落とし穴１４１堀：最近の町と意外な一面 (Part2)
Still, everyone dreams of running a business in a place like this at least once, so Yuki provides this space to give everyone a chance.
As we were talking about that, we arrived at a stuffed animal shop tucked away in a side alley.
"…There are surprisingly a lot of people here."
"Lots of parents with children, too."
"Well, it is a stuffed animal shop. But they’re so cute that there are actually quite a few adult customers as well."
"I can understand that feeling. Because…"
The interior of the shop was packed tightly with stuffed animals, creating a truly delightful atmosphere.
They weren't just cute, either. The attention to detail on things like the clothing was impressive; it was designed with the idea of dressing them up, and there was a sign explaining that you could create your very own unique plushie.
With this, even adults could find plenty to enjoy.
Just as I was thinking that…
"Yes, yes. Welcome—wait, what are you all doing here? That’s an unusual combination."
"Ratz."
For some reason, Ratz appeared wearing an apron, acting just like a regular shop clerk.
But that wasn't all…
"Ratz, what’s going on? Oh, Tia and Kaya, and Kaya too? That’s rare."
" "Kishua?" "
Yes, for some reason, Kishua was there.
Her full name is Kishua Roday.
One of the Holy Sword Users.
"I mean, I don't think this suits you at all, Kishua."
"What was that?! I like cute things too, you know! You got a problem with that?!"
"No, I don't think there's anything wrong with liking them."
"Wait, you're just going to accept that? Anyway, what are you here for?"
"What am I here for? We’re just guiding Kaya."
"Yes. That’s right."
"Kaya’s?"
"Kaya, what’s the matter? Do you need something?"
"…Today is my day off, so I was just wandering through the commercial district. Then I ran into Tia and the others, and they brought me to this stuffed animal shop. And then, I found Ratz and Kishua here."
"Ah, I see."
"For now, I want to ask what these two are doing here. It’s a mystery."
I decided to clear up that puzzle.
I had absolutely no idea that Ratz had opened a shop like this.
"Hmm. To explain that…"
Ratz said this and looked toward the back of the shop. We followed her gaze to the rear, where the counter and the register were located…
"Now then, what shall I make today?"
There stood Nina, holding a full set of sewing tools.
"…Wait, who was Nina again?"
"Hey, you remember the name! Don't forget it. She’s one of our companions."
"…"
I struggled to dig into the depths of my memory to recall…
"Ah, the clumsy Holy Sword User who was scouting in Enaria."
"What kind of way is that to remember someone?"
"Fortunately, it seems she didn't hear you."
Ah, that was indeed rude of me.
Being weak isn't something one can help, I suppose.
Just as I was thinking that, Nina spoke up without even looking our way.
"I heard you. I know I don't have much of a presence. It’s fine; that’s exactly what you need for scouting. So, what business do you have at our shop?"
"Excuse me? *Our* shop? What does that mean? Ratz, tell me already."
"Well, I suppose it is a bit confusing. Technically, this shop is operated as a joint venture between Nina and me."
"What? A stuffed animal shop?"
"Yes. Between Super Ratz and the trade with Weed, we’re already doing quite a large business. More than anything, Big Brother told me I should try it out someday."
As she said this, Ratz’s face lit up with a truly happy smile.
"Yuki did?"
"Yes. He suggested I try making toys for children. He’s always helping me, so he told me I should try doing something I love for a change."
"Muu. Ratz is the only one who gets special treatment."
"Ehehe. That said, I’m sure he’s been kind to all of you in his own way, too. Besides, just because he told you to open a shop doesn't mean it’s a reward, right?"
"That’s true. I don't have the confidence to manage a business."
I’m only really capable of handling the neighborhood watch or working the fields.
…I’m not very good at sewing, either.
"So, we had the concept of setting up shop in this back alley, but we didn't have any staff. I couldn't exactly run the shop myself."
"That’s true. If Ratz weren't around, we wouldn't be able to function."
"That’s why we’re having the Holy Sword Users help out. Well, everyone is busy, but there’s always someone resting—if you can call it that. Plus, they were all at Comet’s orphanage, so everyone is quite skilled at making stuffed animals."
"Ah, I see."
That makes perfect sense.
Come to think of it, weren't all the Holy Sword Users taken in by Comet?
"Hmph. Sorry if my making stuffed animals isn't good enough for you."
Kishua pouted as she said that.
But…
"No. I think it’s a wonderful thing. It’s cute."
That’s right. There’s heart put into it.
And the technique is up to par, too.
They must have spent a long time honing their skills to get to this point.
Comet acts the way she does, but it was a moment that made me realize she really did care for the children after all.
And so, in between their duties, Ratz and the others were chasing their various dreams.
And this, too, connects to the stories of other people.
It’s a sudden shift, but since this is connected to the greater narrative, you might want to pay attention.