Ch 42: Love week (part 2)

Thursday, 13th of February: Philia day. . .

7:00 a.m.

There has been a lot of work in the restaurant, so I bought twice as many cups for the bakery to fulfill the orders for today's especial, the red velvet latte, and sell them cheaper as a "cheaper bakery drink" than a restaurant drink or dessert.

We prepared the latte mix in advance by heating it up so then we only pour the drink in the cups or glasses and add the decorations. The take-it-home cup will have whipped cream in a spiraled pyramid, cocoa powder, a marshmallow on a side and a cherry on top. As a restaurant drink on the other hand, it would be put on a tall ceramic cup, whipped cream on top, red velvet brownies bites (around three to four pieces) on top of the cream, a marshmallow on the side and a cherry on top.

The bakery will sell them for four coppers while in the restaurant it will be five coppers.

'Aw, so cute!' A woman exclaimed as she saw the decorations and the colors of the drink. 'It looks indeed like red velvet.' She complimented to one of the staff and told a sip from it. 'And it tastes delicious!' She squealed out of joy.

Everyone's reactions were almost like that if not better. Both before and after work and school hours, young adolesdents would come to buy at least two lattes and share them while they worked on a school project or workers wanting to treat themselves eariler than Friday.

'The sales are creating profit!' Orson exclaimed. 'If we keep this up, then it might be worth to make the latte as an every day item!' He suggested excited.

'Eh, it would be a good idea, but not with the red velvet, remember how much time and color it takes to have that red velvet color?' I reminded him. 'That's why the drink is incredibly expensive.'

Orson's smiled faltered at that point but nodded in agreement. 'I-I understand, although it would be a good idea to make lattes from now on, just—'

'Don't worry I know what you mean right now.' I assured him. 'And we will, but for now, let's get this week over with, and then we get to discuss the next every day items.' I patted him on the back and went straight to work.

The place was now visited by both commoners and rich people, thankfully, everyone is respectful of each other without causing much of a fight. There are a few high class people that have tried to "claim" that this is a place for nobility, until I show up and let them now that I am the owner of this restaurant and I AM a commoner as well.

Thankfully, unlike in my other world, these people have the decency to leave with the little dignity they have left and leave the rest alone.

Outside of that, it's a perfect beautiful day.

. . .

12:00 p.m.

I just had the best idea ever for the milkshakes coming on Eros day! I took my coat and went to a miscellaneous store and tried to find what I was looking for.

It took a few minutes, but I was able to find the boxes of spiral color straws and bought them immediately.

I took them back to the restaurant and bakery and told them to put a straw on the milkshake drinks so it would be "less dirty."

There were pink and white color lines going like a spiral through the straw. It added a better looking design and more people were getting into the drinks.

. . .

Friday, 14th of February : Eros Day. . .

7:30 a.m.

'Alright everyone, you know the rules don't use more that what is has been agreed and we shall all be fine!' I reminded them.

People nodded as I passed through them.

'How is the marshmallow going?' I asked one of the cooks.

'It's going really great!' One of the cooks assured. 'I think we might be able to sell them per trio or single.' He told me.

I nodded back to him. 'Very well, in that case we shall do both. I shall make some quick calculations and then we shall put the official price for the trio package while the normal price per mashmallow is still the same.' I notified them and then went to my office.

'Understood!' The cooks said going back to his work.

I entered my office and made some rough calculations. 'Hmm. . . The marshmallows are quite big, not like in the stores in my old world but more bigger and in squares. . . The color shall stay white but will be covered with chocolate and then they will be in the freeze for some time and then they shall be officially sold.' I said to myself. 'The marshmallows singularly cost 3 coppers, but the due shall be sold. . . Hmm. . . I don't know.' I declared not knowing what to do. 'How about. . . One per two?' I suggested to myself. 'Nah, the commoners will be delighted but the nobles might cringe at it.' I mumbled to myself. 'Hmm. . .' I sighed. 'Well, I think this time it might be best not to give any type of discounts or anything of the sort.' Then an idea hit me. 'But. . . , we can make a mashmallow meant for TWO people!' I exclaimed sitting up.

I ran back to the people and gave them my idea. They were nervous (with justifiable reasons), but they did as I said regardless.

. . . .

12:00 p.m.

The marshmallows were selling pretty good, not as good as for the other times but they are selling good enough amount to create profit. The normal marshmallows are sold by three coppers and the "Cloudshmallow" will be sold for five coppers in total.

The chocolate milkshake on the other hand, it was being sold at the bakery for three coppers and for the restaurant four coppers. We actually nicknamed it the "Eros dateshake." Sunce it is a cold drink, we put the drink in a bigger and "fancier" glass and size and instead of just on straw, it would be two straws, making sure it is meant for two people to share. With that, you definetely know that people were not disappointed and couples started to buy them, especially bachelors to young ladies in their date.

As for the rich clients, the Seawright couple was here.

They bought their dinner, their Cloudshmallow and a Dateshake to share between them.

Awww. I smiled as soon as I saw them finish their meal. Either my "suggestion" helped build up a better relationship in bed, or the restaurant helped become more tolerable to each other. I waved at Lady Seawright.

She noticed and nodded to me as if to say "come here."

I made a quick gesture to let her know that I wanted to talk to her for a brief moment and she nodded slightly while making a sign of "just a moment, please." I nodded to that and went to my office.

I didn't have to wait too long. Just enough to get my finished books. One for children and one for adults. Then Isat down and waited a little impatiently.

Seawright appeared with her husband and sat down across me on the sofa. I sat up and bowed to them. 'Good afternoon my lords.' I greeted them. 'I hope you had a good day and that you enjoyed your meal.' I straightened myself up.

'Good afternoon Miss Baker.' They nodded to me.

'And yes, we had a very good meal. Like the first time, your food is both good and delicious.' Lady Seawright complimented.

'I thank you my lady, for the compliment.' I nodded to her with a hand in my chest. 'I know you might be wondering for why I asked you to be here today.' I looked at them both a bit nervous.

They nodded.

'Well, it is because of this.' I showed them the two books. 'I've been writing for quite a while and I was wondering if you both could check them out and see whether they would be appropriate to publish and sell.' I gave them the books.

'Oh I see!' Lady Seawright looked briefly at me impressed as she opened the kid's book. 'What the story about?' She asked.

'Em, actually, the book that you are holding contains various small stories for children.' I clarified. 'The book that Lord Seawright is holding is the adult novel that I created.' I added on.

Lord Seawright nodded to what I said but he clearly seemed hooked on the story that I wrote.

'Well I find this very impressive Miss Baker.' Lady Seawright said to me as she eyed her husband. 'My husband is very picky about the books he chooses to read, the fact that he's hooked even now it means is a very good one.' She complimented me.

'I thank you very much, my lady.' I thanked her. 'But I would like your insight on everything inside the books and once you are done, give them to me and your verdict.' I asked her.

The lords looked at each other and nodded accepting. 'My husband is quick reading books and since I would like to see if my son likes some of these short stories, we will return Sunday for Storge day specials.' She declared.

'That will be wonderful.' I clapped my hands with enthusiasm. 'I am really grateful for your help.' I sat up. 'And I hope I didn't take much of your time.'

'No no, it wasn't much time.' Lady Seawright assured me as she and her husband sat up. 'By the way, have you thought of buying a title?'

I blinked. 'A title? For what?' I asked not knowing what she meant.

'A noble title of course.' Lady Seawright responded with a smile. 'If a commoner gets enough money and land, they are privileged to be offered a title from his majesty King.' She explained briefly. 'For a small price of course.' She added.

'Oh, I see.' I frowned upon that. 'I'll be honest with you my lady, I've never considered such thing possible, and I don't think I would accept such thing.'

Both lords raised their eyebrows and looked briefly at each other and them to me.

'Don't misinterpret, I generally don't have anything against the noblety of this kingdom.' I clarified. 'But, from my perspective, I don't need a title to be rescognized. Also, there are a lot of factors that I need to consider which might affect not only me but my children as well.' I explained. 'As you have probably guessed, my four children did not came from my womb, but rather they came from streets, abandonement, etc.; if I were to gain a title, it would that make them also gain a noble title as well? Or not? Since noblety prefers to keep the blood "pure," the answer will most probably be no.' I axhaled with exhaustion just thinking about it.

The lords looked troubled, but I could not tell whether it was because they probably felt exposed or it was because they were worried about me.

'Another thing to consider, is the lack of time I have. If I were to become a noble, I would have to attend and learn the correct etiquette to talk and be around other nobles. That requires money and time, money and time which I don't really have nor I will for a really long time.' I added on with honesty. 'Also, even if I were to acquire a title, it won't change the fact that I was born and raised as a commoner.' I stated. 'Aquiring a title is not the same as having it long before you are out of the womb, therefore I would consider that type of thing a bit pointless since it doesn't matter what title I would acquire, I would still be a commoner in the eyes of nobles who have had their bloodline titles from generations before.' I shrugged it off.

The lords looked at me with a blank stare.

'Again, I don't have anything against other nobles or royals in general, I'm just trying to put realistic expectations in myself, and those realistic expectations don't include a noble title any time soon.' I summarized up with a smile. Or ever if I can help it. I added on the inside.

The couple nodded and they quickly said goodbye and went out of the door.

I sighed heavily. 'I, really hope I didn't hurt their feeling.' I leaned my back on the closed door. 'Much less offended them.' I murmured to myself.

I then took some minutes to recover myself and drag my ass to the door and go back to help in he kitchen.

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Saturday, 17th of February: Pragma Day. . .

The cherry and strawberry cocktail will be sold off for six copper per two drinks. And four for only one drink.

Obviously this was huge among commoners who wanted a "taste" of rich life and a bit of sweetness, so a lot of commoners from the towns payed for it in groups.

Although, there were some times that people would get aggressive due to the alcohol or even had the audacity of trying to get laid with some of the servers, which is why I asked Karga to be closer around and be prepared to throw people out of the place every time a man or woman was to get handsy both on female and male employees under my care.

Next time, I shall add a small (big) tax per person if hey are two stay and drink more than three cocktails per person. I sighed seeing how many people we had to throw today. For everyone's safety. I rubbed my face and got ready to close the restaurant and bakery.

. . .

Sunday, 18th of February: Storge Day. . .

I put a a sign that said"Storge breakfast especial all day!"

It didn't take long for families to see it and exhaled relaxed about it.

It also gave us time to make the batter for the velvet pancakes and the velvet cake pops. The pancakes are made of the same batter as the cake pops, so it takes us less time to meet demands.

The cake pops will be covered with the chocolate and put on a tiny stick will be sold for two coppers per cake pop.

The pancakes on the other hand, they will be sold as a meal with berry syrup, icing sugar, strawberries and will be also filled with a cream cheese filling. They shall be sold for ten coppers per plate.

We received a lot of families after mass. Yeah, turns out there is a lot of religion for those who want to cling on to bigger deities.

Even a group of nuns and a priest came to eat. I got nervous, though; if this world is anything like the world I came from, one word gone wrong and the whole church will go against me and ruin my life.

Best to keep my questions to myself and just serve them accordingly.

As far as I saw, the nuns and priest asked for dishes that involved little to no red meat, most of those dishes with meat will have chicken, cheese, milk and eggs, but outside of that, no other types of other types of meat. Not even rabbit meat.

But I never judged, if that's their custom, then who I am to judge.

Unfortunately, like other nobles, the priest asked for me.

'Yes your lordship?' I greeted him with a smile.

'I just want to thank you for this wonderful food.' Priest gave a smile that would burn the devil on sight and gave me a pouch full of coins.

'I-It's no problem sir.' I took the pouch with shyness as I kept my smile. 'Is there anything else you want?'

The priest thought about it for a moment and smiled. 'Why yes, can you join the church?' He asked.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise. 'Em, why?' I asked.

My question made the nuns whisper among themselves.

'Well, many people have talked about the wonderful woman that has been serving both commoners and nobles no matter the circumstances and critiques of anyone.' The priest complimented me. 'We believe that you would be a good addition to our church.'

I could feel all eyes on me. Something is not right. My smile faltered and cleared my throat. 'As much as I'm happy to hear such praise, I'm afraid I'm going to have to reject it.' I declared.

The priest eyes went surprised at my rejection. He cleared his throat a moment later. 'Can I ask why?' He asked.

'Well, for starters, while I have respect for those above me, I've considered myself both ignorant and neutral about the affairs between nobles, commoners and church.' I started off explaining. 'My goal is to make money, give my children a good life and make sure I can retire and live a happy life. No more no less.' I smiled at myself. 'I don't know anything about politics nor I care for such problems outside of the struggles I face as both a commoner and a single mother of four kids.' I added shaking my head softly.

The priest seemed to flinch at my emphasis of being a single mother.

Of course, the kids are adopted, but he doesn't need to know that. I smiled at that. 'Also, the small bit of information I let myself stay with me is that the royal family and church are having tension between them, I feel like if I choose to join either one of them, it would be taking a side. Both sides have their pros, but their main cons are that it's too much trouble and danger for me and my family.' I went on to give my reasons. 'In fact, I rejected completely the idea of working understand his majesty the King himself quite politely and he hasn't tried to communicate with me since then, which only reinforces what other nobles would think of me if I were to suddenly acquire a noble title.' I informed him.

The priest's smile faltered at the mention of the King, but regained it after I added how I felt about the noble title thing.

'But even if rejected the King, it means I'm under his watchful eye, so I have to be very careful to who I should keep contact with.' I rubbed my left arm. 'I'm not saying that I want you out of here and never come back, no, but it means that, if reject the King, then, to secure my neutral position at hand, it's only fair if I reject you too.' I shrugged if off. 'My apologies sir, but, I'm going to have to reject you and. . .' I opened the pouch and had to stop myself from reacting surprised. 'Your, who-knows-how-much gold coins you put there.' I gave the pouch completely back to his hand. 'Besides, it's too much money to pay for a family dinner of ten that barely costs 350 coppers.' I added.

The nuns looked impacted and the priest looked shocked.

'I suggest you get the right amount money to pay, and then pay at the register as the other people.' I made a small bow. 'If you'll excuse I have matters to attend in he office.' I turned my back to him. 'Have a great day.' I waved goodbye and closed myself on my office.

The typical restaurant noise returned after I left the lounge and I took a nap in one sofa of the office.

. . .

Two hours later. . .

The Seawright family came with the books and the desire of having breakfast for dinner.

After serving the waffles for dinner and the cake pops for dessert. Lady Seawright called for me and as I sat down, she and her husband told me their verdict.

'I just want to say, the novel was exquisite.' Lord Seawright complimented me. 'It was a new type of genre that I have never even heard of and it had a bit of everything! The so called "fictions genre, a reality of a long distance future, with even romance and comedy! I give the novel a good rate of ninety out of hundred.' He declared. 'The only thing I would change though, some sentences and words that were misused, and the last few sentences, but outside of that is good.' He added.

'Understood and thank you.' I nodded to the lord and then turned to see Lady Seawright. 'What about the kid's book? Did your son liked it?' I asked.

'Why yes, he did.' Lady Seawright responded a bit bland but politely. 'His favorite stories was about the bat that escaped twice, and the grasshopper learning to work hard.' She told me.

'That's wonderful.' I smiled with happiness. 'In other words, these books should be sold quite good, should they not?' I asked hopeful.

Lady Seawright took a deep breath and looked away.

Oh oh. I frowned a bit. 'What is it?' I asked.

'Well, you see, Miss Baker, the thing is. . . That books are made and sold by those with rich families and nobility.' Lord Seawright told me. 'This is because the publishing requires months if not a year at best and the money percentage required is, for not to say it in a bad way, high.' He explained the situation for me. 'But, if you'd like, we might publish the books for you. . .'

By that you mean "gives us the author rights and we'll compénsate you rightfully." I grimaced. 'Yeah, I don't think so.' I sat and quickly took the books from them. 'I thank you for your time and effort but it seems I'm going to have to see another person to do so.' I smiled at them and guided them to the door. 'I do hope you enjoy the meal and that you may return soon, thanks again for the offer, but I'm going to have to reject it.' I declared firmly.

The lord shrugged. 'Fine by me, but if you change your mind just send the letter.' The let me know.

'Of course.' I bowed to him and then to Lady Seawright. 'Hope you all have a safe travel.' I told her.

'Thank you.' Lady Seawright nodded and she parted with her husband and her son outside and to their carriage back to their home.

I sighed deeply and closed the door feeling a bit hopeless. 'If only I could get people to read them, without having to publish them. . .' I sighed as I put away the books and went back to the kitchen. I need to do something to get my mind off things.

As soon as I returned to the kitchen I cleared my throat and raised my voice. 'Guess what people?! I shave a proposal for you!' I declared called everyone's attention.

'What proposal?' Orson asked coming to me.

'Well, you all have been working very hard, so I though of maybe giving you guys a free day!' I proposed. 'How does that sound?' I asked.

Orson raised his eyebrows and thought about it. 'That sounds odd, but very nice.' Orson said.

'Yeah! Woohoooo! Free day!' The rest of the staff were cheering for that idea.

'In that case, let's finish everything and you guys can go and not return until Tuesday!' I declared.

Everyone cheered and worked extra hard until we finished cleaning up and I also made sure to add a one hundred copper love week bonus to the employees so they could go and maybe celebrate it with their families.

After that I went to get my babies who had fallen asleep inside the dollhouse and carried them upstairs.

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At night. . .

I feel hopeless and disappointed at the same time. I feel like I should have seen that type of "offer" from the Seawright couple from afar, but then again they seemed nice so I trusted them.

I cursed myself. For all I know they already made copies from my books and they are preparaing to invest in them. I sighed frustrated. Nobles are not trust worthy. How many times I need to understand that!? I scolded myself. I can only hope I still have time. I started to sob as I took my place in my night stand and wrote a few letters to my kids.

I detailed how I missed them and hoped that they are alright and healthy. How I wish I could go to them but things have gotten busier at the restaurant and bakery, but that I hoped that they may visit in the summer.

I also sent a letter to the principal of the Bismuth Academy to ask for details about the money investment in the books. Especially about the publishing part.

After that, I put my things down and went to sleep. Feeling a sense of dread and anxiety wash over me as I fell into a worrisome sleep.

I can only hope I still have time. . .

Ha! Some "Love week" huh?