it crumble to the ground with barely any force.

“Well, there’s no point wallowing in despair. What's gone is gone, we can't do much about it now. The best thing we could do is to hope that everyone made it safely to the Clearflow Lake Floor," said the Director of Darkness.

“That right, let’s head over to the teleportation circle,” said Director Bear as he placed a comforting paw on the other’s shoulder. It certainly looks like they have a closer relationship compared to the others.

There were concerns the fire might have damaged the teleportation circle, but their worries were unwarranted. The hut built over the circle may have collapsed, but the magic circle shone as vibrantly as ever, clearly intact and fully operational.

"The teleportation circle is still up and running, and shows signs of recent use," Hyurumi reported.

"That means everyone was able to evacuate using the circle, right?"

"Looks like it, Ramis," Hyurumi confirmed.

Ramis clapped her hands joyfully while the rest of our party breathed a sigh of relief.

It would be great if everyone actually managed to evacuate from this floor. However, this was not something we can know until we have returned to Clearflow Lake and do a headcount.

Speaking of which, it had been quite some time since I was last at Clearflow Lake Floor.

Has it been a month? Or was it two? I only know that when we started out for the Beginner Floor, it was the height of summer. [1] It was closer to autumn now. I have to wonder whether everyone is doing well.

“Right, it’s time to go back… let’s go home.”

I guess for Director Bear, [1] Clearflow Lake Floor’s Hunter Association office would be close to something like a home to him.

Once we return, there will be a mountain of things to do. I’m sure there would be lots of regular and new customers eagerly waiting to buy my goods. There are also the local eateries and restaurants who wish to buy ingredients and condiments from yours truly.

We may have to travel to another floor eventually, but until that happens, it would be nice to relax at Clearflow Lake Floor. A place I had long considered my home town in Another World.

“Right, fire her up!”

Light from the teleportation circle flared up around us and we left the Dark Forest Floor behind.

The transfer was… shockingly uneventful. After leaving the room, we traversed down a long corridor and eventually reached the hall of the Hunter’s Association.

“Welcome back, Director! Oh, I see that everyone else is safe too!”

The female staff member from behind the counter stood up and ran over to us, clearly overwhelmed with emotion.

“How is the situation?”

“Yes! The monsters have been quiet lately and reconstruction has been going well. Oh, about half a day ago, a large group of people from Dark Forest Floor arrived, and we guided them to the temporary housing. Is that alright?”

“Umu, that is a great help. Was it the tents northwest of the Hunter’s Association?”

"Yes, that's correct."

At this, the Director of Darkness rushed out of the Hunter's Association.

I guess it’s fine to leave the verification of the Forest of Darkness people to him. Besides, it’s not like the rest of us could be of help anyway.

“Leave it to the Director of Darkness to check his people. Everyone, you’ve worked hard. Rewards will be prepared and dispensed in a few days. We may call you into service once again once we have gathered more information for the next floor. A strategy meeting will be held first, of course. Thank you very much, please go and take a good rest.”

At Director Bear’s dismissal, everyone dispersed.

The elderly couple returned to their families.

Director Bear headed to his office.

Kikoyu and her little group of animals had been dragging a loaded cart with them, and went outside as soon as it was convenient. The cart really does take up a lot of space.

Hyurumi and Ramis did not seem to have anywhere they wished to go in particular, so they loitered around the hall, wondering where to go next.

“What should we do now? Should we just relax at home?” asked Ramis.

“Sounds good, we had been rushing here and there for a while now… it would be great to relax a bit but… what would you like to do, Hakkon?”

I would really like to do some business here. There must be lots of people looking forward to my return. Plus, I’m worried about the food situation here.

“Want-to”

“Wo-rk”

“It’s been a while since you last sold your wares here, right? I’m sure there would be loads of people wanting to buy from you!”

Ramis carried me out of the hall and to my usual spot.

Ah, this is it. This is the best spot ever! Now let’s do some business!

I’m sure there will be lots of people eager to buy my wares. Let’s keep our spirits up!

“Wel come"

My usual cheerful greeting ended up with a weird pause in the middle.

Just within my line of sight was a large crowd of people. I could see Gors’ crew-cut head and Karios’ cue-ball head mingled with the others.

A closer look showed that restaurant owners were among that crowd of people too, just what is going on?

Let’s try listening in.

“I’d like some fresh vegetables.”

“Do you have any fruits?”

Hey, those voices… aren’t they Karios and Gors?

“We’re running low in ingredients. Let’s see, can you give me 30 of the ones from before?”

I think that’s the voice of one of those restaurant owners. So, someone’s selling fruits and vegetables, eh?

I believe I have felt this sensation before… that’s right, it’s Kikoyu!

“Please queue up properly, everyone. We have prepared lots of vegetables, so kindly form a line, please.”

There was no mistaking that voice. It was really Kikoyu!

As the crowd dispersed itself to reform into a line, she immediately started producing vegetables from the ball of dirt and piling them onto the cart. Kuroyata played the role of the seller, skilfully picking out the vegetables and fruits that the customers wanted with one of their three legs and placing the money inside a coin bag around their neck.

That’s right, didn’t Kikoyu say they had great success selling vegetables on this floor?

I see, while Ramis, I and Hyurumi were thrown into the Dark Forest Floor, she and her companions made it here…

… and stole my customers!

Gununu, this opponent was even more troublesome than those chain restaurants.

“WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME”

I shouted at top volume to attract the customers patiently waiting in line. Everyone turned their eyes and immediately noticed me.

"Oi, isn't that Hakkon! You're back, are ya!"

About half of the queue rushed towards me. Leading the crowd were gatekeepers Karios and Gors with broad smiles on their faces. I shall give you guys a little extra for such a warm welcome.

The majority of the hunters have moved towards me, but the restaurant owners and women stayed put. They may come over later, but for now, they stayed in place.

I understand why the restaurant people would prefer to purchase goods from that side. Honestly, I can't compete when it comes to the quality of the vegetables. Of course, those who provide food would want to have the best ingredients.

It also made sense for housewife-like folks to want good ingredients too.

However, a lot of the young women and some of the hunters looked like they were on that side for completely different reasons. The relaxed expressions on their faces indicated that it was the cuteness of Kikoyu and her animal friends that attracted them. On top of the good quality ingredients, naturally.

Th-that’s fine though. I’m an adult. So long as I continue to sell my goods as usual, I can quickly regain all my previous customers. Yes, that’s right. I should just do what I did before and that should bring back all the previous business.

“Hakkon, it’s been a long time! I guess it had been a month? No, about two months maybe? Ah, I should probably not talk too long with you or the people behind me will get mad,” [1] said one of the gatekeepers.

Well, from the queue behind him, it’s clear that I don’t have to worry about a lack of customers just yet.

“Let’s see, first, let’s start off with two Oden. After that, I’d like some water that could perk me up…”

Looks like [1] Karios was having trouble choosing since it had been a long time.

A quick glance at Kikoyu’s side revealed that her line was just as long and lively as mine. Hmm, this is just me thinking out loud, but, what if I transformed into the <Auto-vending Convenience Store>?

It’s not like I was trying to do anything like pull customers over with novelty products, but it would be nice to offer [1] my loyal customers, Karios and Gors something different to celebrate our reunion.

I transformed into a <Auto-vending Convenience Store> and put up a line of recommended products.

“Oooh!! What’s this?! I’ve never seen anything like this before! What is this triangle thing? And that drink at the bottom! I’ve never seen that either!”

Excellent reaction, Karios. Your performance deserves 100 points as a professional advertiser.

At his exaggerated reaction, the locals turned their attention to me at once.

The people from the other line shifted and stretched their necks to have a look at the products on display. Seems like everyone is very interested in the new lineup of products.

“Hey, what are these things on the second level? Is it some kind of food?”

I have been waiting just for this question, thank you Karios. I shall now answer you.

“De-ssert-s”

The moment I mentioned this, the women in Kikoyu’s queue turned to stare at me with eyes as wide as saucers.

Looks like even in this world, the word ‘dessert’ is the best way to attract a woman’s heart.

Moreover, the desserts I offered were mouth-wateringly delicious-looking cakes that came in flavours that most of these people had never even encountered before. The fruits over the other side may be delicious, but in the end they are just fruits and you already have a rough idea of what it should taste like.

However, the taste of my line-up of gorgeous, artistically rendered cakes could not be judged through appearance alone. Now, which would you choose?

A group of women were immediately swayed towards my side. That’s right, just watch me captivate all the customers at once!

Kikoyu was sneaking glances my way. She had a slightly vexed look on her face.

I don’t have any particular grudge against her. No reason to hate or blame her for anything. I was just selling food to people who happened to want to eat them. She was doing the same thing, selling ingredients to food producers trying to secure a reliable source of vegetables and fruits.

However, business is business, and it’s all about competition and getting ahead of your rival businesses. Anyone who takes on a superior attitude would end up losing…

The next day…

“Step right up! Form a line please, there are plenty of delicious, sweet, stone-baked Shitemiuma~!”

A baked sweet potato stand, eh? I did not see that one coming.

With autumn coming hard at us, this was the best time to serve baked sweet potatoes. Naturally, this drew away my female customers.

Gunununu, looks like this rival is going to be a tough one to overcome.

[Gumihou: Maintain the ‘shitemiuma’ name since they called them differently from ‘sweet potatoes’]

[1] Add details