164 . Management Meeting

The sold sculptures and the ones that currently on display are, of course, the ones that are air freighted from Japan’s [Colette Sculpture] by regular procedures . With this, I have the track record of the product flow . The rest is to pretend that [Gold Coin] suffering dead-stock and sell the art pieces at lower prices that the purchase price, no problem . It is important to say that the [Sales performance is good] .

With this, when explaining the business, we can tell the true story rather than a lie . …if we don’t speak intentionally, then it’s not a [Lie] .

In addition, I got the track record that my works sells properly .

“Good good . Good good good good!” (Mitsuha)

Seeing me smirking and nodding satisfactorily, it seems Rudina and Silua are pleased too . …their expressions are hard to read just as usual though .

The selling price in this shop is one tenth of the purchase price from [Colette Sculptures], but it’s still around the market price in the other world, so both artist would be satisfied with this .

Well, the price I bought from them has nothing to do with the selling price here .

Alright, after financial report, next is to check the condition of the store .

“Then, how’s the store doing? Is there any trouble or something that has to be improved? Or perhaps you have a problematic customer…” (Mitsuha)

“ “……” “ (Rudina & Silua)

Hmm?

Is there something…

“Nothing in particular” (Rudina)

Rudina replied on behalf the two of them, but…

No no .

No no no no no!

Something definitely happened . It’s a dead giveaway from their attitude and the previous [Silence] .

“Now, speak honestly!” (Mitsuha)

When I glared seriously, Rudina starts speaking with a face that looked like she has seen an impending doom .

“Eeeto, I wonder if they were looking down on us because we’re just two girls, but there are a few customers who came to us saying that foreign matter was in the meal and says [Give me consolation!]… Intact Insects or something that don’t even have the color of the dish appeared on the plate with nothing left after they completely ate up the meal…” (Rudina)

“Oh, those aren’t [Customer], so you can remove them . They don’t have to come again… or rather, it’s better if they not come again . If the bad people freely come and go, the number of normal customers will decrease . So, does something of sort comes often? Should I remove them? I’m more or less have influence on the police…” (Mitsuha)

To protect Rudina and Silua, I’ll use whatever I can to make it happen . Because connection and money should be used . They’re meaningless if you don’t use them when you should .

It’s what they say [If you don’t use it now, then when will you!?] .

“No, that matter is already settled . Silua with fork shot… I mean, with folkdance…” (Rudina)

…aaah, I understood everything .

The mystery of that hole, everything…

“Oh? You mean they were convinced with folkdance?” (Mitsuha)

Kokukokukoku! (Nodding SFX)

The two nods desperately .

Like hell they were!!

Well whatever . Let’s not think too deeply .

Yeah, maybe the folk danced . Like on the counter table or midair near the door . Yeah, it’s not surprising that they were convinced by folkdance .

Alright, case closed!

“…so, the store seems to be quite thriving, is there any reason to it?”(Mitsuha)

And then I hear the straight answers from both of them .

“…because the foods are delicious?” (either Rudina or Silua)

“…because the waitress is cute?” (Note: I don’t think the girls are narcists, so this one is probably Rudina and the previous one is Silua)

Right, the cause is remaining unknown .

“Is there something else? Like incidents or accidents? Or something like the loss of expensive equipment…” (Mitsuha)

“There were two attempted thefts of the art pieces, one attempted theft of a customer’s bag, and one case of protection money demand, all of which were caught and handed over to the police . Using Fork… using the way of folklore…” (Rudina)

Yeah yeah, the holes on the door, right?

She’s somehow trying to hide the matter about the fork, it’s not like I would get mad at them…

Well, if I’m a normal girl, I might be shocked . So, I guess they’re worried that it would makes me afraid, maybe .

Besides, I’m always carrying Walther PPS which concealed under my armpit with a holster, something like knives throwing or forks throwing wouldn’t be enough to surprise me .

Oh, of course, I have permission to carry guns . I didn’t formally apply for it, but they gave it to me anyway as soon as I asked the government official . That’s why when I’m outside Japan, I mostly have guns with me .

Of course, in countries where I haven’t obtained the permit, I only carry equipment that fits within the law . Such as stun guns or knives with a blade length that’s still within the rules .

But why fork? Considering the accuracy and attack power, and is also a tableware, knife is more… tte, if it’s a knife, it gives the impression of [Killing weapon], so she was intentionally using forks in consideration of the mental strain of other customers? Umu, nicely done, Silua!

“…However, most of the police in this town would not dare to meddle with the members of Luthus Family, but the thugs who claimed that family name were captured normally, and the reimbursement for the broken tableware was paid within the same day . It’s strange…” (Rudina)

Saying so, Rudina tilted her head .

Yeah, well, the police and their bosses would have thought that the country’s intelligence and special forces were more dangerous than the criminal organizations that controlled the locals .

Perhaps the Luthus family were also given the ultimatum that [Don’t lay your hand on that place], or something like that . Otherwise, there’s no way that they would pay the compensation so quickly .

Well, with this, I can rest assured that the safety of Rudina and Silua has significantly increased . Umu-umu .

…wait…

The reason why there are so many customers at this store is maybe because it’s [Safe]?

Regardless of whether there are theft cases, the thugs are acting up, or a criminal organization is involved, the clerk will eliminate everything and keep the customers safe . And for some reason, the police, which should’ve been diluted by the pressure, threats, and bribes of the criminal organizations, functioning properly if this store is involved .

In this country, I can’t take it for granted that [Safety is just as essential as water], unlike in Japan . I wonder if the ordinary people, who have no way to protect themselves from violence and crime, can spend their time with peace of mind .

And …

I glanced at the girls .

Rudina-chan is… although she’s not a perfect beauty, she has the cuteness and devotion of a 13 years old girl, and even without a single relative, she lives her life earnestly .

Silua is… although I can’t read what she’s thinking because she always has blank expression, I think that she’s just a sincere and serious 17 years old girl .

According to the customers’ reaction the other day, she rarely, very-very rarely, gives her real, non-fake smile . …it seems that only experts with vast experience can tell .

Tte, how does such people exist in the first place !?

…well, whatever, it’s not that big of a deal .

My, money laundering place that doubles as an emergency shelter, the Gallery Café [Gold Coin] . (Note: lol)

I’m sure that it’ll be alright to leave this place for a while, once again .

If anything happens, the intelligence department of this country will contact captain-san anyway .

Alright! I’ll leave the rest to you, Rudina and Silua!

…Ah, I have to transfer their commission .

The fixed pay portion is automatically transferred, but as expected, the percentage pay portion can’t be automated .

Should I add [thief-capture bonus]?

Well, whatever, it seems that it’s not a big problem .

“Then, do you have any request…” (Mitsuha)

“Umm…” (SIlua)

Oh? Silua wants to say something .

“What is it?” (Mitsuha)

“Umm, can I stay here too…” (Silua)

Ah, come to think of it, there was a considerable difference in the actual amount of salary between Rudina, who doesn’t have to worry about rent and utility bills, and Silua, who have to pay her own expenses . But still, it should be quite a favorable condition compared to the job market around here .

Well, there are several vacant room on the second floor, and two people are better than one in case there’s an emergency . If you think about it, it’s dangerous for a young girl stay alone in a shop like this!

In that case, the self-defense expert Silua will increase the safety . The increase in water and utility costs is insignificant compared to what it takes during the business hours . Besides, the safety of the employee is incomparable to something like that .

“Approved!” (Mitsuha)

Alright, now I can leave the store to both of them for a while .

It’s what they call [leaving all the decision-making to somebody else]!

(Note: I got a feeling that Silua is a former combat maid)

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