After lunch was over, I began pondering on how to arrange the shop effectively. Oh, before that, let me share some findings from my market survey.
It seems both glassware and ceramics exist in this world, which means I could utilize them as containers for the spices I plan to sell.
First things first, I need a checkout counter, glass display cabinets, and wooden shelves to stock the spices. Additionally, a shopkeeper is essential to safeguard the store door from any potential thieves. Alright, let's first purchase what the shop needs.
1. Checkout counter 2.5 million @1 piece
2. Glass display cabinets 2 million @3 pieces
3. Long fruit shelf 4 million @1 piece
4. 10-liter ceramic jars 200 thousand @6 pieces
5. Long shelf for unpackaged spices\, 2 meters\, 1 million @1 piece
6. Scale 400 thousand
For now, the total expenses amount to 15.5 million. Hey, it's quite expensive but that's the nature of starting a business. Significant expenditures are unavoidable.
Once purchased, I promptly started setting things up. No need for assistance thanks to my online shopping skills; I simply placed everything where I wanted it.
Just as I finished, Riese, having tended to the kids, came downstairs.
"Wow, that's amazing, Uncle! Are these the tools for your shop?"
"Yes, I'm planning to sell spices, fruits, as well as meat and vegetables. Riese, you will act as an attendant and help explain products to the customers."
"Sure, Uncle. I'll give it my all," Riese exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Alright then, leave the checkout counter management to me."
While chatting with Riese, Rain suddenly came down and asked me.
"Uncle, I want to work too, can I?"
"Hmm... I'll think about it..."
Seeing Rain's enthusiasm, I knew I had to give him something he wanted. After all, now that we're family, it's imperative to support each other. Since he's still young, he shouldn't handle complicated tasks. Well, I've made my decision.
"Okay, Rain. You will be in charge of looking after your siblings when we're busy working."
"Eh~, okay, Uncle."
After taking care of the first floor, I proceeded to outfit the second floor's kitchen area and stocked up kitchenware. I also purchased solar panels to light our way. For reference, the nearby shop owners also have lighting at night because they buy their equipment from light wizards. I reckon those are equivalent to a 15-watt incandescent bulb but quite pricey, so I prefer to use these solar panels. I spent 10 million for the complete set of solar panels.
With all essential needs filled, my remaining balance is now 65 million. I will probably spend another 15 million for the goods to stock.
I can already imagine what my shop will look like in due course.
Once everything was in order, I took them all back to the inn. Elise, noticing the added heads, promptly informed me of a charge per additional person. Since there were three of them, I needed to pay an extra 15 silver per day.
Having paid up, I immediately retreated to my room.
"Airel... drink up, this is a good medicine for your recovery."
Being a child, I provided syrup medicine that kids favor. Oh, I forgot to mention, I also bought clothes for Rain, Aira, and Airel. Now they look much sprucer and refreshing – utterly adorable.
Since it was getting late, we decided to rest for the night.
The next day, I woke up. As per usual, somehow Alice was already sleeping on top of me. However, the difference this time was having Aira and Airel snugly tucked under each arm, with Rain beside Airel and Riese next to Aira. What kind of sleeping formation is this?
I often dream I'm buried under something, maybe a bus or the like, possibly due to this sleeping arrangement.
Regardless, I am thoroughly enjoying this moment. While waiting for them to awaken, I contemplated many things. Nearly two weeks in this world, yet I feel I have changed a lot. I was indifferent in the previous world compared to now. I seem entirely different, a complete 180°. Nonetheless, I believe this change is for the better. Even though I spend money on others, I feel happy. Is this how my father felt in the past? He always seemed joyful when buying something for me. Also, I need to make informed decisions for my family, to provide them an education that surpasses others. This is my current goal.
After such reflections, Alice and the others woke up.
"Good morning, Uncle."
"Good morning, Alice."
"Good morning, Uncle."
"Good morning, Aira, Airel. Are you feeling better, Airel?"
"Yes, Uncle. Airel feels very refreshed."
"I'm glad to hear that."
After everyone awoke, I gathered them to explain my resolution.
"Listen up, everyone. I've decided you all need to study diligently. I will teach you myself in the evenings. Riese, you need to study the hardest."
"Yes, Uncle"
Following that, I sent Riese to watch over the children while I prepared the remaining shop needs.
I bought a Slime and headed to the adventurers' guild. I also needed to hire some adventurers. You might ask why I didn't purchase slaves? Hey, no joke, slaves are quite expensive, and I haven't turned a profit yet, nor can I provide proper accommodation. Hiring guards is the best option for now. It won't be long before I can afford slaves. Just wait for that.
"Welcome to the adventurers' guild. How may we assist you?"
"Pardon, I wish to hire adventurers as guards for my shop."
This time the receptionist was an elf. Hey, elves truly are beautiful creatures, with not a single ugly one among their race. She was a blonde-haired girl with a serene face.
"Alright, the rate for guards ranges from rank E-D at 2 gold coins, rank C at 4 gold coins, rank B at 6 gold coins, and rank A at 10 gold coins. Rank S only accepts special requests and this is exclusive of food and drink expenses."
"Hmm..." I started weighing the pros and cons.
After a moment of thought, I decided on hiring a rank C adventurer, considering they only needed to guard the shop within the city and were not required for caravan escort duties. Why didn't I choose rank D or E? It was due to their skill levels.
"Alright, I'll hire a rank C adventurer."
"Then please fill out this form first."
After completing the form, the receptionist called over a Beastman of the dog race to meet with me. With drooping ears and an athletic build, he approached.
"Pleased to meet you, sir. I am Bruno, tasked with guarding duties, skilled in swordsmanship."
"Hello, a pleasure to meet you, Sir Bruno. I'm Martin, looking to hire your services. Ah, my shop is located near the far corner of the market. You can start work tomorrow. I trust in your assistance."
"Very well, Mr. Martin. Leave it to me."
After that, I went to the shop and placed the Slime in the restroom. For my eyes' comfort, I switched the lavatory model to a western style, though it still required manually drawing water from a tank.
I created this set-up yesterday, taking advantage of the space next to the restroom. I can refill it regularly.
Following this, I stocked all the merchandise for sale. To give you an idea, I sell items at a higher price than the market because of their better packaging and quality. For instance, a 100-gram pepper bottle is 1 gold here; I sell it for 1 gold and 50 silver, despite buying it for only 3 silver or 30 thousand on the online shop. Isn't that remarkable?
After everything was ready, I cooked lunch for everyone in the room. I'm sure Alice has been eagerly awaiting my cooking at the inn. Today's menu is beef rendang which takes some time to prepare, but it's worth it - utterly addictive.
Once the meal was done, I stored it in my item box and hastened back to the inn. Upon arrival, I saw Rain, bored and practicing martial arts in a room corner, while the girls were happily chatting away. Haha, seems Rain is a bit gender-isolated.
"I'm back!"
"Welcome home, Uncle."
Everyone greeted me warmly.
"I've prepared lunch for you, let's gather and eat together."
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