The Opening of the New Moonshine Shop

The Next Day

After successfully discussing matters with Ares and Deva the day before, I decided to travel to Bhorneo today to search for Axxel and Key.

In the backyard of the house—

“Mom is heading out now, okay?”

“Yes, Mom! Be careful!” Daisy replied cheerfully, waving both hands with a bright smile.

After saying my farewell, I snapped my fingers.

Golden magic wrapped around my body like a veil of shimmering mist. In the next instant, the world around me fractured into countless fragments of light.

Moments later, the scenery shifted.

The tranquil view of Dewata Lake gave way to the bustling streets of a capital city resembling the Chinatown districts of ancient dynasties.

Alright.
The first place I should visit is the Adventurers’ Guild.

I walked along the lively streets of the capital. Vendors called out to passersby, merchants haggled loudly, and travelers moved through the crowd like flowing currents.

After several minutes, I arrived in front of the Adventurers’ Guild.

Without hesitation, I stepped inside.

Inside the guild hall, I scanned the room, searching for Axxel and Key. However, neither of them was anywhere to be seen. Perhaps because the eighth bell had already passed, the number of adventurers present was rather sparse.

Hmm… could they be out on a request?

With that thought, I approached the reception desk.

“Welcome! How may I assist you?” asked the receptionist with a polite smile.

“Excuse me… are there adventurers named Axxel and Key here?”

“Axxel and Key?” the receptionist murmured as she checked her records. “They’re currently on a request outside the city. They’ll likely return in about seven days.”

“Seven days, huh…” I muttered softly.

“Would you like to leave a message? I can pass it along when they return,” she offered.

“In that case, please inform them through the Lemurian Trading Company.”

“Le—Lemurian?!” the receptionist exclaimed.

She immediately covered her mouth in shock.

But it was already too late.

Several people in the guild hall turned their heads toward me. Whispers spread across the room. Even though they spoke from a distance, every word reached my ears clearly.

“Is there something wrong with Lemurian?” I asked calmly.

“Oh—no, not at all,” the receptionist quickly replied. “It’s just that Lemurian is the largest trading company in this country. Many people wish to be affiliated with them, but gaining entry is extremely difficult. Axxel and Key are quite fortunate.”

“I see.”

“May I know who I’m speaking with, miss?” she asked politely.

“Luna… Lunaria Oberyth.”

“I’ve recorded your message,” she said.

“How much is the fee?”

“Ten bronze coins.”

“….”

“Thank you, I’ve received the payment. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No, that will be all.”

“Thank you for using our services,” the receptionist said with a slight bow.

With that, I left the Adventurers’ Guild.

After Luna departed, the receptionist remained frozen behind the desk, deep in thought.

Her face… it looks familiar somehow…
And that name… Oberyth…

Suddenly, her eyes widened.

AH!
Isn’t Oberyth the name of the founder and owner of the Lemurian Trading Company?!

Back to Luna

After leaving the Adventurers’ Guild, I let out a quiet sigh.

“Looks like today simply isn’t my lucky day.”

I paused for a moment.

“So… what should I do now with this unexpected free time?”

A thought soon came to mind.

“Perhaps I should visit Rama. It’s been quite a while since we last met. Hopefully, Raisya is there as well.”

Having made my decision, I headed toward the Lemurian Trading Company.

A few minutes later, I arrived at the building.

Rasha was standing outside, speaking with several people. When she noticed me approaching, she quickly ended her conversation and hurried toward me.

“Great-Grandmother!” Rasha greeted brightly.

“!”

Even though she had called me that several times before, I still wasn’t entirely used to it.

“Rasha, how have you been?”

“I’m doing well, Great-Grandmother. Are you here to see Father?” she asked.

“Yes. Is he here?”

“He is. Let me take you to him.”

Rasha led me to the back of the building.

There stood a wooden stilt house. The faint scent of aged wood drifted through the air, carrying a quiet sense of warmth.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Father! You have a visitor!” Rasha called.

“Who is it?”

“Great-Grandmother Luna.”

The moment my name was spoken, loud rustling noises erupted from inside.

Thump—shuffle—crash.

…

Is he… tidying up?

A moment later, Rama’s voice finally came from within.

“You may come in.”

Rasha slid the door open.

Inside the room, Rama was wearing a dark blue hanfu, while Raisya stood beside him in her knight’s uniform.

“Hmm… am I interrupting something?” I asked.

“Er—no, not at all, Grandma,” Rama replied with an awkward smile.

Though his face clearly told a different story.

“Is he always like this when he gets caught lying?” I whispered to Raisya.

Raisya could only facepalm, shaking her head while letting out a long sigh.

“Actually, Grandma…”

A Few Moments Before Luna Arrived

“A few days ago, I visited the mine and saw the bandit leader,” Raisya said, her gaze fixed on the table.

“Did he show any signs of rebellion?” Rama asked.

“Quite the opposite. According to the prison guards and several inmates, he cried and begged during the night. After that, he became unusually obedient.”

“Hard to believe someone like that was a bandit leader,” Rama muttered.

“They also said he kept repeating strange terms like EXP and PK. I don’t know what they mean, but I believe Grandma Luna would understand,” Raisya added.

…

“So, how has the kingdom responded to Nyrranthea’s request regarding the Forbidden Land?” Rama asked.

Raisya snorted softly.

“As always, your information network is far ahead of everyone else.”

“The kingdom is currently discussing the matter,” she continued.

Rama sighed deeply.

“Meanwhile, while they continue discussing, the seal of the Forbidden Land could break at any moment.”

“That’s because the power gap between us and the monsters emerging from that place is simply too great,” Raisya said quietly.
“Those monsters originate from the Era of Chaos—Grandma Luna’s era.”

Silence settled over the room.

Then Rama spoke again.

“Speaking of Grandma Luna… I heard that while she and Grandma Rima were traveling from Nyrranthea, they encountered a powerful monster from the Forbidden Land.”

“You know about that, too?” Raisya asked in surprise. “That information is classified.”

“Hehe… but from what I heard, Grandma Luna actually struggled and was saved by someone.”

“Grandma Luna… struggling?” Raisya raised an eyebrow.

“Right? I didn’t believe it either,” Rama said.
“Do you remember when we were children? Mother used to tell us stories about how terrifying and powerful Grandma Luna was. She said Grandma Luna could destroy an entire nation with a single spell.”

“Yes… I remember.”

“If even Grandma Luna struggled, then the threat from the Forbidden Land must be far more serious than we imagined.”

Once again, silence filled the room.

“That is precisely why,” Raisya continued,
“I intend to request a pardon for the bandit leader. His strength could help the Kingdom of Bhorneo resist the threat from the Forbidden Land.”

“Are you certain?” Rama asked.

“Yes. Even though he couldn’t defeat Grandma Luna, he possesses courage and abilities born from the same era as hers.”

Festival Day — Nuzantra

The cheerful chirping of birds woke me that morning.

Sunlight streamed through the glass windows, illuminating the room with gentle warmth.

I rose from bed and headed to Daisy’s room to wake her.

After she was up, we washed ourselves and prepared for the day.

Rima helped dress both Daisy and me in our festival uniforms.

“Wow… Mom, you look so beautiful,” Daisy said, her eyes sparkling.

Her innocent compliment made my heart melt instantly.

“Ahh… Daisy looks absolutely adorable, too.”

“What about Mama Rima?” Rima asked with a mischievous grin.

“Mama Rima is beautiful too,” Daisy replied without hesitation.

…

“Come on, Mom! Let’s open the shop already!” Daisy said excitedly.

“Alright, alright. Let’s go downstairs.”

We descended the stairs to the first floor.

“Good morning, Lu! Good morning, Abi!” Daisy greeted brightly.

“Good morning, Miss Daisy! Good morning, Lady Luna! Good morning, Lady Rima!” Lusserina and Abiyasa replied.

The two of them were already busy preparing breakfast.

Daisy, Rima, and I sat at the dining table while waiting for the food.

Soon, footsteps echoed from the staircase.

“Good morning, Mom! Good morning, Mama Rima! Good morning, Daisy!” Bartasz greeted cheerfully.

“Good morning, Brother Bartasz!” Daisy replied.

“Good morning, Bartasz,” Rima and I answered together.

“Wow, Daisy, you look adorable in that maid uniform,” Bartasz said.

“Thank you!” Daisy smiled happily. “You look great, too.”

“Really? I wasn’t sure if this tuxedo would suit me,” Bartasz said while gently patting Daisy’s head.

Soon afterward, several more people descended the stairs.

Radhimar, Rania, and Elrik.

All of them were already wearing their festival uniforms.

“Mother! How do I look?” Radhimar declared dramatically, striking a pose.

Wow…

With his handsome appearance, he looked like the male lead of a romantic novel.

If only his personality weren’t so childish, he would truly be perfect.

“Yes, it suits you very well.”

“Hehehe, thank you, my beloved mother!” he said proudly.

“Yes, big brother looks very handsome,” Daisy added.

“Oh! Thank you, my beloved little sister! You are adorable as well!” Radhimar replied grandly.

“Alright, alright. Sit down already.”

…

“Um… do I really have to wear this?” Elrik asked hesitantly.

Elrik, who normally wore a laboratory coat, was now dressed like a customer.

The outfit suited him surprisingly well, though dark circles lingered beneath his eyes.

“Don’t worry, dear. You look wonderful. Right, Mom?” Rania said gently as he adjusted his collar.

For this festival, besides selling armor and potions, we were also opening a small café by the lakeside.

Everyone would be wearing servant uniforms.

The café was outdoors in the backyard, where tables and chairs had already been neatly arranged to await guests.

Breakfast was served soon after everyone gathered.

After finishing the meal, we began preparing to open the shop.

My heart beat faster in anticipation of the day ahead.

I flipped the sign on the front door from “Closed” to “Open.”

And just like that—

The Moonshine Shop was ready to welcome its visitors.