Chapter 13
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Getting Organized (2)
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A month had passed since the banquet at the hotel, but the capital was still abuzz with talk about Julian's hotel.
Wherever you went, you could overhear conversations about the "hotel" that was supposedly opening soon.
"They say the view of the capital from the window was so beautiful... Is that true?"
"And one whole wall was made of windows!"
"The scenery from up high... I really want to see it sometime."
Today, as always—no, even more so since the lottery event—Julian's cafe was packed to the brim.
Compared to before, when there were always one or two empty seats, it was now completely full.
The Sham-Lorre Lady, seated by the window with her friends, was enjoying her coffee and dessert as usual.
It was all thanks to the coupons Julian had given to the customers who visited the day he rented out the entire cafe for contract talks with his older sister.
New menu items were always limited in quantity for a while, making them hard to get amid the crowds, but coupon holders got priority access.
"Mmm, seriously. I want to come here every day!"
"Milady, is dessert really more important right now?"
"Tell us more about that banquet!"
Even as they said that, their hands were busy reaching for the desserts.
"You really want to know?"
"Of course! You're the only one among us who went, Lady Gastro."
"I wanted to go too..."
"I heard even commoners without money were selling their invitations and making a fortune..."
"How much did they offer to make them sell it?"
"This much...?"
"Gasp! They spent that much on a single invitation?"
"I heard people came from far away, not just from the capital..."
"Eat your dessert later and talk!"
"B-but we can talk anytime, but the dessert is only available now..."
"...I'll buy you the exact same ones later."
"Right, where were we?"
And it was the same everywhere else.
Restaurants, taverns, ballrooms.
Everywhere you went, the only topic was the banquet at the hotel.
Even among non-noble adventurers, it was much the same.
"Hey, Kyle. Didn't you go to that banquet last time?"
"Don't even get me started. How many times have I heard that already?"
"Come on, just tell us about it."
"What more is there to say? I already told you everything last time!"
"Ah, I wasn't here then, you idiot! I was out in the uncharted zones!"
"Who's saying you weren't? Same story every... Ah, duck!"
"Whoa, that was close. Let's clear this ugly thing first and talk."
"You should've focused from the start. I told you not to get hurt."
"...Ah, right. You've got a girlfriend..."
"Quit sulking on your own, damn it... I'll buy you a drink later, so stand straight!"
And the same went for Lydia and Delpi, the sisters working diligently in the capital.
Though their family had fallen, the fact that they could read and write hadn't changed.
Above all, they had a rough understanding of how noble society worked, making them highly valuable talent.
Especially to the wealthy merchants who had rapidly grown in recent years thanks to the emperor's commercial promotion policies, they were prime hires.
Thanks to that, they had joined a merchant guild, handling complex paperwork and transactions with nobles, and were finally starting to save a little money again.
The guild, founded by a commoner owner and growing explosively, had plenty of funds but lacked connections—"lines"—to the nobility for bigger ventures.
Lydia, who didn't care who was above her as long as the pay was good, happily signed on and got to work.
Dealing with noble clients on a typical day at the office, she felt good, sensing everything would wrap up smoothly.
"Then, as detailed in the contract..."
"Yes, yes. We'd be grateful if you could do that."
"Whew, glad we could talk it out. Saved a headache."
"We're thankful you see it our way."
"By the way, um... if I may..."
"Is there something you're curious about?"
"Oh, not about this deal. It's just... I heard you attended the banquet last month..."
"Ah."
Ever since attending the banquet—and winning the lottery to stay overnight—Lydia heard this every time she handled a deal personally.
Not just attending, but staying in a suite, it drew even more curiosity.
Since their parents passed, the sisters hadn't attended social events, so the guild was the only way to reach them.
Thus, nobles brought big and small contracts to build rapport and ask their burning questions.
Lydia sometimes thought, "They burn this much money just to ask that?" But from the guild's view, any noble contract was gold, no matter the size.
No downside to sealing the deal, so they urged her to chat them up despite the hassle, rewarding her with bonuses as deals increased lately.
"They say it felt like stars were scattered at your feet... Is that true?"
"Absolutely, and the bed was so luxurious... The room we sisters stayed in was called a 'suite'."
Flashing her sales smile, Lydia opened up.
It was a hassle, but they paid for stories, so no harm—everyone left happy, deal sealed.
Finally! At last!
"Boss, you seem extra cheerful today."
Seeing my kids gathered around the round table, I couldn't help but grin.
These grateful folks were running the businesses I'd set up.
"Of course I'm happy. Without you, I'd have burned out from overwork."
"That's true, but... Did you hate working that much?"
Veril, whom I'd called and who came dressed neatly for once, rested her chin on her hand, looking surprised.
Wearing the suit I'd tailored instead of her usual work clothes, she fidgeted uncomfortably.
"Obviously! Do you know how many days I've been going nonstop without a break?"
"Hmm, three days?"
"A week. A full week, not a single day off!"
"...Boss, when do you think I last took a break?"
Our manager Burnell, who'd left the cafe to his deputy for this meeting, chimed in.
Probably busier lately thanks to the coupons from when I rented the cafe for sis's contract talk.
"I heard the crowds are bigger now. Want to hire more staff?"
"Yeah, that's key, but I'd love even one day off a month."
"...We'll think about it later. Things will stay busy for a bit."
I told Sion to note it, and he nodded.
"Anyone else with something to say? Speak now, not later. I'll forget otherwise."
"Even if you forget, sis remembers everything, right?"
"Tsk."
"Ahem..."
"Like our manager, any suggestions?"
"I'm good."
"Heh, heh... new perfume..."
"...Nothing in particular, boss."
"Good. Tell Sion if anything comes up."
Clap! I explained why we'd gathered on this golden weekend.
"You all know, but it's time to organize our 'chaotic rolling system.' Been thinking of a day for it—this is it."
Since I'd mentioned it before, they nodded attentively.
"I know you're all doing great at your roles. That's why we've succeeded this far. Thanks to your hard work."
Ideas alone wouldn't have gotten us here.
Even in a romance fantasy world, no guarantee everything I came up with would succeed.
I didn't remember every success factor either.
"But it meant I had to hustle everywhere. Saul helped as my proxy, but more places needed my face than expected."
"Boss, speaking of, what about Uncle Saul...?"
"Oh, he's working."
"..."
Knowing his killer workload, they sighed in silence.
Veril, who met him often for patent filings on her machines and tech, broke into a cold sweat.
But hey, I pay him well—doubled his salary when he asked.
Dark circles grew, but he smiled brightly, so it's fine.
Should stock him up on tonics so he doesn't collapse.
"It's the weekend—no dragging out boring talk. Not our style."
Thud. I rapped the table.
"Conclusion! Unify all businesses under the hotel! Changes? None really! Just fewer spots needing me—that's it!"
A glance at Sion, and he wheeled over the huge blackboard from behind.
Our simple org chart was sketched on it.
Wish we had a whiteboard, but tech ain't there yet.
"As you see, I'm at the top."
I took the long pointer from Sion and tapped.
"I'll step back as president and face of the company, boosting your operational authority."
"Then reports go to...?"
"As shown, to Sion or our 'executive director'."
One more besides them and Sion, absent today.
Seeing their curiosity, it was time.
Snap! The door opened to clicking heels.
All eyes turned as Arselia, sharply dressed in black and white, entered.
Even those who recognized her looked shocked, like those who didn't.
"Introducing our new 'Arselia Rosenheim,' who'll work with us from now on."
Sis smiled gracefully after her elegant bow.
"Pleased to meet you all."
"Rosenheim, you say?"
"Boss, no way..."
"The boss... with a woman...?"
"Heh, heh... fresh inspiration..."
"Hmm, a bit tall for a model, though perfect otherwise."
The reactions were a tad off from expected...
But mostly positive, so no issue?
"Alright, we'll work together long-term, so let's get along."
"Pleased to work with you, Executive Director."
"...Pleased to work with you, Chief of Staff."
Seeing her extend her hand first—thanks to Sion's prep last time—put me at ease.
She kept distance from everyone but me, like a wall, but seemed to like Sion.
Great that the two key players get along.