Building A Business Empire From Scratch In Another World

The grand office shimmered in the golden embrace of the setting sun, its rays streaming through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and casting elongated shadows across a polished mahogany desk. Felix sat there, fingers steepled and lost in thought, a half-empty glass of Moonlit Mirage resting casually near his elbow. The wine sparkled softly, its celestial hues shifting from silver to pink as he swirled it absentmindedly.

"Finally! That money-grabbing witch is out of the picture! What a rare moment of peace!" Felix leaned back in his plush chair, a relaxed smile spreading across his face.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Clair glided inside, her footsteps barely making a sound against the soft carpet. Unlike Nixie's dramatic entrances, Clair moved like a shadow—smooth, deliberate, and unnoticed until she chose to reveal herself.

Felix looked up, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "Clair! I assume you're here to report?"

With a slight bow that sent her raven-black hair cascading over one shoulder, Clair replied, "Yes, Family Head. Nixie has already briefed you on the wine stores; I'm here to update you on our restaurant expansion."

Felix gestured toward the chair opposite him. "Have a seat. Let's hear what you've got."

Clair settled into her chair with impeccable posture and neatly folded hands on her lap. She produced a ledger—thinner than Nixie's but just as detailed—and opened it with practiced efficiency.

"As of today," she began in her calm and measured tone, "we have successfully launched 247 restaurant branches across Avalonia's major cities and towns."

Felix raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Two hundred forty-seven? That's faster than I expected!"

Clair nodded confidently. "We've been operating in three phases: securing locations, hiring and training staff, and finalizing supply chains. Thanks to our allocated funds—around 12 billion gold coins so far—progress has been smooth sailing."

Felix whistled lowly. "Twelve billion? That's quite an investment!"

"Absolutely necessary," Clair replied firmly. "We're not just opening eateries; we're building an entire network! Each branch is strategically placed in high-traffic areas while ensuring our supply lines remain untouched by local noble influence."

Leaning back with newfound respect for their strategy, Felix asked, "And how's our diversion plan holding up?"

A subtle smile curved Clair's lips. "Flawless! The nobles in Astheria are too busy trying to block our 'expansion attempts.' They've been snapping up properties we showed interest in and even bribing officials—all while we quietly build elsewhere."

Felix chuckled heartily. "Beautiful! Let them waste their resources!"

Clair flipped a page, her keen eyes darting over the figures like a hawk on the hunt. "So, here's the breakdown: out of 247 branches, we have 150 rated as 1-Star establishments, 80 at 2-Stars, and just 17 shining at 3-Stars," she reported with confidence.

Felix drummed his fingers against the desk, deep in thought. "What about our staffing situation?"

"All trained off-site," Clair confirmed smoothly. "We've been recruiting from smaller villages—bringing in folks with no ties to noble houses. They go through a month of intensive training before they hit the ground running."

"Good to hear. Any leaks?" Felix asked, his brow furrowing slightly.

"None so far. We've been cautious," Clair replied, her tone steady.

Felix let out a satisfied breath. "By next month, we should have at least 500 branches operational."

Clair nodded enthusiastically. "Easily! At this pace, we'll surpass 600."

But Felix's expression darkened just a touch. "Are there any signs that the nobles are catching wind of our plans?"

Clair hesitated for only a heartbeat—a rarity for her—and then said, "Not yet. But it's only a matter of time. Once our restaurants start gaining popularity outside Astheria, word will spread like wildfire." 🔥

Felix smirked confidently. "By then, it'll be too late for them to act against us. We'll have established roots in too many places."

Clair's gaze flickered with admiration for his strategic mind. "You've really thought this through."

"We have," Felix corrected gently. "This isn't just my doing; you and Nixie have played crucial roles in making this happen."

Clair dipped her head in acknowledgment, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks—a rare moment of vulnerability.

As Felix stood and walked over to the window to take in the sprawling city below, he mused aloud, "Once those restaurants are up and running, marketing will be our next focus. I want every branch to feel exclusive—even the 1-Stars! Word of mouth is going to be our strongest ally." 📣

Clair joined him by the window, hands clasped behind her back as she asked thoughtfully, "And if the nobles decide to retaliate?"

Felix's smile turned razor-sharp as he replied confidently, "Let them try! By then we'll hold enough economic power to push back hard—money talks louder than titles in some circles." 💰

Clair nodded slowly but firmly. "Understood."

A comfortable silence settled between them as they absorbed their ambitious strategy—the weight of their plans hanging thickly in the air.

Then Felix turned back toward her with a lighter tone that broke through the tension: "Oh! And Clair?"

"Yes, Family Head?" she responded.

"Tell Nixie to stop sneaking Maiden Blood Rosé from the inventory. I know she's stockpiling."

Clair coughed, hiding a laugh,"…I'll relay the message."

"Good!" Felix nodded and then turned around and looked at Clair.

"Is that all?!".

"Yes Family Head!" Clair responded with a simple smile.

"Good! You can go!" Felix smiled and waved his hand to dismiss her.

Clair stood up from the chair and bowed slightly towards Felix and then turned around and walked out of the office.

Felix turned back watching the bustling city below him. His eyes narrowed slightly as a cold glint flashed in them.

"I have to find a way to get these greedy Nobles out of my way otherwise it will not be good to do business!" Felix slipped in hands into his pockets as he stood infront of the floor to ceiling windows musing.

A moment later he let out a long breath and shook his head, "Let's take it one step at a time!".

With that he walked back to thr plush chair anr sat down, continuing to drink his wine with a relax and peaceful face.