“Hey, isn’t that Zeke?”

From behind Luna, a man with a rugged, stone-like face popped his head out.

Though he wore an apron, the muscular build underneath made it clear he was a seasoned and well-trained individual.

“It’s been a while, Kamru.”

Zeke lightly bowed his head, leaving Luna wide-eyed in surprise.

“Dad, do you know him?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah. I kinda helped these guys out when they were just starting out.”

“You never mentioned it before.”

“It’s not exactly something I needed to bring up.”

Kamru shrugged, exasperated, but Liz exclaimed loudly, “That’s not true!”

“Zeke and his party are Mithril Rank adventurers! They’re idols for everyone in this town, young and old! If we advertise that this is the shop of their mentor, we’d get even more customers!”

“Riding on someone else’s coattails won’t help us. I compete on taste.”

“But if people knew you had connections with Zeke and his party, even those jerks like Godo would think twice! If Mei and the others hadn’t stepped in, this shop might’ve been taken over!”

“Yeah, well, my bad.”

The burly man, resembling a giant rock, slumped his shoulders under his beloved daughter’s scolding.

“Liz, if you use Zeke’s name without permission, it could trouble them. Don’t push it.”

“But…”

Pouting her cheeks, Liz was gently nudged aside by Luna, who bowed her head apologetically.

“Sorry about that.”

Zeke and the others, used to such situations, didn’t seem too bothered. What caught their attention was the incident that had involved Mei.

After all, Mei was exceptional in every sense of the word.

Even small incidents around her could escalate into major chaos. Anything that could potentially become a problem needed to be dealt with thoroughly.

This task was part of a formal request from Herbert, the lord of Lints and Zeke’s brother, to Zeke’s party.

“The thing is, we borrowed money for Mom’s medicine from Godo. Dad went back to being an adventurer to explore the Misty Forest and repay it, but even though it wasn’t yet due, they demanded we hand over the shop.”

When Mei first visited Kamru’s shop, a bald, thuggish-looking man had been trying to take even Luna, the eldest daughter, as collateral for the debt.

However, when Mei switched to battle mode, focusing on offense, and tore the thug’s sleeve off, he fled in panic.

To ensure they could fend off future intrusions, Mei had crafted soldier-type golems to stand guard. This way, the three sisters wouldn’t have to live in fear anymore.

After Kamru returned from the Misty Forest and repaid the debt, and with the creation of a new signature dish, soup curry, thanks to Mei’s idea, the shop’s future looked bright.

“That must’ve been tough. Kamru’s here, so you should be fine, but if anything happens again, just contact the Merchant’s Guild.”

“Nah, Mei’s golems are amazing. Even without me around, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Kamru gestured to the two golems standing in the corner of the shop.

Mei had designed them with toy soldiers in mind. Each held a shield Kamru had once used, standing motionless like statues.

“How exactly are they amazing?”

Zeke asked, hand to his forehead. Mei never failed to create something extraordinary.

“They don’t move unless there’s trouble in the shop. If someone causes an issue, they push them out with their shields.”

“They don’t harm the customers?”

“They can’t attack, apparently. While I was gone, one even stood outside as a guard, but all it did was push people out if necessary. Still, the strength is incredible. Even Godo’s thugs wouldn’t stand a chance against the two of them.”

As Kamru admired the golems, their red eyes flickered.

“The golems are amazing! They go ‘Bam!’ and take down bad guys!”

Mitia enthusiastically clenched her fist as she spoke, and the golems’ flickering eyes sped up, almost as if basking in the praise.

Watching this, Zeke’s gaze grew distant.

A golem with a will of its own was unheard of.

Yet, if it was Mei’s creation, anything was possible.

He’d need to remind her not to recklessly mass-produce golems.

While these were used as bodyguards, an army of tireless, immortal soldiers could spell disaster if used as weapons.

Herbert wouldn’t exploit Mei’s abilities for personal gain, but her extraordinary skills were far too tempting for those in power.

If word of her alchemy spread, she’d undoubtedly become a target.

“Have any other bad guys shown up since then?”

Mei crouched to meet Mitia’s gaze.

Mitia tilted her head thoughtfully before holding up one finger and then smiling innocently, like an angel.

“Just once! But the golems went ‘Bam!’ and they stopped coming!”

“That’s good. If you need more golems, just let me know! We can line them up outside!”

“Don’t do that.”

“Don’t do that.”

Zeke and Alex both interjected simultaneously.

As expected of twins, their timing was impeccable.