004 就職活動?
「次は修業先探しか? せっかくだ、私も付き合って良いところを選んでやろう」
「はぁ、ありがとうございます。......って、そうじゃなくて、このリュック、すっごく軽いんですけど!?」
元々入れていたのは着替えなど軽い物だったので気が付かなかったけど、錬金術大全を入れても全然重くならない。
いや、もちろん重くはなっているのだが、予想していた重さの一〇分の一も無い。
あまりにも予想外の軽さに、転びかけたほど。
「重量軽減が付いていると言っただろう? それぐらいじゃないとお前、大全を持って旅行できまい?」
「それは......そうですが」
自慢じゃないが、私は力が無い。
理由?
それはまぁ、勉強ばかりしていたら、そうなるよね?
元々小柄な方だし、身体を鍛えなければどうなるかは自明のこと。
悲しいことにね。
「......いえ、ありがとうございます。正直、非常に助かります」
このリュックの効果とそこから想定されるお値段を考え、もう一度師匠にお礼を言う。
卒業祝いとはいえ、タダで貰うのが怖いくらいだけど、断って返したところで師匠は受け取らないだろうし、ありがたく貰っておいた方がきっと喜ぶ。
少し無愛想に見えるけど、その実、とても優しい。
師匠はそんな人だ。
「ふむ。まぁ、弟子の門出だ。それぐらいは気にするな」
にやっと笑って、頭をポンポンと撫でてくる師匠に私は苦笑を返し、学生支援課へと向かう。
そこでは在学中のバイト先紹介の他、卒業後の就職支援も行ってくれる。
私は師匠のお店以外にも掛け持ちでいくつかバイトをこなしていたので、ここのお姉さんとは、名前を覚えてもらえるぐらいには仲が良い。
私がいつものように「こんにちわ~」と入っていくと、暇そうな担当のお姉さんから「いらっしゃーい」と軽い返答が返ってくる。
が、師匠を見た瞬間、お姉さんは数秒前の様子が嘘のように、ぴしりと背筋を伸ばし、完璧な営業スマイルを浮かべた。
「本日はどのようなご用件で?」
「え、えっと、修業先を探したいので、求人を見せてもらえますか?」
「わかりました。少々お待ちください」
私が少し戸惑いつつ、そう言うと、お姉さんは席を立って棚の方へ歩いて行った。
口調がいつもと違い丁寧なのは、師匠の効果なのだろう。
普段付き合っていると感じないけど、これでも師匠は錬金術師の超エリートなんだよね。
「ふむ。人がいないな?」
カウンターにいたのはお姉さん一人で、学生は一人もいない。
普段はもう少し人がいるので、こういう光景は珍しい。
「あー、それは今日が卒業式だったからですよ」
バインダーを手に戻ってきたお姉さんが、師匠の疑問に応える。
「ああ、そうか。私も卒業式の後は友人同士でパーティーとかやったな。本格的になるのは明日からか。サラサは......」
「募集要項、見せて頂けますか?」
師匠の何か言いたげな視線をさらっと無視し、お姉さんに手を差し出す。
ええ、どうせパーティーするような友達はいませんよ!
誘われもしなかったよ!
去年は先輩たちが誘ってくれたけど、知らない人ばかりで気後れして参加できず、その翌日、後輩も含めた四人だけで食事会をしただけだよ!
「すまないが、空き店舗情報を見せてくれるか?」
「あ、はい。こちらになります」
店舗情報の方は側にあったのか、お姉さんがすぐに師匠に差し出す。
「あれ? 師匠、お店を増やすんですか?」
すっごく繁盛してるから、支店を増やしたり、もしくは店舗を大きくしたりすること自体は不思議でも何でもないけど、師匠ってそっち方面には興味なさそうに見えたんだけど。
「そう言うわけじゃないが......それより、良いところはあったか?」
「いえ、今のところは......」
私が見ているバインダーには、現時点で弟子の受け入れが可能な錬金術師のお店が載っている。
この中から自分の条件に合うお店を探し、面接を経て就職、そこで経験を積みながら、ある程度のお金を貯め、自分のお店を買って独立、というのが一般的な錬金術師のキャリアプランだ。
就職活動に必要な資金のことを考えると、近場が良いんだけど......王都のお店は無いなぁ。
学校があるだけに、人材は過剰気味なんだろう。
多いのはやっぱり地方。先輩たちが就職したのも地方だったし。
就職できるなら、あまり場所にこだわりは無いけど、難点は面接に行くのにかかる時間と費用。
交通費と宿泊費を使った上で不採用となれば、払ったコストは無駄になる。
もし上手く採用してもらえても、部屋を借りたり、生活必需品を揃えるにもお金は掛かる。
学校の寮ではそのへん、支給してもらえたんだけど......錬金術大全を買ってしまった現在、私に余裕は、あまり無いんだよねぇ。
そんなこともあり、コネがあれば知り合いの錬金術師のお店に就職するのが一番安心なんだよね。
だから本当は、師匠が私を誘ってくれたのは、すっごく幸運な事。
そんな話を蹴った私に対して、師匠は残念そうな顔をしながらも、少しだけ嬉しそうに私の考えを認めてくれて、「困ったら戻ってくるように」という言葉まで贈ってくれたのだから。
「ちなみにサラサ、就職活動に使える資金はどのぐらい残っているんだ?」
募集を出しているお店との距離と、そこまでに必要な費用を必死で計算している私に、師匠がズバリと聞いてくる。
そんな師匠に、躊躇いがちに伝えた私の答えに、師匠は少し呆れたような表情を浮かべた。
「錬金術大全を買った時点で予想はしていたが......。そんなお前に、お薦めの物があるんだが?」
そんな事を言いながら、師匠が差し出したのは師匠の見ていたバインダー。
それは、売り出し中の店舗情報をまとめた物で、基本的には廃業した錬金術師の中古物件だ。
錬金術師のお店はその性質上、色々な設備が付属している。
それは錬金術師にとってありがたい反面、一般の人には無駄な設備で、改築の手間が増える分だけ価値が下がる。
そのため、錬金術師には高く売れる物件も、一般の人相手では値引きしないと買ってもらえない。
かといって、一般の不動産屋で錬金術師向けとして売り出したとしても、錬金術師の総数を考えれば、そうそう買い手が付かないのは目に見えている。
そういった双方の不便さを解消するため、学校では不動産の仲介もまた行っているのだ。
「何ですか、師匠。お薦めって......え!? 安っ!」
師匠が差し出したページに書かれていた店舗の価格、なんと一万レア。
錬金術大全のおかげで大幅に減った私の資産でも、十分に払えてしまう金額。
「な、何ですか、このお店!?」
「店舗部分はやや狭いが、居住スペースあり、薬草畑あり、各種設備と道具付き。場所は田舎だが、かなりお買い得だな」
間取りを見ると師匠のお店のように広くはないが、そもそも田舎は客が少ないので、そんなに広いスペースは必要ない。
二階建てで、師匠の言うとおり居住スペースがあり、井戸もある。
裏にはかなり広い畑が付いて必要とあればそこで薬草も育てられるようだ。
「......いえ、安すぎるでしょう! あり得ないですよ!」
家として安いとかそういうレベルではなく、安すぎる。
王都なら一、二ヶ月分の家賃程度の金額でしかなく、一回面接を受けに行く費用だけでも十分にお釣りが来る。
正直、何か危ない部分があるんじゃないかと疑いたくなる。
――仲介が学校だから多分大丈夫だとは思うけど。
「まあ、あれだ。補助金がそれなりには出ていると思うぞ?」
「あ、なるほど。それなら......まぁ......」
補助金とは、錬金術師が店舗を構える際に国が支援してくれるお金のことだ。
国としてはそれぞれの街に錬金術師のお店を作って欲しいのだが、どこにお店を構えるかは錬金術師の自由。
一番人気はやはり人口の多い王都で、その周辺の大都市が二番手と言ったところ。
お客の少ない不便な田舎にわざわざお店を開くことは、誰だって避けたいのだ。
そこで出てくるのが補助金である。
人が行きたがらない場所ほど多く、王都などの都会には補助金無し、と差を付けて、なんとか人を確保しようとした国の仕組み。
修行中の新米錬金術師にとって、店舗を購入する資金を貯めるのはかなり大変なので、早くお店を持ちたい錬金術師は大抵その恩恵にあずかっている。
しかし、逆に言うなら――。
「つまり、このお店は一万レアで売ってもかまわないほど補助金が出る、とんでもない田舎にある、と?」
一応、住所は書いてあるのだが、聞いたことが無い。
少なくとも私の知識に無いくらい、小さな町であることは確実だよね。
「ここは大樹海の側にある小さな町......いや、村にある」
「大樹海って......ここから馬車で一ヶ月くらい掛かりますよね?」
「そうだな。ただ、錬金術の素材は手に入りやすいから、技術を上げるには悪くない場所だぞ? ――客は少ないかもしれないが」
大樹海とはこの国の辺境で、南北に伸びる大山脈とその麓に広がる樹海のことを言う。
正式名称は“ゲルバ・ロッハ山麓樹海”で、各種植物・昆虫・鉱石などの錬金術関連素材が多く取れることで有名だ。
なので、師匠の言うとおり腕を磨くには最適な場所ではあるのだけど......。
「お客さんがいないのは致命的ですよ? 私、貯蓄はすべて吐き出したんですから、お客さんが来ないと生活できませんし」
そうなのだ。
産地近くということで、各種素材が安く手に入ったとしても、製品が売れなければどうにもならない。
大全を買う前ぐらいの蓄えがあれば、数年間そこで腕を磨くという選択肢があったかもしれないが、今の蓄えでは生活ができない。
「ふむ、良いと思うんだがな」
「第一、私は昨日卒業したところですよ? いきなりお店を持つなんて......」
「それは問題ない。全くの素人ならともかく、お前は何年もウチの店で働いてきただろう? それなりにやっていけると思うぞ? レベルは三になってるし」
「......え? 三?」
「ああ。――サラサ、お前、錬金術師のレベルはどうやって上がるか知っているか?」
「そういえば......?」
錬金術師のレベルが~とか、マスタークラスが~とか言うわりに、どうやってレベル上げるのか学校では教えられなかった。
研鑽しなさいとか、努力しろとか言われるだけで。
「ふむ。まあ、資格を取った後、弟子入り後に教えられるのが普通だからな」
そう言って師匠が教えてくれたのは“錬金術大全の各巻に載っている物をすべて作製できればレベルが上がる”ということだった。
つまり、第一巻の物をすべて作ればレベル二に、第二巻の物をすべて作ればレベル三になれる。
学生の内に教えないのは、早くレベルを上げようと、正式な資格も無いのに無理して錬金術を行使したりしないように、ということらしい。
「そういえば、バイトで色々作りましたね。え? つまり、私はいつの間にか一、二巻の物はすべて作っていたんですか?」
師匠の指導の下、結構な種類を作ったと思ったら......。
いや、たぶん、それを考えてやらせてくれてたんだと思うけど。
「だから、お前なら店ぐらいは開けると思うぞ」
「でも......商売のことは何も知らないんですけど」
師匠の言うとおりであれば、確かに売れ筋商品を作るのは問題無さそう。
しかし、バイト期間中、私がしたのは作製のみで販売などには、全く関わっていない。
つまり、値付けや仕入れ、その他経営のことに関しては全くの素人なのだ。
「うーん、そうだな......よし、こうしよう。お前が定期的にあの近辺の珍しい素材を送ってきたら、それを私が買い取ろう。これなら生活に困ることはないはずだ」
それなら、生活費ぐらいは稼げる、のかな?
贅沢をしたいわけでもないし、修行と考えれば、それもまぁ......って。
「――師匠、まさかそれが狙いで?」
「私はいつも、弟子の将来を考えているよ」
普段見せないようなさわやかな笑顔で、私の頭を撫でてくれる師匠。
「はぁ、それはありがとうございます? ――いえ、否定しませんでしたよね!?」
「ああ、君、これの契約はどうすれば良いのだ? ――ここで金を払えば権利書が貰えると。じゃあ、これで」
私の抗議をさらっと無視し、師匠は自分の財布から取り出したお金で権利書と鍵を受け取ってしまった。
それをささっと畳み、私のポケットに突っ込んでしまう。
「さぁ、これでサラサも店持ちの立派な錬金術師だ。おめでとう! あ、それは私からの贈り物だ。受け取ってくれ」
「え、え、ええぇ~」
私の肩をポンポンと叩きながら、にこやかにそんなことを言う師匠。
なんか、怒濤の勢いで私の将来が決まってしまった。
え? 私、ここに就職先探しに来たんだよね?
それがいつの間にやら独立した店長ですよ?
「ししょ~、すっごい不安なんですけど」
「まぁ、手助けはしてやるから頑張ってみろ。借金さえしなければ、失敗して戻ってきても雇ってやるから」
「はぁ......」
そういう事なら――良いのかな?
王都に帰れる旅費さえ確保しておけば、師匠のお店で働けるわけだし?
見習いのバイトでも十分な賃金をくれていたのだから、就職してもひもじい思いをすることは無いはずだ。
なんと言っても私はすでに
「わかりました、頑張ってみます!」
そう言って気合いを入れ、手をぎゅっと握る。
そんな私の様子を師匠が満足そうに、ウンウンと頷きながら激励してくれる。
......あれ? これって師匠に乗せられてない? 気のせいかな?
師匠のお店に戻った後、師匠は私のために卒業パーティーを開いてくれた。
決して私がボッチなのを哀れんだのでは無く、純粋な厚意......なんだと思いたい。
参加者はお店で働いている人たち。
他の人たちは来ていない。
急なことで予定が合わないだろうしね。
私にだって、呼んだら来てくれるかもしれない人ぐらい、少しはいるんだよ!
他のバイト先の人とか!
誘っては無いけど。
決して微妙な表情で断られるのが、怖いわけじゃない。
「しかし、師匠。突然パーティーなんて、準備が大変だったんじゃないですか?」
会場のテーブルには、私が食べた事の無い豪華な料理とお酒類が並んでいる。
すでに結構な量を頂いたけど、どれもとっても美味しく、いくらでも食べられるような気がしてくる。
もちろんそんなことは無理なので、ちょっとずつ、いろんな料理をつまんでいるのだが。
――高そうなのから食べるのは基本だよね!
「このくらいなら大したことない。作ったのはあいつだしな」
そう言って師匠が指さしたのは、いつもカウンターで接客を担当しているお姉さんのマリアさん。
そちらに目をやると、マリアさんがニッコリと笑って手を振る。
え? この豪華料理を?
プロの料理人が作ったみたいなんですけど。
「で、でも、高価そうな食材とか、お酒とか......」
「ん? これくらいは普段から使っているぞ? 多少は買い出しに行ったようだが」
おお、師匠くらいになると、このくらいの食事が普通なのか!
普段は寮でしか食べない、私の食事とは比べるべくもないけど、たぶん、高級料理だよね!?
「というか、お前、節約しすぎじゃないか? 私も学生時代、そんなに金は無かったが、試験が終わったときなんかには、このくらいの所には食べに行っていたぞ?」
あれ? そんなに高級料理じゃない?
「――というか、師匠がお金を貯めろって言ったんじゃないですか!」
「そうだったか? 貯まったら錬金術大全を安く買ってやるとは言った気がするが」
「同じ事ですよ! 買うべきだと言われたら、貯めるに決まってるじゃないですか!」
何を言っているんでしょう、この師匠は!
あんなこと言われたら必死で貯めますよ!
二五〇万レアもお得なんだから!
「いや、別に一〇巻まとめて買わなくても良かっただろう? 例えば五巻までとかでも私が行けば安くなるんだから」
「そっ......、そう、なん、ですか?」
「保証金分はな。五巻までだとそんなに高くはないが」
聞いてない。聞いてないよーー!
「それならそうと教えてくださいよ! あんなに頑張って節約したのに!」
「いや、どれぐらい貯まっているかなんて知らなかったしな。それに一〇巻まとめての方が割安なのは確かだぞ? 一〇巻だけを買う場合も上級錬金術師が必要だから、保証費用は高額になるしな」
たしかに、同じように来てもらうのだから、一冊だけの保証でも、一〇冊まとめてでもそんなに変わらないのかもしれない。
それなら結果的には良かったのかな......?
「そういえば、話は変わるんですけど、九巻まで
「あぁ、そいつはバカだな」
「......はい?」
あれ、聞き間違い?
「バカだ。一〇巻の中身......は読めないだろうが、厚みを覚えているか? 特にぶ厚かっただろう?」
大全をリュックに入れる時、一〇巻だけは片手で持ちにくいほどにぶ厚かったのを思い出す。
人一人ぐらい、簡単に撲殺できそうなレベルで。
だからまぁ、作ることは難しくなくても、作るための時間と素材が無駄というわけさ。それをわざわざやるのはバカぐらいだろう?」
「それは、確かに......あ、でも師匠は上級以上のマスタークラスなんですよね? それは?」
一〇巻を全部マスターすればマスタークラスなのかと思っていたんだけど。
を作れることがマスタークラスの条件の一つではある。それ以外は......」
「それ以外は?」
もったいぶったように私を見つめて、師匠が言った言葉は......。
「――秘密だ」
「えぇ~~~。なんでですか~? 教えてくださいよ~」
「マスタークラスは上級とはまた違った、それなりに大事な役割があるんだよ。もしお前が上級になって見込みがありそうなら教えてやるから、我慢しろ」
「う~、絶対ですよ?」
「まず上級になれるかどうかを心配しろ。錬金術師でも一部しかなれないんだからな?」
「それはそうですけど......」
不満そうに見上げる私に、そう言って師匠は笑うと、持っていたワインを飲み干した。
「ほら、サラサも話してないで飲め。成人したんだろ? 酒も楽しめないとな」
「そ、そうですね。初挑戦です!」
厳密にでは無いけど、酒類を飲めるようになるのは一五歳の成人から。
私も少し前に一五歳の誕生日を迎えていたけど、節約を
でも今日はタダ酒。飲まないのは勿体ないよね?
しかも多分、高級。
私はちょうど目の前にあったお酒をコップに注ぐと、そのまま師匠の真似をして
その瞬間、喉の奥がカッと熱くなり、師匠の慌てたような顔が見え............。
翌日、私が目を覚ましたのは知らないベッドの上でだった。
確か昨日は......師匠がお祝いのパーティーを開いてくれたんだよね?
途中から記憶が無いけど、つまりここは師匠のお店かな?
ベッドから起き出し、部屋から出るとそこは見覚えのある廊下。
入ったのは初めてだけど、ここはお店の二階にある客間だったみたい。
そのまま階段を下り、人の気配のするお店の居住スペースに向かうと、そこにはテーブルでのんびりとお茶を飲んでいる師匠がいた。
「師匠、おはようございます」
「おう。目が覚めたか。昨日はなかなか笑わせてもらったぞ? 酒を一口飲んだ途端、机に突っ伏して――くっ、ふふふふ......あーはっはっは!」
その時の様子を思い出したのか、途中でこらえきれなくなったように吹き出すと、大声で笑う師匠。
そういえば、昨日は初めてお酒を飲んで......師匠の言うとおりなら、そのまま意識を失った、ってこと?
――いや、酷くない?
確かに一口で倒れるとか、ちょっと情けないけど、そこまで笑うこと無いよね?
私が憮然とした表情を浮かべると、一度師匠は笑いを収めたのち、再びニヤリと笑う。
「しかも、『ケジメだから』とか言っておきながら、結局ウチに泊まることになったな?」
「ぐっ......それは......」
半ば不可抗力とは言え、自立すると決めた初日から、いきなり師匠の世話になってしまったのだ。
お酒に慣れていないからと言い訳したところで、もし酒場で前後不覚になってしまったら誰も助けてくれない。
成人した以上、そのあたりも自己責任なのだから。
「あのお酒が強すぎるんですよ......」
「確かにそれなりに酒精の強い酒だな。ちなみに、値段の方もかなりの物だぞ? 確か――」
「ストップ! 言わないでください! 更に立ち直れなくなる......」
師匠の言う“かなりの物”なんて聞きたくない!
絶対、普通なら私の口に入るような値段じゃないよね!?
そのお酒の味はおろか、飲んだことすら記憶にないんだけど、無駄になったお金を思うと心だけは痛い。
「......もう、当分お酒は飲みません」
「それが良い。飲む時には是非また私に笑いを提供してくれ!」
そう言ってまた「くふふっ」と笑う師匠。
つまりまたお酒を飲んでぶっ倒れろ、と言うことですね? わかります。
――少なくとも、人前でお酒を飲むのは控えよう。
私も一応女だから、笑い話では済まないかもしれないし。
「とか言ってますけど、昨日、サラサさんが倒れた後、店長はかなり焦っていたんですよ? 部屋に運んだのも店長ですし、落ち着くまで側に付いていたんですから」
「あ、マリアさん」
私が落ち込んでいると、台所スペースからコップを持ったマリアさんがやって来て、そんな話を暴露した。
「マリア! 余計なことを言うな!」
マリアさんは笑いながらそう言うと、私に「どうぞ」と水の入ったコップを渡してくれた。
喉の渇いていた私はありがたく受け取り、コップを傾けながらそっと師匠の様子を窺うと、さっきまで笑っていた師匠がなんだか憮然とした表情で口をへの字に曲げている。
「ま、まぁ、さすがにウチの店で人を死なすわけにはいかないからな!」
私が見ているのに気付き、師匠はコホンと咳払いして
「本当に素直じゃないですねぇ。まあ、いいですけど。さて、朝食できましたよ。サラサさんも食べられますよね?」
「食べていけ。朝食ぐらい、気にするほどの物じゃないだろう?」
これ以上世話になるのは、とちょっと躊躇した私に師匠はそう言うと、マリアさんに言って三人分の食事を並べさせる。
「ありがとうございます」
正直な話、今日中に出立することを考えると、時間的にもかなり助かるのは事実。
私はお礼を言って、やや急いで朝食を食べ始めた。
朝食を食べ終えた私は、すぐに出立の準備を始めた。
準備とは言っても、私物はすべて師匠のくれたリュックに入っているし、用意する物と言えば食料くらいのもの。
それらにしても途中のお店で買えば済むだけだから、身だしなみを整えて、リュックを背負えばそれで完了なんだけどね。
そのまま師匠に挨拶してお店を出ようとしたところで、「これも持って行け、餞別だ」と言って渡されたのは、錬金術関連の道具一式と経営におけるアドバイスが書かれているらしい冊子。
冊子はともかく、錬金術の道具は決して安くない。
少なくとも、一般庶民ではそうそう手が出せないような金額なのは知っている。
高価なリュックをもらい、店舗代金まで払ってもらっているのに、その上餞別までもらうのは......と私が受け取りを少し渋っていると、師匠は飄々として「これでも私はマスタークラスの錬金術師だぞ? 大した額でもないから気にするな。やや変則的とはいえ、お前はウチから独立して自分の店を持つ弟子なんだ。この程度の餞別、安いくらいだな」などと
更に出がけにマリアさんがコッソリ教えてくれたところによると、冊子の方も、昨日、私が寝てしまった後、師匠が朝方まで掛かって書き上げてくれたものらしい。
うーむ、今朝、眠そうだったのはそれが原因なのか。
なら爆笑されたのも許せるかな。
徹夜明けってハイになるしね。
って言うか、むしろ師匠に返せそうにない恩が積み重なっていくんだけど......。
錬金術大全の事も考えれば、私って師匠に数百万レアは援助されている感じだよね?
......うん、これは頑張って成功しないとね。少しでも恩返しできるように。
私はそんな決意を胸に、王都を旅立ったのだった。
辺境の村で待ち受ける現実なんて知りもせず......。
4 004 Jobs?
"Looking for a place to study next? Because of that, I'll hang out with you and pick a good spot."
"Ha, thank you.... and it's not, this backpack is so light!?"
I didn't realize what I was putting in it originally because it was a light thing such as changing clothes, but putting in the whole alchemy doesn't make it heavy at all.
No, of course it's getting heavier, but not a tenth of the weight I expected.
To too unexpected lightness, so much so that I almost fell.
"I told you it came with weight loss, didn't I? If that's not the case, you can travel with Dae-seok?
"That's... yes"
I'm not proud, but I'm powerless.
Reason?
Well, if you keep studying, you will, won't you?
I'm a small person originally, and it's self-evident what happens if I don't train my body.
Sadly.
"... No, thank you. Honestly, it's very helpful."
Consider the effect of this backpack and the price assumed from it and thank the master again.
Though it's graduation celebration, I'm scared enough to get it for free, but where I turned it down and gave it back, the master won't receive it, and I'm sure he'd be more than happy to thank you.
You look a little heartless, but the fruit, it's so sweet.
Master is such a person.
"Hmm. Well, it's the doorstep of a disciple. Don't worry about it."
I smile back bitterly to my master, who finally strokes my head with a pomp, and head to the Student Support Division.
In addition to introducing me to a part-time job while I'm in school, they also provide post-graduate job support.
I hung up and did some part-time work besides my master's shop, so my sister and I are close enough to have her name remembered.
When I go in "Hello ~" as usual, I get a light response from my sister in charge who seems free.
but the moment I saw my master, my sister stretched her spine and floated the perfect sales smile, as if the condition a few seconds ago were a lie.
"What can I do for you today?
"Uh, uh, I want to find a place to train, so can you show me a job?
"Okay. Please wait."
While I was a little confused, saying so, your sister took a seat and walked over to the shelf.
It must be the effect of the master that the tone is different and polite than usual.
I don't usually feel like we're dating, but this still makes my master a super elite alchemist, doesn't it?
"Hmm. No people, huh?
It was one sister at the counter and not one student.
These sights are rare because there are usually a few more people.
"Uh, that's because today was graduation."
My sister, who has the binder back in her hand, responds to my master's questions.
"Oh well. I had a party or something with friends after graduation, too. Will it be serious tomorrow? Sarasa..."
"Recruitment requirements, can I see them?
He ignores the Master's said gaze and offers his hand to his sister.
Yeah, I don't have any friends to party with anyway!
I didn't even ask you out!
The seniors invited me last year, but I couldn't take part in it in a whim with all the strangers, and the next day, just the four of us, including the juniors, had a dinner party!
"I'm sorry, can you show me some empty store info?
"Ah, yes. This way, sir."
Was the store information on your side, your sister will give it to your master immediately?
"Is that it? Master, do you want more shops?
Because it's so prosperous, it's no surprise or anything in itself to increase the number of branches or the size of the store, but the master didn't seem interested that way.
"That's not what I'm saying...... was there a better place than that?
"No, so far..."
The binder I'm looking at lists a store of alchemists that can accept disciples at the moment.
Looking for a store that fits your criteria from this, getting a job after an interview, saving some money while gaining experience there, buying your own store and being independent is the typical alchemist's career plan.
Considering the funds needed to get a job, the nearby area is good... I don't have a shop in Wangdu.
I guess just because there's a school, the talent feels excessive.
A lot is a region, after all. It was also the province where the seniors took up their jobs.
If I can get a job, I'm not very focused on the place, but the difficulty is the time and cost of going to the interview.
If you do not hire after spending transportation and accommodation, the cost you pay will be wasted.
Even if you hire them well, renting a room or getting all your necessities will cost you money.
At the school dorm, I was paid for it... but now that I've bought all the alchemy, I don't have much room, do I?
Sometimes that happens, and with Conne, it's the safest way to get a job at an alchemist's store you know.
So the truth is, I'm so lucky that my master invited me.
Because my master looked sorry for me for kicking such a story, but he admitted my thoughts with a little joy and even gave me the words "so that I may come back if I have trouble".
"By the way, Sarasa, how much money do you have left to spend on a job?
My master asks me if I am Zubari, who is desperately calculating the distance from the store where I am offering recruitment and the costs I need by then.
To my answer, which I conveyed with hesitation to such a master, the master gave a slightly frightened look.
"I had expected it at the time I bought Alchemy Daiichi...... Do you have something for me?
With that said, what the master offered was the binder the master was looking at.
That's a compilation of store information on sale, basically a used Alchemist property that went out of business.
The Alchemist's shop, by its very nature, comes with a variety of facilities.
That, on the other hand, is a thankless piece of equipment for alchemists, which is wasted on the general public, and only diminishes in value for the more effort it takes to remodel it.
For this reason, alchemists cannot buy properties that sell at high prices without discounting them at the hands of the average person.
Even if it were sold as an alchemist in the general realtor, given the total number of alchemists, it is obvious that no buyer would be able to do so.
The school also mediates real estate in order to eliminate the inconvenience of both parties.
"What is it, master? Recommended... Huh!? Anxious!
The price of the store that was written on the page my master gave me, what a 10,000 rare.
Even my assets, which have been greatly reduced thanks to all the alchemy, will be able to pay enough.
"Hey, what is it, this store!?"
"The store part is slightly narrow, but there is living space, there are herbal fields, with all kinds of equipment and tools. The place is country, but it's a pretty good deal."
Looking at the intervals, it's not as big as the master's shop, but the countryside doesn't need that much space because there are few guests in the first place.
It's two floors, there's living space, as the master says, and there's a well.
There's a pretty big field on the back, and if you need it, it looks like you can grow herbs there too.
"... No, it would be too cheap! It's impossible!
It's not cheap as a house or that level, it's too cheap.
Wang Du will only get enough change for about a month or two of rent, just the cost of going for one interview.
Honestly, I'd like to suspect there's something dangerous about it.
- I think maybe it's okay because the intermediary is at school.
"Well, that's it. I think there's a lot of subsidies out there, huh?
"Oh, I see. Then... well..."
Subsidies are money that the state supports when alchemists set up stores.
As a country, I want each city to build an Alchemist's shop, but where to set up a store is the Alchemist's freedom.
The most popular is still the heavily populated Wang capital, where the large cities around it said second.
Everyone wants to avoid deliberately opening a store in an inconvenient country with few customers.
That's where the subsidy comes out.
How the country managed to secure people by making the difference that there were so many places that people didn't want to go, and no subsidies for cities such as Wang Capital.
For the new American alchemist in training, it's pretty hard to save money to buy a store, so the alchemist who wants to have a store soon is mostly in the favor of it.
But if you put it the other way...
"I mean, this store gets subsidized enough to sell for 10,000 rare, it's in a hell of a country," he said?
For once, I have an address on it, but I've never heard of it.
At least as little as it isn't in my knowledge, you're sure it's a small town.
"This is a small town on the side of the Great Tree Sea...... no, it's in the village"
"What's the Great Tree Sea... it takes about a month's ride from here, doesn't it?
"Right. It's just that alchemy materials are easy to get, so it's not a bad place to upgrade your technology, is it? - We may not have many customers."
A great tree sea is a great mountain range stretching north and south and a tree sea stretching at its foot on the border of this country.
The official name is "The Tree Sea at the foot of the Gerba Roch Mountains" and is famous for its ability to take many alchemy-related materials such as various plants, insects and ores.
So the master is right. It is the perfect place to brush your arms......
"It's fatal not to have customers, isn't it? I spit out all my savings, so I can't live without customers."
Yes, it is.
The proximity to the region of origin means that even if various materials are obtained cheaply, there is nothing that can be done if the product cannot be sold.
If I had as much storage as I had before I bought Daewood, I might have had the option of brushing my arms there for a few years, but I can't live with the current storage.
"Hmm, I think it's good."
"First of all, I just graduated yesterday, right? I can't believe I have a store all of a sudden..."
"That's not a problem. Anyway, if you were an amateur at all, you'd have worked at our store for years, right? I think we can do that a lot, huh? It's three levels."
"... Huh? Three?"
"Oh. - Sarasa, do you know how the level of alchemist rises?
"Speaking of which...?
Instead of saying the alchemist's level is ~ or the master class is ~, the school couldn't teach me how to level it.
They just tell me to drill, or try.
"Hmm. Well, it's normal to be taught after qualification, after apprenticeship"
That's what my master taught me: "If I could make all the things in every volume of Alchemy, I would increase my level."
In other words, if you make all the objects in Volume I, you can go to Level II, and if you make all the objects in Volume II, you can go to Level III.
What they don't teach within their students seems to be that they try to get to a level quickly, so that they don't exercise alchemy because they don't have formal qualifications.
"Speaking of which, you made a lot of things in part-time. Huh? I mean, did I make all one or two volumes of stuff at some point?
If you think you've made quite a variety under the guidance of your master......
No, I guess, you were making me think about that.
"So I think you could open the store."
"But... I don't know anything about business."
If the master is right, it certainly doesn't seem to be a problem to make a selling product.
However, during the part-time period, all I did was make it and sell it, etc., I am not involved at all.
I mean, he's a total amateur when it comes to valuing, purchasing, and other business matters.
"Um, yeah...... okay, let's do this. If you send me rare materials from that neighborhood on a regular basis, I'll buy them. I'm sure you won't have any trouble with your life."
Then you can earn about the cost of living, right?
I don't want to be extravagant, and if you think of it as training, that's well...
"- Master, is that what you're after?
"I always think about the future of my disciples."
A master who strokes my head with a refreshing smile that I usually don't show.
"Ha, thank you for that? - No, you didn't deny it!?"
"Oh, you, what am I supposed to do with this contract? - He said if you pay here, you'll get a letter of rights. Okay, now."
Ignoring my protest, the master received a letter of rights and a key with the money he took out of his wallet.
It folds gently and sticks into my pocket.
"Come on, now Sarasa is also a fine alchemist with a store. Congratulations! Oh, that's a gift from me. Take it."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
A master who says that with a pompous slap on my shoulder.
Something about my future was determined by the momentum of Rage Tao.
Huh? I came here to find a job, didn't I?
When is that going to be an independent manager?
"I'm so anxious."
"Well, I'll help you, so try your best. Because if you don't even owe me money, I'll hire you if you fail to come back."
"Ha..."
If that's the case - is it good?
I can go home to Wang Du. If I can secure my travel expenses, I can work in my master's shop?
Even the apprenticeship part time was giving me enough wages, so I shouldn't have a twinge when I got a job.
Whatever you say, I already have the Alchemy's License!
"Okay, I'll try my best!
That's what I said, get in the mood, and hold my hand tight.
My master seems satisfied with how I am, and encourages me to snort.
... Is that it? Hasn't this been put on by the master? Is it your fault?
After returning to the master's shop, the master threw a graduation party for me.
Never pitied me for being a botch, pure generosity...... I want to think what.
Participants are people who work in shops.
The others are not here.
I don't think the sudden things are going to make plans. Pre (...) fixed (...)!
Even to me, there's a little bit of people who might come if I call them!
Some other part-time guy or something!
I didn't ask you out.
Never afraid to be turned down with a subtle look.
"But master. Didn't you have a hard time getting ready for a party all of a sudden?
The venue table is lined with fancy dishes and drinks that I've never eaten before.
I've already gotten a good amount, but they're all so delicious, I feel like I can eat as much as I want.
Of course I can't do that, so I'm pinching all kinds of dishes.
- Eating is basic because it seems expensive!
"It's no big deal this much. He's the one who made it."
That's what the master pointed out to your sister Maria, who is always in charge of customer service at the counter.
When I look you in the eye, Maria laughs nicely and waves.
Huh? You want this fancy dish?
Looks like a professional cook made it.
"So, but, like, expensive ingredients, alcohol..."
"Hmm? I've been using this for a long time, right? Looks like he went somewhat shopping."
Oh, when you're about your master, is this much of a meal normal!
I usually only eat in the dorm, not compared to my meal, but, I guess, it's fancy food!?
"I mean, you, aren't you saving too much? When I was a student, I didn't have that kind of money, but by the time I finished my exams, I was going to eat somewhere like this.
That? Isn't that fancy?
"- Or didn't your master tell you to save money!
"Were you? I thought I said I'd buy you a cheap alchemy masterpiece when I saved up."
"Same thing! If they tell you you should buy it, you decide to save it!
I wonder what you're talking about, this master!
If you say that, I'll desperately save it!
Two and a half million rare is a bargain too!
"No, you didn't have to buy ten volumes together, did you? Like five rolls or something, but if I go, it's cheaper."
"Damn... yes, what is it?
"I don't have a security deposit. By five volumes, it's not that expensive."
I didn't ask. I'm not listening!
"Then tell me so! You worked so hard to save money!
"No, I didn't know how much you were saving. Plus, I'm pretty sure it's cheaper to put ten volumes together, right? If you want to buy only ten volumes, you need a senior alchemist, so the warranty cost is expensive."
True, I ask you to come in the same way, so maybe a warranty of just one book, or a bunch of ten books, won't make that much difference.
Would that have turned out good...?
"Speaking of which, it's a different story, but if you ripen to nine volumes, you're a senior alchemist, right? So what if you ripen all ten volumes?
"Oh, that's stupid."
"... Yes?
That, misheard?
"Stupid. The contents of ten volumes...... you won't be able to read them, remember the thickness? That would have been particularly thick, wouldn't it?
When I put the whole thing in my backpack, I remember that only ten rolls were thick enough to be difficult to hold with one hand.
About one person, on a level that seems easy to slaughter.
So, well, even if it's not hard to make, it's a waste of time and material to make it. It would be stupid to do that on purpose, wouldn't it?
"That's true... ah, but the master is more than advanced in the master class, isn't it? What's that?"
I was wondering if it would be a master class if I mastered all ten volumes.
"Right...... one of the conditions of the master class is to be able to create an important smelter Artifact among the ten volumes. Other than that..."
"Other than that?
Look at me like a lot, the words my master said......
- It's a secret.
"Uh-huh. Why? Tell me."
"The master class is not the same as the advanced class, it has quite an important role to play. If you're going to be advanced and promising, I'll tell you, so be patient."
"Uh-huh. Absolutely, right?
"Worry about whether you can be advanced first. Even an alchemist can only be part of it, right?
"That's right..."
He looked up dissatisfied to me, saying so, and the master laughed, and drank up the wine he had.
"Look, Sarasa didn't even talk to you. Drink. You're an adult, aren't you? You have to enjoy your booze."
"Right. It's my first try!
Not strictly, but it starts with a fifteen-year-old adult being able to drink alcohol.
I was celebrating my fifteenth birthday a while ago, but I had absolutely no connection with luxury alcohol to save money.
But today it's free booze. You don't drink, do you?
And maybe, luxury.
When I poured the liquor just in front of me into the glass, I imitated the master and said, "Oh."
At that moment, the back of my throat became cute and hot, and I could see my master's hasty face......
The next day it was on a bed I didn't know I woke up.
Surely yesterday... my master threw me a party to celebrate, didn't he?
I don't remember from the middle of nowhere, but I mean, is this the master's shop?
Get out of bed, out of the room, that's a familiar hallway.
I've never been in before, but it looks like this was a guest room upstairs in the store.
Going straight down the stairs to the living space of a shop with signs of people, there was a master there who was relaxing and drinking tea at the table.
"Good morning, master"
"Whoa. Are you awake? You made me laugh a lot yesterday, didn't you? As soon as I had a sip of booze, I stuck it at my desk - cum, hehe... ahahaha!
You remembered how it was then, a master who laughs out loud when he blows like he can no longer be revealed along the way.
Speaking of which, yesterday was the first time I had a drink... and if my master is right, I lost consciousness as it is, you mean?
- No, isn't it terrible?
Sure, it's a little pitiful to fall in one bite, but you don't laugh that far, do you?
When I get a flashy look, the master laughs once and then laughs niggardly again.
"Besides, you ended up staying at our place while I said, 'Because I'm a jerk'?
"Gu... that's..."
Half force majeure, from the first day I decided to become independent, I suddenly took care of my master.
I just made an excuse because I'm not used to alcohol, and if I get back and forth unconscious in a liquor store, no one can help me.
Because it's more self-inflicted than adults.
"That alcohol is too strong..."
"That's a pretty alcoholic liquor indeed. By the way, that's a lot of stuff for the price, right? Sure..."
"Stop! Don't tell me! I won't be able to recover any more..."
I don't want to hear your master say "quite a thing"!
Absolutely, if it's normal, it's not the kind of price that goes into my mouth!?
I don't even remember drinking that liquor flavor, but it only hurts my heart to think of the money I've wasted.
"... no more alcohol for the time being"
"That's good. Make sure you offer me another laugh when you drink!
That's what I said and I laugh at you again, Master.
So you're telling me to drink and smash it down again, right? I understand.
- At least, let's refrain from drinking in public.
I'm a woman, too, so maybe it's not a joke.
"or something, but yesterday, after Mr. Sarasa fell, the manager was in a pretty hurry, wasn't he? It was the manager who brought it to the room, and it was on the side until it calmed down."
"Ah, Maria."
When I was depressed, Maria came from the kitchen space with a glass and exposed such a story.
"Maria! Don't say anything extra!
Maria said that with a laugh, "Go ahead," she gave me a glass of water.
I was thirsty and I gratefully received, tilting the cup and watching softly as the master looked, his mouth bending to the letter to him with a somewhat dazzling look that the master had just laughed at.
"As it were, well, you can't just let people die in our store!
I noticed that I was watching, and the master coughed up with Cohon and said something like that in terms of "only", but Maria smiled bitterly without looking concerned.
"You're really not being honest. Well, that's good. Well, we're ready for breakfast. You can have Mr. Sarasa, too, right?
"Eat up. Not enough for breakfast, is it?
I was a little hesitant to take care of her any more, and when my master says so, he tells Maria to arrange a meal for three.
"Thank you"
Honestly, considering we're leaving by the end of the day, it's true that it's quite helpful in time.
I thanked him and started having breakfast somewhat hastily.
Having finished breakfast, I immediately began to prepare for my departure.
Having said that, all my personal belongings are in the backpack my master gave me, and when it comes to what I prepare, it's about food.
Even then, you just have to buy it at the store on the way, so if you get familiar and carry your backpack, that's it.
I was just about to leave the store by greeting my master as it was, and he said, "Take this too, it's a farewell" and gave it to me is a booklet that seems to contain a set of alchemy-related tools and advice in management.
Regardless of the booklet, alchemy tools are never cheap.
At least, I know it's an amount that the average common man can't do that.
When I was a little reluctant to receive an expensive backpack and even paid for the store, but on top of that I got a different one, the master said, "I'm still a master class alchemist, aren't I? Don't worry, it's not even a big amount. Though somewhat anomalous, you are an apprentice with your own shop independently of ours. To this extent, it's cheap," he said.
Further out, Maria told me that the booklet, too, was written up yesterday, after I fell asleep, by my master, who hung me up to the morning.
Hmm, was that the reason you seemed to sleep this morning?
Then can you forgive me for being bombarded?
It gets high all night.
I mean, I rather have a pile of gratitude that I'm unlikely to be able to return to my master...
If you think about all the alchemy, it feels like I'm being assisted millions of rare by my master, right?
... Yeah, we have to work hard and succeed in this. so that I can repay you at all.
With such determination in mind, I traveled through the capital.
I don't even know the reality of waiting in a village on the border...
The Novice Alchemist’s Store
[Web版] 新米錬金術師の店舗経営
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-novice-alchemists-store/
Adventure Comedy Fantasy Shoujo Ai Slice of Life Supernatural
Adapted to Anime Adapted to Manga Alchemy Artifact Crafting Artifacts Business Management Carefree Protagonist Crafting Cute Story Fantasy World Heartwarming Herbalist Jack of All Trades Marriage of Convenience Orphans Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Store Owner Sword And Magic
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n3174fc/
いつきみずほ