01x07 - Starting the Business, with the Slimes

[bunniefuu]

You want to be on your own?
Why all of a sudden?

If I keep letting you take care of me,
I won't accomplish anything.

That's not true!

You took me with you on your journey,
got me baptized,

and helped me join the guild.

Because of you, I'm now an adventurer.

What's more…

However…

I've been wondering
if I'm too dependent on you.

That's why I'd like to be on my own
for some time.

What are you doing?

"For some time"?
So it's not goodbye forever, right?

That has never crossed my mind.
I love you all…

After I hone my skills
and earn my independence,

I'll visit everyone.

Sure, you're always welcome.

Mom, aren't you going
to convince him to stay?

Just like how you'll be
attending school in the capital,

Ryoma wants to make his progress
in his own way.

However, I don't think it's necessary.

After all, you're only 11 years old.

You're at the age of childhood.

Come on, Elise.
We talked about this, haven't we?

I know…

You've talked about this?

About what?

We knew that Ryoma
would want to be independent one day.

I've seen many children like you.

Mr. Ryoma, you came
to this town for the first time

and joined the Adventurer's Guild.

You've completed every task
that was entrusted to you

as if it was your rightful duty.

That's why we knew that
you would talk to us about this one day.

Really? I've never noticed…

However, that day came earlier
than we expected.

We won't hold you back,
but don't push yourself too hard.

What we sow might not be
what we can reap in the end.

I understand.

Good!

Before you leave,
I'd like to propose a few conditions.

First, write to us regularly
to let us know how you are.

Sure.

Second, it doesn't matter
if it's just once in a while.

-Come visit us to show you're fine.
-Yes!

Third, come to us if you need anything.
No need to hold back.

This is a must.

-Understood.
-Ryoma…

I hate to see you go.

But since it's your decision,
I will respect it.

However, I have one condition too!

We'll only meet again
in three years and six years.

The school I'm attending in the capital
is a six-year program,

but there will be a long vacation
after the first three years.

So I'll see you then.

I will study hard
and improve my magic skills.

I see.

During this time,
I will also work hard to improve myself.

It's a deal then.

If you forget this because
you're busy with something else,

I won't forgive you.

I'll do my best not to forget it.

You should say you will never forget!

Jeez!

Right, there's one other condition.

What is it?

We want you to stay with us
when we're in town.

No, that's a little…

This is already decided.

But this makes me too dependent--

It won't.

No, it won't.

It won't.

It won't.

But…

Is it okay?

But…

Is it okay? It's decided then.

-I guess it's decided.
-Okay. That's good.

That's great!

Will you be in this town for a long time?

Didn't we tell you?

We'll be here until the Grell Frogs
start mass reproducing.

Grell Frog? That's a…

Isn't that a monster
whose skin is used to make armor?

Not just armor.

Their organs are used as medicine as well.

I see.

Every year, around this time,
a lot reproduce in the lakes nearby.

Are you doing combat training?

No, it's not that.

We are after another type of monster
called a Limour Bird

that shows up when Grell Frogs reproduce.

Limour Bird?

This is it.

This bird has such beautiful feathers.

It sings beautifully as well.

It flies very fast, so it's very popular.

Few people have them as familiars
because they are difficult to catch.

That makes them rare too.

They show up in big numbers
and can cover an entire lake.

I wonder what that looks like.

You should check it out, Ryoma.

That's right. Why don't you join us?

Yes, please take me with you.

Of course, we will. Let's go together!

Yes, my lady.

Anyway, Ryoma.

How exactly do you plan
on being independent?

First, I want to live in this town
as an adventurer.

I will also train myself
while interacting with people.

I'd also like to start my own business.

A business?

Yes, I want to have my own laundry shop.

With my Cleaner Slimes,

I can easily remove Goblin stains.

That should be enough
to make a living, right?

-It should!
-It should!

Have you been eavesdropping?

No, that wasn't our intention.

It's all because of Camil.

No, don't blame this on me!

Mr. Ryoma's laundry business
will definitely make a profit.

Really?

Adventurers often have to throw away
their dirty clothes and armor

because they can't remove
the stains and odor.

If you can clean their clothes…

You will certainly make money!

-I think so too.
-I see.

We should talk to Serge
from the Morgan Trading Company.

He should be able to help you.

Sure.

By the way,
since you're staying in this town,

can I entrust a task to you?

What is it?

You can do it when you get time off
from the guild's task and your store.

I'd like you to manage
the abandoned mines.

Just check the mines regularly
for monsters.

Sure, that's a piece of cake.

I said I want to be independent,

but everyone is still assisting me
and showing me kindness.

Anyway, I'm really grateful.

There are so many people who care for me.

This makes me really happy.

The next day,

Ms. Eliaria and I visited
the Morgan Trading Company

to talk to Serge.

Splendid!

It can remove Goblin stains.

Cleaner Slime…
I've never seen a slime like this.

Mr. Ryoma, indeed,
this is such a great starting point.

It's not that impressive.

It's a great idea. Don't be so modest.

Yes, I can already see
your business prospering.

Mr. Serge?

Mr. Ryoma, I suggest you register
at the Merchant's Guild.

Merchant's Guild?

Yes.

If you're just trying to make a living,
the Merchant's Guild will allow it.

But your laundry business
is going to be huge.

It's more than just making a living.

Oh, will it be that successful?

Yes, without a doubt.

To prevent any future disputes,

it's best to register at the guild first.

If possible, we should go now.

Sure, if it's not
too much trouble for you.

Not at all.

Your laundry business
is such a great idea, Mr. Ryoma.

It might bring in great profits.

I, Serge Morgan,
will do my best to help you succeed.

It feels like I'm doing something big.

Thank you. I'm counting on you.

Let's make some money too.

Debut as maid idols.

It's profitable.

What?

What?

My name is Ryoma Takebayashi,
and I'm here to register my business.

I'm new in town,
so please feel free to give me advice.

I'm Glissela,
the guild master of the Merchant's Guild.

Please.

I heard that you want to start
a laundry business?

Yes.

Will it make a lot of profit
that it needs to be registered?

Well, about this business…

That's an interesting idea, Ryoma.

It's actually a Slime,
and it's a new breed too.

Not bad at all!

She seems to be pleased.

Yes, that's great.

Let's get you registered
at the guild quickly.

We'd also like to decide
on the location for our business.

Serge, you sure aren't thoughtful
with old ladies.

Be patient.

This is it.

You can check this place out.

But I'll give you a discount
since it's not in a good condition.

What a huge land.

This place used to be a tavern
and a warehouse, but it caught fire.

Since then, this place has been abandoned.

It's surrounded by a residential area,
and it's close to the Adventurer's Guild.

You can also easily access it
if you're coming from the factory.

It's the perfect location!

What do you think, Mr. Ryoma?

The location is good.

I just need to clean this place up
and start building the store.

Yes, this will work.

I've decided. I'll buy this land.

Understood.
You can leave the paperwork to me.

Is that okay?

Of course,
but I'm still going to charge you.

I would also like to lend
a few of my employees to you.

They are all management experts.

You can let them handle
any management issues.

But…

Mr. Ryoma, it's not uncommon
to hire people to manage your store.

Speaking of which,
chain store managers are also hired.

What are you talking about?

Nothing!

Forgive me for being blunt,

but you're not ready
to manage your own business yet.

You wear your heart on your sleeve.

Do I?

You might be better
at concealing your emotions

than other kids your age,

but you're no match
for those cunning businessmen.

Is that so?

I was confident about my poker face
in my previous life.

I understand. I'll do as you say.

As for the items I need for my store,

I want to purchase them all from you,
Mr. Serge.

Thank you for your trust.

It looks like we're going to be
good business partners.

Yes!

Everything went well.

We're preparing for our laundry business
faster than we ever imagined.

First, let the Scavenger Slimes
eat the weeds,

then let the Acid Slimes
dissolve the building.

I'll construct a two-storey building
with a basement.

I'm not just building a store.

I also want to build
a dormitory for our staff.

Create Block!

Pavement!

Good, that should do for the foundation.

I'm sorry for asking for your help.

It's nothing!

You think you're bothering us again,
don't you?

What's wrong with asking friends for help?

-Come on.
-Friends…

That's right, Ryoma.

You're not acting up or stirring trouble.

We're just helping each other.

Thank you, everyone!

I told you,
there's no need to be so polite.

What are we going to do with you?

-Cilia, can you get me the apron?
-Here you go.

Why is there only white paint?

White walls go really well
with laundry stores.

That's right.
I want it to look clean and bright.

Your clothes will be as clean
as this wall.

Ryoma, I heard that you've reached Rank E
after the monster elimination task.

Yes, it's all thanks to everyone.

You did a great job. You deserve it!

But this laundry business
is also such a great opportunity!

No. It's all thanks to you, Miya.

What?

I can't wait to send my laundry here now.
I have a lot of dirty laundry.

Leipin, isn't it the same with you?

Yes.

Once adventurers find out
what Ryoma's Slimes can do,

they will surely visit the store.

This is going to be a successful business.

I hope so.

Don't worry.

We'll also come often.

Thank you.

You actually turned down the Duke's aid
and chose to be independent.

That's some determination.

What a pity.
Most people wouldn't turn them down.

But I'm impressed by your determination.

You have my respect.

Guys, stop chatting.
It's better to work harder.

You're right.

"Laundry Service, Bamboo Forest."

What does that mean?

My surname, Takebayashi,
means "bamboo forest."

In my town,

"Take" means "bamboo,"
and "hayashi" means "forest."

Oh, I see!

I don't quite understand,
but you do have a nice name.

Ryoma, isn't the area
around the store a little empty?

Is it?

What about a lawn and some flowers?

Flowers? Sounds good.

This is my first time sowing grass.

Ryoma, you must be tired
from all that work.

I'm fine.

This isn't much
compared to my previous job.

Don't you ever get tired of working?

I find it tiring sometimes,
but I feel accomplished when it's done.

It also makes me happy
when clients compliment me.

By the way, what was your previous job?

Well…

She won't understand
what a system engineer or a programmer is.

I had plenty of jobs.

I used to carry people's luggage,
and I also made dolls.

Dolls?

If you like, I'll make you one.

Really?

Please make one if you have the time.

But my dolls are for men.

It's actually not that wonderful.

Well, actually…

I can't wait.

You shouldn't get your hopes up.

A soft opening gathering?

The store is almost ready.

I want to invite everyone
before the grand opening.

There will be some snacks and drinks.
It's a token of my gratitude.

It's like a party.

That's right.
I want to thank everyone for helping.

Ryoma?

Please excuse me.
I have to go to the church.

Okay, Ms. Eliaria and I
will head back first.

See you soon, Ryoma.

Okay.

Long time no see, Ryoma.

No, it hasn't been that long, right?

Kufo!

Where are Gain and Lulutia?

They have been out for a while.

Actually, they went
to your previous world.

Earth? Will they bring someone here?

No, it's not that.

This time, they went sightseeing.

Lulutia is there for dessert.

Which one should I pick?

Gain is obsessed
with Japanese idol groups.

Thank you for coming to this world!

What's going on?

It's because there's not much
entertainment in this world.

I went on an adventure on Earth too.

The Amazon Rainforest.

The Sahara Desert.

The deep sea.

Atlantis.

It was so much fun!

Did you go to the wrong places?

That's it?

It's time already? That was fast.

It's probably because
Gain and Lulutia aren't here.

Ryoma.

Your mind is affected
by your adolescent body.

It's slowly deteriorating
into its toddler state.

You should train
and start honing yourself again,

but don't push yourself too hard.

Wait…

My mind is affected by my body?

Deteriorating into a toddler?

You wear your heart on your sleeve.

I seem to understand it now.

I seem to have
stronger emotions than I used to.

Is this why I can't put on my poker face?

Thank you for your advice, Kufo.

I'll be back.

It's getting late.

I'd better get home quickly,
or Ms. Eliaria will be worried.

My life has been busy but fruitful.

I'm still getting ready
to start my laundry business.