Chapter 51 - The Grand Opening Continued
I pass the time at a familiar dessert shop, sipping tea and nibbling on a slice of chiffon cake.
The shop’s young employee must be on break or just bored today, because she’s sharing my table and chatting away.
“I saw the Kikyo Society’s new shop earlier today. During the day. And wow—what even is that place?!”
“Ah, I saw it too. I was shocked. It feels so out of place, you know? Totally different from anything else around here.”
“Exactly! Mmm, mmph, gulp. Mmm… what is that beautiful shop? It’s not just surprising—it’s mind-blowing!”
The woman shoves cake into her mouth with gusto, washing it down with tea.
“Wait—didn’t you have any idea what it’d look like during construction?”
I can’t bring myself to eat like that, so I carefully chip away at the cake with my fork. Fine pastries deserve to be savored.
“The whole site was covered up during construction. Not a single thing was visible. Then, today, suddenly—poof—there it is! Of course I’m stunned!”
“…Stunned, you say.”
“But more importantly—how on earth do they get such gorgeous, rare flowers? So many varieties! It’s caused a huge stir. Gardening ladies, young girls, guys chasing the girls—it’s chaos!”
“That’s corporate secrecy for you. The Kikyo Society just has people with all sorts of specialties, that’s all.”
“Hmm… mmm, mmm, mmm, gulp. Slurp. Ahhh. The tavern opened today too, right? I’ll have to stop by soon.”
She reaches for the next plate as she speaks.
How many cakes is this woman planning to eat? And such a messy way to eat—she’s actually kind of cute, but it’s completely ruined by her table manners.
I stare at her, openly dumbfounded, but she doesn’t care in the slightest.
Anyway, she’s staff at another food shop, so even if our styles differ, it’d be good to stay on friendly terms.
“Sophie’s in charge over there, so be nice to her.”
“Sophie-san? No wonder it’ll be popular. We can’t afford to lose to them!”
Now that I think about it—did they even do a soft opening? You know, inviting just friends and acquaintances? Jumping straight into full operation—won’t that be risky?
Or maybe they already held one…? No, that can’t be. I wasn’t invited. Not that I’d expect to be. Probably.
The sun’s already low in the sky. Time to head out.
I have a little gift prepared—asked them to pack a giant box full of cake.
With a large duffel bag in one hand and a massive cake box in the other, I set off toward the Kikyo Society’s long-awaited tavern.
After leaving the dessert shop and walking a short way, I spot a familiar face standing there, looking utterly glum. Behind him, as always, stands the middle-aged mage.
Walking past in silence feels rude. Might as well say hello.
“What a rare sight. Long time no see, Bruno.”
“Yeah. So your tavern’s opening today, huh?”
“Mm. We’re opening quite a while after yours did. Took us long enough.”
“Congrats, I guess. But thanks to you, my place is dead quiet. You’ve stolen all my customers.”
He’s grumbling, but he looks amused. Maybe I imagined that gloomy look.
If anything, the silent middle-aged mage behind him seems genuinely annoyed. Though, come to think of it, he always looks like that.
“It’ll only last a while. This won’t go on forever.”
“Yeah, I know. Still—your female owner? She’s something else. Hey, how about letting me take her out sometime?”
“No way. Touch Sophie, and I’ll kill you.”
“…Hey. Stop snapping like that. Seriously, it’s scary.”
“Good. Then you’ll behave.”
I wasn’t even angry. But I mean it—better watch yourself.
“If you come as a regular customer, I’ve got no complaints. Just spend plenty of money while you’re at it.”
“You lot should come drink at my place once in a while too.”
It’s not like we’re avoiding it on purpose. It’s just… nothing about Bruno’s shop really appeals to us.
I brush it off and keep walking.
“See you around.”
And at last, I arrive at the Kikyo Society’s much-anticipated tavern.
The flower shop’s business has already ended for the day. The shutters are closed, replaced by a sturdy wooden door with old-world charm. The double doors are still new, but they’ll only grow more imposing with time. Pointlessly stylish.
As expected from the daytime commotion, the tavern is packed.
The curtains on the large front windows are drawn open, offering a clear view of the bustling interior.
Even the wide street in front has long tables and barrel chairs set up—temporary, I assume. And despite the sun not having fully set, the area’s already lively with drinking guests. It’s still warm at night this season, so the atmosphere feels like an open-air beer garden.
At least there’s no line of customers waiting outside. But from inside to out, it’s standing room only. A fantastic start—business is booming.
It’ll be tough to keep this up every day, but things should settle down eventually.
Anyway, I’m not here as a customer. I’ll just check in and head back. Lingering around might get in the way.
Clutching the giant cake box, I weave through the crowd and make my way to the front entrance.
An arch spans the doorway, engraved with the shop’s name: The Princess's Shelter Inn.
The elegant, noble-sounding name suits the shop’s white, green, and crimson rose theme perfectly. Whether it’s Sophie’s taste or not, it’s a damn good name.
I pass under the arch and open the door, stepping into a space filled with loud, cheerful voices.
A young waitress immediately approaches, looking apologetic.
“I’m so sorry, but we’re completely full right now.”
Sophie notices me too, but gives a subtle look, signaling me to stay put instead of joining the counter.
“It’s fine. I just brought a little gift. Tell Sophie I said hello.”
“Ah! That flower badge—you’re from the Kikyo Society?”
“That’s right. Here, this is cake. Share it with everyone later.”
“Wow! Thank you so much!”
She takes the giant cake box with obvious delight. Simple and sincere—perfect.
As we’re talking, a tiny waitress runs up to me.
“Big sister, welcome!”
Sarah-chan greets me with a brighter smile than usual.
“Good job. Helping out?”
“Uh-huh! I’m helping until dinnertime!”
She’s proudly wearing a miniature version of the staff’s apron.
Torietta-san really knows how to make people feel included, making a special apron for Sarah-chan like that.
I pat her head affectionately, and just then, a customer finishes their meal and leaves. In the shuffle, I’m guided to the now-vacant counter seat.
I keep saying I’ll leave right away, but here I am.
Well, since I’m here, might as well have one drink.
“Sophie, you’re packed on opening day. This is beyond expectations.”
“I know, I’m surprised too. But there are so many things to improve—I’ll have to tighten up starting tomorrow. Here you go.”
She pours me my usual whiskey as we speak.
Sophie barely has time to chat with me. One after another, counter guests call out to her—orders, small talk, everything. I quietly watch her in action.
Sophie bustling about is so vibrant, it’s hard to believe she’s Sarah-chan’s mother.
Today, her long hair is tied into a high ponytail, and she’s wearing the same cute apron as the staff. Whether intentional or not, the look combines with her natural warmth and gentle eyes to create an overwhelming charm.
Hmm. This is dangerous.
Maybe I should worry less about rival shops and more about potential stalkers.
Unfazed by my strange concerns, Sophie moves through her work with calm confidence, stationed behind the counter, serving guests seated in front.
Occasionally stepping out, she dodges hands from overly familiar customers with practiced ease, never letting a single finger touch her. Who knew her combat training would come in handy like this?
Even rowdy customers are tamed by a single mysterious smile—her quiet authority is undeniable.
She once mentioned working as a waitress long ago, but this is on another level entirely.
The employees sent by the Commerce Guild seem already devoted to her, despite only just starting.
To win over so many customers and staff on opening day—this exceeds all expectations.
This place will become a talking point. And it’ll only get busier. Putting Sophie in charge was clearly the right call.
Glancing toward a corner of the room, I spot the Kikyo Society’s designated bodyguard table.
Siegrune and Gradena are sitting there, looking utterly exhausted.
They’re technically on security duty, but the fatigue from an unfamiliar day’s work has drained them completely. Valeria is even slumped face-down on the table. They don’t even notice I’ve arrived.
They’ll step in if needed, so I won’t complain. Not about the small stuff, anyway.
What’s more concerning is that Graylease and Violante are also at the same table, looking half-asleep. They were supposed to be on patrol duty along Sixth Avenue today—looks like they got pulled in to help at the flower shop partway through.
Now that I think about it—where’s Lily?
I catch Sophie during a brief lull and ask about her.
“Lily-san was upstairs doing today’s accounting. You should go check on her.”
“Good idea. I’m curious about the sales too.”
I down my whiskey in one gulp and head upstairs, using my staff privileges.
Upstairs, there’s a lounge-like room meant for breaks.
Next to it is an office space, where Lily sits, dazed. Clearly tired.
“Lily, good work today. How was it?”
“Ah… Yukari-san…”
She sounds even more lethargic than usual, her voice dragging.
“My flowers… selling so many… it’s like… a dream…”
Her speech is extra drawn out today. She’s floating on cloud nine.
“Feeling satisfied?”
“Yes… very. But next time… I’ll sell even more!”
She’s tired, but the fulfillment outweighs the exhaustion.
“So—how were the sales?”
I can’t help but feel a little excited. With that crowd, the numbers should be good.
“Hehehe… you won’t believe it. Just guess! Guess!”
She’s usually not like this. It’s actually kind of annoying.
“Well… five hundred seventy thousand Gist!”
“…F-five hundred?”
Seriously? In just one day? That’s incredible.
Whether this is a one-time spike or something that can be sustained remains to be seen. But either way, it’s a massive boost in both potential and profit. Even if sales halve from here, it’d still be a solid income.
“Yukari-san… praise me!”
“Lily, you’re amazing. Keep this up, keep earning, and you’ll make your dreams come true.”
“Hehehe…”
The Kikyo Society provided the startup funds, so all revenue goes to us first.
After deducting wages and other expenses, half the profit goes to Lily. Even half is a substantial sum—she’s now one of our top earners.
She’s the one making the goods, after all. No one can complain.
Granted, the Combat Unit’s wages are higher than the staff hired through the Commerce Guild, but even so, Lily will receive a significant payout.
On top of that, she also gets a base salary and compensation for managing the Rooftop Garden. The garden is essentially her personal hobby, but it serves as a relaxation space for the team—so she deserves payment for it.
There’s no lie in our promise: members of the Kikyo Society will be rewarded according to their achievements and abilities.
As I chat with the happy Lily, Sarah-chan calls out.
“Big sisters, time to eat!”
She’s brought dinner to the break room—delicious-looking seafood pasta laid out on the table. And my portion is extra large.
The staff on break join us, gathering around the table to eat together.
Honestly, it’d be hard to mess up pasta this much, but even so—the seasoning is perfect, the seafood bursting with flavor. It’s genuinely delicious.
Maybe I’m a little biased in my judgment.
Once I finish eating, I’ll head home.
Normally, one of the guards would escort Sarah-chan, but since I’m here, I’ll take her back myself.
For now, we’ll maintain a state of cautious observation. Sooner or later, some organization will probably try to cause trouble.