Chapter 26 - The New Plan

"Alright familia, we have alot to do, a new plan is in session," as I say that they all stare at me, I am already used to their stares.

I wonder how all the characters that transmigrate manage to completely let go the modern way of talking, that depends on pop culture and other quirks, or maybe that's just me.

I clear my throat and continue, "we have stopped making cupcakes because I needed to form a new plan, we were performing, I mean making good sells. However we need to make more if we want to survive the famin..."I cough before continuing, "so I was searching in the village for a place to rent, but... the rents are so high that is scary."

My family listens attentively, their expressions a mix of excitement and confusion. I need to simplify my presentation so they can follow what I am saying, so they can also react accordingly.

"So, here's what I propose: Father knows a lot of people who their business has failed, or has place somewhere in the village where the rent shouldn't be very expensive, the money available for rent 10 silvers per month.

We talked with merchants we can pick up the ingredients needed 5 basic ingredients, we made a deal fo each 10 kg would be 25 silvers for all of the ingredients.

I am missing anything else?

My family exchanged glances, processing the information I had just shared. Kira, was as always quick thinker, nodded in understanding.

"Alright, let me see if I understand correctly," she began. "You're suggesting that we look for abandoned or low-cost spaces in the village for our cupcake business. We'll reach out to Father's contacts and see if anyone has a suitable place available for rent at a reasonable price."

I nodded, encouraged by their engagement.

"Yes, exactly. With the high rents in the bustling areas, we need to find a more affordable space so we can continue our business without straining our finances. And I believe Father's connections will come in handy for this."

My mother, with a concerned expression, spoke up next.

"And the ingredients, dear? You mentioned a deal with merchants. Can we ensure the quality and freshness of the ingredients at that price?"

I smiled and reassured her.

"Yes, mother, I've done my research. The merchants we spoke with are reputable and have excellent reviews. The deal we negotiated will allow us to purchase the necessary ingredients at a fair price, without compromising on quality."

The twins who had been listening intently, were very excited, to help.

"What about furniture, I mean we need something to place the cupcakes, and preserve, and even the ovens to make them." Saya was perceptive, I didn't think of it.

Taking a moment to think about what to do, father stood up and said with uncharacteristic tone.

"I have built the cart with my own two hands, if I have an idea of what you intend to do, or what do you need for the store, I can build it as well." I was completely caught of guards father was turning in to someone I could rely on.

"I love the idea" I say smiling.

"Is an amazing idea dear." Mother said very excited. "I can help with sowing if needed."

"So, here's the plan: Father will reach out to his contacts for potential rental spaces. Once we secure a location, we'll finalize the agreement with the merchants for the ingredients. With our affordable rent and smart ingredient sourcing, we can restart our cupcake production and increase our sales. I will then make the plans of what we need in store, depending on the space we have available.

Excitement filled the room as everyone nodded in agreement and discussed potential ways to contribute, whether it was through helping with baking, building, clothing and the finances.

*

The next day arrived everyone was ready, to contribute.

We began by scouring the village for potential rental spaces, as Father reached out to his contacts. It took a bit of time, but eventually, we stumbled upon a small, cozy shop that had been vacant for quite some time. The rent was within our budget, and it had a charming rustic appeal. It was perfect for our cupcake business. The catch, it was on back street, normally rich people didn't pass through there, however I didn't let that deter me to put all my efforts.

Father wasted no time in putting his carpentry skills to use. I had already designed a few idea of what we would definitely need, a beautiful display counter for our cupcakes, as well as shelves to showcase our delicious treats.

I also designed a sturdy table for the kitchen area and a couple of comfortable seating arrangements for customers.

the shop planning was done.

Mother, in her element as the family seamstress, helped create an apron for each of us. She painstakingly embroidered cupcakes onto each apron, adding as personal touch. We were now officially a team, ready to serve our customers with pride.

As for the ingredients, we still need to bug Mr. Cirius,to help us with a portal, so we can pick up the ingredients from merchants we had made a deal with.

The quality was exceptional, ensuring that our cupcakes would be nothing short of mouthwatering. Everything was going perfectly according to the plan.

I was set aback, nothing ever goes according to plan, nothing is ever so perfect. I was starting to feel scared.

As the day went on, I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of unease as everything seemed to be going ridiculously smoothly. It was unlike anything I had experienced before, and the perfection of it all felt almost unnatural. I wondered if this was too good to be true.

Trying to quell my growing anxiety,I felt like I was about to freak out. I should have gone to therapy when I could. I started to feel exasperated.

I was outside the shop, trying to breathe deep, while having breakdown.

Ok, nothing is going to happen. I started to stomp on the floor trying to convince myself, having an internal a pep talk. Everything is going perfec.... everything is getting great because... because the family is working hard, right we are working damn hard, so is normal that everything is going okay.

Oh no I am hyperventilating, why, why am I hyperventilating??? I am so damn nervous.

"Big sister, are you okay?" Tiny sweet voice from Zack brought me back from my breakdown, his worried face made smile. I guess I am not used to having nice things that's why I am freaking out.

I laugh loud, he looks confuse but he shrugs as a normal thing. " I am fine, Zack. Thank you." I hug him really tight.

"Let's go, there's still a lot to do."

*

Later at home we were eating and talking about our day.

We don't have much left from the money we made last two times we sold the cupcakes. And we still had to buy and oven.

"Maybe we can build one." Said Saya looking at Father.

I pondered for a little bit, however there was not much we could do since we needed the oven to bake the cupcakes.

We all fell into thoughtful silence, contemplating the prospect of building our own oven. It seemed like a daunting task, but also a potential solution to our current financial situation.

Father nodded,"I'll look into it," he finally stated. "I have some connections in the village who may be able to help us source the materials at a reasonable cost. If we're able to build our own oven, it could save us a significant amount of money."

We knew it would take time, effort, and some additional funds, but the potential long-term savings made it worth considering.

As days passed, Father tirelessly reached out to his connections and scoured the village for the necessary materials. In the meantime, we continued preparing what we could, making sure to stretch every coin we had left.

Despite our limited resources,we continued day after working on the shop, making it presentable for our customers, also we cleaned the street, gathered flower to make it more appealing.

Even though I still had few ocasional panic attacks, I would soothe myself, by seing the family working hard and giving their all.

Finally, after weeks of searching, Father managed to gather all the materials needed to build the oven.

It was a shiny moment of victory, we all cheered, happy the final piece was coming together, the cherry on top of the icing, was finally there.

With everyone's help, Father meticulously constructed the oven, ensuring it was safe, functional, and met all the standards required for our baking needs.

When the oven was finally complete, there was a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. We couldn't wait to start using it, trying to make our cupcakes.

I my heart was beating fast with anticipation, and fear, but this time I chose to put the fear aside for now, there was still much to do.

With our home-built oven up and running, we tried to bake our first batch, to see if it need some modification, if it would bake the cupcakes correctly.

We waited for the cupcakes to bake, hovering around the oven, hands clasped tightly together, fingers crossed. The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cupcakes began to waft through the kitchen, filling the air with a mouthwatering scent.

Minutes felt like hours as we anxiously waited for it to be ready. Finally, the moment of truth arrived.

Father carefully pulled open the oven door, revealing a tray of golden-brown cupcakes.

With bated breath, we inspected the cupcakes, looking for any signs of inadequacy or imperfections. To our delight, they were beautifully baked, perfectly risen, and oh-so-tempting. We couldn't help but break into smiles of pure joy.

Without hesitation, we each grabbed a cupcake and took a bite, savoring the harmonious blend of flavors that danced on our tongues. It was a burst of sweetness, a burst of success that resonated deep within us.

The oven proved to be efficient, producing perfectly baked cupcakes that met our high standards.

"Scoreeee!" I yelled making everyone jump. "I am sorry I got too excited." Everyone suddenly laughed.