Having finished her bookkeeping for the time being, Akane stood up and stretched before calling out to the other members of her company.
"Alright, I’m heading out to handle the procurement, so I’m counting on you all. I know things will stay busy for a while, but make sure to rotate your breaks. Take a rest before you actually start feeling the fatigue, okay?"
"Got it! You take care too, Boss."
"Frau-san, do your best to keep the Boss in line."
"We’re expecting some good souvenirs!"
After exchanging words with her employees, Akane left the large carriage and set off down the street, accompanied by her assistant maid, Frau.
"So, what are we stocking up on this time? Are we heading to the Central District?"
"The Central District, huh? It’s fun for window shopping, but the risk of handling luxury goods is just too high for a company like ours that prides itself on speed and affordability. This time, we’ll grab the staples, of course, but the real prize is the produce. I heard some new varieties of vegetables have started hitting the market. The supply is low, but one of my regular business partners said they could swing some my way."
Akane laughed heartily as she replied to Frau’s question. Since the Mikumo Trading Company wasn't a massive enterprise, it was common for Akane to handle the procurement herself as the chairperson. Of course, her restless personality also played a significant role in that decision.
"I see, vegetables... And once we’ve secured them, where to next?"
"Hmm, probably Hydra. The people there love anything new, and these varieties haven't really made it that far yet. On the flip side, the Alcreasia Empire is full of conservative thinkers; they’d probably stick to the staples rather than trying something new."
"That makes sense. Since we can keep transportation costs to a minimum, bringing new goods to high-demand areas is where we really shine."
"I’m certainly glad I have a knack for Teleportation Magic."
"Even if you’re hopeless at literally everything else."
"Tell me about it."
Akane possessed a unique magical aptitude typical of Otherworlders, specifically a powerful affinity for Teleportation Magic. The "Otherworlder who is useless at other magic but can use Teleportation Magic on par with a Peerage-class High-ranking Demon" that Kuromueina had once mentioned to Kaito was, in fact, Akane. Using that magic, she had established a mobile merchant association that conducted business by jumping from place to place.
As they continued their casual chatter, Frau’s eyes suddenly darted toward something that caught her attention.
"Hmm? What’s wrong?"
"Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just that the man who just entered that shop... For a district like this, he was wearing incredibly expensive clothing. It looked casual at a glance, but the materials were top-tier. By my estimate, it was worth several silver coins... no, perhaps even gold coins."
"Heh, sounds like someone’s doing well for themselves. Probably a noble’s son? This area has plenty of shops you won't find in the Central District."
"He went into a tackle shop... Should we pick up some gear too? It might lower our procurement costs if we catch our own stock."
"Ahaha, that’s a thought! We’d make a fortune if we hauled in a massive catch. But if it were that easy, professional fishermen wouldn't have such a hard time. Besides, I’m no good at fishing."
By nature, Akane was far too restless to sit still, making her fundamentally unsuited for the hobby. Knowing this, she didn't even glance toward the shop as she continued on her way. If the two of them had stopped at the tackle shop while enjoying their conversation, it might have led to a chance encounter between fellow Otherworlders... but that was not to be.
"That reminds me, Boss. Isn't the business partner we’re seeing today someone you haven't met in a while?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well, your appearance has changed quite a bit. I thought they might be shocked to see you 'rejuvenated' all of a sudden. I mean, until recently, you were growing wider and wider every year, only to suddenly deflate like this."
"You’re telling me. If I’d kept going like that, I would’ve reached the point where you couldn't tell if I was taller or wider—wait, hey! I wasn't even that fat! Besides, I only look younger because of the God of Life's temporary blessing. My actual body type hasn't changed..."
Akane had been an invitee to the Six Kings Festival, where she had been rejuvenated by Life’s blessing. Though she was actually fifty-eight years old, she currently possessed the physical form she’d had in her teens.
"Is that so? Then where on earth did you drop your chest along the way?"
"Ah... that happened on a day when a heavy rain was falling—hey! You! I’m going to smack you one of these days!"
"My, my... there is no way you could ever hope to defeat me, Boss."
"It’s a fact, but seeing you say that with such a smug face really ticks me off. Maybe I should dock your pay..."
"Oh, don't worry. Even if your chest is small, your features are quite lovely, Boss. You’re more than attractive enough. In fact, if your chest were large on top of that, I would’ve been so jealous I might have hated you as a fellow woman."
"...Seriously, you sure know how to spin a tale."
Looking at Frau, who had performed a perfect about-face to shower her with praise, Akane let out an exasperated sigh.
Serious-senpai: "What a bizarre world, where 'Maid = Powerhouse' is a fundamental law."
???: "Well, for the most part—actually, almost entirely—that's the fault of a certain someone."