[NEW MISSION: Establish the first permanent "Moonpetal Coffee & Confections" location and secure reliable supply chains.]
[TASKS: Acquire a Permanent Location
Forge a Supply Contract
Hire Workers
Achieve a Revenue Milestone: Earn a total revenue of ₤10,000 from the new location within 60 days]
[MISSION REWARDS: (will be announced upon completion of the mission)]
[PENALTY: none]
Time Limit: 60 days.
As usual, a digital countdown appeared: 59 days 23 hours 59 minutes remaining.
"Ughhh," Lyria groaned while rolling on the bed. "System, I just want to be lazy today. How can you decide to give me a new mission today of all days?" Lyria said, which was met with silence.
"Whatever," Lyria muttered, rolling her eyes before continuing to watch videos on Pawgram Reels.
The day passed by quickly. After dinner, Lyria went to sleep almost immediately after laying down.
When she woke up the next morning, the sun was high above the sky. Lyria stretched, brushed her teeth, and then went for a run, which she completed without breaking a sweat. When she got back, breakfast was ready, so she decided to join them.
"Tessa will be coming tomorrow," Lyria informed everyone at the table.
"Really? It has been a long time since I last saw her," Rowan said.
"Ahhh, Lyria, you have to tell everyone before making such decisions," declared Finn dramatically.
"I've been exercising for a while now; do I look like Tessa's type?" Finn added while flexing his muscles.
"I am still not believing you have a crush on my best friend. You exercising doesn't matter. She likes military fecunds ," Lyria said, throwing cold water on Finn's eager expression.
Finn clutched his chest dramatically. "Military fecunds? Lyria, why must you destroy my hopes so early in the morning?"
Orion snorted into his chocolate drink. "Finn, you can't even do twenty push-ups without sounding like a dying boar."
"I can now!" Finn protested. "I reached twenty-two yesterday."
"Before or after collapsing?" Milo asked.
Finn avoided eye contact.
Lyria rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. Their morning banter made the heaviness in her chest ease just a little. A permanent shop… contracts… workers… It was a lot. So much more responsibility to take care of.
And she still hadn't figured out where to start.
She pushed the thoughts aside and picked up her cup of hot chocolate. Breakfast first. Anxiety later.
After breakfast, Lyria went to see her mom concerning the rental of a shop.
In Serena's study, Lyria can be seen sitting on a couch.
"Mum, my current spot for selling coffee and cupcakes isn't ideal anymore; my customer base has grown a lot. I want to rent my own shop, and I was wondering if you know of any places that are on lease?" Lyria asked
"You're quite lucky. Recently, a shop just three buildings away from the store was listed on lease," Serena said, going straight to the point.
"If you want, we can go there by noon. The owner happens to be one of our good customers in the clothing store," Serena added.
"Great! I will go freshen up and prepare for our outing," Lyria said before giving her mom a hug.
By noon, Lyria and Serena left for the shop. Since it was far from their home, they had to go by lanecruiser (another name for bus). Thirty minutes later, they got to their bus stop.
After a five-minute walk, they got to the shop. The shop was a modest building tucked between a pharmacy and a stationery store. Though the exterior paint had faded in places, its structure was solid, the wide front windows perfect for a future café display. A faint scent of old oak and sunlight drifted out whenever the wind brushed past.
Waiting outside was a plump, warm-looking Panther beastwoman with gold-rimmed glasses perched delicately on her nose. She brightened instantly when she saw Serena.
"Serena! It's been too long," the woman purred, pulling her into a gentle hug. "And this must be your cub. She has your eyes."
Lyria bowed politely. "Good afternoon, ma'am."
"This is Madam Elora," Serena introduced. "She owns this place."
Elora nodded with a sigh that was both weary and hopeful. "Yes, yes… though not for much longer. Come in, both of you."
Inside, the shop was bigger than Lyria expected: a wide front space, a back room, a compact second floor ideal for storage, a small office, or even a quiet nook where Lyria could experiment with new recipes. The faint scent of polished wood and lingering sunlight gave the shop a welcoming, lived-in warmth.
While they were checking around, Elora clasped her hands together. "I won't lie to you. I'm getting old. My knees aren't what they used to be, and running this place alone has become… difficult."
She paused, her gaze drifting fondly over the room. "I was hoping to lease it out for three months first. Then sell it afterward, once I'm certain the tenant can take good care of it."
Her eyes softened when she turned to Lyria.
"But since you're Serena's daughter, I won't hide anything. I intend to sell the shop outright if I find the right person, someone who will treat it with love."
Lyria's heart skipped. "Sell… as in permanently?"
Elora nodded. "Yes. I'd lease it to you for three months first, ₤450 per month. After that, the full price would be ₤28,000 Elyria."
Lyria blinked. That was… a lot. More than she had. More than she could comfortably make in three months.
Before she could speak, Serena stepped forward.
"Elora, how soon would you be willing to sell it?" her mother asked calmly.
Elora tilted her head. "Immediately, if the buyer is trustworthy."
Serena was silent for a while before her expression showed a familiar look, which suggested she had made a decision.
"Mum?" Lyria whispered.
Serena placed a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder. "You'll need a permanent shop sooner or later, Lyria. Renting is just delaying the inevitable. And since the owner is willing… we're buying it."
Lyria's mouth dropped. "Buying? But.... Mum, I don't have..."
"You don't have it doesn't mean I don't either," Serena said with a mischievous smile. "I have a stash of money hidden from your fathers, and it is more than enough. Just promise not to tell."
Elora's ears perked. "Serena…?"
"I'll pay the full ₤28,000 today," Serena said confidently.
Lyria stared, stunned. Her mother, the quiet, soft-spoken Serena, just casually declared she had tens of thousands saved secretly?
"Mum! Are you sure? This money...."
"The money is mine," Serena said firmly, squeezing her hand. "And I choose to invest it in you."
For a moment, Lyria felt her throat tighten. Her eyes stung.