10

"Heather, prepare a cloak for me," I ordered as Evelyn helped me get ready for my outing.

"Of course, miss," she replied and promptly left to fetch the cloak.

I had purchased a building near the capital's iconic Golden Dragon Fountain, a memorial commissioned by the Imperial family back in the year 507. It was good to know my history. The memorial was located at the center of the capital and always had a bustling atmosphere, making it a popular tourist attraction.

The building I'd purchased was a magnificent three-story structure with a spacious balcony on the second story, which provided shade for the ground level. My plan was to open a cafe here, a place where nobles could gather and discuss any topics of concern they might have. The ground floor would serve as a regular cafe, open to anyone who wanted to dine, while the second floor would house private rooms for more sensitive matters. As for the third floor, it would be my office, as I didn't feel comfortable leaving sensitive documents at home. This was just the first step in my grand plan.

As I entered the building, I saw several familiar faces waiting for me. Helio leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his sword resting on his waist. Kane, who had recently returned for the summer, stood by the counter, now taller and more muscular, resembling the Kane from my past life. Baron Solon was engrossed in a book, seated in one of the chairs, and next to him was his wife, Maddie. The only one missing was Count Von Stein, but he had informed me that he would be a little late.

"I see you're all here," I greeted them with a genuine smile.

Helio pushed himself off the wall and walked over to me. "It's good to see you in action, Calli."

I chuckled, "Well, this is just the beginning. I've got big plans for this place."

Kane, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up. "I like the idea of a cafe. It's a great place for people to talk, and it's a smart way to gather information."

Baron Solon, looking up from his book, added, "Indeed, a cafe is an excellent front. And the private rooms on the second floor will be quite useful for our more discreet discussions."

Maddie, the Baron's wife, nodded in agreement. "I can already see this place becoming a hub for political and social gatherings."

As we discussed our plans and expectations, Count Von Stein arrived, and the meeting began in earnest. We discussed matters of influence, connections, and information, and how our gathering spot near the Golden Dragon Fountain would become the ideal place to hold such conversations.

By the end of our meeting, I felt reassured that my vision for the cafe was well on its way to becoming a reality. The foundation had been laid, and with the right team, I knew we could make it a success.