Kusatsu boasts over ten hot spring inns and hotels, making it a prime tourist destination.
In addition to accommodation, numerous shops selling souvenirs and other goods are also present, truly cementing its status as a tourist spot.
Furthermore, it’s easily accessible via the teleport gate on the fifth floor of Amamiya Tower, making it a popular getaway for those seeking a break from their daily lives.
While not everyone can afford frequent breaks, some use their infrequent long weekends to visit Kusatsu.
This has even come to be considered the ultimate luxury for the residents of the fifth floor.
Of course, they are not the only ones visiting Kusatsu.
It’s also a place where those with wealth and power can enjoy their leisure time without worry.
Moreover, these individuals even consider visiting various hot springs in Kusatsu a status symbol.
In any case, Kusatsu has come to be known as a place that can be enjoyed regardless of social standing, by simply soaking in the hot springs and relaxing.
Kousuke and his party, who have arrived in Kusatsu, were enjoying their stroll through the town, having forgotten about the commotion at the inn the previous day.
The merchant guild members, of course, wouldn’t miss an opportunity in a place frequented by so many visitors seeking hot springs. Various shops with unique themes line the streets, alongside the souvenir shops.
Consequently, simply browsing these shops can easily fill an entire day. Kousuke and his party, who finally have some time off together, are indulging in window shopping at these establishments.
Upon venturing into town, they found it bustling not only within the inn but also with guests staying at other inns and hotels.
For this reason, Kousuke and his companions were wearing the disguise masks they had made for themselves.
Thanks to these masks, they hadn’t attracted any unwanted attention from admirers of the women’s beauty.
However, even though their faces were hidden, their figures were not entirely concealed, and they were undoubtedly still drawing attention.
Without concern for this, Kousuke and his party scanned their surroundings, curious about what kind of shops they would find.
“Hmm. It’s been a while, but things have really changed again, haven’t they?”
“They have,” Silvia replied, echoing Kousuke’s sentiment.
During Kousuke’s previous visit to Kusatsu, there weren’t as many uniquely themed shops.
The presence of places where one could enjoy simple games made it seem like a completely different place to him.
Incidentally, these games weren’t something Kousuke had invented; they emerged as people gained more leisure time.
Some even offered activities like ring toss, which Kousuke found nostalgic.
The shops were designed with the primary goal of entertaining visitors and encouraging them to spend money; some were so innovative that Kousuke couldn’t have imagined them.
Simply browsing these shops provided Kousuke and his party with ample enjoyment.
Amidst this, Floria’s attention was drawn to a particular souvenir shop.
“What is that…?”
“What do you mean? It’s a souvenir shop? It seems to have a lot of confectionery,” Kousuke replied, looking puzzled.
Floria appeared slightly hurt by his question.
“I understand it’s confectionery. But can a single shop thrive selling only that?” Floria asked again. Kousuke nodded in understanding.
To Kousuke, a confectionery specialty store wasn’t an unusual concept, but Floria found it perplexing that such a shop could sustain itself.
“I suppose it’s a matter of supply and demand. The customers who come here are looking for mementos. A shop selling only sweets can do quite well,” Kousuke explained.
The visitors to Kusatsu are fundamentally seeking indulgence.
Thus, even for sweets they might not normally buy, they become more willing to spend. The abundance of shops beyond just souvenir stands caters to this very desire.
Floria almost accepted Kousuke’s explanation but then reconsidered.
“Speaking of which, are the sweets there all unsweetened? If they used sugar, they’d be prohibitively expensive, wouldn’t they?”
“Ah, I see. Floria, you didn’t know yet.”
Kousuke couldn’t figure out what was bothering her until Floria’s remark revealed the source of her confusion.
As if picking up where Kousuke left off, Shurein, walking a short distance behind, addressed Floria.
“It’s something that’s only happened in the last few years. Igirid and the others succeeded in producing sugar, and now they can supply it for souvenirs.”
“My word,” Floria exclaimed, surprised that they had even begun sugar production.
“All of this is thanks to Igirid’s continuous efforts to increase personnel,” Shurein added.
In fact, Igirid had consistently increased their numbers through recruitment from underground. This surplus personnel had enabled them to expand the production of various goods, including sugar.
Of course, even with the ability to produce sugar, the scale of production isn’t large enough to supply other regions.
Consequently, the sweets sold in Kusatsu’s souvenir shops are among its popular items.
“One can tell if sugar is used by tasting it, right? Wouldn’t that attract the attention of merchants trying to secure a supply route?” Floria’s entirely reasonable question was met with a wry smile from Shurein.
“They are indeed being targeted. However, currently, only the shops run by Vampires or Igirid are supplied with sugar. And even if you buy from those shops, the quantity is quite limited.”
“I see,” Floria said, nodding in understanding.
It wasn’t about controlling the distribution of sugar; they simply allocated what was needed for Kusatsu, and their production capacity couldn’t keep up with external demand.
Sweet confections were becoming a signature item of Kusatsu, and Shurein had no intention of diverting them elsewhere, regardless of the price offered. Floria agreed with this sentiment.
Incidentally, knowing that they could sell, there was no thought of increasing sugar production at the expense of other goods.
It would be easy to realize that mass production of sugar in other continents or different locations of the Central Continent could significantly impact the economy of their own village. Shurein’s decision not to rely solely on sugar was, therefore, entirely logical.
Sugar Production Begins! (Behind the scenes)
Incidentally, Kousuke was not heavily involved.
This is a testament to Igirid’s hard work.
