Two weeks later.

The employees were very busy due to having to work their regular hours while also preparing for the festival.

In these two weeks, everyone was running about, cooking their respective local cuisines, ensuring everything needed for those dishes was ready, and working with the Morgan Company to deal with the security and the reception of the customers at the festival.

But despite the busyness of the preparations, the morale of the employees remained high. I was secretly shocked.

In my past life, we had yearly company recreation events to bolster the team spirit of employees, but they were really just meant to satisfy the complacency of the upper brass. The only ones excited about such events were a small portion of the company, which included the people planning the event. The rest of the employees were merely forced to participate under the pretense that such events were so-called ‘company events’. A compulsory wastage of an employee’s free day, in other words.

Still, I get where they’re coming from. It’s obviously better if the employees could develop some sort of unity. And it can’t be helped anyway if it’s company policy, but… I really don’t want to see my employees make the same faces as those employees in my past life.

For now though, everyone seems to be having fun. The stalls are gradually taking shape and everyone is eager to work.

Moreover, it’s not just my employees who’ll be participating in the stall, for some unexpected people have decided to help out.

“Boss!　Zeke-san from the butcher is here!” [Carm]

“I hear you!　I’m going right now!” [Ryouma]

I stopped working on the empty lot of the store and went to the reception office.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” [Ryouma]

“You didn’t make me wait at all. This is for today’s portion. I brought the goods to the kitchen already.” [Zeke]

“…This is more affordable than expected.” [Ryouma]

“You’re purchasing so much, so I thought I’d give you a discount.” [Zeke]

One of the people cooperating with us was Zeke-san.

He helps out by providing meat for the trial dishes, and on the day of the festival, he himself will be helping out in the stall along with his employees. A few days ago, when I purchased a lot of ingredients, he asked me what I was using them for, so I answered him, and in the end, he decided to help out.

When I asked him why, apparently, he and his employees want to spend time with their family during the festival. But if they were to waste too much, they would be scolded by their wives, so in exchange for helping out one day out of the two days of the festival, I will be paying them them an appropriate salary.

If I get their help, preparations for the festival will become relatively easier and the money that can be used for the capital will also increase. My employees won’t have as much of a burden on the day of the festival and we will also have more opportunities to mingle with others.

After establishing a win-win relationship like that, Pauline-san and her housewife friends, Kiara-san and Mary-san, also got word of our deal. The three of them told me that they were willing to help out with the trial dishes and on the day of the festival itself if I gave them the same conditions. Presently, they are helping out in the kitchen with Shelma-san.

Incidentally, because the housewives joined, word of the Semroid Troupe coming to perform spread through the housewives intelligence network. Among other things, when I showed my face at Pauline-san’s store, many of her friends had something to say… Are we going to end up with a crowd like when we opened the store for the first time?　I should prepare for that possibility.

“Well then, Ryouma-kun. I’ll see you in the evening.” [Zeke]

I saw Zeke-san off as he left to go back to his store, then I went back to working on the empty area.

Tonight, I will be checking the menu of the stall for the last time and open the place that will be used as the venue of our social gathering. I have to at least prepare the place a little.

Evening. After work hours.

I was checking some documents while waiting for the visitors at the office when Carm-san came.

“Boss, Serge-sama and a representative of the Semroid Troupe is here.” [Carm]

“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

I quickly went to the reception office.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” [Ryouma]

“Sorry to disturb you, Ryouma-sama. This here is the leader of the Semroid Troupe.” [Serge]

“My name is Prenence Semroid. Though I may be young, I lead a troupe of itinerant entertainers. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, young sage-dono.” [Prenence]

Inside the room was Serge-san sitting on the sofa, as well as another person at the back. The person was a handsome man with dazzling hair like silver threads. He stood out even as he sat. When he stood up and offered a hand shake, I responded, but… His actions struck me as somewhat theatrical.

“The pleasure is mine. You can just call me by name. There’s no need for the sage stuff…” [Ryouma]

“Oh? I see you are a humble man, wise— Ryouma-dono.

The music box. That small box that could spin that delicate sound… It is a work of wonder, I must say. It has given our performances a new ‘flavor’. Moreover, the musical composition I composed was even incorporated into it, allowing my music to reach more people than thought ever possible… If you, Ryouma-dono, the man who developed that, is not worthy of being called a sage, then who is?” [Prenence]

Is that thing really that big of a deal to musicians? …Or is he just flattering me?

Forgive my bluntness, but my first impression of him is ‘hard to deal with’.

“Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]

“I should be thanking you. Not only did you bestow upon us the music box, you even gave us artists a place to showcase our talents.” [Prenence]

“Yes. But the place isn’t really anything special, though. It’s just the empty lot of the store that we rarely use.” [Ryouma]

“I saw it a little along the way. It’s more than big enough. I’m sure my friends will be delighted.” [Prenence]

“Are they already there?” [Ryouma]

“Yes, they’re already at the venue.” [Prenence]

Just as planned. The details of the music box and the fact that I’m its developer aren’t really things that should be spoken of in public; hence, our topic here includes not only the details of the performance but also the secrecy of my identity, which is why only the representative was called here.

“It would be rude to keep them waiting then. Shall we go over the details quickly?” [Ryouma]

“The stage-related matters will be left to the Semroid Troupe.” [Ryouma]

“Please leave it to me. It’s a rare opportunity for us to be able to stand on such a big stage. We will definitely put on a good show.” [Prenence]

When they were just getting started, they usually played in smaller venues, such as the town square or the bar. A large venue that could accommodate a bigger audience like my store’s empty lot is probably a rare opportunity for them.

“I’ll leave it to you. If there’s anything you need, please feel free to consult us. If you need some things or more people, either Serge-san or Carm-san should be able to help you. And if you need help with the stage or to transport some things or other labor work, you can look to me for help.” [Ryouma]

“Thank you for everything.” [Prenence]

“Next is… Oh, it seems that’s it.” [Ryouma]

“So it appears. If there’s still anything else that needs to be discussed, I’ll let you know.” [Prenence]

“Shall we be off then?” [Serge]

After discussing what needed to be discussed, we went to the venue.

“It sure is lively.” [Ryouma]

In the venue were 6 temporary stores, each of which was built with Earth Magic. The stores were only about the size of a stall, but they have been outfitted with the necessary equipment for cooking. Around those stores could be seen our neighbors. There were also some unfamiliar men and women of all ages.

“Ah!　Ryouma!　Hurry up and come!” [Rick]

Rick. I see Leni and Tony too. They are relatives of the people helping us, as well as children. They should be able to give us a lot of feedback regarding the food.

“I’m starving. Mom says tonight’s supper is going to be served her—” [Rick]

“Don’t say unnecessary things. Behave.” [Pauline]

“Ahaha…” [Ryouma]

“Boss, thank you for your hard work. It’s a bit early, but I think we should start soon…” [Carm]

“Yes. Let’s begin.” [Ryouma]

“In that case, please give the welcoming remarks.” [Carm]

I wasn’t sure if it was really okay for me to be the one to give the welcoming remarks, but regardless, I took a glass filled with beverage with one hand and stood before the crowd.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am the representative of the laundromat ‘Bamboo Forest’, Ryouma Takebayashi, and I would like to thank all of you for being able to make it here tonight despite your busy schedules.” [Ryouma]

“…” [Rick]

Rick stared at me with eyes that seemed to be saying, ‘are we not eating yet?’

“…I understand that there are those among us who can no longer wait. As such, I shall take it upon myself to keep this short. As everyone knows, we will be opening stalls to celebrate this coming Founding Festival. I would like to work together wherever possible with those who will be using the same venue. To that end, we have gathered everyone here tonight. I’m sure there are many among you who are meeting each other for the first time. As such, I would like for this as an opportunity for us to get to know each other. A toast to our future cooperation… Cheers!” [Ryouma]

“Cheers!” [Everyone]

Everyone said ‘Cheers’ simultaneously. Although we had just under 40 people, this social gathering still turned out to be quite the party.

While the party was going on, the cooks left the crowd and started cooking in the temporary stores. Most of the cooking has actually already been done, though, so it only took them a short while to complete their dishes. Before long, an appetizing smell began to waft out from the stores.

While that was happening, I went around to greet the people and handed out voting ballots that would determine the final products that would be sold on the stalls.

Each set of voting ballot contained 10 sheets. Of those, 5 sheets are ‘Food I want to eat’. The other 5 sheets are for after eating, titled ‘The food that I found delicious’. The results of the votes will dictate the products that will be sold at the stalls.

“This looks to be a success already.” [Prenence]

With a plate of food on one hand, Prenence-san came over with a 50-year-old man in tow.

“Thanks to you. How’s the taste?” [Ryouma]

“Even better than I expected. The rest of the troupe thinks so too. Look.” [Prenence]

The place he pointed at was a corner of the venue. Although this party was something akin to a standing buffet party, some chairs and tables have been prepared should the guests want to relax. There, a group of people dressed in what appeared to be traveling clothes could be seen chatting with the people around them. Among the group could be seen a cheerful-looking woman wolfing down one plate after another.

“Curious?” [Prenence]

“Well, she is eating rather passionately… Hard not to be shocked.” [Ryouma]

“Ha ha ha. Is that so?　Her name is Maiya. The troupe’s biggest glutton.” [Prenence]

“She became an itinerant entertainer solely because she wanted to eat delicious food.” [???]

It was the man behind who said that with a fed up tone.

“Soldio. I work as a sword dancer along with Maiya.” [Soldio]

“Happy to make your acquaintance.” [Ryouma]

…It’s a line of work I’ve never heard of, but I suppose it would be safe to assume that they use a sword for their performances.

“We dance by ourselves and cut things. We also move in groups and do so in a very showy manner. There are various programs, but you’re not wrong.” [Soldio]

“He’s Maiya’s uncle and the deputy leader of the troupe. He also works as our bodyguard. So he’s not just a performer. He’s also a swordsman. Fights do tend to break out during festivals, so feel free to rely on him when you need him.” [Prenence]

“Thank you very much. It puts me at ease knowing there are more people who can protect the store.” [Ryouma]

“You can call me whenever I’m free. You can use Maiya too if you want. I don’t mind.” [Prenence]

“What about me?　Uncle.” [Maiya]

Didn’t notice she was there at all because of Soldio-san’s shadow. The person-in-question stood up while carrying her plate with both hands.

“We were talking about you helping out with the security.” [Soldio]

“I see. Ah, you’re the representative from awhile ago. I heard you were young, but wow. You’re really young.” [Maiya]

“That’s rude, Maiya.” [Soldio]

“It’s alright. I don’t mind. I am young.” [Ryouma]

Besides, it’s not like she’s mocking me. At least, it doesn’t feel that way.

“Are you enjoying the party?” [Ryouma]

“Of course!　There are a lot of rare dishes, and when I think a dish is common and I eat it, I’m suddenly greeted with a surprise. Like that hot dog for example. The bread is spongy and the sausage is juicy. I’ve gone to so many places, but there’s not many stores that can produce such a taste.” [Maiya]

Hot dogs are regulars in festivals, but the bread Shelma-san is using is the naturally leavened bread we made before. The meat specialists, Zeke and Co., thought of using the naturally leavened bread with a special sausage. Pauline-san then cooked that to come up with a luxurious product.

The result was a juicy hot dog that fully brought out the taste of its ingredients. A feat only a pro could do. Because of this the taste of Zeke-san’s hot dog was on a league higher than its contemporaries, making it one of the favorites among the various dish candidates.

“And then there’s Zilmar Cuisine. Coupled with a soup, it gives a relaxing taste that warms the body.” [Maiya]

Fei-san and Leelin-san cooked Parmiyen. The dish they brought out, though, was a lot closer to Wanton Soup than Flour Dumplings in Soup. The ingredients used were simple, but after thoroughly boiling the meat and the vegetables, they were able to bring out the goodness within it. Because of its gentle taste, I like to pair it with Meat and Vegetables Stir-Fried in Semisa Oil.

“There are some strange dishes too, aren’t there?” [Prenence]

As Prenence-san said that, on his plate could be seen shell-less salted Dante Seeds roasted over fire. I originally purchased the Dante Seeds to make Dandelion Coffee, but it seems there are areas where people consider the seeds themselves to be a delicacy.

Because of that I can’t tell anymore whether dantes are closer to dandelions or sunflowers… The roots can be used for coffee, the seeds can be eaten, and when wrung, oil can be extracted from them. Because of that I started planting more and more of them with the help of the scavenger slime fertilizer and wood magic.

“I’m glad you like them. We have a lot of them prepared, so please eat as much as you’d like. Although it would probably be a good idea to leave some room in your stomach. It’s almost time for deserts.” [Ryouma]

“Really!?” [Maiya]

Really.

Many of the desserts are made by me. I’ve prepared food like Gomadoufu (crushed sesame seeds boiled in water and chilled like tofu) and Sesame Dumplings.

For Gomadoufu, the sesame seeds need to be carefully ground until they are soft and pleasant to the tongue. Afterwards starch is extracted from potato and added to it. It is then cooked over fire until smooth, and then it is kneaded to shape and then cooled. Once done, it can be eaten with honey made from brown sugar.

For the Sesame Dumplings, I first prepared the filling using semisa and brown sugar. I added water and dante oil to refined rice flour and mixed it, then I used that to wrap the filling. The raw semisa were like clothes upon the filling, while I fried the surface with dante oil.

In this case, dante oil has to be used over semisa oil due to the amount and cooking time. If the semisa oil were to be used instead, the resulting product will smell too much like semisa and it will be too difficult to tell apart the ingredients from the aroma.

On that point, the dante oil’s moderate fragrance cannot overpower the dish. When I used Identify on the dante oil, I found out that its unsaturated fatty acid contained a high amount of oleic acid, making it a smooth oil with high nutritional value.

Unfortunately, not much oil can be extracted from a dante seed. 15 grams of dante seeds are needed just to produce a milliliter of dante oil. If I need 800ml of dante oil, I will be needing 12,000g or 12kg of dante seeds.

Although dante seeds are healthy, it takes a lot of effort to produce enough of them to make oil. So much so that extracting oil from them actually makes for good training for my mana.

Thanks to that, though, I was able to come up with a delicious dish, but the amount of effort it takes and the expense of brown sugar and refined rice flour limits the number of dishes that could be made. Actually, the labor is still somewhat acceptable. The real killer is that we can’t set the price lower than 20 suits a piece. That’s a little too high for a dessert being sold at a stall.

There’s a high probability of the sesame dumplings not making it to the stalls, so I’ve already prepared a substitute for it. An inexpensive wheat flour pastry that cuts down on costs by using cheaper dough, Sesame Pastry.

When I said that…

“In that case, I better get my fill tonight.” [Maiya]

Maiya-san said that, and then left to get more food.

I feel like she’s already eaten a family’s worth, but it doesn’t seem like she’s planning on stopping anytime soon.

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