Status Window Chapter 14 : Products to Sell in Another World

14. Products to Sell in Another World

I've already decided on the items I'll obtain through point exchange. I opened the screen and promptly tapped the item. Then, it appeared before my eyes.

It was—

"Pencils and erasers. These will be my first trade goods."

What I summoned by spending 4 points was a dozen pencils and erasers packaged together.

Writing instruments in this world aren't very developed. When people talk about writing tools, they mean fountain pen types. The style involves dipping the nib to soak up ink before writing.

True, they look cool, and they're perfectly fine for nobles and scholars to use. But they are tools that allow no mistakes.

If the ink drips, the paper is ruined. If you make a mistake, you have no choice but to rewrite everything from the start. I've heard that correcting documents is a hassle and always a struggle.

"That's why, if I have pencils and erasers, it should be super convenient."

I muttered that, taking a pencil out of the box and staring at it.

Sharpen the lead, and you can use it immediately. No ink needed, no worry about the nib splitting. Above all, if you make a mistake, you can erase it easily.

Erasers. The people of this world probably don't even know the concept of "erasing characters." That's exactly why I'm looking forward to the reaction of people seeing this for the first time.

"When kids practice writing, or when merchants keep their books. Surely it'll be useful."

Yes, this is a tool that lets you try again even if you fail. I'm sure it'll cause a revolution in writing instruments.

"Now, as for where to pitch this..."

I put a finger to my chin and thought deeply.

Selling it at my own shop isn't bad. But the customers who come to a small shop like ours are limited.

Regulars are mostly adventurers and nearby residents, but few of them would buy writing utensils. Daily necessities or items are one thing, but I don't think they'd buy something they've never seen before like "pencils and erasers."

"...As expected, I should take it somewhere else first."

Murmuring that, one facility popped into my head.

"The Merchant Guild!"

It's the place in town where the most merchants come and go. There are tons of clerks handling ledgers and people chased by paperwork. In other words, it's a gathering of people whose job is basically writing.

If those people use pencils and erasers, they should understand the convenience immediately.

It saves the trouble of replacing paper every time a mistake is made. It's perfect for drafting calculations, and good for practice too. —It's perfect.

"Yeah, first let's have the Merchant Guild try it out."

If guild staff use them daily, many merchants will see them. If rumors spread about convenient new writing tools, demand will naturally be born.

Eventually, it'll spread to nobles and scholars... and then, my tool shop will prosper.

Just imagining it made my heart race. I didn't invent them, but spreading "pencil culture" in this world feels like a dream.

"Alright, let's go to the Merchant Guild. There's bound to be someone who gets interested!"

Clutching the box of pencils, I stood up, chest puffed out. First, I have to persuade Dad.

***

"Thanks for coming with me, Dad!"

"It was Rio's earnest wish, after all. Don't worry about it."

My persuasion of Dad was successful, and the two of us were heading to the Merchant Guild.

Maybe it's the effect of the special talent 'Charm,' but my requests are being accepted far more easily than usual. Plus, just by asking, his favorability went up. No, seriously, isn't the effect of Charm too strong?

At this rate, the persuasion at the Merchant Guild looks like it'll go well too. Walking down the street in high spirits, the Merchant Guild came into view. It was a very large building, with people constantly coming and going.

We entered through the entrance and looked around.

"Let's see, the consultation counter for products is... over there."

Dad found the consultation counter for us. When we approached, our eyes met with a staff member.

"Is this a product consultation?"

"Yes. There is something we'd like you to look at..."

"Please, have a seat."

The blunt-looking staff member guided us to seats. We sat down as told.

"What kind of consultation is it?"

"Actually, it's my daughter..."

"...Your daughter?"

"Yes! It's a product I'm proposing! Please, hear me out!"

Sharp eyes looked at me. I spoke as cheerfully as I could, but the staff member's face didn't twitch. It seems the staff member handling us is a tough opponent. Will this presentation be difficult?

Just as I was thinking that, piron, a notification sound rang. There was no sign of a choice window opening. Wondering what it was, I opened the Window and saw a display showing that the favorability of someone with a name I didn't know had shot up.

Who is this person? ...Could it be the staff member in front of me?

Thinking that, I looked at the staff member's chest and saw a nametag with the same name hanging there. Eh, w-why is his favorability skyrocketing even though he's so blunt!?

C-could it be that I'm his type? No, in that case, Affection should be going up. Then, does it mean he genuinely saw me and felt goodwill at first sight?

Why, such a... Ah! Charm! I have the special talent Charm! If I recall, it said it's effective upon first meeting!

Does that mean Charm is effective enough to make even such a blunt person's favorability explode upwards? ...No, isn't Charm amazing?

Even though he has such an expressionless face that keeps people away, it means he holds goodwill toward me, right? To think he holds such goodwill just from talking normally is too amazing!

...Kukuku. In that case, I'll use this favorability to make him recognize my product!

"I won't go easy just because you're a child. Now, please show me the product."

He spoke in a strict tone, but since I know his inner feelings, there's nothing to be scared of. Now, I just have to do a good presentation!