Published: August 2, 2025
Today, I’m posting five chapters simultaneously.
This is the first chapter.
The Next Day
After preparing the shop from the morning, I went out shopping to welcome the two newcomers. When I returned...
“So many people have already come?”
I left the shop right at the 8 o’clock opening and spent about an hour shopping. So now it should be around 9 o’clock... I’m curious about the customer visiting hours, especially the peak times.
Thinking about that, I entered through the employee entrance that led to the back of the shop. The work was divided: Ms. Karla and Mr. Fay handled customer service, while Mr. Calm and Ms. Lilin were responsible for carrying and returning laundry. The shop seemed to be running smoothly for now. Leaving the work to them, I started cooking.
I didn’t know when it might suddenly get busy again, so I wanted everyone to eat while they could.
I kneaded the dough, shaped it into a circle, and rolled it out. On the prepared dough, I spread the meat sauce.
By the way, this meat sauce was leftover from the celebration two days ago. I had made a refrigerator using barrier magic, so it preserved better than outside. Just to be safe, I checked it with appraisal magic and found no issues. If Mr. Serge hears about the refrigerator, it might cause a stir again.
...No, actually, Pioro-san might be the one to fuss over it? He did say he handled ingredients.
On the base, I scattered cheese, sliced onions, and a small amount of herbs, then put it into the preheated oven to bake. While it baked, I prepared salad and drinks...
Before I knew it, the pizza was ready.
With its appetizing aroma filling the air, I tried one slice for myself as a taste test.
...Hmm, perfect. The timing is just right before the rush.
“Everyone, the meal is ready. I’ll help, so please take turns eating.”
““““Thank you!””””
Ms. Lilin and Ms. Karla took turns eating with me first. After they finished, Mr. Fay and Mr. Calm went to eat, so everyone was able to take a meal and rest.
However, after noon, the shop got as busy as yesterday again, and all employees had to work together to get through it.
“Good work today.”
““““Good work!””””
Though it’s improved compared to yesterday, it’s only enough to go from someone collapsing from exhaustion to being able to operate normally. If even one person is absent, the burden becomes heavy on the others. And if that happens, they probably won’t have time to prepare lunch...
“We had a lot of customers today as well. How were today’s sales?”
“I calculated it, and the total was 11,877 soot.”
Ms. Karla showed me her notes as well.
If that’s 1.5 times yesterday’s sales, it’s a good increase in a single day.
“Sales are looking good.”
“More than good — it’s booming!”
“At this rate, even more customers will come.”
“Ms. Lilin, Mr. Fay, do you think so too? …We should probably hire a few more people, right? Originally, we planned to hire three or four. If someone suddenly can’t work, the burden on the others would be too much.”
“Yes, that would be better.”
“It’s only been a day, but I’d appreciate it if the Guild could help with hiring.”
“Understood. Also, I want to hire a cook. Can we hire one through the commercial guild as well?”
When I asked that, Mr. Calm answered.
“You can hire one. But why a cook?”
“Everyone is so busy that there’s no time to make lunch. So I want to hire a cook to take care of the meals.”
“That’s true, but usually servants do that kind of work.”
“But if we hire a specialist, it’ll give everyone more breathing room. Besides, eating delicious food boosts morale. It’s welfare.”
“I agree with that opinion, but... what exactly is welfare?”
“Ah... well, it’s a system or mindset to make sure employees can work comfortably.”
I guess the idea of welfare isn’t common here... or maybe it’s just not typical?
“You’re really thoughtful about the staff’s treatment, Lord Ryoma.”
“Even though we live here, we get full pay. It’s rare to find such good treatment.”