Chapter 17: 17. New employees
"Thanks for all your hard work, Nini... now this place is cleaner than ever." Kai patted the head of the cleaning cat robot named Nini.
In no time at all, Nini had finished cleaning and fixing everything.
[You’ve arrived at the new building where you’ll be conducting business, and you’ve finished cleaning it, so you’re entitled to an AI assistant named Aery!]
[The AI assistant Aery will appear in your tab and assist you from there]
[She can help you come up with ideas, create images based on your ideas, and perform other tasks]
[The AI assistant Aery cannot be used for malicious purposes, and she will only follow your commands—unless you are in danger]
Along with a ’ding!’ from Kai’s tab, an unusual display appeared.
Usually, Kai’s tab could only be used for notes, digital drawing, or tasks done offline. But now there was an internet signal, along with an image of a small fairy with large butterfly wings behind her.
"Is there anything I can help you with, sir?" The robotic voice Kai used to hear on his smartphone sounded clear. It sounded like a girl’s voice, with a stiff tone, but it was very familiar to Kai.
With great curiosity, Kai asked Aery to create examples of supermarket layouts suitable for that location.
Aery then asked Kai to send photos of the room, from the side and also from above. After the photos were sent, in just a few seconds, various supermarket layouts suitable for the world of Ardhez had been created. Complete with images of the furniture as well.
"If you like them, I’ll show you everything you need to buy at the system store," said Aery.
"Okay, do that."
The system then displayed all the furniture he needed. Kai bought it without hesitation, for a price of about ten large gold coins.
Kai didn’t know exactly how much ten large gold coins were worth on Earth, but it was probably around a million dollars or more.
After the purchase, the furniture was automatically installed according to the layout.
Shelves, chairs, a cash register, curtains, and the beautiful decorations made by Aery as well.
Once everything was finished, Kai walked around to inspect everything. It was exactly as Kai had envisioned.
Since Aery AI assistant could adapt to the aesthetics of Ardhez, it was a huge help to Kai. Because if Kai had designed it himself, it might have been boring and out of place in that world.
Not only the first floor, but the second floor was ready as well. So, the first floor is for selling daily necessities, snacks, and anything typically found in a supermarket. Since the first floor is also very spacious. There’s even a place to store fresh meats. So there are many things Kai will sell on the first floor.
Then Kai turned the second floor into a sort of café, so there are plenty of chairs and tables to sit at. The second floor also has a spacious balcony, making it perfect for hanging out there.
Although Kai built the supermarket to make life easier for ordinary people, so they can get their daily necessities at affordable prices, he also considered the wealthy who might spend their money there. So, the idea for the second floor came about on the spot.
The second floor sells beverages and various types of pastries. It’s also equipped with all the necessary appliances, such as an ice maker, a water heater, a food warmer, and so on.
The decor is just as beautiful, making anyone who visits feel right at home.
Kai had reached the balcony, then he looked at the plot of land he had his eye on with a broad smile.
"If the public market is sabotaged by the wealthy, then I’ll just create my own market," Kai muttered.
In his mind, he already had all sorts of ideas for that plot of land.
His attention was divided when he saw that Keith and Peoni had arrived. Kai hurried down to the first floor to meet them.
How surprised they were to see the building that had previously been dusty and neglected was now clean, freshly painted, with no cracked walls, and they were even more surprised to see all the furniture neatly arranged there.
Even though they had only just left, about two hours ago. Keith and Peoni had gone to find some people who could work there. Kai had already given them various criteria suitable for the job.
Like someone who’s good with numbers, who can read well, and someone strong enough to watch over and protect the shop. So, about three people or more.
Kai didn’t even specify an age requirement at all.
However, the people Keith and Peoni brought back were all young. Two girls and two young men.
Keith, who was already used to Kai, came to his senses first and cleared his throat to get the others to snap out of it and stop staring blankly.
"Ahem—I’ve brought people who can work here, young master. They’re from an orphanage, too. Since they’re over fifteen years old, they have to leave the orphanage soon. They already have experience working in a shop, but they were fired for trivial reasons. And this young man, Raka—he already has an adventurer’s card, and he’s a D-rank adventurer. I think he’s strong enough to work here and look after this shop," said Keith.
Hearing that, Kai immediately turned to Raka.
"You’re an adventurer? Then why are you looking for a job here?" asked Kai.
Raka, who hadn’t dared to look at Kai directly, glanced briefly at him, then looked down again and replied.
"Being an adventurer isn’t that easy, young master. Besides, I’m just an ordinary person. All I can do is go on adventures alone and hunt alone; I can’t join a specific party because joining one requires money to register. Meanwhile, my hunting spoils are only enough for food and daily necessities."
Kai nodded; he understood the situation. Apparently, it’s the same everywhere. Money and power are far more important, because with both, your life will be easier.
Oh, don’t forget looks. Handsomeness and beauty are above all else. With them, you can live comfortably or suffer, depending on how you use them.
Kai had seen both sides back on Earth, especially since he worked as an assassin.
There was a girl who committed suicide because she was sick of being bullied constantly for being ugly. There was also a girl who was killed because she was too beautiful.
They were all victims of circumstance.
The four young men and women in front of Kaileon—they were all just like Peoni and Lily, with average-looking faces. Moreover, they were from an orphanage. It was clear their social status was extremely low.
"So, if I may ask, what was the other reason they were fired?" Kai asked.
The other three exchanged glances, looking very hesitant to say it.
Kai smiled at them to help them relax.
"Just tell me. Don’t be afraid; I’m not like those people," Kai said.
Finally, one of the girls dared to look at Kai, though her gaze still betrayed fear and hesitation.
"Daisy and I were fired because our employer’s wife didn’t like female employees. She was always jealous for no reason, even though we never even came close to her husband. I-if you don’t believe me..."
"I believe you. What’s your name?" Kai quickly cut her off before she could start crying.
"I’m Rose."
Kai nodded slowly; he could see why their former employer’s wife hadn’t liked them. Of course—behind that sallow complexion lay hidden beauty. Especially since both of them were still so young.
Kai then turned to the last young man, but he could immediately tell why he’d been fired.
"What’s your name?" Kai asked the young man.
"My name is Arga."
Arga was the only one of the four prospective employees who could look Kai straight in the eye—not because he was confident, but because...
"Is your vision blurry, Arga?"
Arga, who had initially squinted to see his young master clearly, now widened his eyes.
"How did you know that, young master?" Arga asked in surprise.
Kai chuckled, then asked, "That’s why you were fired, right? Because you have trouble seeing things in the distance?"
Arga nodded slowly. Suddenly, Arga’s feelings became unsettled. Because anyone who found out he couldn’t see clearly would immediately dismiss him. That’s why Arga hadn’t said anything about his eyes to his employer before this. Until he was fired.
"I’ll take you in, but the first thing you need to do now is clean yourselves up. Keith, Peoni, help them clean up. The bathroom has been fixed and is in good condition. I’ll get their clothes ready."
They were all surprised to hear that—it turned out Kaileon, the Duke’s son, was actually willing to take them in after learning of their weakness.
