Chapitre 18: Inside the Store
William and I left the reception room and moved to the sales area.
It was a different place from the counter at the front of the store where we were first greeted.
The store was larger than I had imagined.
The room was spacious, almost like a warehouse, with countless shelves lined up, each one packed with products. However, perhaps because of the neat categorization, it didn't feel cluttered.
Like the front counter, there was a clear division between the customer and staff areas.
"Wow, so this is what the inside looks like."
"This is the space for customers who purchase in large quantities and also serves as the storage area for our stock. For customers buying smaller amounts, we generally have them purchase at the front counter."
"Ah, I see. But there are so many products here."
Even Wataru, who had seen various stores in modern Japan, was somewhat surprised by the array of products.
Of course, it was nothing compared to a large home center, but for a private store, it had an impressive variety.
As a general store, the range of items was diverse, from small trinkets to large ornaments.
"We've gradually gathered these products over the years. We've always been increasing the variety and quantity to meet our customers' needs."
"Wow, it's so beautiful..."
"I've never seen so many colors before."
"Ea, don't you usually use stores like this?"
"I didn't shop much."
"I see... Well, let's enjoy today."
"Yeah!"
Marielle and Ea were both astonished by the vibrant colors. While the tableware was mostly in muted tones, the shelves with clothing and accessories were so full of colors that it seemed like you could create a color encyclopedia from them.
As Marielle mentioned before, she didn't have much experience visiting stores, so she was curiously looking around, observing everything.
Ea, on the other hand, was wide-eyed, sniffing around with her nose twitching and her tail wagging as she stood still.
"I could pick out the products myself, but since we're here, let's ask my wife."
"Oh, that might make it easier to discuss things. By the way, I didn't know you had a wife, William."
"I'm actually a father of three."
"Really!? Well, I guess that makes sense for the head of such a prominent trading company."
"They're all in their rambunctious years, and they're all adorable."
Pleased with our reactions, William quickly summoned one of the staff.
Then, he left to find his wife.
Now left with just the three of us, I was about to idly wait when Ea happily approached and started talking to me.
Her eyes were shining with curiosity and anticipation.
"Hey, Master, are you going to buy us clothes?"
"Yes, I am."
"Ea, that's very forward of you."
"Why, don't you want anything, Marielle?"
"I didn't say that. I do want new clothes and things."
"You can buy whatever you like here."
"Thank you, Master! I love you so much!"
"Ah!"
Ea hugged me tightly, and I panicked.
A soft, warm sensation enveloped the left side of my body.
It was like being surrounded by warm, fluffy marshmallows.
(Whoa, it's really soft!)
"Buy as much as you want."
"Wow, Master is so generous. We Gold Tiger Tribe love men with resources."
"Is that so?"
My arm was completely enveloped in her large breasts.
Since Ea was the one hugging me, I didn't resist and simply enjoyed the embrace.
(I feel like I'm being manipulated somehow, but who cares. I was planning to buy them good things anyway, so this is just a perk!)
It wasn't me but Marielle who was flustered.
Seeing the pleased expression on my face, she hesitated for a moment before grabbing my other arm and pulling me close.
"Really, Master, you have no self-restraint."
"Wait, is this my fault?"
"Yes, it is. You're making such a shameless face..."
"Sorry, sorry. I'll be more careful. A serious face... How about this?"
"You're not improving at all!"
"Master, you have a great smile."
(Both left and right are so comfortable... And they smell nice too.)
I was relieved that William had left to call someone.
A little while later, the moment of bliss came to an end.
It wouldn't be appropriate to act like this in front of William or the staff.
I gently shook off their arms and resumed the conversation with a composed expression.
William's wife, Sandy, who had been called from the back of the product shelves, was a very attractive human woman.
She seemed to be in her thirties.
Her slightly drooping eyes were striking, and she had a naturally gentle smile, giving off a warm, nurturing aura.
In a good way, she was a contrast to the energetic and business-minded William, complementing each other well.
"This is Mr. Wataru, an important customer, so please make sure there are no mistakes."
"Understood. Nice to meet you. I'm Sandy."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Wataru Sakai. You're really beautiful... Ow, that hurts...!"
"Master, there was a big bug on you."
"R-Really?"
"Fufufu, I'll guide you right away. Please have a seat over here."
(I wasn't trying to hit on a married woman... Is she jealous?)
My side was in severe pain, and I rubbed my hand over it with teary eyes.
When I looked back, I saw Marielle smiling at me, which was terrifying.
Ea, too, gave me a cold look, and I couldn't understand why I was being treated so harshly.
"You seemed pretty happy there. Do you like older women?"
"Master likes women. He also likes breasts."
"Ea, it seems our Master isn't satisfied with just the two of us."
"T-That's not true! I would never make a move on a married woman!"
"Sure you wouldn't."
We continued our quiet bickering until the staff quickly brought over chairs for us to sit.
It wasn't a conversation to continue in front of others.
I switched my focus to shopping.
Sandy, standing behind the counter, kept her smile as she asked,
"May I ask about your budget and preferences?"
"For me, I'd like some decent clothes. Something of good quality that doesn't stand out too much."
"Understood."
Wataru didn't have strong preferences when it came to clothing.
However, he preferred not to stand out and wanted to wear high-quality items.
These conditions were essential for operating in this town, so they became his criteria.
Sandy seemed to understand Wataru's lack of strong preferences, as she responded lightly.
"For Marielle and Ea, I'd like clothes, bags, rings, necklaces, and anything else that's nice. Marielle will be taking care of my personal needs, and Ea will be working as a bodyguard. Oh, and as you can see, she's a beastkin, so please keep that in mind."
"I see. So for Ea, ease of movement and considerations for her tail and ears are important. Is this for everyday wear?"
"Yes. And if you have pajamas and underwear, that would be great too. For now, there's no budget limit, so please present what you have. If it becomes difficult, we can discuss it."
"Understood. They are both very beautiful, so it will be a pleasure to dress them."
Sandy was momentarily surprised when she heard there was no budget limit, but she quickly nodded without further questioning.
Perhaps it was because of William's earlier words.
Still, to say there was no need to worry about money...
Wataru felt quite pleased to finally say something he had always wanted to say.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone