Published: August 2, 2025
Today, 10 chapters are posted simultaneously.
This story is the 7th chapter.
Two weeks later
The shop had become fairly busy, juggling regular operations alongside preparations for the festival.
During these two weeks, everyone had been busy recreating local dishes, checking various cooking details, and holding meetings with representatives from the Morgan Trading Company about security and customer service... each person running around with their tasks.
Yet, despite the busy preparations, morale never dropped. I secretly felt relieved.
In my previous life’s company, there was an annual in-house recreation event meant to strengthen employee unity, but every one of those felt like a one-sided idea from upper management. Only a small group, including the organizers, seemed to have fun. The rest of the employees were forced to participate just because it was a company event, wasting their precious days off.
I understood the intention. Unity is important, of course. If it’s company tradition, then so be it... but I didn’t want the employees here to wear the same expression as those in that company.
However, so far, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, and as the stalls took shape little by little, their motivation appeared to grow.
What’s more, this time’s stalls weren’t just supported by our employees; unexpected allies appeared.
“Manager—! Zeke from the butcher shop has arrived!”
“Okay! I’m coming now!”
I paused from clearing the vacant lot and headed to the reception room.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Not at all. Here’s today’s supply. The goods have already been brought into the kitchen.”
“...This is a bit cheaper than expected.”
“Because you’re buying in bulk, I gave you a little discount.”
This was Zeke, one of our collaborators.
Not only did he arrange the meat used for cooking trials, but on the festival day, he plans to bring his shop employees along to help with the stall. When I bought extra ingredients for the trial the other day, he asked what they were for, and after I explained, this arrangement was made.
He told me that he and all the butcher shop employees want to spend time with their families during the festival. However, since overspending would upset their wives, they agreed to help out with the stall for one of the two festival days in exchange for pay, making it a mutually beneficial deal.
They get to share the load by joining us and increase their festival funds. We benefit from having fewer burdens on our staff and more opportunities to connect.
This Win–Win relationship was further enhanced when Ms. Pauline, Kiara, and Mary—friends of madams—heard about it. They also agreed to help with cooking trials and on the day under the same conditions. They’re currently working with Ms. Shelma in our kitchen.
Incidentally, thanks to the participation of the madams, information about the Semiroid troupe’s performance spread through their networks. Apparently, many friends pledged to visit Ms. Pauline... This might cause crowds like those at the shop’s opening. We need to prepare for that possibility.
“Well then, Ryoma-kun, see you tonight.”
After seeing Zeke off as he returned to his shop, I went back to tidying up the vacant lot.
Tonight, this place would also serve as the venue for a social gathering, doubling as the final review of the festival menu. I needed to at least have it minimally ready...
Night, after hours.
While reviewing documents in my office and waiting for guests, Mr. Calm arrived.
“Manager, Lord Serge and the Semiroid troupe’s representative have arrived.”
“Thank you.”
I hurried to the reception room.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Pardon the intrusion, Lord Ryoma. This is Prennance Semloid, leader of the Semiroid troupe.”
“I’m Prennance Semloid. Though inexperienced, I lead a troupe of traveling performers. I hope we may be pleased to meet you, young sage.”
On the sofa sat Mr. Serge and another person. The latter was a handsome guy with silver hair shining like threads of light. He stood up and reached out his hand for a handshake, which I returned, though his mannerisms felt somewhat theatrical...