By the Grace of the Gods (LN) - Volume 3 - Chapter SS2

Bonus Short Stories

Serge and the Twins

“You may use this room for a while. Your luggage will be brought to you.”

“Thank you.”

After Bamboo Forest’s opening party came to an end, the invitees left by foot or carriage. The twins had only just arrived in Gimul and had no home as of yet, so Serge led them to a guest room. Before he left, he asked them a question.

“How does this store look? What do you think about the boss?”

“To be honest, I would say they’re odd. Both the store and its owner,” Carla responded.

“It’s a fine store, it seems like it will be simple enough to run, and the food is delicious. There’s something unique about it all. That includes the manager.”

“I get that. When I was first introduced to him, I thought the same thing. I still feel the same way now.”

“Just who is he? He seems to be on good terms with the duke’s family and many high-ranking adventurers, but he said he wasn’t a noble.”

“Judging from his conversations, he’s fairly educated. Is he the son of some affluent merchant?”

“I met him through an introduction from the duke’s family. His grandmother was an intellectual with a love of education, apparently, but he seemed to have lived a difficult life. Ever since his grandparents passed away three years ago, he became frustrated with people and hid away deep in a forest.”

When the twins heard that, they were surprised and dubious. “He didn’t look that misanthropic to me.”

“I agree with Carla. He seemed very sociable, if anything.”

“I don’t understand it either. Maybe his wounded heart has healed, or maybe he got tired of a life of solitude. In any case, I want you to watch him closely.” Serge paused for a moment. “But that doesn’t mean I want you to investigate him. There’s no need to leak any information you learn through working with him, nor do you need to take any action to benefit my company. I only ask that you assist him. He can even do things that would be advantageous to my company, as long as it’s legal and helpful for his business.”

“Are you sure?” the twins asked in unison.

“It’s hard to keep a business going without getting dirty sometimes. Remember to always work with him in good faith. In his case, I think accommodating his passions would be ideal,” Serge said and told the twins everything he knew.

“He isn’t concerned with money or fame, then?”

“He only decided to start a business after someone else suggested it to him.”

“After the guildmaster first met him, she said that he seemed like he might up and leave at any moment, but I want him to stay in this city. That’s partially at the request of the duke’s family, but I also have some personal interest in the boy. Staying on good terms with him could lead to profit down the line, of course. I’m sure you recognize that,” Serge said. The twins didn’t hesitate to nod.

“I did say he was odd, but if he has a unique perspective, then I’m sure there’s plenty to learn from him,” Carla answered.

“And from what I saw at the party, he has incredible knowledge and great connections. Knowledge and conections are the lifeblood of a merchant,” Carme added. Serge was satisfied by their responses.

“He at least knows he’s an amateur when it comes to business, and he’s been happy to ask for my input on plenty of occasions. Just tell him if any of his suggestions have issues, and he should understand. In the event that he ignores your advice and his business declines, I promise that my company will hire you again. Don’t worry about the future, just work for him earnestly and see what there is to be learned.”

“Thank you for giving us this opportunity,” the twins said. With renewed determination, they began work at Ryoma’s store the following day.