Chapter 32: Collaboration

"By the way," Saberi suddenly said, "I remember you mentioning yesterday that you had some ideas about promoting coffee. Do you have time to discuss it now?"

Ethan frowned slightly, unsure of Saberi's intentions. Since leaving the comfort of his bed, he knew Saberi wanted to discuss business, but he couldn't understand why Saberi had spent so much time on unrelated topics before getting to the point.

"Maybe it's just his way," Ethan thought to himself.

Despite Saberi wasting a lot of time, Ethan was willing to discuss business, but not right now. He was exhausted and needed rest. Plus, there was no rush; hasty decisions wouldn't help. The business plan also required careful consideration and organization.

"Of course, I'm willing to discuss it," Ethan said. "However, since this involves a significant business plan, allow me to provide a written proposal later. Then we can discuss it thoroughly. I assure you, you'll be pleasantly surprised. But for now, I need some rest, and I'm sure you do too. We'll be more effective after we've both had some sleep, right?"

"Sounds good," Saberi agreed with a smile. "I look forward to it."

Both men returned to their rooms for a nap. As Ethan entered his room, Angelina was already there, looking for his attention. Although Ethan was tempted to indulge, he knew he needed to focus on the business plan, so he reluctantly declined.

"I hope it's clear that I'm making a responsible choice, not just surrendering due to fatigue," Ethan consoled himself as he fell into a deep sleep.

When Ethan woke up, it was already evening. He felt refreshed and full of energy. Smiling at the still-sleeping Angelina, he quietly moved to his study to draft the proposal.

His proposal was more than just about promoting coffee; it was about establishing a commercial empire, modeled after a famous fried chicken chain, with plans for future expansion.

Ethan wrote feverishly, filling several pages with his plans. Once finished, he immediately took the proposal to Saberi, who had been waiting in the captain's office for a while.

Saberi meticulously reviewed the proposal, his expression shifting between frowning and deep thought. He read it multiple times before finally setting it down and staring intently at Ethan.

"Sir Ethan, I'm impressed by your business plan," Saberi said, "and I admire the concept of high assets with low physical goods. Terms like brand effect, franchising, and derivatives are all very new. However, these seem to be long-term plans requiring substantial capital, and all hinge on successfully promoting coffee first. Your plan mentions 'the bandwagon effect' briefly. Can you explain what it is and how it helps us promote coffee?"

"Captain Saberi, the most crucial aspect is best explained in person," Ethan replied with a smile. "The bandwagon effect refers to the phenomenon where people do something primarily because others are doing it. It's an inherent human trait to follow trends, as people often admire and emulate the actions of those they see as successful. This trait is deeply ingrained in our subconscious. Our goal is to harness this trait to promote coffee."

"I agree with your observation," Saberi nodded. "From my experience, many servants tend to mimic my behavior, including my mannerisms and speech. I used to think it was to curry favor, but your explanation makes sense—they're likely just admiring me."

"No," Ethan shook his head. "In your case, it might indeed be just flattery. Your example isn't quite apt."

"Ah, you're too harsh!" Saberi laughed. "So, what's the plan?"

Ethan smiled, recalling the details before explaining, "First, we need to purchase a building in the busiest part of Viren Port as our coffee shop. The building doesn't need to be large, but the location must be prime, with a street-facing platform. Remember, we buy, not rent. Our business is not just coffee; it's real estate, with coffee as our entry point.

"Second, we focus on the shop's decor and branding. My sketch is just a suggestion; feel free to adjust it to your taste. But remember two points: the brand must be memorable, not necessarily perfect but exuding an air of elegance and sophistication. The decor should use solid wood to match this high-end vibe. Our initial target is affluent customers. Once the bandwagon effect kicks in, we can introduce lower-end brands while maintaining our high-end image."

"Wow," Saberi smiled. "But you haven't explained how to create the bandwagon effect, the most crucial part."

"That's the third point," Ethan continued. "Once the first two steps are complete, we need to stage a performance. We'll invite young, attractive, and elegant noblewomen for free afternoon tea. It must be visible from the street, showcasing these elegant women enjoying our coffee shop."

"This could work," Saberi mused, stroking his cartoonish W-shaped mustache. "But finding the right people will be challenging."

"I've already picked someone for you," Ethan said, a sly look in his eyes. "You need only one person. She'll handle the rest. We'll save on hiring performers too."

"Who?"

"Sophia."

Saberi's eyes widened. "Impossible! My niece wouldn't help with this. She doesn't care about such trivial profits."

"No," Ethan disagreed. "You misunderstand her. She may not care about coffee profits, but she cares about future gains. Just show her my plan. I wrote it for you, but it's tailored for her. Trust me, she'll agree. But remember, tell her the profits are hers alone, not the family's. Otherwise, she might drag the entire Lawson family into it, reducing our profits and likely dooming the plan."

Saberi looked skeptical but intrigued. "You're confident she'll agree?"

"Absolutely," Ethan said confidently. "She's extremely self-assured and vain yet deeply insecure around those more noble than her. When I heard her complain about the princesses, she pretended not to care, but she was furious. I could feel her rage sitting next to her. She needs something to elevate her status, like your cousin's elf-blessed reputation. She even learned the orc language to achieve a human-orc peace initiative, probably imitating your cousin. My plan offers her a new form of prestige. I call it 'fashion.' Anyone not following her lead would be deemed out of touch and tasteless. She won't resist."

Hearing this, Saberi narrowed his eyes and reread the last page of the plan, stroking his mustache and deep in thought.