Another World Shop

I woke up feeling the weight of the day ahead, but there was no time to waste.

The moment my eyes opened, I reached for my phone and started drafting messages to three of my biggest potential partners: Limuea, Elixoritis, and the National Agency for Information and Control.

I carefully detailed what the contracts would involve — regular shipments of cosmetics from Limuea, various medicines from Elixoritis, and a mix of stationery, small accessories, and everyday household items from the National Agency.

I knew this wasn't just about expanding the store's inventory. It meant building solid relationships that could boost sales for everyone involved. More importantly, it meant I could reliably supply them with the tools and rare materials they needed for their work — whether it was monster parts, special ingredients, or other hard-to-find items.

I made sure to mention my existing contract with the Association, hoping it would strengthen my credibility. Then I added a polite but firm note that I needed their response by midnight — there wasn't time to drag things out.

After hitting send, I immediately messaged Kaen. He replied almost instantly, saying he'd do his best to convince the higher-ups. Then I typed succubi. Her response was cautiously positive—she was open to the offer, but still hesitant. Something about her phrasing seemed distant, so I decided to break the ice a little.

"By the way," I typed. "What's your name? I still don't know."

She read it and stayed silent for a moment longer than expected. Maybe she was unsure how to respond or felt shy.

Finally, she answered simply, "Mirana."

I sent back my own name. "Ujin."

It was a small exchange, but it made the whole negotiation feel more personal, less like cold business.

Next, I faced the uncertainty of messaging the head of Elixoritis. Would she even bother replying? Would she reject me outright? I tried not to get my hopes up. But to my surprise, she had already read my message and wrote back promptly, saying she would come by today at the start of my shift — bringing her daughter along.

I was genuinely impressed by how quick she was. She probably has a busy schedule, too. I felt a flicker of excitement. Maybe this partnership was really going to happen.

Needing a moment to clear my head, I stepped outside the store. The air was fresh and crisp, filling my lungs with a welcome calm.

Though I was still adjusting to this world and felt somewhat out of place, the city's bustle caught my attention — alive and full of energy.

The vibrant mix of people and creatures moved around me, each wrapped up in their own stories.

For a brief moment, I let go of my worries and simply took in the atmosphere, feeling a quiet connection to this strange new place.

The colors around me were vivid and alive — so different from my old world, which always seemed coated in dull shades of gray. Here, everything looked vibrant, like a painting filled with every shade imaginable.

I wandered into a small, cozy restaurant and ordered a modest meal. Sitting by the window, I ate slowly, watching the steady flow of people and creatures passing by. There was so much life here, so many stories unfolding just beyond the glass.

As I walked further, about ten minutes away from the store, my eyes caught a tall, imposing building with an elegant sign — Magic Academy. My mind instantly tagged it as a place that could prove important someday. Maybe I'd even learn something useful there.

With a final glance, I turned back. My shift was starting soon, so I had to head back, ready to face whatever the day would bring.

Back at the store, I spotted Rina near the entrance.

"How are you, Rina?" I greeted, hoping my voice sounded warm enough.

She smiled brightly. "All good, Ujin. My brother's at work, and I just came by to say hello."

Hearing her speak that way made my chest feel lighter. I almost wanted to pull her into a hug, but I restrained myself.

"Wait a little before you leave," I said gently. Her eyes widened, and she paused, looking a bit confused but staying put.

I headed to the counter and picked out a simple accessory — a black and white bracelet that, I was sure, would suit her perfectly.

"Here," I said, handing it over. "It's pretty, and it'll complement your beauty."

She blushed, looking shy but happy. "Thank you, Ujin. I really have to go now."

After she left, Ji Ah chuckled softly. "You're really something, you know?"

I blinked, surprised by the comment, but I didn't ask for clarification.

"Ji Ah-ah," I said seriously, "important clients will be here soon. Seat them in the client room so they won't disturb, and you keep working."

She nodded without hesitation.

Minutes later, Yuli arrived with her mother, Loreanna. Both wore matching black dresses accented with red ribbons around their waists — elegant and striking.

"You both look stunning," I told them sincerely. Their faces lit up at the compliment.

We sat down at a small table with fresh coffee. Oddly, Yuli didn't sit beside me — she sat right on my lap.

Normally, I would have expected her to ask permission before such a thing, maybe to go visit Amateya and Tsunoya first. But today, she just whispered quietly, "I came to see you."

I didn't say anything. It was strange, sure, but not unpleasant.

Our conversation flowed smoothly. Loreanna seemed open to my proposals — she listened carefully, nodding along. But then her expression grew serious, and she asked a practical question.

"Do you have a license to sell medicines?" she asked, looking me straight in the eyes.

The question caught me off guard. I had never really thought about it — to me, it seemed like a mere formality.

Doubt immediately crept into my mind: would I still be able to carry out my plans? Would all the negotiations fall apart over this small detail?

But Loreanna noticed my worry and gently added,

"Don't worry, I can help you with that. I understand that it's hard for newcomers to navigate all the bureaucracy at first."

Her words eased the weight on my shoulders. I nodded gratefully, feeling that despite everything, this was another step forward.

"Our pharmaceutical company, Elixoritis, issues licenses and tracks who holds them," she said, pulling a certificate from her bag. "You just need to sign here."

I signed quickly — just like that, I had the official license to sell medicines.

"Thank you," I said sincerely.

They were about to leave, but I stopped them.

"Please wait. I have a small gift for Yulia."

I bought a delicate white ring with a yellow gemstone that perfectly highlighted Yuli's eyes. She took it, surprised, and slipped it onto her finger. Loreanna smiled and chuckled softly, and then they said their goodbyes.

Not long after, I received responses from Kaen and Mirana — their management had approved the contracts. I informed Seldria, who said she would take over from there.

A wave of relief and happiness washed over me. Things were finally moving forward.

Three days passed. During that time, I kept working hard and exploring the city more. I learned the locations of key buildings and fully settled into my new life. The contracts were signed, shipments arrived, and the storage room was stocked. The store was growing — but this was only the beginning.

Still, I knew there was much more ahead — challenges and tasks I hadn't yet figured out.

During one shift, a peculiar client walked in — a skeletal figure, nothing but bones. He bought instant noodles, paid, and left. I was fascinated and puzzled. How could he eat? Where did the food go? I regretted not asking but hoped to see him again.

Then the door opened, and standing in the doorway was... a bull?

I froze without meaning to.

He walked on two legs, his skin a rich brown, his torso broad and muscular, with two thick gray horns curving from his forehead.

A minotaur?..

I'd only ever seen them in myths. In my world, at least.

His tone was sharp and aggressive as he ordered a drink.

I served him, but he tried to leave without paying.

"You forgot to pay," I said calmly.

He growled that he wouldn't pay and stepped closer, threatening me.

Trying to keep things peaceful, I asked,

"Is it true that the color red provokes you?"

He snapped, "What?"

"Do you have hearing problems?" I pressed — still polite, still calm.

But inside, I was already bracing myself.

When he first stepped through that door, I'd quietly reached under the counter and pressed the emergency button. No alarms. No lights. Just a silent signal sent straight to patrol.

Now, I just had to buy time.

Without warning, he let out a guttural growl and lunged forward, lowering his head so his horns aimed straight for my torso.

At that moment, a familiar werewolf officer burst through the door.

In a matter of seconds, he swiftly and mercilessly brought the minotaur to the ground. It let out a hoarse groan, unable to believe it had been defeated.

"Thanks," I said with a tired smile. "Coffee? On the house."

"Just what I needed," he said with a grin before leaving.

Shortly after, a translucent girl entered — like a ghost with a faint greenish glow. She browsed through the products and bought some chewing gum balls, which, according to the description, carried energy properties suited for phantom races like hers.

She thanked me softly and left.

The rest of my shift passed quietly. No more customers came. I finished my work peacefully and headed to rest, feeling that the day had brought many new beginnings — opportunities waiting to be grasped.