NOVEL WEB Chapter 23 - Episode 023: Headhunter, Introducing the New Family Member
Episode 023: Headhunter, Introducing the New Family Member
“Kurururu!!”
Puribear’s body faintly glowed, and after everyone was enveloped in that light, it quickly disappeared.
“What’s this…”
Ack checked his body here and there and confirmed that the dirt on his clothes had completely disappeared, leaving them shining as if brand new. His body also felt refreshed.
Tina and Snow also checked their bodies in the same way.
Tina’s cuteness became even more pronounced, and Snow and the others’ fur became even fluffier and shinier.
This was the ability “Puria” possessed by Puribear.
It could purify and eliminate impure things. Originally, it was the power to purify undead and curses, but it also had the side effect of completely removing dirt.
Because of this ability, they were often targeted by humans.
“So you want to help with this power, huh…?”
“Kuruu”
“…”
Ack was moved by Puribear’s earnestness, trembling with emotion.
He managed to hold back his face from slackening.
Phew, that was close. But he had just healed from his wounds.
That was the only worry.
“Are you sure you’re not overdoing it?”
“Kururururu”
Puribear appealed by purifying various parts of its home space, indicating that it had fully recovered and was energetic.
Certainly, if it was this energetic, it seemed fine.
“Understood. Help me out.”
“Kuruu”
Ack respected Puribear’s feelings and decided to delegate tasks to it.
Then he remembered that he hadn’t given Puribear a name yet.
“Hmm… Alright, your name is Shiln.”
“Kuruu”
Seeing its behavior so far, he took the name from Silky, the cleaning-loving fairy.
The next day.
Before opening the store, Shiln cleaned the store space.
It was already sparkling clean.
Although he always cleaned before welcoming customers, this was something else. The entire store exuded cleanliness. Yet, it retained the charm of age.
It was a perfect job.
However, there were only two customers in Ack’s store at the moment. The store remained open but with no business, just time passing by.
*Ding-ding*
“Hello!! What’s this!! I’m amazed at how clean it is!!”
Finally, the first customer of the day arrived.
The serious glasses-wearing youth entered the store and immediately, excitedly spoke to Ack while adjusting his glasses.
“Welcome. Thanks to Shiln.”
“Kururru”
Ack introduced Shiln to the youth. Shiln purified the youth as a form of self-introduction.
The youth widened his eyes at the sight.
“Is it a Puribear by any chance!?”
“Yes.”
“It’s quite rare, and despite being a bundle of caution, it’s amazing to see it obediently following your words…”
The youth was impressed by how the Puribear, who was said to not be very affectionate even when tamed, obediently followed Ack’s words.
“I just happened to pick it up when it was injured.”
“Oh, I see. Is that so.”
Upon hearing the reason, the youth understood.
“Kyuu?”
“No, no, I’m dedicated to Snow-chan. Master, the usual for me.”
“Got it.”
When Snow, the youth’s favorite, approached, he hurriedly composed himself, but in the process, he noticed a change in Snow.
“Huh? Snow-chan is even more sparkling and fluffy than usual. No, everyone here seems to shine brighter than yesterday. Amazing…”
The youth lifted Snow up and couldn’t help but relax at the fluffy sensation.
I could die now…
Although he was a serious glasses-wearing youth just a moment ago, he was now completely different. He had the face of a doting father who adored his daughter.
“This is also thanks to Shiln.”
“I never imagined that purification would have this much power.”
The youth tightened his face and answered, but the next moment, his expression returned to being slack.
“Me neither. Wait a bit.”
Ack squatted down once and petted Shiln. Shiln squinted happily.
“Sure. I’ll wait for an hour or two!!”
“It won’t take that long.”
As Ack returned to the kitchen and started cooking, the youth responded cheerfully.
Seeing his demeanor, Ack couldn’t help but smile softly.
*Ding-ding*
Then, their second customer, Clauf, arrived.
He glanced around the store for a moment, momentarily surprised, but quickly composed himself.
“Welcome.”
“Um.”
“This is Shiln, the new member. Nice to meet you.”
“Kurururu!!”
“Oh, alright―― Huh!?”
However, after being introduced, just like the youth, he was purified, unable to withstand the surprise and ended up distorting his face greatly.
“Kyu?”
*Cough*
As Roll approached, he cleared his throat and managed to compose his face, taking Roll to his usual seat.
In this way, by purifying every time a customer comes in and keeping the floor clean, it should be fine even if someone lies down.
While attending to customers, Ack pondered the new shape of the shop.
*Ding-ding*
After serving the two, instead of chatting with Tina or doing sewing as usual, passing the time, the bell rang for the unexpected third time today.
“Welcome.”
A bit puzzled, yet calling out with joy at the arrival of the new customer.
The one who entered was a woman wearing splendid armor and carrying a sword, exuding a truly noble atmosphere.
With a composed and cool demeanor, she had a neat and cool appearance, unaffected by anything.
“Hello. Are you Ack?”
As soon as she entered the store, the woman approached the counter and spoke to Ack.