The next day came faster than imagined. After handing the pastries to Tessa, who was heading to the flower stall to witness Lyria's growing customer base, Lyria headed to the market.
The market was busy as usual. Lyria went to the shop of Pete, the craftsman, to order a new oven. She also presented him with a blueprint she had drawn of an espresso machine from Earth.
"Wow! Miss Snowpelt, this is a one-of-a-kind invention. I promise to make it within three days," he said, amazed by what the machine could do.
"No worries, take your time," Lyria replied.
"Miss Snowpelt, is it the same address?" Pete asked after collecting the down payment.
"Not at all. It will be at a new address—my new café. Feel free to visit when it opens," Lyria said.
"Sure thing," Pete assured her.
After gathering all her needed ingredients, Lyria decided it was time to go. That was when she saw him. A Panda Fecund lay seated near the corner of the street, flour stains clinging to his clothes and his ears drooping low. A torn sack rested beside him. At first, she wanted to ignore him and continue on her way, but she decided to check on him. Though she didn't consider herself a purely compassionate person, she trusted her instincts.
"Are you hurt?" Lyria asked, kneeling.
He shook his head slowly while tears streamed from his eyes. She helped him up and led him to a nearby canteen. Two bowls of hot noodles steamed between them before he finally spoke.
"I was a baker," he said quietly. "But my supervisor favored his cousin. I was replaced overnight. I have worked too hard to just be thrown out and sacked."
"That's unfair," Lyria said, her jaw tightening as she handed him a tissue. She studied him for a long moment before deciding. "Then come work for me."
His head snapped up. "What?"
"I own a café. If you're willing, I'll hire you—proper contract, fair pay. Though what I sell is different, I'll train you myself."
Looking into her sincere eyes, Eron agreed. Tears welled in his eyes again. "I won't disappoint you."
"Then tomorrow, come to Moonpetal Coffee & Confections on Ferin Avenue. I will be expecting you," Lyria said before leaving and paying for the noodles.
After getting home, Lyria told her family about the Fecund she met at the market and earned their approval for how she handled the situation. Afterward, she reviewed the employment contract with Tessa before they went to sleep.
At Moonpetal Coffee & Confections the next morning, sunlight spilled through the tall front windows, casting warm patterns across the polished floor. Lyria and Tessa were having coffee in the serene atmosphere, each lost in their own thoughts, until the bell above the door chimed.
The beastman stepped inside hesitantly, smoothing down his sleeves. He paused, eyes roaming over the café: the crescent moon sign, the gleaming glass display cases, and the neatly arranged tables.
"You're early," Lyria noted, finally smiling.
"I didn't want to be late," he replied quickly. "My name is Eron."
"I'm Lyria, and this is Tessa," she said, gesturing toward a small table near the window. "Sit. Let's do this properly."
They took their seats. Tessa placed a cup of coffee in front of Eron and quietly moved away to give them space, though she remained close enough to listen. Lyria placed two copies of the contract between them.
"Please read these and decide if the clauses stated are okay with you," Lyria said before taking a sip of coffee.
Eron's eyes scanned the document. His brow furrowed. "Fixed working hours, paid overtime, the opportunity to open a branch... no unpaid 'trial' period?" He looked up, startled. "Is this correct?"
"Yes," Lyria replied.
His hands trembled slightly as he continued reading. "No discrimination, grievance reporting, termination requires cause…" His voice cracked. "I've never seen a contract like this."
Lyria's gaze sharpened—not cold, but resolute. "Then you've been treated unfairly." She slid the signing pad across the table. "One last thing. Moonpetal isn't just about pastries. We treat people right here. Can you promise the same?"
Eron straightened, eyes burning with something fierce and grateful. "I swear it." He signed. The contract sealed with a soft chime.
Over the following days, the café buzzed with activity. Equipment for both baking and making beverages arrived and was carefully set into place. Eron proved to be a fast learner, mastering 85% of the recipes in record time.
Now, sitting in Serena's study, Lyria's thoughts drifted back to how she had secured their supply chains. She remembered heading to the market with Tessa to find partners. They had first visited the sprawling open-air bazaar known for exotic herbs and spices.
The merchant, a stout Koala Fecund with a sharp smile named Luca, had greeted them. "What can I do for you?"
"My boss here would like to discuss a long-term cooperation with you concerning the supply of Kharava and Duskbean," Tessa said with a professional smile.
"Really? Trust me, you have come to the most trusted businessman for Kharava and Duskbean," the Fecund said with a shrewd smile. While they discussed terms, Lyria sampled the goods, discovering tea leaves used for making Matcha, which she added to the order. After some haggling, they reached a price that satisfied both sides.
They then moved to another shop which sold fruits like Starberries and Moonfruit. The storekeeper, a graceful hare-beast named Nivara, welcomed them warmly. "Miss Snowpelt, we have an orchard nearby that you can visit to see our other varieties."
At the orchard, Lyria carefully inspected the fruits ;velvety skins and subtle luminescence, perfect for desserts and jams. Lyria's sharp palate discovered a variety with a slightly tart edge, perfect for a signature pastry. By the end of the visit, Nivara agreed to a season-long supply contract.
By the time they were done, the money they had brought was spent, but they were happy. Lyria remembered Tessa's comment: "Those merchants are shrewd bastards!" which had earned a loud laugh from the tired Lyria.
"Mom, I'll be going to the Commerce Bureau tomorrow," Lyria said, snapping back to the present.
"I wanted to ask if you needed more money, darling," Serena said warmly. "I have plenty to spare."
"No, Mom. My customer base is large enough now. The money I have is sufficient," Lyria assured her with a smile. Serena pulled her into a warm hug. "I'm so proud of you, baby. We are always here for you."
That night, before falling asleep, Lyria opened her system interface to check her progress.
[MISSION PROGRESS: 3/4 Tasks Complete]
[TASKS: Acquire a Permanent Location {COMPLETED}
Forge a Supply Contract{COMPLETED}
Hire Workers{COMPLETED}
Achieve a Revenue Milestone: Earn a total revenue of ₤10,000 from the new location within 60 days]