System Change

Chapter 391: Stop Scaring Customers

Derek stepped out of his portal into the lobby of his shop. This time, he wasnt there for any specific reasonhe didnt have to fetch a couple of immature royalshe was there for himself. He couldnt remember the last time he was able to rest by doing more than just meditating. So, with the few days until the wedding, he planned on doing just thatresting.

He breathed a sigh of relief when his foot touched the floor of his shop. After that, he closed the portal behind him and looked around. It hadnt been too long since he was there last to pick up Sabrina, but it seemed the shop had been very busy at that time. Now, it had mostly cleared outthere was only a couple cowering around instead of entire parties of people.

I like that the skill is really intimidating when I use it, but sometimes, it would be nice if it didnt give off such a dreadful aura. Its one thing to scare the piss out of my enemies or people like Edward, but its different when the people are possible customers, he thought to himself as he thought about what to say.

Its okay, he finally said to the couple of people huddled up around a shelf of what looked like low to mid-tier swords. The two workers hed seen before were in the lobby, too, but they were staring at him from behind the sales counter. The skill just puts off a stupidly intense aura. Theres no actual danger from it. Unless you happen to stumble inside without protection

The couple soon looked at each other and seemed to decide that Derek was telling the truth. They both nodded and stood back up before looking at one of the swords. However, it didnt seem like hed done enough to assure them, as they soon decided that they didnt want anything in the shop and scurried out. Derek watched the door swing closed behind them, and he shrugged with a sigh.

I wish you two would stop scaring customers, Derek heard Malorie say from the doorway to the back rooms and stairs. First you come and make a commotioncausing everyone to realize that the princess was the hooded figure. That was finein fact, it was good for business. Now rumors are going to spread that Princess Elouise was caught shopping at the Void Emporium.

So, theres nothing wrong, then? Derek said with a smile.

I wasnt finished, Malorie rebuked. Not long after that, Silvi appears with a giant pot hovering over her head. You know how scary that feeling that comes with that portal is. It chased out another number of customers, but she came back during peak hours, so dozens of people fled. Then, you appeared again, and you saw what happened. If youre going to use that thing to come back, you should do it either in your room, an office, or in the basement.

I guess I should have thought of that, Derek smiled an embarrassed smile and rubbed the back of his neck with his right hand. I almost went to the basement, actually. But I didnt want to disturb Brandi if she was in the middle of crafting something.

Hmm then just use Rudys office or your room. I already reprimanded Silvi. Shell be teleporting directly into the kitchen from now on.

Ill try, Derek said. I think I can be that accurate.

So, why are you back again? Malorie asked. Did you forget something or someone?

Nope, Derek replied with a smile. I am tired. I think Im going to go upstairs and sleep for three days straight. There hasnt been much time to rest since I got out of the raid, and there wasnt a whole lot of resting in there, eitherwell, I guess I could have, but I mostly meditated. And, Im sure you know, Meditation is not the perfect replacement for actual sleep.

I wish you would tell Brandi that, Malorie said.

From what he had learned about Vallum, they were a nose down kind of kingdom. Other than trade, they stayed to themselves in their own little crafting world. They were completely neutral to everyone and everything.

After the wedding, he truly believed he would have done everything he could for those under him. Thomas could focus on his studies at the academy, Jacks and Raynaand now even Bones and Ogrecould dungeon dive to their hearts content, and Brandi, Mal, and Rudy could do what they needed to. I may have to visit the Assassins Guild because of Bones and Ogre, though.

So, Malorie said, breaking Derek out of his thoughts. Youre saying we arent strong enough? That were too weak to even go to a wedding celebration?

Well not necessarily, Derek balked, and Malorie looked at him sternly. Well, yes.

I know, Malorie said with a smile. I was just joking with you. Thats why youve helped us so much as it is, so we can become strong enough on our own in whatever field or craft we choose.

And that is why youre the manager and I pay you the big bucks! Derek replied. Uh what do I pay you again?

Pretty much whatever I want, Malorie replied. Which isnt a lot because Ive been so damn busy.

Makes sense, Derek said. You should give yourself a bonus. Maybe buy a new pair of shoes or some skills or something. Im sure you could find something you want.

Oh, dont worry. I plan on taking a nice vacation just as soon as everything settles down, Malorie said. The two kids, Dina and Lance, do a pretty good job. Theyd be able to run the shop for a few days by themselves. And with the way Bones is progressing in such a short time, hell be able to take care of everything else.

Derek took a quick glance behind him at the two workers that Malorie had hired before. They were doing their best impressions of being statues behind the sales counter close to the door. Finally, he turned back and laughed. Thats good. Im happy that you found some good employees, and Im glad that Bones is doing well. I really wasnt sure when I first decided to What do I say? Take them in? Keep them? They arent pets

Allow them to live and employ them? Malorie finished what he was trying to say.

Yes, that, Derek said. During their short talk, Derek had seen both Jacks and Bones appear for a moment, then disappear once they realized that they werent needed. Well, if you dont mind, there is a shower and bed upstairs with my name on them. I need to crash.

Go ahead. Malorie nodded, then stepped to the side so Derek could get past her. As he walked through the hall to the stairs, he heard his manager from in the distance. You two, stop acting so stiff when Mr. Hunt is here. Hes not going to do anything to harm you. Hes a good man who just happens to have some scary skills. And the same is true with Silvi. If you pet her and give her scratches, shes not going to kill you. She enjoys it. And another thing

Derek turned and made his way up the stairs as Malories voice got quieter and quieter until, finally, he could no longer hear her. Finally, he made his way to his bathroom, where he was able to have one of the greatest showers of his life because of how hot and pressurized the shower runes could make the water. Theres just something about the Cleaning skill that just doesnt cut it. Nothing beats a nice hot shower.

Tossing all his previous gear inside his storage ring after drying off, he threw on one of his remaining pair of shorts and headed to his room to sleep. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out. It had been a long couple of months.