66 Stepping up his sales game

Inspiration struck Zanir, as he prepared to leave. How could he have forgotten, that this world hadn't experienced true carnival cuisine? With the system, it wasn't an issue to simulate a deep fryer. A few fried dishes would sell like hotcakes.

The first thing he whipped up, was a simple funnel cake. People would love the light and airy texture, with a quality oil being used it wasn't too greasy. having been fried quickly it was still warm, while a powdered sugar substitute was applied. The system had done a good job approximating it from the sugar cane.

After that, he had the system design some carved wooden skewers that could hold pieces of meat. Basically, it was just fried chicken or steak, but on a stick! Not the most creative dish, but it would be affordable, and people could walk around while eating it. They could even keep the skewer as a souvenir if they wanted to.

Pushing the sugar to its limits, he was also able to make a sort of spun sugar product. He knew that cotton candy would be a big hit. Wanting to round out the food, he also prepared a few kebabs, that way people could at least have a few vegetables too if they wanted. Adding the dishes to his spatial world, he let his men know to put them out for sale.

Ensuring another round of profits hadn't taken long at all. Little did he know, that people inside the space were trying them as well. Without knowing he'd created another culinary bombshell, he headed over to the entrance to Ranger headquarters.

Since the guards knew he was friends with the warden, they only stopped him for a brief chat. Giving a cursory glance at the invitation, they gave him directions so he knew which way to go. Thankful for the advice he decided to reward them.

"What do you like more, chicken or steak?"

Caught by surprise at such a strange question, the guards only hesitated a moment before answering.

"Chicken!"

"Steak!"

Bringing out one skewer of each, he handed them to the guards. They looked curiously, at the piping hot meats, before taking a bite at the same time. Once they tasted it, each of them couldn't help but exclaim how good it is.

"The meat is so juicy and tender, whoever cooked this is very skilled."

"Look, even the skewer is carved with a design, such craftsmanship."

Impressed, the guards let him through, but not before confirming that the carnival outside sold the food they just tried. Once he passed the entrance, he was surprised at what he saw. Opening up from the narrow gorge, a large valley was revealed. He saw that the entire valley had been turned into a village.

Several different areas and hubs had been constructed. Just glancing around, he could see a few different areas, based on how they looked. Some of the areas had been used for housing, while others had markets and stores. There were also areas that he didn't see anybody at all, maybe they were restricted.

One of the areas had a large reception hall, this was where the invitation directed him, and where the banquet was being held. Heading along the way, he saw that his citizens were shopping at the various stores.

It was funny to see how shocked the storekeepers were. Certainly, none of them would have been expecting a large influx of tourist to be coming in. They were more than happy to be making so many sales.

Reaching the banquet hall, he was told to wait in one of the reception rooms. Although the waiting room was small, he had only brought a few guards with him this time. His friends had all wanted to check out the carnival games, so he let them have some time off.

Garth came in, a few minutes later to greet Zanir. To his surprise, he had a plate of funnel cake and some cotton candy.

"Sorry that it took so long, everyone ran off to get some of these new foods. They're unlike anything I've ever tried!"

Seeing that word had already spread, he explained to Garth on the way, that it was his company who sold those foods. Delighted, Garth brought him into the main hall, introducing him to the Ranger staff inside.

Everyone complimented him on the fried food since it was delicious. Moving past the complements, Zanir directed the conversation slowly back towards business. Asking about his products that he had provided so far, there were many other questions they all had for him.

Each of the departments had wanted to know something, in relation to their particular line of work. In the idea of saving time, he handed them some catalogs that the system had prepared. There were a lot of different products inside.

The Rangers couldn't believe what they were seeing. Each and every one of these products felt like it would be valuable and useful, yet there were pages and pages of them. It brought answers, but even more questions as well.

Inclinometers and tilt sensors, that could be used for accurate measurements. A variety of compasses, and even waterproof materials for maps. Counters, pedometers, and measuring tapes were also available.

The catalog also had descriptions for larger items and equipment. Things like marking flags, as well as paint or tracking tape were included. Water testing and purification gear came in several sizes, from portable field units to larger more expensive units, which had been designed to support large crowds of people.

Moving farther into the equipment category, the Rangers were getting even more excited. They saw things like log haulers, which could help them transport trees, and even log tongs which help them safely lift and hoist the trunks. They even saw sketches for the design of a logging truck, that could be ordered for the right price.

Not to leave off safety and security, there were also several protective items and equipment. Everything from safety goggles, to reinforced work suits, to steel-toed boots. Fire extinguishers were highly valued since they could save lives and protect the forest. There were also several kinds of chests and lockers, that could be secured for safekeeping.

Speaking with the Rangers while he ate, Zanir also let them know that his company offered rations and prepared meals. Hearing this, they were interested, as affordable rations meant they could buy more equipment.

Preparing a few simple rations with the system ensured several things. The food would be thoroughly preserved and sealed, while also maintaining decent taste and nutrition. Of course, it wouldn't keep forever, but it would last much longer than anything else on the market.

Trying them out, all of the Rangers were very impressed with the MRE style rations. Much more flavorful than traditional food brought into combat, they asked about the cost and wanted to know if more flavors were available.

Explaining the cost, they couldn't believe how it was so affordable. They thought, given how tasty the meals were, that they would cost a fortune. Immediately, several of them placed an order for multiple crates of rations.

Telling them that he had used the ingredients on hand, he mentioned that he was always looking for new produce and livestock and that he could make rations out of whatever they had. Hearing this, the Rangers couldn't help but get excited. Several of them ordered products to be sent over from the market.

Having tasted his cooking and seen what his company could do, they were eager to provide him with more to work with. He was hoping that a larger city might have access to more staple crops. If he could get his hands on those, it would open up so many avenues.

For now, he continued to dine with the Rangers, going over the catalog. He was answering their questions and racking up a lot of sales. Working on the deals, they were glad that he agreed to take seemingly anything for payment. For them, being able to sell off raw materials was great, since they lacked many skilled artisans.

Bringing the topic over to medicine, he let them know that other than the bandages, he, unfortunately, didn't have much to offer. Asking them about it, they all looked over to the head of medicine.

"We've got a few salves and scrolls lying around, I'd be happy to let you have a look at them if it will help?"

"I'll have to bother you to take a look, after the banquet."

Confirming that he'd be able to study their healing equipment, Zanir was convinced he could use their designs to help improve his men's situation. Although he didn't have any health potions, he'd left the equipment for the goblins to study, so that the system might be able to figure out a better healing solution.