Cheers! Jazz at Jacob Department Store
Cheers!
Sticky jazz music flowed from the speakers. People wore smiles on their faces, and some clinked glasses, enjoying their own little whispers.
Why is my senior doing a case meeting at a place like this?
Marian stirred the cocktail in front of her and said.
Shh.
I was listening to the conversation between the lovers at the next table.
I have a gift for you.
The man’s pocket bulged out. Something hard and rectangular was inside the pocket.
What is it?
Close your eyes?
The man was proposing to his girlfriend? His voice was as sweet as the jazz music.
Ah… I’m nervous. Wait a minute, I need to go to the bathroom.
Okay.
The man smiled.
After the woman with a flushed face left, the magic stone communication device on the table lit up red.
The man picked up the magic stone communication device.
Hey, dear. Me? I’m working right now. Ah… this sound? It’s because I stepped out for a bit. Looks like there’s a festival going on in the streets.
Let me repeat it. This is a jazz bar.
Where alcohol and jazz music flow.
If you’re working here, you should be selling alcohol or playing jazz or, at the very least, chopping carrots in the kitchen.
But the man was sitting at the table, enjoying his drink and music. With his girlfriend.
Womanizer. Or married man.
I’m putting my money on married man.
Marian and Officer Piage murmured dryly while watching the scene.
Shh. Now, look.
I kept my gaze fixed on that table and said. At that, Marian and Officer Piage turned their eyes toward the table.
The woman returned.
The man casually ended the call with the magic stone communication device and waited for her to sit down.
Long wait?
No.
But why are you acting like this? I’m nervous.
The woman’s eyes shone with expectation.
Her cheeks turned a deep rose color, as if her heart was racing at his surprise proposal.
Here.
The man smiled and placed the rectangular box from his pocket on the table.
A luxurious box neatly tied with a ribbon.
The woman alternated her gaze between the man and the box and smiled.
Can I open it?
Yeah, I prepared it while thinking of you.
Even the line was sweet.
The woman carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box.
And.
What is this?
Her eyes grew cold.
On the other hand, the man still wore a relaxed smile.
Jacob Department Store VIP invitation card.
What?
There’s an investment explanation meeting for VIPs coming up soon. Bring your own mother and come with us. It’s not something given to just anyone, right?
…….
The woman’s shoulders stiffened as she looked at the box. She seemed to bite her teeth tightly.
Huh.
Marian couldn’t hold back and let out a laugh.
What’s with the sparrow, Ne?
Because of the transparent barrier I placed, our table’s conversation wouldn’t be heard over there.
That man is completely a sparrow. He’s trying to lure the daughter of a rich family and pocket part of the investment money.
It’s popular around here these days.
Really?
It’s only the second one today.
I was about to drink the alcohol on the table when I turned my gaze outside the window.
There, the brilliantly decorated Jacob Department Store stood. Well-dressed people lined up long before the department store.
Customers enter the jazz bar.
I met his eyes.
Let’s go.
Where to?
Scene of the crime.
I just walked past the person who was rushing toward me, opened the door, and left.
Outside, a crowd of reporters was gathered.
* * *
On my way to Jacob Department Store, I turned toward the office.
There were too many people who recognized me.
Wherever I went, people crowded around, and reporters thrust cameras at me.
Without this, the investigation itself would be difficult.
With this much, how about this?
I tried wearing a hat.
Um… Senior with a hat?
Fail.
What about this?
Senior with a cold?
The mask also failed.
It’s because your features are so distinct that nothing like that would work.
Marian yawned loudly and said.
I need a disguise right now.
I tried covering my face, but it wasn’t enough.
I needed something else.
Something that no one would recognize me as.
Why are you making it so difficult? Try the Face-Off magic.
Face-Off magic.
In simple terms, it’s magic that changes your appearance. It’s a magic that temporarily makes you look like a different face, so understand it that way.
…Can you do that?
…No.
But that isn’t a magic anyone can do. It requires incredible high-level abilities.
Changing skin color and severely deforming facial bones isn’t something anyone can do, is it?
If you receive an amateur Face-Off magic, you might not return to your original face.
Um… Then, senior.
Marian’s eyes shone strangely. That was the most suspicious time? When her kind mode was activated, you had to avoid her at all costs.
Why?
What about this?
One object in her hand.
No. I can’t do it. Absolutely not.
This is the most certain one. No one will be able to recognize you?
Still, I don’t like it.
You’re not working? You’re not investigating? You’re just leaving Eric, Evan, and Emily to live as orphans?
Officer Piage, who was silently watching this from the side, sighed and left the office.
* * *
Marian’s words were accurate.
See? No one can recognize you.
People passed by indifferently as usual. No one turned around, and no reporters came.
It was comfortable.
Comfortable, but…
Marian, keep this a secret.
Officer Piage already saw it though?
Officer Piage is tight-lipped.
I’m the light one?
No?
…….
I was dressed up now.
Wearing a long blonde wig.
I also did simple makeup with Marian’s cosmetics. Fortunately, there was no office-appropriate outfit, so I draped a long robe over it, but it was extremely awkward.
But why are there things like this in the office?
When I get off work and go to the club, I wear it to not be caught as a high elf. Then I can party happily.
…….
Anyway, that’s how it ended.
If people saw it, they would think two close women were walking down the street.
No, they might think we were shopping?
Welcome! I’m Dash!
When I opened the door to Jacob Department Store, a cheerful voice from the clerk greeted me.
This is the special pop-up corner of the Dash brand in the first-floor corner of Jacob Department Store.
It’s a place that sells various cosmetics, beauty tools, and bathroom supplies.
If you need anything, call for Jenny anytime.
The woman wearing a bunny ear headband said.
A name tag with Jenny was pinned to her chest.
This older sister has bad skin. Recommend some cosmetics to me.
Marian pointed at me and said to Jenny. I pressed my body close to Marian and whispered quickly.
I’ll stay quiet. You figure it out.
Marian, who had been quietly listening, raised her voice.
Ah… This older sister says if it’s okay, something with a lot of moisture is good.
Ah~ Moisture! For preventing skin aging, moisture is absolutely necessary. Guests, come this way.
Marian smiled at me slyly.
Dash.
This place is a beauty shop targeting the younger generation from Jacob Department Store.
Beyond just good cosmetics, they use a strategy to thoroughly differentiate their brand philosophy and customer experience.
It’s a store that stimulates the senses. The moment you enter, a unique intense scent tickles your nose, and you can freely use all the products. Staff take guests around the store and apply their cosmetics lavishly.
People washing their hands, faces, necks, even feet.
Guest, how about this? I’ll apply it once on the back of your hand.
Jenny winked.
Meaning to offer your hand.
I shyly extended my arm from under the robe.
Oh, guest. You must be a beautiful woman. I can see so many hairs.
It’s because you’re a man.
Because of testosterone, there are a lot of hairs. I’m not related to beautiful women or handsome men at all.
I couldn’t say that.
Jenny enthusiastically applied cream to my hairy back of hand. Because of the hair, it didn’t spread well, so she rubbed it while putting strength into her fingertips.
How is it? It’s moist, right? Shall I test it on your face too?
I hurriedly shook my head.
No matter how disguised, if I took off the robe, I would be exposed as a man.
Only then did Marian, who had been hiding and laughing from the side, step in.
This older sister is a bit shy. I’ll buy that. First, pack it for me and recommend my own too.
I hid behind Marian’s back.
Jenny, the salesperson who had been looking at me for a moment, soon focused on Marian, ignoring me.
These days, with the seasonal change, everyone is worried about their hairstyle. You’re not like that, are you?
Yes. Even my hair seems to be falling out a bit.
Guest, sit down first. I’ll comb it for you.
Marian sat down.
Jenny, who expertly combed her hair. Her face always wore a smile. But her pale skin looked as if she hadn’t seen sunlight for a long time.
Look. Your hairstyle looks great, right? It looks full too.
Marian’s silver hair sparkled like a broken stream in the sunlight.
The fullness was just a bonus.
While Marian was surprised by her own reflection in the mirror.
This brush is also supplied to the imperial family. It’s made from trees grown in the Kent region. When you comb with this, you can feel your parting or crown gradually becoming sparser. Especially, it’s great for sensitive scalps like guests.
Words poured out like a machine gun.
And naturally, from somewhere, she brought out new products.
If you spray this nutrient with Mana Flower grown only in the Elf Forest! Wow! Guests are so beautiful!
Jenny sprayed the nutrient.
And skillfully touched the hair, completing the perfect styling.
Marian was already entranced.
Similar scenes unfolded in various places of the store.
Some were being led by the salesperson to wash their hands and even received a massage. The young dwarf was washing his hair in a corner of the store.
……..
One strange thing was that there was no hard sell of products anywhere.
The product recommendations were enthusiastic, but that was it.
If the guest refused, the staff left without trying a second time.
Marian rubbed the cream on her back of hand and whispered softly.
Her voice already had a sense of euphoria, as if she was addicted.
This is really good. Can I apply it to my face too?
Of course. Guest. To feel proper hydration, you should wash your face first. Come here.
Hmm…
Marian had already put on a headband and was washing her face at the sink.
After her washing, a woman with particularly flashy attire passed by.
Then, from somewhere, Dash employees jumped out.
Surprisingly, all the staff were elves.
Like Jenny, they looked pale and a bit ghostly.
You don’t come very often, do you?
That’s why. I don’t know why it’s so busy.
Passing by, the staff and guests laughed hahaha.
Now that I have some free time, I’ll come often. By the way, do you have products?
Of course. I’ll guide you.
The woman, who seemed like a regular customer, was led by the staff and disappeared somewhere in the store.
A small door opened, and people entered inside.
It seemed like there was a secret room.
I took that in.
At that time.
Hah, it’s refreshing!
Marian stretched her waist after washing and exclaimed.
And Marian, who was enthusiastically applying the cosmetics brought by Jenny.
How is it, guest?
Jenny smiled and stepped back one step.
Marian stared at her own reflection in the mirror for a long time and said to Jenny.
Give me all the things you gave me. And that too.
Even the product she hadn’t applied to.
It seemed she hadn’t missed the guide sign next to the cream saying ‘good as a final touch’.
It’s good that you’re satisfied. But instead of buying everything at once, how about buying only what you need this time and visiting again?
Even imitating a conscience merchant?
A sales technique that properly seduces the consumer.
Marian’s eyes had already turned.
No. Give me everything. I’ll come again. No, I’ll come all the time.
She might even buy Dash entirely?
While watching that, Jenny, who had been responding only with a smile, said in a low voice.
Thank you for loving Dash products. But it’s not empty words. You match our products too well. In the sense that we want you to use our products often, if you sign up for membership here, I’ll give it to you cheaper. It’s something specially provided only to the guest, so don’t tell anyone else.
She took out a membership card.
One peculiarity of the Dash brand is that many young people gather.
Especially young women.
And the ratio of first-time guests becoming staff was extremely high.
20% to be exact.
Really? But I can give it to me cheaper?
Marian asked with wide eyes.
Actually, I have some products I bought in advance. It’s the staff discount. So please keep it a secret.
Jenny smiled faintly with her pale face.
And the most peculiar thing about Dash is that all the staff here are female elves.
Elves that you never see in the service industry.
---
Let me repeat it. This is a jazz bar.
Where alcohol and jazz music flow.
If you’re working here, you should be selling alcohol or playing jazz or, at the very least, chopping carrots in the kitchen.
But the man was sitting at the table, enjoying his drink and music. With his girlfriend.
Womanizer. Or married man.
I’m putting my money on married man.
Marian and Officer Piage murmured dryly while watching the scene.
Shh. Now, look.
I kept my gaze fixed on that table and said. At that, Marian and Officer Piage turned their eyes toward the table.
The woman returned.
The man casually ended the call with the magic stone communication device and waited for her to sit down.
Long wait?
No.
But why are you acting like this? I’m nervous.
The woman’s eyes shone with expectation.
Her cheeks turned a deep rose color, as if her heart was racing at his surprise proposal.
Here.
The man smiled and placed the rectangular box from his pocket on the table.
A luxurious box neatly tied with a ribbon.
The woman alternated her gaze between the man and the box and smiled.
Can I open it?
Yeah, I prepared it while thinking of you.
Even the line was sweet.
The woman carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box.
And.
What is this?
Her eyes grew cold.
On the other hand, the man still wore a relaxed smile.
Jacob Department Store VIP invitation card.
What?
There’s an investment explanation meeting for VIPs coming up soon. Bring your own mother and come with us. It’s not something given to just anyone, right?
…….
The woman’s shoulders stiffened as she looked at the box. She seemed to bite her teeth tightly.
Huh.
Marian couldn’t hold back and let out a laugh.
What’s with the sparrow, Ne?
Because of the transparent barrier I placed, our table’s conversation wouldn’t be heard over there.
That man is completely a sparrow. He’s trying to lure the daughter of a rich family and pocket part of the investment money.
It’s popular around here these days.
Really?
It’s only the second one today.
I was about to drink the alcohol on the table when I turned my gaze outside the window.
There, the brilliantly decorated Jacob Department Store stood. Well-dressed people lined up long before the department store.
Customers enter the jazz bar.
I met his eyes.
Let’s go.
Where to?
Scene of the crime.
I just walked past the person who was rushing toward me, opened the door, and left.
Outside, a crowd of reporters was gathered.
* * *
On my way to Jacob Department Store, I turned toward the office.
There were too many people who recognized me.
Wherever I went, people crowded around, and reporters thrust cameras at me.
Without this, the investigation itself would be difficult.
With this much, how about this?
I tried wearing a hat.
Um… Senior with a hat?
Fail.
What about this?
Senior with a cold?
The mask also failed.
It’s because your features are so distinct that nothing like that would work.
Marian yawned loudly and said.
I need a disguise right now.
I tried covering my face, but it wasn’t enough.
I needed something else.
Something that no one would recognize me as.
Why are you making it so difficult? Try the Face-Off magic.
Face-Off magic.
In simple terms, it’s magic that changes your appearance. It’s a magic that temporarily makes you look like a different face, so understand it that way.
…Can you do that?
…No.
But that isn’t a magic anyone can do. It requires incredible high-level abilities.
Changing skin color and severely deforming facial bones isn’t something anyone can do, is it?
If you receive an amateur Face-Off magic, you might not return to your original face.
Um… Then, senior.
Marian’s eyes shone strangely. That was the most suspicious time? When her kind mode was activated, you had to avoid her at all costs.
Why?
What about this?
One object in her hand.
No. I can’t do it. Absolutely not.
This is the most certain one. No one will be able to recognize you?
Still, I don’t like it.
You’re not working? You’re not investigating? You’re just leaving Eric, Evan, and Emily to live as orphans?
Officer Piage, who was silently watching this from the side, sighed and left the office.
* * *
Marian’s words were accurate.
See? No one can recognize you.
People passed by indifferently as usual. No one turned around, and no reporters came.
It was comfortable.
Comfortable, but…
Marian, keep this a secret.
Officer Piage already saw it though?
Officer Piage is tight-lipped.
I’m the light one?
No?
…….
I was dressed up now.
Wearing a long blonde wig.
I also did simple makeup with Marian’s cosmetics. Fortunately, there was no office-appropriate outfit, so I draped a long robe over it, but it was extremely awkward.
But why are there things like this in the office?
When I get off work and go to the club, I wear it to not be caught as a high elf. Then I can party happily.
…….
Anyway, that’s how it ended.
If people saw it, they would think two close women were walking down the street.
No, they might think we were shopping?
Welcome! I’m Dash!
When I opened the door to Jacob Department Store, a cheerful voice from the clerk greeted me.
This is the special pop-up corner of the Dash brand in the first-floor corner of Jacob Department Store.
It’s a place that sells various cosmetics, beauty tools, and bathroom supplies.
If you need anything, call for Jenny anytime.
The woman wearing a bunny ear headband said.
A name tag with Jenny was pinned to her chest.
This older sister has bad skin. Recommend some cosmetics to me.
Marian pointed at me and said to Jenny. I pressed my body close to Marian and whispered quickly.
I’ll stay quiet. You figure it out.
Marian, who had been quietly listening, raised her voice.
Ah… This older sister says if it’s okay, something with a lot of moisture is good.
Ah~ Moisture! For preventing skin aging, moisture is absolutely necessary. Guests, come this way.
Marian smiled at me slyly.
Dash.
This place is a beauty shop targeting the younger generation from Jacob Department Store.
Beyond just good cosmetics, they use a strategy to thoroughly differentiate their brand philosophy and customer experience.
It’s a store that stimulates the senses. The moment you enter, a unique intense scent tickles your nose, and you can freely use all the products. Staff take guests around the store and apply their cosmetics lavishly.
People washing their hands, faces, necks, even feet.
Guest, how about this? I’ll apply it once on the back of your hand.
Jenny winked.
Meaning to offer your hand.
I shyly extended my arm from under the robe.
Oh, guest. You must be a beautiful woman. I can see so many hairs.
It’s because you’re a man.
Because of testosterone, there are a lot of hairs. I’m not related to beautiful women or handsome men at all.
I couldn’t say that.
Jenny enthusiastically applied cream to my hairy back of hand. Because of the hair, it didn’t spread well, so she rubbed it while putting strength into her fingertips.
How is it? It’s moist, right? Shall I test it on your face too?
I hurriedly shook my head.
No matter how disguised, if I took off the robe, I would be exposed as a man.
Only then did Marian, who had been hiding and laughing from the side, step in.
This older sister is a bit shy. I’ll buy that. First, pack it for me and recommend my own too.
I hid behind Marian’s back.
Jenny, the salesperson who had been looking at me for a moment, soon focused on Marian, ignoring me.
These days, with the seasonal change, everyone is worried about their hairstyle. You’re not like that, are you?
Yes. Even my hair seems to be falling out a bit.
Guest, sit down first. I’ll comb it for you.
Marian sat down.
Jenny, who expertly combed her hair. Her face always wore a smile. But her pale skin looked as if she hadn’t seen sunlight for a long time.
Look. Your hairstyle looks great, right? It looks full too.
Marian’s silver hair sparkled like a broken stream in the sunlight.
The fullness was just a bonus.
While Marian was surprised by her own reflection in the mirror.
This brush is also supplied to the imperial family. It’s made from trees grown in the Kent region. When you comb with this, you can feel your parting or crown gradually becoming sparser. Especially, it’s great for sensitive scalps like guests.
Words poured out like a machine gun.
And naturally, from somewhere, she brought out new products.
If you spray this nutrient with Mana Flower grown only in the Elf Forest! Wow! Guests are so beautiful!
Jenny sprayed the nutrient.
And skillfully touched the hair, completing the perfect styling.
Marian was already entranced.
Similar scenes unfolded in various places of the store.
Some were being led by the salesperson to wash their hands and even received a massage. The young dwarf was washing his hair in a corner of the store.
……..
One strange thing was that there was no hard sell of products anywhere.
The product recommendations were enthusiastic, but that was it.
If the guest refused, the staff left without trying a second time.
Marian rubbed the cream on her back of hand and whispered softly.
Her voice already had a sense of euphoria, as if she was addicted.
This is really good. Can I apply it to my face too?
Of course. Guest. To feel proper hydration, you should wash your face first. Come here.
Hmm…
Marian had already put on a headband and was washing her face at the sink.
After her washing, a woman with particularly flashy attire passed by.
Then, from somewhere, Dash employees jumped out.
Surprisingly, all the staff were elves.
Like Jenny, they looked pale and a bit ghostly.
You don’t come very often, do you?
That’s why. I don’t know why it’s so busy.
Passing by, the staff and guests laughed hahaha.
Now that I have some free time, I’ll come often. By the way, do you have products?
Of course. I’ll guide you.
The woman, who seemed like a regular customer, was led by the staff and disappeared somewhere in the store.
A small door opened, and people entered inside.
It seemed like there was a secret room.
I took that in.
At that time.
Hah, it’s refreshing!
Marian stretched her waist after washing and exclaimed.
And Marian, who was enthusiastically applying the cosmetics brought by Jenny.
How is it, guest?
Jenny smiled and stepped back one step.
Marian stared at her own reflection in the mirror for a long time and said to Jenny.
Give me all the things you gave me. And that too.
Even the product she hadn’t applied to.
It seemed she hadn’t missed the guide sign next to the cream saying ‘good as a final touch’.
It’s good that you’re satisfied. But instead of buying everything at once, how about buying only what you need this time and visiting again?
Even imitating a conscience merchant?
A sales technique that properly seduces the consumer.
Marian’s eyes had already turned.
No. Give me everything. I’ll come again. No, I’ll come all the time.
She might even buy Dash entirely?
While watching that, Jenny, who had been responding only with a smile, said in a low voice.
Thank you for loving Dash products. But it’s not empty words. You match our products too well. In the sense that we want you to use our products often, if you sign up for membership here, I’ll give it to you cheaper. It’s something specially provided only to the guest, so don’t tell anyone else.
She took out a membership card.
One peculiarity of the Dash brand is that many young people gather.
Especially young women.
And the ratio of first-time guests becoming staff was extremely high.
20% to be exact.
Really? But I can give it to me cheaper?
Marian asked with wide eyes.
Actually, I have some products I bought in advance. It’s the staff discount. So please keep it a secret.
Jenny smiled faintly with her pale face.
And the most peculiar thing about Dash is that all the staff here are female elves.
Elves that you never see in the service industry.