Ch 44: Guide to Running a Shop in Another World

On the desolate plains of Black Mountain, a golden dragon and a black dragon were locked in combat, their tails lashing the ground, causing tremors that shook the earth.

Harold swung his sharp claws, the gems on his fingertips leaving a radiant trail like a rainbow. Si Jin blocked the strike, his claws reflecting clusters of golden light under the morning sun, outshining even his hoarded treasures.

Harold glanced at the sun, which had already climbed over the mountain peak, and flicked his tail. “It’s dawn.”

Si Jin retracted his claws and replied, “Time to get back to work.”

The two dragons, now free from the constraints of their manicures, had flown straight to the plains last night, battling fiercely from dusk till dawn. Though they were still unsatisfied, they knew that if they didn’t return to work on time, that sneaky little slime would hover around the shopkeeper chirping “chi chi chi” all day—just the thought of it irritated the dragons.

Shifting into their dragon forms to save time, they lazily flapped their wings and flew back toward Emeraldstone Town.

…

By the time Si Jin and Harold returned to the nail salon, Lu Yao was already working on Muxin’s nails.

Lu Yao hadn’t even had the chance to touch Muxin’s scale yet. When she opened the shop in the morning, Muxin and the slime had already been waiting outside.

Muxin smiled and said, “I felt it was about time, so I came over.”

Lu Yao invited her in and asked what style she wanted.

Muxin’s smile deepened, and she shook her head. “I’ve read through the Go book you gave me, and the game is truly fascinating. I don’t plan to change my style. However, I would like to ask you to help me find some more game records.”

Since Muxin wasn’t changing her style, she, like Harold and Si Jin, was simply upgrading her original manicure to a magical one.

Lu Yao nodded. “Alright, let’s start with the magic manicure. You can come back in three days to pick up the Go records.”

The core of magical manicures lies in the magic circles, and each style requires a unique number of circles arranged in a specific sequence. This particular style wasn’t too complicated, so Lu Yao quickly sketched a draft and began her work.

About three hours later, Mu Xin’s magic manicure was complete.

On the surface, it looked no different from the original. The magic circles Lu Yao had woven into it were so subtle and natural that the manicure remained as beautifully fragile as before. However, the cost was a hundred times higher—but for a dragon, that was nothing.

Muxin swiftly left Emeraldstone Town and cautiously transformed into her dragon form in a secluded area of the mountains.

As her magic surged, the magical manicure shattered into fragments, and the gemstones that had adorned her nails all fell off. Muxin’s heart sank for a moment.

However, as she completed her transformation into a dragon, the fragmented pieces of her manicure began to retract, fitting neatly back onto her claws. The gemstones also expanded and returned to their original places on her claw tips.

Muxin observed carefully and realized that the gems weren’t glued but were held in place by a special magic circle. Even during flight or combat, they wouldn’t fall off.

A giant dragon, with claws shimmering like jewels, soared through the sky, more eye-catching than anything else.

On her way back to her dragon lair, Muxin encountered Dominic, who was taking little Sasa for a walk; Frude, father of little Fire Dragon Gagaga; Amos, older brother of little Purple Dragon Anok; and Field, who was carrying Tina back to their lair.

Each time she passed a familiar dragon, their eyes would inevitably be drawn to her sparkling claws, a flicker of amazement visible in their dragon eyes.

As they crossed paths, Tina whispered in Field’s ear, “Mom, I bet Teacher Muxin went to the nail salon.”

Field slowed the beat of her wings and said, “Isn’t that shop run by a human? How could they do nails for dragons?”

Tina couldn’t quite understand either, but she thought that only Lu Yao could come up with such an idea.

She wanted to visit the shop herself, but she didn’t want to risk ruining her manicure by transforming into her dragon form. The journey from the dragon lair to Emeraldstone Town would take a long time. So, she tried to persuade Field, “Mom, how about we go check it out tomorrow? Maybe it really is the shopkeeper.”

Recently, the residents of Emeraldstone Town have been buzzing about Lu Yao’s nail salon recruiting apprentices. The working hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with two meals provided, and a starting salary of four silver coins a month for beginner apprentices. The requirements are that applicants must be female, under 18, literate, and hardworking.

Despite the nail salon’s infamous reputation, Lu Yao’s offer was generous enough to attract many interested candidates.

Once the shop reopened after closing for the day, people came in throughout the day asking about the apprentice position. However, most didn’t meet the criteria. Some older women in their fifties claimed to be seventeen, illiterate applicants pretended to know how to read, and a few girls with difficult temperaments refused to leave. There was even a man who tried to disguise himself in women’s clothing to sneak in, much to Lu Yao’s amusement.

Lu Yao remained firm in her vision. An apprentice was different from an ordinary employee—they would be trained from scratch, so she needed to find someone diligent, eager to learn, and with a good temperament.

By the evening, Lu Yao still hadn’t found anyone suitable.

Another woman, who had lied about her age, left grumbling. As Lu Yao prepared to close the shop, Si Jin and Harold had gone out in the afternoon to collect some rare materials that Lu Yao needed.

They had initially refused to leave the shop under just Mumu’s watch, but after Lu Yao promised to buy them each a box of instant noodles with assorted flavors, they reluctantly agreed. Harold had discovered instant noodles from a manga and instantly loved them when Lu Yao brought some for him to try. Si Jin, seeing Harold enjoying it, had also asked Lu Yao for some.

Lu Yao could relate; who didn’t love instant noodles as a kid? It’s just the ultimate comfort food, as long as it wasn’t the sour vegetable flavor.

Now, only the shopkeeper and Mumu were left in the store. Standing at the door, lost in thought, Lu Yao worried. Emerald Town was too small, and finding the right apprentice might prove to be difficult.

Mumu tugged at her pant leg and chirped, “Chi.”

Lu Yao looked down at him. “What is it?”

Mumu retreated into the store and carefully took off his tiny black tuxedo, folding it neatly.

Lu Yao: “…”

Sensing Lu Yao’s diverted attention, Mumu chirped again to catch her eye, then—right in front of her—he split.

Quite literally, one Mumu became two.

Lu Yao: “…”

As Lu Yao stood there, unsure of how to react, someone arrived at the door.

A young woman with two braided pigtails and a few freckles on her face stood nervously at the entrance. “My—my name is Eugenia, I’m sixteen, and I’d like to apply for the apprenticeship.”

Lu Yao quickly welcomed her, “Please come in and have a seat.”

Eugenia lived at the end of West Long Street, the daughter of the local tailor. She could read and do basic arithmetic. She had previously worked in the city and had just returned to Emerald Town when she heard about the apprenticeship at the nail salon.

Out of all the people who had applied that day, Eugenia was the most suitable candidate, and Lu Yao was inclined to keep her. However, Eugenia seemed a bit timid, and the fact that the shop housed magical creatures might scare her off.

Lu Yao looked around and spotted Mumu hiding behind the couch. Pointing to him, she asked, “That’s Mumu, our slime employee. Are you afraid of him?”

Eugenia saw Mumu curled up into a ball. So the rumors were true—the shop really did keep magical creatures. But since it was just a slime, she wasn’t afraid.

Recalling the other rumors about the shopkeeper, Eugenia hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage and asked, “I’ve heard there are dragons in the shop. Is that true?”

Lu Yao’s expression was firm. “No, of course not. The shop only has two strong guards, but they’re out on errands today.”

Eugenia breathed a sigh of relief. As expected, the town rumors were just idle gossip. “I’m not afraid of the slime. I’ll get along with it.”

Lu Yao was reassured. “Good. Come by tomorrow before 9 a.m. There will be a seven-day trial period before you officially start. If both of us feel it’s a good fit, we’ll sign a contract.”

Eugenia looked gratefully at Lu Yao. “Thank you, shopkeeper.”

Leaving the nail salon, she hurried home.

Her mother, Mrs. Brown, sat expressionlessly in a chair. Upon hearing the door, she stirred slightly. “Eugenia, is that you?”

“Mom, I got the job!” Eugenia walked in, her face alight with joy.

But instead of relaxing, Mrs. Brown’s frown deepened. “Are you sure you’re not afraid? I’ve heard people say that the shopkeeper there is a terrible dark magic witch who keeps magical creatures. They say she lures young girls in, only to feed them to her monsters.”

Eugenia sat opposite her mother and shook her head. “There is a magical creature in the shop, but it’s just a slime—nothing scary at all. Mom, the shopkeeper is actually really nice. She’s young, gentle, and easy to get along with. Plus, she offered a seven-day trial period. If I feel the job suits me, I can stay. If not, I can leave at any time.”

Mrs. Brown wanted to say more, but Eugenia cut her off. “Mom, there’s no better job in Emeraldstone Town than this.”

Mrs. Brown fell silent, still deeply worried.

She had heard many rumors about the shop that day. People said the shopkeeper only hired girls under eighteen, and many claimed she had sinister intentions. But Eugenia wasn’t wrong—there were no other jobs in town offering such generous pay.

Ever since Eugenia’s father was injured in the mines and became bedridden, their lives had only grown harder.

Eugenia had gone to the city for work before, but she was always bullied and eventually had to come back. The neighbors had laughed at their misfortune. Just a few days ago, Mrs. Brown had also lost her temporary job at the bakery. With three younger siblings to care for, without any income, they would starve.

After convincing her mother, Eugenia went to her room to prepare clothes.

She wanted to stay at the nail salon, so she knew she had to do her best during the seven-day trial.

…

Outside the nail salon, the young dragon Tina stood gazing up at the recruitment notice posted on the door, a glimmer of interest in her eyes.

Her mother, Field, stood behind her, feeling a bit embarrassed.

After meeting Muxin the previous day, Field had tried to pretend she wasn’t curious, but here she was, arriving with Tina before dawn and waiting for two hours before the shop even opened.

After a while, a blue slime in a tailcoat slowly waddled up from the end of Long Street.

Field frowned. “Why is there a slime here?”

Mumu nodded politely at the dragon, his voice soft and cute. “Hello, I’m Mumu, a nail salon employee.”

Field was stunned. A human employing a slime, a low-level magical creature, as a staff member?

Wait—humans employing magical creatures at all was strange enough. And how could a slime speak?

About fifteen minutes later, Si Jin and Harold appeared, still bickering as they strolled from the Fountain Plaza.

They had used a teleportation scroll to return, carrying a large bag full of materials for Lu Yao.

Field immediately noticed their glittering nails.

With the morning sun rising, their hands swung as they walked, the gems on their fingers catching the light and shining brilliantly.

Harold and Si Jin noticed Field and Tina too, and they stopped bickering at the door of the nail salon.

Tina looked at their nails, her attention immediately drawn to them. She called out, “Harold, did you get your nails redone?”

The style hadn’t changed, and even the gems were in the exact same places, but there was a noticeable complex magical aura about them.

Harold, looking smug, waved his hand. “Lu Yao redid them. Even with a surge in magic power, they won’t break.”

Tina thought to herself, So it’s true—the shopkeeper has figured out how to make nails for dragons.

“So early today, are you here for another manicure?” Tina asked, not knowing that these two dragons had already become employees of the nail salon since her last visit.

Harold shook his head. “No, we’re here for work.”

Tina seemed to be deep in thought.

Field glanced down at the slime on the ground, then at the two dragons, feeling an indescribable sense of disbelief.

Dragons working alongside a slime? What a tragedy of the century.

At that moment, the shop door opened from the inside, and Lu Yao, seeing her staff gathered outside, was a bit surprised. “Why is everyone here so early today?”

Tina stepped forward and announced, “Shopkeeper, I’m here for dragon nail art.”

Dragon nail art?

That sounded like a strange name.

Lu Yao stepped aside. “Please, come in.”

Noticing the lady in a red dress who bore a resemblance to Tina, Lu Yao guessed it was her parent and offered, “Doing magic-enhanced nails takes quite a while. Please feel free to have a seat inside if you don’t mind.”

“Alright.” Field nodded lightly, lifting her chin as she stepped inside.

Lu Yao had rearranged the shop’s layout the night before, adding two new rooms in the research area—one for resting and another transparent room designated for clients receiving magical nail treatments.

Tina and Field were led to the specialized room in the research area to wait.

Meanwhile, Harold and Si Jin handed over the materials they had collected, their round dragon eyes filled with anticipation.

They didn’t realize it, but they had a look quite similar to Mumu’s.

Lu Yao took the materials and pointed to the black door. “I’ve added a rest room inside. You each get a box of instant noodles. You can take half a day off.”

Harold and Si Jin looked overjoyed and carried the materials inside.

When Eugenia arrived, Lu Yao was about to tend to Field and Tina.

“Sorry for being late, Shopkeeper,” Eugenia rushed in, looking flustered.

The neighbors had found out about her job at the nail salon and tried to persuade her not to go, which made it difficult for her to get away.

Lu Yao called Mumu over and said to Eugenia, “I’m busy with clients at the moment. You can start by learning the daily tasks from Mumu. He’s very capable and knows everything. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Mumu had spent the previous night sulking after not being praised for his “splitting” trick. But now, hearing Lu Yao call him capable, he immediately perked up, chirping happily, “Chirp, chirp!”

He was determined to teach the new trainee well!

Leaving the flustered Eugenia to face Mumu, Lu Yao returned to the research room. “Sorry for the wait.”

Field put down the tablet she had been holding and composed herself, maintaining her cool demeanor. “It did take a bit long. Let’s get started.”

Tina didn’t want a new design either; she just wanted to upgrade her regular nails to magic-enhanced nails.

Her flame-themed nails weren’t too complex. Lu Yao spent forty minutes designing the sequence of the magical arrays before beginning to apply them.

Magical nail art was still too advanced for Eugenia, so Lu Yao had no plans to involve her just yet.

Field kept a close, scrutinizing eye on Lu Yao, growing increasingly impressed as she watched her seamlessly alternate between dark magic and light magic to weave the magical arrays.

No wonder this human could work on dragon nails—her mastery of magic was truly unique.

Two hours later, Tina’s nails were finished.

Eager to test them, she injected a small amount of magic into one hand, transforming it into a dragon claw covered in red scales, with black claw tips.

The freshly applied nail polish cracked under the pressure of the magic, but then slowly reformed. The red flame design fit perfectly onto her claws, and as she flexed them, a faint glow rippled across the surface.

Tina was overjoyed. “Shopkeeper, this is amazing! The nails really don’t break when I transform!”

Field’s gaze was fixed on Tina’s claws, where the intricate pattern of golden and red flames shimmered across the claw tips. The light flickered on and off, complementing the black tips, creating a look that was both stunning and powerful.

As Tina finished speaking, she tightly pressed her lips together, seemingly realizing only then what she had just said, feeling a bit awkward but clearly unable to contain herself any longer.

Lu Yao, unfazed by this, calmly asked, “Do you have a style in mind?”

Having decided to get her nails done, Field stopped hesitating and directly took out a treasure chest, pushing it forward. “A flame-patterned jewel manicure. I want you to use every single gemstone in this chest.”

While watching Tina’s manicure earlier, Field had noticed that while it looked more delicate in human form, there were too few gems when it transformed into a dragon’s claw—not nearly glamorous enough.

Field’s taste was quite traditional. Rather than intricate and sophisticated designs, she preferred the bold and simple accumulation of treasures—the more flashy and luxurious, the better.

Lu Yao grasped the sides of the chest, attempting to pour out the gemstones but found it incredibly heavy and couldn’t lift it. Standing up to try again, she still couldn’t lift it. “…This chest is really heavy.”

Field replied, “I dug out those Bohsi red crystals from deep within lava. They contain a dense amount of fire-attribute magic. This box weighs just under 500 pounds. Is that heavy?”

Lu Yao: “…”

Under 500 pounds…

Do dragons really want to put something this heavy on their claws?

Silently complaining to herself, Lu Yao cast a “lightening” spell on the Bohsi red crystals before getting to work.

Four hours later, Field left with Tina.

On their flight back to the dragon’s lair, Tina’s gaze kept drifting to Field’s claws.

Her mother’s black claws were adorned with large, smooth pearls nestled between the red Bohsi crystals, and golden stream-like patterns were embedded between the gems. When Field moved her claws, the patterns shimmered like flowing gold, casting bright, alternating lights.

What made the young dragon a little envious was the touch of silver at the very tip of Field’s claws.

In her human form, the silver was barely visible, a thin, almost invisible edge. But when Field transformed into a dragon, that silver seemed to concentrate at the claw tips, shining like a star in a cross-shaped glow.

Field, as she flew, would occasionally pretend to casually glance at her claws.

She was most fond of that tiny star-like sparkle of Starlight Essence at the tips of her claws. It didn’t overpower the shine of the Bohsi red crystals but added a unique flair.

Tina could tell her mother was in a good mood and, recalling the recruitment notice she had seen at the nail salon, felt her own ideas stirring within.

…

In the skies over Emeraldstone Town, the cyan dragon Dominic encountered the purple dragon Amos.

Amos remarked, “We seem to be crossing paths quite often these days.”

Dominic, maintaining his regal dragon form, solemnly replied, “A few volcanoes to the south are about to erupt. I’m planning to gather some Bohsi red crystals.”

Amos was a bit surprised that Dominic would explain his destination.

He chuckled and responded, “The ice in Lake Tsuiyi is melting. I was planning to gather some five-colored stones from the lakebed.”

The two dragons exchanged a few more half-hearted pleasantries and flew past each other.

Half an hour later, both Dominic, supposedly heading south, and Amos, supposedly heading to the lake, found themselves at the entrance of the nail salon in Emeraldstone Town.

Amos: “…”

Dominic: “…”

In the nearby fountain square, two girls wearing magic academy uniforms emerged from the teleportation array.

The blonde girl standing in the square looked around in confusion. “Audrey, are you sure this shop is in this town?”

Audrey nodded. “My cousin said it’s definitely in Emeraldstone Town, east of here—east is that way! I think I see it. Let’s go!”

As Amos and Dominic stood awkwardly, neither daring to enter first, the two magic academy students dashed between them, squeezing through and stepping inside the shop, loudly calling out, “Shopkeeper, we’re here for manicures!”

Amos: “…”

Dominic: “…”

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