第２１０掘：騒ぐ人たち (Part1)
**Dungeon 210: The Commotion**
**The Commotion**
*Side: Commoner living in Weed, Assistant Manager of Super Ratz Branch No. 2*
I was working my usual shift from the morning. The time was nearing closing.
"Alright, we're almost at closing time. Everyone, keep up the good work."
"Yes!"
I called out to the staff in the store. I scanned the floor, checking for items that were running low and jotting them down in my notebook. Once the store closed, I would deliver this list to the Super Ratz office so they could restock us by tomorrow.
It’s been about a year since Weed was founded. I wonder if we’re going to have another frenzy like the one at the end of last year? Back then, our representative, Ratz, declared it a festival and a prime time for profit, leading to a 10% discount across all stores. It was incredibly busy. Even with that discount, we recorded sales that still resulted in a surplus. Well, we were worked to the bone, but we got a bonus, so I suppose it was worth it.
Just as the day was about to end, a customer burst in. This happens often—customers who arrive right at the wire and linger past closing time. It’s a huge nuisance, so Representative Ratz has explicitly told us to kick them out. Rules must be followed, and that includes the customers. Business isn't just about prioritizing the customer at all costs.
"If they’d just leave on time, it wouldn't be an issue," I muttered, peering toward the entrance to check on the newcomer.
"Forgive me, but bring me something Seraria would like!! Quickly!! I have the money!!"
"Huh? Um... who might you be?"
Standing there was an elderly nobleman badgering my staff... wait, isn't that the King of Roschur?! I had seen the King of Roschur from a distance during the Demon Lord Subjugation departure ceremony a few months ago. The staff member he was cornering had been out on a supply run for the military that day, so he wouldn't recognize him.
What on earth happened? Regardless, this was too much for a regular staff member to handle, so I needed to step in.
"You, go handle the restocking. I’ll take care of this customer."
"Oh, Assistant Manager. Thank you."
With that, I swapped places with the staff member and faced the King of Roschur.
...Wait, did I act too hastily? I’ve never had to speak to someone of such high status before... well, except for Seraria-sama, but she’s different, and this is a King from another land...
"I, I was in a rush. Forgive me. I am Selva, King of Roschur. I heard today that my daughter, Seraria, has gone into labor, and I came in such a panic that I brought no gift for her. Could you select something for me?"
"Se, Seraria-sama is giving birth!?"
"Hm? You didn't know? They said they were going to broadcast it over the radio from the government building, didn't they?"
As I stood there stunned by the King's words, a radio broadcast from the government building echoed throughout all of Weed.
"Oh, it's starting now."
The King said, and the customers and staff in the store fell silent.
*"Good evening. This is Weed Public Broadcasting. My apologies for the late hour. This is a special emergency broadcast."*
Hearing the words "emergency broadcast," the customers and staff who didn't know the situation grew tense. The radio broadcasts in Weed happen daily, relaying information about the city and neighboring countries. But it’s mentioned at least once a day that emergency broadcasts are reserved for critical situations. Naturally, hearing that made everyone nervous. After all, this was the first time it had ever happened.
*"This is an emergency broadcast. Please listen calmly. It appears that Seraria-sama was rushed to the hospital this afternoon."*
*Rustle...* The entire city of Weed seemed to tremble at those words.
*"Please, remain calm. According to the information, it appears Seraria-sama is in labor. The reason for this emergency broadcast is to inform the public of the birth beforehand so that people unrelated to the hospital do not flock there."*
"I see. So that is how they use this," the King nodded, looking impressed.
*"The hospital is currently operating as usual. We understand your concern and interest in Seraria-sama, but please do not gather at the hospital if you have no business there, as it will interfere with other patients and the hospital staff. We will provide progress reports via the radio, so please cooperate and refrain from causing trouble for Seraria-sama and the hospital staff."*
I see, so that’s the situation. The people listening around me were nodding in agreement.
"That is the situation. Do you have any suitable gifts? I have heard that my daughter frequents this establishment."
"Understood. Please, wait a moment."
As the King said, this second branch is the closest to the military facilities, so military personnel often come here to buy lunch boxes and snacks. Seraria-sama does as well. She hasn't shown her face much lately due to her pregnancy, but she still visits occasionally to buy ingredients for sweets. I recall her saying something about making cookies.
If that’s the case, wouldn't she be happy with an assortment of cookies? Perhaps some tea to go with them? Normally Seraria-sama would brew it herself, but that would be impossible in the hospital.
Thinking this, I grabbed several sets of cookies and tea from the supermarket, all wrapped in gift paper. Weed is currently connected to over ten countries via gates, and tourists are pouring in. Because of that, Super Ratz carries a wide variety of gift items.
"Sorry to keep you wait... ed?"
I had gathered the items and even included a gift from Super Ratz to present to the King, but...
"Father!! What do you think you are doing, coming all the way here without a single guard!!"
"Ah, Aria, calm down. This is Son-in-law's dungeon, and I heard Seraria was in labor, so I..."
"I am aware of that!! That is why I told you we should prepare properly before leaving!! And then when I went to pick you up at your room, you were already gone!!"
...Even I know that’s a bad situation. But I also understand the King's feelings. I don't have grandchildren, but I am married, and when my wife was giving birth, I remember bolting out of my workplace too.