Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Interlude 6. Her Monologue Part 3

After a long time, I went to a clothing store and had some clothes custom-made. Of course, they weren’t for me but for Akira.

I don’t know if he will be happy with a gift of clothes, but that’s what I thought of, so there’s no helping it.

The shopkeeper teased me a bit about the tailoring and colors, but I had them made express. I don’t know when he might leave.

Now, on to the next matter.

When I conveyed this at the royal castle, Blow Sore gave me a stunned look. It’s rare to see him like this.

“1.8 billion yen in surplus funds… within six months?”

“Yes, that’s the minimum amount. It might even require double that.”

During the meeting to decide the framework for the new country’s systems and budget, this was the task I presented.

In exchange for becoming the interim representative.

“If we can’t prepare that…”

“Yes. I will step down as the interim representative. After that, do as you please.”

Blow furrowed his brows and pressed his temples.

That’s a natural reaction. I have no standing to say such things, given my participation in the revolution. Yet Blow has no choice but to accept.

“…If we can prepare that, you’ll at least remain as the interim representative until the presidential election?”

After a long silence, Blow sighed and spoke.

“Yes, I’ll help with all my might.”

“…Then I can’t refuse. Why such a large surplus fund?”

“Before deciding on the president, I absolutely want to secure the budget and include it in the production schedule. You can even treat it as my pledge.”

Blow’s eyes said he understood that but wanted to know what I intended to buy or make.

“I want to create a shift room.”

“…I see.”

Blow nodded slowly.

“Certainly not a bad idea. Even if we call ourselves an economic free city, being at the far west end, and expanding trade routes is a pipe dream. In that case, a shift room is definitely necessary.”

“Yes.”

“But why is it so urgent to create it, given the need to rebuild the country first?”

As expected of Blow Sore. He’s not someone I can easily deceive.

“Half is for the future of this country. And half is for myself.”

“…You were quite clear. Not very merchant-like.”

“I’m not in a merchant’s position right now.”

“I see. As the interim representative, then.”

“Half, yes.”

Blow raised an eyebrow.

“And the other half?”

“Well… let’s say, a maiden in love…”

Blow Soar was speechless, eyes wide open. This might be an expression I’ll never see again.

“That is… I see… quite strong…”

“Is there a problem?”

“…No. If it’s for such a personal reason, I can work something out.”

“How many people in this world can say that?”

“…Don’t overestimate me. I’m just a man who can only do calculations.”

“You’re being modest. Neither I nor Bahar can manage a country.”

“Well, that might be true.”

He gave a bitter smile, understanding his situation well.

Even Bahar never considered the option of killing Blow Sore.

“Then, please.”

“Understood. Ah, please look over these documents.”

It seems he’s ready to put me to work immediately.

That’s an excellent ability. I took the documents gracefully and sat at a nearby seat.

Thus, a week flew by like an arrow.

“I’m taking a break tomorrow.”

“What?”

After one exhausting task after another, everyone was utterly fatigued.

The key figures of the new nation were gathered here.

Of course, it wasn’t a situation where anyone could take a break, but I said it anyway.

“…Akira is leaving the day after tomorrow, right?”

Bahar sighed and put down his pen.

“Is that so… Ah, I see…”

Blow also sighed and shook his head.

“Oh… Akira is leaving… I’m so sad…”

The Count’s face twisted into a grotesque expression. I don’t dislike him, but the physical revulsion is unavoidable. Without it, perhaps I might have had a future with him.

“…I understand. We’ll manage here. But you’ll have to work hard afterward.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“No helping it, I wish I could take a break too.”

“Hmph. You have no such right.”

“I know…”

I successfully delegated the work.

Now I can wholeheartedly make an “effort.”

————

The fateful day arrived.

I had my maid hold a small hand mirror as I dressed. The underwear was decided as the highest quality custom-made, but the outfit was still undecided.

Ordinary clothes were out of the question. I needed something that wouldn’t be recognized by everyone outside but would still catch Akira’s eye. Something not too flashy, not too plain.

“How about this?”

I asked my maid. She tiredly said, “It suits you,” but today I wasn’t looking for such perfunctory answers. Yet, given her position, she couldn’t say much. I held back and looked into the hand mirror.

How convenient it would be to have a full-body mirror. Though imagining its price, if it existed, was beyond me.

I shook my head.

Why does my mind immediately fill with business thoughts? What I need now is “effort.”

Since it’s a special occasion, maybe something other than red…

Oh… I never thought I’d hate my conspicuous red hair. It’s so hard to coordinate.

Each time I tried on and took off outfits, my maid’s monotonous responses only made me more anxious.

Then, a diligent young apprentice knocked on the door, calling my name.

Since I was dressed, I let him in and asked for his opinion.

“Excuse me! I have…”

The boy froze, staring at me.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah… um…”

He stammered.

“You’re so beautiful… I’m sorry!”

His face turned red as he bowed, giving me a good feeling.

“Thank you. What is it?”

“Ah, Akira-sama and Hagg-sama have arrived…”

“What?!”

I hurriedly looked outside. Judging by the sun’s position, more time had passed than I realized. I planned to visit him before he left the inn.

But, fortunately, he came to me. This is a chance.

As for my outfit… there’s no time to change. The boy’s reaction was good, so I’ll go with this!

And so, I confidently headed into battle.

————

Thump!

The moment I saw Akira’s face after so long, my heart jumped. Sweat oozed from all over my body.

My mouth went dry, and my body wouldn’t obey.

This is… really… what’s happening?

Without realizing it, I walked into the meeting room with my right hand and right foot moving together.

“…Is there a party?”

I don’t think so?!

I reflexively answered, but I can’t remember what I said.

More importantly…

“No, I was just surprised. Yeah, it suits you.”

What?!

That’s a surprise attack?!

Akira-sama isn’t one to say such things, right?!

I don’t remember much of the conversation after that.

When I came to, there was an enormous carriage in front of me.

…Is Akira-sama an idiot?

My excitement cooled instantly.

But that was good; I felt much calmer afterward.

It seems I’m most at ease during negotiations. I finally realized my difficult personality. But since Akira-sama doesn’t seem to mind, it might not be so bad.

It wasn’t strange for Akira-sama to buy buffalo jerky. Though I thought he could just use the SHOP, his accumulation of small coins shocked me.

I suddenly felt he didn’t value himself much. That explained some of his actions. It’s unbelievable that someone as valuable as Akira thinks he’s worthless. As a merchant, one must understand their own value.

Perhaps he’s not suited to be a merchant?

A contradictory answer emerged. But when he shows his true merchant prowess, he’s not wearing a merchant’s face, negotiating indifferently and brusquely.

…

I stopped thinking about it. There’s no answer, and it’s unnecessary now.

But what made him feel so worthless…?

While negotiating, I wondered this, and his business concluded. He started to leave without hesitation!

I hurriedly called out.

“Akira-sama… today is a rest day, right?”

He confirmed it. Of course, I knew that.

I struggled to continue. The right words wouldn’t come.

Effort. I must make an effort to be liked!

“I see. Then Akira-sama is alone today?”

“That’s right.”

“Then I’ll escort you.”

“What?”

He looked exasperated. Does he dislike being escorted by a woman so much?

…In hindsight, it’s strange. No wonder he looked exasperated.

My face felt like it was on fire.

I barely managed to convince him. I don’t remember what I said.

When I realized it, Akira was holding my hand.

“Then shall we go, my lady?”

“Y-yes!”

I let out a weird sound. How embarrassing.

————

The high heels I rarely wear caused me to trip over a step. I stumbled, and Akira quickly grabbed my shoulder to support me.

Thump!

My heart skipped a beat. I felt my face flush and Akira’s warmth. Today, he was wearing a thin white shirt.

When he confirmed I was stable, Akira tried to pull away. Instinctively, I clung to him, grabbing his left arm.

Akira seemed to think for a moment before saying, “Let’s go,” and continued walking.

Unexpectedly, we ended up exchanging clothes, browsing street stalls, and dining at a restaurant. The joyful time passed in a blink, like floating on a cloud.

Before I knew it, we arrived at a high hill leading to a lighthouse, a place he often visited in the morning.

There, I learned about his feelings towards his family.

I had always been curious about the countless scars etched in his history.

The negative history is engraved in someone who should have been born into a peaceful world.

Akira must have been taught by his parents from a young age that he was worthless. There are many parents like that in this world.

Such people are detestable trash. If I had met Akira’s parents, I wouldn’t have killed or hurt them, but I’d taught them over several years how cruel their lives had been.

But now, I need to do something to save Akira’s heart, even a little.

I don’t know what I can do, but I want to save him.

Before I realized it, I was hugging Akira.

“Would I… be enough for you?”

This won’t do.

I must convey my true feelings directly!

“Could I… become your family?”

But he said, as if he had no value at all,

“Forget about me and be happy…”

Blood rushed to my head. Tears overflowed. Emotions surged uncontrollably.

Even if I lined up all the people who made him like this and whipped them, it wouldn’t be enough.

“How could I forget?! How could I be happy without you?! I… I…”

Emotional exchanges followed.

After a moment of calm, the words I finally managed to squeeze out were…

“Just for today…”

How shameless. To let my emotions get the better of me even now makes me the worst kind of person.

Let’s go home.

The moment I made that decision, his face approached mine.

…Despite how I am… he…

Afterwards,

I ended up going to his room.

It was the moment my one wish came true.

————

When the lazy light of dawn touched my eyelids, I finally regained consciousness.

I sat up, but he was already gone.

Could he have already left on his journey?

…

It’s possible!

I hurriedly looked for my clothes and underwear, which Akira had tossed aside yesterday.

Everything was folded and placed on a chair, but…

“What’s this?”

There was a set of unfamiliar underwear, intricately woven with fine lace and decorations.

Even a bra, which is difficult to make, was included.

He probably got it from his SHOP. After some thought, I tried it on.

Naturally, it fit me perfectly. It even seemed to lift my chest.

This…

Will sell!

This isn’t the time for that, but the underwear was so impressive I almost forgot.

The thin, small fabric of the panties was initially unsettling, but I soon got used to them, finding them easy to move in and barely noticeable.

They’re wonderful.

However, the stretchable nature of the fabric is an issue. Making this material will be challenging.

But for the bra, gathering all the artisans might make it possible.

Just imagining a colorful lineup expands my dreams.

I shook my head to clear my mercantile thoughts.

Right now, I must find Akira!

As I moved to dress, I noticed something on the edge of the bed.

Picking it up, I saw it was a poorly made wooden carving.

It resembled the symbol distributed at a street stall, worn and rounded by time.

Could it be something he always carried with him?

For a moment, I thought it was a forgotten item, but I was convinced otherwise.

Surely, this is a small token of his feelings.

I gently wrapped it in my hands.

For some reason, I felt certain this would lead me to meet Akira again.

I tore off the pendant from my necklace and tied the carving to it. It was more precious than any jewel.

…Though I’d like to be sentimental…

I hurriedly dressed and headed to the merchant guild, luckily catching them before they departed.

Would they have left without me if I hadn’t shown up?

He seems like that kind of man. He doesn’t understand women’s hearts at all.

He probably thought he was being considerate by letting me sleep. Such unnecessary kindness.

Akira wore the purple clothes I gave him.

While he attended to other matters, I greeted Dwarf Hagg and Elf Yaralai.

“Thank you both for everything.”

“Mm. It’s fine.”

“Yes. Helping a friend is natural.”

Their blunt responses made me smile.

“Please take care of Akira. He has some dangerous tendencies.”

“We know. He’s annoyingly sure of himself.”

“True, but don’t underestimate him in negotiations.”

“Hmm? Really? I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Dwarf, insensitive. Won’t notice.”

“What?! You’ve been a recluse for centuries, unable to communicate with humans!”

“Hmm… Seems you want to die.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at their exchange.

“Why laugh?”

“Rude to laugh at a serious duel.”

“No… you two… haha…”

When I couldn’t hold back my laughter, the tension between them eased.

“Hmph. Lost the mood.”

“Indeed. Today is departure day. No need to dampen the mood.”

It seems they put their quarrel aside.

Just then, Akira approached.

The two stepped back to give us space.

“Uh, hey.”

“G-Good morning… Akira.”

The greeting came out awkwardly.

Last night’s events… or rather, this morning’s… kept replaying in my mind.

I couldn’t look at his face.

He seemed similar, but he straightened up and faced me.

“Thanks for everything.”

His usual line.

I straightened up and faced him directly.

“Yes. Thank you too.”

Then came the usual exchange. Awkward, but comforting.

He didn’t accept any reward for his help.

He must think he’s not worth it.

But when he said, “I’ve already received it,” I couldn’t argue.

So, I could only say one thing.

“Take care.”

After a few more words, Akira finally set off on his journey.

The iron carriage slowly moved forward.

As the beautiful white otherworldly carriage grew smaller, I started running.

I waved with all my might.

Take care.

Come back safely.

If you don’t return, I’ll come to you!

So, please.

Be safe!

Unable to voice it, I waved desperately. Sent him off.

From the carriage, he waved back firmly.

Until he disappeared from sight.

At the eastern gate, I stopped. The carriage was no longer visible.

How fast it was.

I clasped the wooden symbol in my hands and prayed.

For his safety and peace.

For his heart to be protected.

…

At that moment, I didn’t notice the female priest on horseback passing me by.

I had no idea we’d meet again like that…

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Postscript.

There’s one thing I must do.

Call out my tutor and give her a lecture.

Her teaching was:

“Don’t worry when the time comes. Just look straight at the ceiling. Count the stains if you must. It might hurt initially, but horseback riding can help. Since you rode a lot recently, you might be okay.”

Still anxious, I asked for more details.

“Well, the position is like this. You’ll be on top… You can watch animals to understand.”

Of course, I’ve seen horse breeding. Humans lie on their backs instead of face down and open their legs.

It’s an embarrassing position… if I ever find someone I love…

No, I can’t hope for that. I’d want someone better than a pig or a toad.

…

That’s the lesson.

Just look at the ceiling… What?

I had to be in such a position! Doing this and that!

Was that really necessary?!

Just recalling it makes me squirm.

After rolling on the bed, I ordered my old tutor to be found.

I need to vent this frustration by lecturing her.

…It’s just venting?

One more postscript.

The bed I slept in.

I bought it from the inn where he stayed. Such an artifact-level bed can’t stay in a regular inn.

I also got…

“Cherina-sama! The castle sent for you!”

A knock and a cheerful voice.

“Understood. Help me dress.”

“Yes!”

The energetic response of a girl entering the room.

I took in Narnia, the intelligent girl, as my attendant.

Her mother had a difficult post-birth period and returned to her family, but she came back the day after Akira left.

With a cute baby boy.

After enough rest at her family home, her mother was ready to work at the inn, happily entrusting Narnia to me.

Narnia was also happy to be close enough to visit her family often.

Smart and lively, she’s irreplaceable, but more importantly…

“Where do you think Akira is now?”

“Hmm? With that amazing carriage, maybe he’s already in Sebites!”

Narnia clumsily tried to correct her casual speech to a polite form.

“No need for formality now, but practice your polite speech.”

“Yes! I will!”

Narnia saluted energetically.

The real reason I hired her?

Yes.

I wanted someone to talk to about Akira.