''As a country in the sky, we have no intention of getting involved in another country's civil war. So if there is a revolution, we won't be particularly concerned about it and will run the store.

''In the event of ... civil unrest, I'm afraid that the royal capital of the country will be in the greatest turmoil.

No problem. We've investigated and found no threats in the Karruk Kingdom. We are in the process of gradually remodeling the roads to accommodate the residents, merchants, and travelers who have lost their homes, and who have taken refuge in the city.

Is King Karluk's permission to...?

'We have permission to use that vacant lot on that street as we see fit. There is no mention of the number of shops. The plan is to expand it to the size of a small town.

Huh...! I mean, that could be considered an act of hostility against the kingdom...

'No, no, a store is a store, no matter how big it gets. Of course, the next time we expand, I'll go talk to King Karluk in advance. Well, the revolution may be in trouble then.

　For the most part, Taiki and Katerina were carrying on a conversation, with Gray, Eira and the others listening to it with serious expressions.

　Taiki answered Katerina's questions for several minutes, one by one in a disciplined manner. Eventually, Katerina was convinced of something and turned over, keeping her mouth shut.

　After confirming that the questions have stopped, Taiki brings the glass placed in his hand to his mouth.

　While looking at Taiki, who was drinking water, carelessly, Gray opened his mouth.

This country has already come to the point where it's shaking the foundations of the Karruk Kingdom.......so why our power? It is vain for me to say it myself, but we don't have much power, and we don't have much money. If the first story I heard is true, that's exactly the life we'll never know tomorrow.

　When Grey muttered that in a hushed tone, Taiki raised his eyebrows and smiled.

''Now that we've shared some information, let's get to the point, shall we? First of all, you've misunderstood me, but I don't want to drive the Karruk Kingdom to destruction, nor do I want to drag the king down. As I told you at the beginning, I want to change the way slaves are.

　When that was uttered, Gray and the others blinked.

''However, no matter how you look at it, it looks like the Celestial Kingdom is trying to cut down the Karruk Kingdom from behind. That's what the royal and noble families of the Karruk Kingdom will decide as well as the surrounding countries. If that happens, the rebellion will undoubtedly gain momentum and the Karruk Kingdom will....

　Katerina cuts off her words in mid-sentence and raises her eyebrows.

''........Even if the Karruk Kingdom wins, even if the rebels win......the weakened country will be under the umbrella of the Celestial Kingdom so that it cannot be attacked from the surrounding area......?''

　Only Gray, sitting next to her, barely heard the words that were murmured in a small mouth.

　It was just Katerina's self-serving prediction, but it made sense in support of Taiki's roundabout way of doing things, and it was etched into Gray's mind as a solid persuasive force.

　Unaware that he was being misunderstood, Taiki opened his mouth with an apologetic look on his face.

''No, I'm sorry to sound like a bit of a cheat. I'm going to make the shop prosper with all my strength. If I do so, I won't be able to sell the slaves the way I've been selling them until now. In the case of the Karruk Kingdom, I could only buy and sell in this land, but the Kingdom of the Sky can buy and sell over a much wider area. If there are any slaves that are treated unfairly, we will immediately go to rescue them, or conversely, if you receive slaves with fair treatment and buy them more than once, we will invite them to this celestial land.

　After speaking that much in one breath, Tyki looked at them both.

''But if our business is successful and more people come to buy and sell slaves than ever before, the number of employees we have now will not be nearly enough. We have hired some of the slaves we have purchased as employees, but it is not enough at all. So I would like to ask for your help, both of you.

　After being told that, Gray and Katerina blinked their eyes.

''........You don't mean to tell me that you want us to help you buy and sell slaves?''

　When Gray uttered that, Taiki smiled and nodded.

''Yes. I'm going to leave the manager of this Karruk Kingdom main store to Leticia-san. As the manager, Diego-san from the Reginion Chamber of Commerce will assist her, so the management will be fine. Next is the Blau Empire Branch. I'd like to ask Rabia-san of the Reginion Chamber of Commerce and, if possible, Gray-san to handle this one. By the way, Katerina-san will have the Frieder Imperial Branch.

Oh, did I...? Why do you want me to be the one to do that...

　Taiki replies to the puzzled Grey, shaking his head from side to side.

''It's because I want someone who knows the position of a slave to be the manager.

　Gray froze for a few seconds before laughing as he gushed at Taiki, who told him that he was quite rude.

''Ha, haha...! Sure, Richt was a simple guy. But still, it's not like we've ever done business together, you know. Even if you suddenly asked me to open a store...

　Gray speaks his honest feelings in a faltering respectful manner. Taiki laughs back at that and holds up his index finger.

It's okay. The shop that's being talked about in the Karruk Kingdom right now is mostly run by Diego-san and his former merchant slave. Gray-san just needs to make sure that the slaves are making a decent living and that the people he's selling to are of the right kind.''

　He said this in an easygoing tone, and Gray's cheeks pulled up into a reluctant face.

''Well that's the hardest thing to do...''

　At Gray's words, Tyki laughed and laughed, "That's what I'm asking you to do, because you're the one who feels that way.