A Terminal Secret
After successfully wrapping up the contract with Count Dogeza, work began the very next day.
The venue was a four-story, eighteen-hundred-square-foot building located in District 13 of the duchy. While modest compared to the main Frida flagship store in the Imperial Capital, it was incomparably larger than the nearby Frida branch.
"Lady Franche."
"Yes?"
"Leave the exterior and interior design of the building to me."
"Huh? Then what am I supposed to do?"
"You can go to Kazar's house and study magic."
Franche pouted.
"...Is that really okay? I'm supposed to be the one running this business..."
"Even CEOs delegate these things to experts. Think of it as using your spare time for self-improvement."
Franche nodded reluctantly.
"Alright. But you have to come pick me up when you're done, okay?"
"Of course. I won't keep you waiting too long."
Once Franche departed in her carriage, I began directing the workers from Count Dogeza's agency.
"Alright, let's get straight to work!"
Since the exterior and interior design of the building was crucial, I addressed them politely. Showing them respect ensured they wouldn't feel looked down upon. It was this kind of meticulous attention to detail that spread good rumors and paved the way for success in any venture.
"First, let's move the materials!"
We began unloading the supplies Seldas had prepared from the carriages. It was manual labor at its finest—the kind of grueling, backbreaking work that web novel authors always seemed to write about. I rolled up my sleeves and helped them carry the materials. With my Sword Master physique, the process would go much faster.
"Let's pick up the pace!"
The reason for the rush was simple: the imperial banquet was just around the corner. We had to finish the clothing store as soon as possible to maximize the advertising effect of the event. After hauling supplies for a while, I examined the building's structure to plan the exterior and interior layouts.
Hmm. I can just adapt something from modern Earth.
What were some of the famous luxury brands...?
Gucci, Louis Vuitton... and...
Should I go with Saint Laurent?
It's luxurious, and I've always loved its sleek, modern aesthetic.
I turned to the chief architect sent by Count Dogeza's agency.
"I'd like to draft a blueprint. Do you think you can draw it up if I describe it to you?"
"That won't be a problem at all. I've done this countless times."
Good to hear.
"Then I'll leave it to you. Here is how I want the layout to be..."
I described the layout and interior of the Saint Laurent store as I remembered it, right down to the building's facade. Fearing words wouldn't be enough, I even sketched out drawings to highlight key points. The reason I remembered the design so vividly was because of a trip I took with a college friend, where I saw one in a neighboring country. It had been so grand and beautiful that it completely took my breath away.
"A combination of black and white, then."
"Exactly. That's the core concept."
"And the hallways and stairs should be silver-gray?"
"Yes, that's right."
The architect looked back and forth between my sketches and his blueprint, furrowing his brow as he stroked his chin.
"It's a very unusual structure and appearance. I've never seen anything with this kind of style before."
Of course he hadn't. In the modern world, it was so famous it was almost cliché, but in this fantasy world, it was entirely revolutionary.
"Then let's get to work right away."
Work on the building's exterior commenced. The sign to be installed at the entrance bore Franche's name in gold plating. The pillars were reinforced with steel, and their surfaces were coated with a silver-gray paint so glossy you could see your reflection in it. True to a game world, paint of every imaginable color was readily available. As for the walls, they were made entirely of glass windows to showcase the interior. While this posed a risk of break-ins, we could easily mitigate that by utilizing Seldas's dark guild. No sane person would dare cross the most powerful dark guild in the Empire.
This is going faster than I expected.
Count Dogeza's workforce included mages capable of telekinesis, which sped up the construction immensely.
At this rate, we'll make the deadline.
There was still some time before the imperial banquet. Even factoring in the two days of the banquet itself, we had plenty of time.
Perfect. The plan is flawless.
The only thing left was to gather information about the imperial banquet.
"Hmm."
I didn't know much about the details of the imperial banquet. I had played through this event in the game, but my only focus back then had been wandering around looking for hidden pieces that no one else had found. Consequently, I only knew the schedule.
Well, I can just ask Franche for the details later.
In any case, we would keep pushing forward like this. Once the banquet was over, we could finish the fine details, and then the clothes could be brought in.
Andrea must still be hard at work right now.
I had told them not to overdo it, but with a whole store to stock, they might be running short on time. Still, even if they had to pick up the pace, I had already boosted their morale to the max with a pleasant work environment and some generous financial therapy, so they should be fine.
I spoke to the chief architect supervising the construction.
"I have some business to attend to, so I'll be away for a bit. Can I leave the site in your hands?"
"Ah, of course. The blueprints are ready, and I've got a solid grasp of the direction we're heading."
I guess years of experience really did make a difference.
"I'll make sure to return when it's time to paint. The finishing touches are crucial."
"Understood. We'll focus on the interior work until you get back."
Communicating with a seasoned professional was incredibly smooth. As expected, even in this world, there were people who just got it. People who understood without needing every little thing spelled out. Of course, back in my previous life, I was the type who would hear a perfect explanation and still mess it up, earning myself a healthy dose of scoldings.
"I'll be off, then."
"Yes, have a safe trip."
Activating my Aura, I sprinted and arrived at Andrea's workshop in no time. I stepped right inside.
"Everyone."
At my voice, the employees turned their heads to look at me.
"Ah, Sir Escort!"
"Is something the matter?"
Their reactions were overwhelmingly warm. Indeed, financial therapy and welfare benefits were the ultimate motivators.
"The clothing store will be opening within a week. I'd like to check on your progress."
The employees stopped what they were doing and gathered around.
"If it's the finished pieces you want to see, we have quite a few. Chief Designer Andrea supervised all of them."
Chief Designer Andrea. Reliable as always.
"Let me take a look."
The employees led me to the storage area. The room was packed with high-quality dresses and suits.
"To think you've made this many in such a short time..."
As I let out an admiring sigh, the employees beamed with pride.
"Haha, the excellent working conditions have really boosted our efficiency. It actually makes us want to work. Above all, being able to maintain our physical condition has made the biggest difference."
This was more than enough to open the store. While it might not fully stock the entire showroom, it would be plenty to serve our initial customers.
Should I stoke their motivation a bit more?
I raised my voice.
"Everyone! Gather around, please!"
At my call, the employees working on the first floor gathered. The ones on the other floors would surely hear the news from them.
"This business is destined for massive success. And when it succeeds, all of you will receive performance bonuses."
At the mention of "performance bonuses," everyone's eyes widened in unison.
"P-Performance bonuses?"
"There's such a thing?"
"Wait, they're giving us even more on top of this?"
Bonuses were the crown jewel of corporate life—the ultimate tool for boosting employee morale. With this, their passion would burn even hotter.
"Yes. It's an order from Lady Franche herself. Based on the business's performance, you will receive extra compensation. Those of you wishing to secure private lodgings will be able to do so much sooner."
Their eyes shimmered with excitement. I had successfully ignited their drive.
"Keep that in mind, everyone. I'll be taking my leave now. Let's do our best!"
"Yes, sir!"
They bowed deeply as they saw me off. With this, their loyalty to Franche would soar even higher. Smirking, I headed back to the construction site.
"How is it coming along?"
The chief architect pouted and knit his brows, looking deep in thought.
"It looks like it'll take a bit more time. The exterior and interior are far more complex than I anticipated. The finishing touches should be easy, but the structural work leading up to it is quite a headache."
Well, that was only natural, considering modern architectural technology was centuries ahead of this era. Still, surely it wouldn't take more than a week...?
"How long do you estimate until completion?"
"Hmm..."
The architect turned his head to survey the entire building.
"If we could bring in one more mage, four days would be plenty. But the problem is..."
He stroked his chin as he continued.
"Mages aren't easy to hire. The one we brought today is our agency's exclusive mage, and we only have one on staff."
Ah, so that was why Count Dogeza had to cancel all his other reservations. Every major project required a mage.
"That won't be an issue."
"Do you know another mage?"
"Yes. I have a personal acquaintance."
To ensure smooth progress, I would have to recruit Kazar. But the problem with that was Franche would suddenly have too much free time on her hands...
"Hmm."
She had been pushing herself hard lately, so letting her cool her head wouldn't be a bad idea. But not today. She was probably in the middle of a lesson right now, and I shouldn't disrupt her momentum.
"I'll see if she can join us starting tomorrow."
"That's wonderful news. We'll be able to wrap up the work in the blink of an eye."
Good. This, too, was falling into place without a hitch.
"I must go pick up Lady Franche now. I'll leave the remaining work to you."
"Understood. We'll head out as soon as today's quota is met."
Leaving right on time was only fair. They needed their rest, after all.
I nodded in farewell, then activated my Aura and dashed toward Kazar's house. Although it was quite a distance away, leaping across rooftops at breakneck speed brought me there in no time. I wasn't even out of breath.
"Kazar. It's me, open up."
After a brief wait, the door swung open.
"Are you here to pick up Lady Franche?"
"Yeah. Let's head inside first."
Stepping inside, I saw Franche massaging her temples, looking thoroughly vexed. The magic formulas must have been incredibly difficult.
"Kazar. What is Lady Franche's current level?"
"Her magical talent is truly exceptional. Just a little more, and she'll easily be considered a proper mage."
Reaching that level in such a short span of time... Well, she wouldn't have been a final boss in the game otherwise.
Kazar offered a bright smile as she continued.
"Even I was shocked. I was skeptical at first, but her affinity for mana is staggering."
Then all that was left was to improve her mathematical skills to solve the magic formulas.
"Teach her mathematics from now on as well."
"Huh? Math too?"
"Yes."
"What about the business?"
"I'll handle laying down the initial foundation."
There was still a long way to go before we could build the magic tower, so there was no urgent need to rush Franche's magical training. Still, it was best to nurture it whenever possible.
Besides, I need to guide her through the initial stages.
The beginning was always the most critical phase. Since this was her first business, I needed to stabilize it before letting her take the reins. Running a business entirely on her own could come later; she needed some management experience first.
Just then, Franche leaped to her feet with a shout.
"I solved it!"
"Oh, really?"
Kazar scurried over to check. She immediately began showering Franche with praise, calling her amazing and brilliant.
"At this rate, you'll be a fully-fledged mage in no time!"
"Really? That's a relief. I need to grow my magic quickly so I can save Jin."
"What? Save him?"
Uh, she wasn't supposed to say that.
"What on earth does that mean?"
Kazar turned to look at me, her face contorted with a mixture of confusion and concern. Her expression spoke volumes.
Seeing Kazar's reaction, Franche shook her head with a heavy, somber expression.
And then, she let slip the truth.
"Jin is terminally ill."