Chapter 18
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I went out in the warm sunshine.
Passing through the prettily decorated stationary store garden, I saw a woman who was dragging a large tree trunk with difficulty.
With disheveled boyish brown hair and old royal blue tunics and coverings, she looked tired and seemed to have difficulty with the work.
I cautiously went near her and spoke, “Excuse me, hello!”
“H-hello!”
“Hello.”
The woman who was moving the round oak barrel stopped and looked at me with a haggard face.
“Ah! My name is Meldenique, the owner of this store. Nice to meet you.”
“Uh, I’m Lily.”
Lily gave me a nod, “That’s right. The building has gotten prettier.”
But it was hard for me to concentrate on what she said.
‘Huh? A bruise on her face…’
Lily had a bluish bruise on her face.
‘Is it… a family affair?’
It’s polite not to ask if they don’t talk about it.
I decided to speak carefully and pointed towards the stationary store.
“Do you see the yellow wall? I’ve just opened a new stationary store.”
“Stationary store?”
Ah, a stationary store is an unfamiliar concept here.
I answered her with a nod, “It’s like a grocery store selling this and that for children!”
“Wow, I see, well, it is in front of the Academy… It’s interesting. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a new merchant.”
Lily’s soft brown eyes opened wide and soon closed. Although it was a tiring day, she looked beautifully lively for a moment.
‘I want to give her something.’
I lowered my eyes.
Just in time, there was a dalgona in my hand that I took out to promote.
“Have this!”
I carefully held out the dalgona for Lily.
“What is this?”
She accepted the dalgona with a curious look.
“Ah, it’s like candy. It’s sweet!”
Lily, who tucked the dalgona into her pocket thanked me, “Thank you. I’m an employee at the ‘Lessa Tavern’ over there. Please come find me later.”
“A tavern?”
“Ah, yes. It’s a little far from here, the Academy street. Bars are banned from commercial activities in front of the Academy.”
I laughed wickedly listening to her explaining.
‘I can’t believe the pumpkin rolled in like this.’
I’d been thinking about exactly how to make beer candy, how to bring out the texture of beer in the candy, and how to make beer candy for adults with alcohol.
‘We can get close to the owner and collaborate!’
For self-interest, I clasped her hand.
“Excuse me, can I talk to the owner of the tavern?”
“Yes, but the boss is…”
Her pupils shook.
I tilted my head with a puzzled look.
“What about the boss?”
“Her body isn’t feeling well. You won’t be able to meet her for a long time.”
“Ah…”
However, there weren’t any cold-blooded people to meet a sick person to talk about business.
“I hope she gets better.”
After thinking for a while, Lily bit her lips and spoke in a trembling voice, “Um. Then come by tomorrow for lunch. Boss said she’s coming in tomorrow… You’ll probably meet her then. Over there, at the end of the street!”
“Really? She’s sick, can I meet her in person?”
“Yes. I’m sure it’ll be fine. The boss also likes to meet new people.”
She raised her chin to point beyond the street.
“The sign ‘Lessa’s Tavern’ should be written in large letters.”
“Yes, I’ll go find it.”
I laughed and smiled.
I was not sure, but if I showed my blueprint, won’t she go over it?
‘I was thinking of paying the money and then take charge of the development here anyway.’
I smiled brightly and waved my hands.
But Lily didn’t leave right away. She looked around our surroundings, lowered the barrel down and spoke carefully, “By any chance, did anything happen?”
“Nothing.”
“Ah…”
But she shook her head.
After clenching my hand again, she picked up the barrel again.
“Come to the bar tomorrow, and I’ll tell you everything. Telling you here is a bit…”
She looked around with a certain expression and hurried off.
I could only stay where I was.
‘What is it, why?’
I had no idea why.
Seeing Lily’s back move farther and farther away, I had a hunch that it wouldn’t be easy.
I grabbed Dominique’s arm as he came out of the stationary store.
“Dominique.”
“Did something happen?”
“I just saw someone who works at a tavern near here.”
“Oh, really? Did you try offering to make candy together?”
“I didn’t make a suggestion, but I made an appointment for tomorrow.”
“That’s great. But why do you look so down?”
I answered the keen Dominique, scratching the back of my head, “The boss isn’t feeling well, the part-timer has a bruise on her face, and… she asked me if anything happened.”
Dominique asked innocently, tilting his head, “Should we ask when we meet them tomorrow?”
I nodded my head.
There was definitely something here.
The next day, I left right away for Lessa’s Tavern. We closed the stationary store for a moment so Dominique could accompany me.
Entering the tavern, I soon saw a white haired lady running the tavern and the part-timer, Lily, who I met yesterday.
“Welcome!”
As if they weren’t preparing for business, the pub was quiet and the oak liquor bottles were piled up.
To the extent that it was strange, there was no one there.
“Sit here, Miss.”
“Yes, nice to meet you.”
Sitting at a wooden table, I looked around and nodded.
At that spot, I went through a simple introduction process and listened to the stories of some personal affairs.
The Tavern owner’s name was Lessa, and the bar was actually closed for the time being.
‘But why is the bar closed?’
I wanted to ask why, but their facial expressions were so dark I couldn’t ask.
While they were worrying during the day and biting their lips, Lessa spoke first.
“Ah, what’s that booklet in your hand?”
I spoke, “It’s a business plan. Um, well, I have a suggestion.”
I naturally began to explain the business plan.
It was a plan that needed alcohol to develop the items and we would provide royalties.
Lessa, who heard everything, looked through the plan with a warm expression.
“That’s a good suggestion. It’s a unique plan. I’m sure children will like it. I wish I could participate in this project.”
Are we really just going over it?
I started to sparkle my eyes.
“Ah, can I be more specific?”
The only thing left was to introduce Dominique as a fake wizard and be explained in detail how to make beer candy.
But then, the boss’ wrinkled hands rubbed the wrinkles in her pants.
“But what do I do?”
I had an ominous feeling.
Like when I first heard about the closure.
I looked at the owner with trembling eyes.
“I’ve decided to quit my bar now.”
I was sure I could convince them!
“Yes? You’re in a good location so why…”
Lily, whom I met yesterday, spoke cautiously, “Well, it’s because of the payment.”
“What’s that?”
I could hear a strange faltering voice, “There’s a group called the Red Diocese Pirates who dominates this area. They’re asking for too much money, so we’re going to hand over the rest of beer.”
I narrowed my brows.
“Then are you perhaps taking the day off because of those guys?”
“You’re smart. That’s right, I barely have any beer to give to my guests because I’m working on my payments.”
“To think that you have to close your business because of the gangsters…”
“They’ll be to Mel soon, too. They’ll ask for at least five million bekrels. If you don’t give it to them, they’ll beat you to death…”
Five million bekrels?
I gaped wide.
It is equivalent to 5 million won in Korean money. It was an amount that small business owners could not pay. (5 million won=$4,600)
Lessa laughed weakly.
‘To think that there are still business thugs!’
I asked back carefully with an expression of absurdity, “Can’t we report it to the security guards?”
Lily shook her head.
“The guards don’t do anything. Because we’re commoners… They know how to use magic and have good physical strength. And not long ago, there was a rumor that they are sponsored by a powerful man. We’re no match.”
The security guards were incompetent and whoever was at the top was complete trash.
‘Sponsoring thugs who beat people.’
I spoke with a grimace, “That’s completely… they’re crazy bastards.”
Lessa’s faint sigh dominated table.
Dominique and I exchanged eye contact.
‘We need to get rid of them, so we can save the pubs and make beer candy.’
But right then.
There was a sound from the door like it was breaking with a big thud! It seemed as if someone was kicking the door.
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I went out in the warm sunshine.
Passing through the prettily decorated stationary store garden, I saw a woman who was dragging a large tree trunk with difficulty.
With disheveled boyish brown hair and old royal blue tunics and coverings, she looked tired and seemed to have difficulty with the work.
I cautiously went near her and spoke, “Excuse me, hello!”
“H-hello!”
“Hello.”
The woman who was moving the round oak barrel stopped and looked at me with a haggard face.
“Ah! My name is Meldenique, the owner of this store. Nice to meet you.”
“Uh, I’m Lily.”
Lily gave me a nod, “That’s right. The building has gotten prettier.”
But it was hard for me to concentrate on what she said.
‘Huh? A bruise on her face…’
Lily had a bluish bruise on her face.
‘Is it… a family affair?’
It’s polite not to ask if they don’t talk about it.
I decided to speak carefully and pointed towards the stationary store.
“Do you see the yellow wall? I’ve just opened a new stationary store.”
“Stationary store?”
Ah, a stationary store is an unfamiliar concept here.
I answered her with a nod, “It’s like a grocery store selling this and that for children!”
“Wow, I see, well, it is in front of the Academy… It’s interesting. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a new merchant.”
Lily’s soft brown eyes opened wide and soon closed. Although it was a tiring day, she looked beautifully lively for a moment.
‘I want to give her something.’
I lowered my eyes.
Just in time, there was a dalgona in my hand that I took out to promote.
“Have this!”
I carefully held out the dalgona for Lily.
“What is this?”
She accepted the dalgona with a curious look.
“Ah, it’s like candy. It’s sweet!”
Lily, who tucked the dalgona into her pocket thanked me, “Thank you. I’m an employee at the ‘Lessa Tavern’ over there. Please come find me later.”
“A tavern?”
“Ah, yes. It’s a little far from here, the Academy street. Bars are banned from commercial activities in front of the Academy.”
I laughed wickedly listening to her explaining.
‘I can’t believe the pumpkin rolled in like this.’
I’d been thinking about exactly how to make beer candy, how to bring out the texture of beer in the candy, and how to make beer candy for adults with alcohol.
‘We can get close to the owner and collaborate!’
For self-interest, I clasped her hand.
“Excuse me, can I talk to the owner of the tavern?”
“Yes, but the boss is…”
Her pupils shook.
I tilted my head with a puzzled look.
“What about the boss?”
“Her body isn’t feeling well. You won’t be able to meet her for a long time.”
“Ah…”
However, there weren’t any cold-blooded people to meet a sick person to talk about business.
“I hope she gets better.”
After thinking for a while, Lily bit her lips and spoke in a trembling voice, “Um. Then come by tomorrow for lunch. Boss said she’s coming in tomorrow… You’ll probably meet her then. Over there, at the end of the street!”
“Really? She’s sick, can I meet her in person?”
“Yes. I’m sure it’ll be fine. The boss also likes to meet new people.”
She raised her chin to point beyond the street.
“The sign ‘Lessa’s Tavern’ should be written in large letters.”
“Yes, I’ll go find it.”
I laughed and smiled.
I was not sure, but if I showed my blueprint, won’t she go over it?
‘I was thinking of paying the money and then take charge of the development here anyway.’
I smiled brightly and waved my hands.
But Lily didn’t leave right away. She looked around our surroundings, lowered the barrel down and spoke carefully, “By any chance, did anything happen?”
“Nothing.”
“Ah…”
But she shook her head.
After clenching my hand again, she picked up the barrel again.
“Come to the bar tomorrow, and I’ll tell you everything. Telling you here is a bit…”
She looked around with a certain expression and hurried off.
I could only stay where I was.
‘What is it, why?’
I had no idea why.
Seeing Lily’s back move farther and farther away, I had a hunch that it wouldn’t be easy.
I grabbed Dominique’s arm as he came out of the stationary store.
“Dominique.”
“Did something happen?”
“I just saw someone who works at a tavern near here.”
“Oh, really? Did you try offering to make candy together?”
“I didn’t make a suggestion, but I made an appointment for tomorrow.”
“That’s great. But why do you look so down?”
I answered the keen Dominique, scratching the back of my head, “The boss isn’t feeling well, the part-timer has a bruise on her face, and… she asked me if anything happened.”
Dominique asked innocently, tilting his head, “Should we ask when we meet them tomorrow?”
I nodded my head.
There was definitely something here.
The next day, I left right away for Lessa’s Tavern. We closed the stationary store for a moment so Dominique could accompany me.
Entering the tavern, I soon saw a white haired lady running the tavern and the part-timer, Lily, who I met yesterday.
“Welcome!”
As if they weren’t preparing for business, the pub was quiet and the oak liquor bottles were piled up.
To the extent that it was strange, there was no one there.
“Sit here, Miss.”
“Yes, nice to meet you.”
Sitting at a wooden table, I looked around and nodded.
At that spot, I went through a simple introduction process and listened to the stories of some personal affairs.
The Tavern owner’s name was Lessa, and the bar was actually closed for the time being.
‘But why is the bar closed?’
I wanted to ask why, but their facial expressions were so dark I couldn’t ask.
While they were worrying during the day and biting their lips, Lessa spoke first.
“Ah, what’s that booklet in your hand?”
I spoke, “It’s a business plan. Um, well, I have a suggestion.”
I naturally began to explain the business plan.
It was a plan that needed alcohol to develop the items and we would provide royalties.
Lessa, who heard everything, looked through the plan with a warm expression.
“That’s a good suggestion. It’s a unique plan. I’m sure children will like it. I wish I could participate in this project.”
Are we really just going over it?
I started to sparkle my eyes.
“Ah, can I be more specific?”
The only thing left was to introduce Dominique as a fake wizard and be explained in detail how to make beer candy.
But then, the boss’ wrinkled hands rubbed the wrinkles in her pants.
“But what do I do?”
I had an ominous feeling.
Like when I first heard about the closure.
I looked at the owner with trembling eyes.
“I’ve decided to quit my bar now.”
I was sure I could convince them!
“Yes? You’re in a good location so why…”
Lily, whom I met yesterday, spoke cautiously, “Well, it’s because of the payment.”
“What’s that?”
I could hear a strange faltering voice, “There’s a group called the Red Diocese Pirates who dominates this area. They’re asking for too much money, so we’re going to hand over the rest of beer.”
I narrowed my brows.
“Then are you perhaps taking the day off because of those guys?”
“You’re smart. That’s right, I barely have any beer to give to my guests because I’m working on my payments.”
“To think that you have to close your business because of the gangsters…”
“They’ll be to Mel soon, too. They’ll ask for at least five million bekrels. If you don’t give it to them, they’ll beat you to death…”
Five million bekrels?
I gaped wide.
It is equivalent to 5 million won in Korean money. It was an amount that small business owners could not pay. (5 million won=$4,600)
Lessa laughed weakly.
‘To think that there are still business thugs!’
I asked back carefully with an expression of absurdity, “Can’t we report it to the security guards?”
Lily shook her head.
“The guards don’t do anything. Because we’re commoners… They know how to use magic and have good physical strength. And not long ago, there was a rumor that they are sponsored by a powerful man. We’re no match.”
The security guards were incompetent and whoever was at the top was complete trash.
‘Sponsoring thugs who beat people.’
I spoke with a grimace, “That’s completely… they’re crazy bastards.”
Lessa’s faint sigh dominated table.
Dominique and I exchanged eye contact.
‘We need to get rid of them, so we can save the pubs and make beer candy.’
But right then.
There was a sound from the door like it was breaking with a big thud! It seemed as if someone was kicking the door.
I went out in the warm sunshine.Passing through the prettily decorated stationary store garden, I saw a woman who was dragging a large tree trunk with difficulty.With disheveled boyish brown hair and old royal blue tunics and coverings, she looked tired and seemed to have difficulty with the work.I cautiously went near her and spoke, Excuse me, hello!H-hello!Hello.The woman who was moving the round oak barrel stopped and looked at me with a haggard face.Ah! My name is Meldenique, the owner of this store. Nice to meet you.Uh, I'm Lily.Lily gave me a nod, That's right. The building has gotten prettier.But it was hard for me to concentrate on what she said.Huh? A bruise on her face'Lily had a bluish bruise on her face.Is it a family affair?'It's polite not to ask if they don't talk about it.I decided to speak carefully and pointed towards the stationary store.Do you see the yellow wall? I've just opened a new stationary store.Stationary store?Ah, a stationary store is an unfamiliar concept here.I answered her with a nod, It's like a grocery store selling this and that for children!Wow, I see, well, it is in front of the Academy It's interesting. It's been a while since I've seen a new merchant.Lily's soft brown eyes opened wide and soon closed. Although it was a tiring day, she looked beautifully lively for a moment.I want to give her something.'I lowered my eyes.Just in time, there was a dalgona in my hand that I took out to promote.Have this!I carefully held out the dalgona for Lily.What is this?She accepted the dalgona with a curious look.Ah, it's like candy. It's sweet!Lily, who tucked the dalgona into her pocket thanked me, Thank you. I'm an employee at the Lessa Tavern' over there. Please come find me later.A tavern?Ah, yes. It's a little far from here, the Academy street. Bars are banned from commercial activities in front of the Academy.I laughed wickedly listening to her explaining.I can't believe the pumpkin rolled in like this.'I'd been thinking about exactly how to make beer candy, how to bring out the texture of beer in the candy, and how to make beer candy for adults with alcohol.We can get close to the owner and collaborate!'For self-interest, I clasped her hand.Excuse me, can I talk to the owner of the tavern?Yes, but the boss isHer pupils shook.I tilted my head with a puzzled look.What about the boss?Her body isn't feeling well. You won't be able to meet her for a long time.AhHowever, there weren't any cold-blooded people to meet a sick person to talk about business.I hope she gets better.After thinking for a while, Lily bit her lips and spoke in a trembling voice, Um. Then come by tomorrow for lunch. Boss said she's coming in tomorrow You'll probably meet her then. Over there, at the end of the street!Really? She's sick, can I meet her in person?Yes. I'm sure it'll be fine. The boss also likes to meet new people.She raised her chin to point beyond the street.The sign Lessa's Tavern' should be written in large letters.Yes, I'll go find it.I laughed and smiled.I was not sure, but if I showed my blueprint, won't she go over it?I was thinking of paying the money and then take charge of the development here anyway.'I smiled brightly and waved my hands.But Lily didn't leave right away. She looked around our surroundings, lowered the barrel down and spoke carefully, By any chance, did anything happen?Nothing.AhBut she shook her head.After clenching my hand again, she picked up the barrel again.Come to the bar tomorrow, and I'll tell you everything. Telling you here is a bitShe looked around with a certain expression and hurried off.I could only stay where I was.What is it, why?'I had no idea why.Seeing Lily's back move farther and farther away, I had a hunch that it wouldn't be easy.I grabbed Dominique's arm as he came out of the stationary store.Dominique.Did something happen?I just saw someone who works at a tavern near here.Oh, really? Did you try offering to make candy together?I didn't make a suggestion, but I made an appointment for tomorrow.That's great. But why do you look so down?I answered the keen Dominique, scratching the back of my head, The boss isn't feeling well, the part-timer has a bruise on her face, and she asked me if anything happened.Dominique asked innocently, tilting his head, Should we ask when we meet them tomorrow?I nodded my head.There was definitely something here.The next day, I left right away for Lessa's Tavern. We closed the stationary store for a moment so Dominique could accompany me.Entering the tavern, I soon saw a white haired lady running the tavern and the part-timer, Lily, who I met yesterday.Welcome!As if they weren't preparing for business, the pub was quiet and the oak liquor bottles were piled up.To the extent that it was strange, there was no one there.Sit here, Miss.Yes, nice to meet you.Sitting at a wooden table, I looked around and nodded.At that spot, I went through a simple introduction process and listened to the stories of some personal affairs.The Tavern owner's name was Lessa, and the bar was actually closed for the time being.But why is the bar closed?'I wanted to ask why, but their facial expressions were so dark I couldn't ask.While they were worrying during the day and biting their lips, Lessa spoke first.Ah, what's that booklet in your hand?I spoke, It's a business plan. Um, well, I have a suggestion.I naturally began to explain the business plan.It was a plan that needed alcohol to develop the items and we would provide royalties.Lessa, who heard everything, looked through the plan with a warm expression.That's a good suggestion. It's a unique plan. I'm sure children will like it. I wish I could participate in this project.Are we really just going over it?I started to sparkle my eyes.Ah, can I be more specific?The only thing left was to introduce Dominique as a fake wizard and be explained in detail how to make beer candy.But then, the boss' wrinkled hands rubbed the wrinkles in her pants.But what do I do?I had an ominous feeling.Like when I first heard about the closure.I looked at the owner with trembling eyes.I've decided to quit my bar now.I was sure I could convince them!Yes? You're in a good location so whyLily, whom I met yesterday, spoke cautiously, Well, it's because of the payment.What's that?I could hear a strange faltering voice, There's a group called the Red Diocese Pirates who dominates this area. They're asking for too much money, so we're going to hand over the rest of beer.I narrowed my brows.Then are you perhaps taking the day off because of those guys?You're smart. That's right, I barely have any beer to give to my guests because I'm working on my payments.To think that you have to close your business because of the gangstersThey'll be to Mel soon, too. They'll ask for at least five million bekrels. If you don't give it to them, they'll beat you to deathFive million bekrels?I gaped wide.It is equivalent to 5 million won in Korean money. It was an amount that small business owners could not pay. 5 million won=$4,600Lessa laughed weakly.To think that there are still business thugs!'I asked back carefully with an expression of absurdity, Can't we report it to the security guards?Lily shook her head.The guards don't do anything. Because we're commoners They know how to use magic and have good physical strength. And not long ago, there was a rumor that they are sponsored by a powerful man. We're no match.The security guards were incompetent and whoever was at the top was complete trash.Sponsoring thugs who beat people.'I spoke with a grimace, That's completely they're crazy bastards.Lessa's faint sigh dominated table.Dominique and I exchanged eye contact.We need to get rid of them, so we can save the pubs and make beer candy.'But right then.There was a sound from the door like it was breaking with a big thud! It seemed as if someone was kicking the door.
