Chapter 23: Opening!

Thanks to Master Carpenter Elk, the shop’s expansion was completed.

I also had the magical device craftsman install a Stop Storage for time suspension, a Quality Storage for maintaining condition, and a Warm Storage for keeping items warm.

These ensured that freshly made goods could be enjoyed or used by customers at their best. Breads and daily specials went into the Warm Storage for a warm, fresh taste, while potions were kept in the Stop Storage to preserve their just-made quality.

With Elk’s help, we moved everything to the right spots.

“Elk, and everyone, thank you so much. Please stay for a meal today!”

I decided to treat the carpenters who helped with the renovations.

For the appetizer, I served smoked salmon, avocado, and fresh cheese marinade. For the main, to reward their hard work, I made creamy oven-baked chicken with asparagus and potatoes.

Since my shop wasn’t a tavern, I couldn’t offer alcohol, but I served fruit-infused water instead.

“Man, this is delicious! Never seen food like this before. I was surprised at first, but if I had the money, I’d come every day!” Elk and the carpenters raved.

“Don’t forget to spread the word,” I said with a smile.

“Of course!” they replied, thumping their chests.

And so, the shop’s opening day arrived. Cain would help me run it.

“…Since we’re serving food, we can’t have fur getting in. Let’s have Cain wear a headscarf and an apron.”

I used a sewing machine to repurpose old fabric into a white headscarf and a full-body apron for Cain. Dressed up, he looked adorably like a cat in clothes.

“Does this suit me, nya?”

“Super cute!”

“Doesn’t Abel have to help, nya?”

“Hmm, the Farm Utopia you manage is huge, right? You probably don’t have time to help.”

“True, nya.”

“I’ll help with house chores after the shop closes, so let’s run the shop together, okay?”

“Leave it to me, nya!”

Thus began our shop operations.

Since the shop was down a winding alley, I got permission from neighbors to place a chalkboard sign at the alley’s entrance: Elysion: Heal Potions, Warm Bread, and Meals Available.

At first, thanks to the samples I’d distributed, most customers came for Heal Potions or bread.

“That Heal Potion you gave me was amazing! Worth the walk to come here!” an adventurer said, ordering more.

“Thanks, nya!” Cain’s customer service was improving.

“The sandwich I got last time was delicious. Oh, it was an egg sandwich, but today’s tuna sandwiches and cherry Danish? …What’s a Danish?” a madam asked, tilting her head.

“It’s a flaky bread layered with lots of butter. Really delicious!” I explained.

Her eyes sparkled. “My, such a luxurious bread! I’ll take four Danish pastries. If my family likes them, I’ll tell the neighborhood wives!”

“Please do!” I said, wrapping the breads for her.

The day continued with customers trickling in, making for a relaxed opening.

“Pretty quiet, nya. Is this okay, nya?” Cain looked up, concerned.

“It’s fine. Slow and steady. As long as we make enough to live on,” I reassured, patting his head.

As days passed, word of the delicious bread drew people to the café’s eat-in space. Some bought not just Heal Potions but Middle and High Heal Potions too. Bread demand grew, sometimes requiring me to increase production, and the shop began to thrive moderately.

“…Just the right amount of bustle. Feels good,” I thought. This pace let me connect with customers properly, creating a cozy, hidden café—a perfect vibe.