About a week had passed since the “Witch Hand Craft” store opened.
After the customers who came for snacks had left, and for a moment, the flow of customers had temporarily stopped, Jill let out a sigh of relief.
“Ahh… Somehow, we’ve had quite a few customers, haven’t we?”
When the lid was lifted, the number of customers and sales turned out to be very stable.
First, on the opening day, a neighbor visited and happily enjoyed tea and various goods. They sparkled with joy like a fresh couple, enjoying themselves. The items they bought were just a straw hat and a few small items, but they ordered tea and snacks every time.
Moreover, they actively spread positive word-of-mouth, saying things like “There are no more evil spirits here” and “It’s a wonderful shop.” Aside from their tendency to cuddle without caring about the surroundings, they were very good customers.
“That’s right. At first, I wondered what would happen, but it’s not bad at all.”
Maureen laughed heartily. Although her primary job was as a maid in the mansion, while Jill was at the Shelland branch, she had nothing to do except cleaning. She occasionally came to help out when she could.
“This kind of work is enjoyable too… Thank you very much!”
In the end, Carol couldn’t find a job, and while helping with the opening preparations, she somehow ended up as a part-time worker. Although she had a somewhat careless disposition, Jill felt lucky to have found someone to help in a natural flow.
“I’m really grateful for your help. More than that, I can’t believe someone who can read, write, and do calculations couldn’t find a job…”
“Well… I had trouble related to evil spirits, causing a ruckus at work and felt I was going to sink my life if this place still was an evil spirit mansion, so I couldn’t sleep at night… Even when I went to interviews in that state, I couldn’t respond properly at all… Ah, ahahaha…”
Having accidentally stepped on a landmine, Jill made a rather awkward face.
“W-well, anyway, your worries must have been resolved, right? Let’s do our best from now on!”
“That’s right. Even if life gets a bit confusing, it’ll somehow work out.”
Encouraged by Jill, Maureen laughed and followed along.
“Y-yes, exactly!”
Carol nodded, raising her voice as if to reassure herself.
However, Jill well understood the reasons behind Carol’s pessimism. It would not be an exaggeration to say that she comprehended the seriousness of the troubles Carol faced even more than Carol herself. Considering the value of the book Carol had brought, “Understanding Demon Creation and Demon Manipulation,” it wouldn’t be surprising if her life were in danger.
“B-by the way, I’d like to ask something… What happened to that ‘demon’?”
Carol asked Jill in a whisper.
“Oh, it’s fine. There are jewels embedded in the lid of the box, and the ‘demon’ was installed there.”
“In-stall?”
“Ah, well… in other words, the jewel was the demon’s main body. I’ve properly stored that and the book.”
“Oh, I see… Thank you…”
Carol let out a sigh of relief. In reality, Jill had been reading and researching various things and fiddling with the “demon,” but it was still stored away. Jill decided to keep quiet about the details for Carol’s sake.
It was at that moment.
“Could you show me the products?”
As the bell attached to the door rang, a truly suspicious customer entered.
“Welcome… Ah, y-yes…”
Jill started to say “welcome,” but her words got stuck.
It was a lady of a certain age.
However, for some reason, she was wearing a flashy mask like one would at a masquerade ball.
Although her mouth was visible, the area above her nose was completely hidden.
Although there were holes for the eyes, the shadows obscured the color and shape of her pupils.
Moreover, the lady was pregnant.
Her belly was protruding, and she was wearing a loose-fitting dress.
It seemed she also had a high status. If she glanced outside the store, a small carriage and a man, likely her driver and bodyguard, stood rigidly waiting.
She was not an ordinary person.
There were too many striking elements, and Jill was at a loss for judgment.
She glanced at Carol and Maureen.
Carol was completely frozen.
Maureen instinctively stepped in front of Jill, taking a protective stance.
However, they couldn’t remain like this. Considering the fact that the other party was pregnant, Jill thought she probably wouldn’t do anything suspicious, so she cleared her throat and spoke again.
“Welcome! You’re very welcome at Witch Hand Craft!”
Jill forced a smile to ensure her wariness didn’t show on her face as she addressed the lady.
At the same time, it was a message to Maureen and Carol saying, “Let’s respond normally for now.”
“I hope I’m not intruding. Oh, you have leather goods too… Ah, I see. The branding on horse armor can also be done this way.”
The lady admired the hats and gazed intently at the wallets and small items.
“If you provide a design for the branding, we can make it as you wish.”
“Really!? …Ah, no, that’s alright. I’d like to order, but I can’t monopolize them.”
The lady was looking around the store with keen interest.
“Oh, please feel free to have a seat. I’ll display the items on the counter for you.”
“That would be very helpful.”
Understanding Jill’s intent, Maureen pulled out a chair.
Carol picked up several representative items from the store and began placing them on the counter.
Though her face was hidden, the lady seemed delighted as she admired each item.
“There are things like this too… Oh, this artificial flower is lovely.”
“We have various options available.”
The lady reacted to the artificial flowers made from leftover fabric. They were crafted to adorn straw hats, and Jill had made enough different flowers to display. When paired with a straw hat, they significantly enhanced the summer vibe and vibrancy. They were Jill’s pride and joy.
“I prefer fresh flowers, but these aren’t bad either…”
“Thank you. We can also provide light meals.”
“Oh, I’d like to, but I’m avoiding tea. Oh, but you have quite a variety, don’t you?”
The lady looked curiously at the menu displayed against the wall.
Jill had prepared juices made with seasonal fruits as well.
“Since we’re at it, maybe I’ll have a juice.”
“Thank you very much.”
As Jill responded and was about to take out a ceramic cup, the lady spoke up at that moment.
“May I ask something… What is that?”
“Excuse me? This cup?”
“No, the teacup next to that cup, the one with the golden repairs.”
“Oh, that’s a repaired teacup. Would you like to take a look?”
Jill showed the lady the teacup that had been repaired using kintsugi.
“Hey.”
“Yes?”
“Is this how it was originally? You said it was repaired, right?”
“Yes, it’s a cup that was broken and fixed. The golden parts cover the cracks. Ah, of course, it can be used for everyday purposes.”
“I-I see.”
“By the way, the items displayed on the back shelf are for sale. Carol, could you bring three of the cups lined up on the lower shelf?”
“Yes!”
Carol began placing the kintsugi cups in front of the lady.
By the way, the cups that had been hidden under the table were not here. Those were all personally stored by Carol or used for customers. Everything displayed here was collected by Matthew from his clients, and Jill had repaired them.
The lady seemed to be struck by lightning as she gazed at them.
“C-could this be… the one I accidentally broke when I was newly married…?”
“Eh?”
“Oh, n-never mind, it’s nothing! Could you wrap this one up for me? Oh, and include the saucer as well.”
“Y-yes. Thank you very much.”
Despite showing some strange agitation, the lady quickly handed over the money.
After receiving the wrapped teacup, she hastily got up from her seat.
“A-are you alright? You should walk slowly…”
“I’m fine, I’m just waiting for the carriage. I’ll come again.”
With that, the lady slammed the door behind her and left.
“…What was that all about?”
At Carol’s quiet remark, Jill also tilted her head in confusion.
She had no idea at all.
Jill had no acquaintances among the high-ranking ladies in this town.
“I have no idea… especially the reason for wearing a mask. Well, it doesn’t seem like she had any intention of causing trouble or annoyance.”
Everyone was puzzled.
They continued their business, remaining in a state of perplexity.
