The Luna's Business

The Bloodmoon pack covers a sprawling territory of two mountains, a valley, and a lake. It encompasses the lives of around four thousand members. It was a small society of its own, a microcosm of relationships and hierarchies.

'The pack is very huge!'

Seraphyne's mind couldn't help but wonder,  'There are so many people joining the meal tonight! I wonder how many people are employed to cook? How much food does the pack consume every meal? It must be costly to maintain the current living status of the pack, so how rich is the Alpha?'

As the conversation ebbed and flowed, she found a subtle opportunity to engage the housekeepers in a discussion. "Excuse me," she ventured a note of genuine interest in her voice, "I've been trying to get a sense of our community here. Could you tell me how many families reside within our pack?"

The housekeepers, seasoned observers of the pack's ebb and flow, exchanged knowing glances before one of them, a kindly woman with streaks of wisdom etched into her features, answered, "Oh, dear Luna, it's a bustling place!"

"We have at least five hundred families, each contributing to the strength of our pack. If I remember correctly, we have around three hundred other individuals that comprise the rest of the population. They were orphaned from wars, and some were retrieved from slavery in the human division."

'The Alpha must have a big heart. He can even care for people orphaned from wars and those with a bitter past.' Seraphyne thought to herself. 'If there are around four thousand individuals, each household must have many members. Sure enough, werewolves can bear a lot of children.' 

Seraphyne took note of this information, 'Any business can flourish even with less population. But considering that the Bloodmoon pack's population reached four thousand, the revenue would be big! If she starts a restaurant, it would be bustling since people can eat what they like any time!'

The founding of the Bloodmoon pack a decade ago marked the beginning of a journey that had led to its thriving present. The pack's roots ran deep within the land they occupied, and over the years, it had grown into a close-knit community where individuals from diverse walks of life came together under the banner of unity.

A unique arrangement caught Seraphyne's attention within the pack's vast territory. The vacant shops that lined the outskirts of the main house and the residential areas beckoned with the potential for commerce, yet they stood unclaimed.

'Why don't pack members develop a career and start with running shops? Would they really abandon such places? But they look acceptable to me. I haven't seen the interior of the building, but if it were on Earth, people would be killing each other to get that land.'

Unlike the lack of interest one might expect, it wasn't that the pack members weren't entrepreneurial-minded. Instead, most were deeply entrenched in responsibilities aligned with the pack's operations.

A significant portion found employment within the ambit of Bloodmoon's enterprise, while others pursued independent professions outside the pack. Their lives were interwoven with the pack's functions.

As Seraphyne delved into conversations and listened to the murmurs that swirled around her, she discovered a pulsating heartbeat of everyday concerns and interactions.

"Why did you eat so many fruits at once?"

"I need snacks to fill my hunger, grandma."

"But you did not even leave one for your siblings. I know you know we don't lack money in this home, but the shops are too far to buy back what you ate. I hope there's no next time. You need to share what we have with your siblings!"

"Yes, grandma."

The pack members, adolescents, and adults alike were mindful of conserving essentials, including food.

"Mom! There's no more oil in the kitchen!"

"No more? But I bought a few gallons of oil! We must buy more the next time we go to the city market."

"Mom, are we going to eat in the pack house tonight?"

"Yeah, well, we don't have a choice. We can also bring back some packed meals for your brothers. They are working hard to guard the pack, and if they see soup and boiled things on the table, they'd be disappointed..."

"Mom, I doubt they'll even have the appetite to eat."

She even overheard the echoes of parental guidance reprimanding teenagers for wasting resources.

"My precious wine!"

"Dad, I only tasted a little..."

"A bottle is little for you?"

"Dad, it's not that expensive. We can buy more..."

"Buy more? Not expensive? Do you even have a job? No, right?"

"Dad, I was just carried away..."

"Carried away? Damn you, brat! Do you think we pick up money on the road like trash? I know exactly that this wine is not expensive, but I remembered that minors cannot be allowed to drink liquors!"

"Dad, lower your voice. People will hear you..."

"I don't care. This is the Bloodmoon Pack's rules. Now, I'll report you myself so the authorities can discipline you. Brat, just wait for your punishment." 

The geographical constraints of the pack's location prompted its members to look beyond their borders for essential purchases. However, the Alpha's vigilant measures for the pack's safety led to the regulation of outings, with households permitted to venture out only once every two weeks for collective shopping trips.

A considerable number of middle-aged and elderly residents called the pack home, and for them, the prospect of venturing outside was often daunting. In the age of thriving online commerce, they still held a preference for hands-on selection and in-person shopping experiences.

Surrounded by mountains and lakes, the pack's residential expanse was devoid of external stores. Seraphyne, ever the astute observer, spent several minutes analyzing the traffic patterns around the abandoned shops. Her keen senses picked up on the steady stream of passersby, igniting a realization of untapped potential.

The dormant shops seemed to echo an opportunity, waiting for someone with the insight to translate potential into reality. As she absorbed these insights, Seraphyne felt the stirrings of a plan forming in her mind that could bridge the gap, cater to the pack's unique needs, and simultaneously carve a path toward her own aspirations.

Though the allure of other business ventures tugged at Seraphyne's thoughts, she recognized the need for careful consideration.

While acknowledging the convenience gaps, the pack's residents hadn't yet connected the dots to open small shops themselves. Perhaps, given their overall affluence, they hadn't felt the immediate need.

The pack members, including pragmatic grandparents, were not lacking in financial resources. For them, profit from a shop might seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, especially if it required hiring staff, which might potentially overshadow the income.

However, Seraphyne, ever astute, saw the bigger picture. Even if pack members didn't pursue this opportunity, she remained enthused. She understood that success could manifest in gradual steps, the sum of which could eventually yield a substantial return.

Her eyes sparkled with inspiration. She had already invested in the pleasure of expanding her wealth, and she was eager to voice her idea. Turning to Auntie Mina, one of the housekeepers, she spoke with eagerness.

"Auntie Mina, since I don't have any pack duties assigned yet, and I'd like to keep busy, I was thinking... could I open a shop here? You know, for the residents."

The housekeepers were momentarily taken aback as if her words had caught them off guard despite understanding each term individually.

"Opening a shop?" Auntie Mina echoed, her voice colored with incredulity.

Seraphyne's nod was animated, almost as if she were also affirming the notion for herself. Her words rushed out in a flurry as if the idea couldn't be contained.

"Yes, exactly! This could address the convenience issues residents face while buying things. Some may not be tech-savvy for online shopping, and we can contribute to the pack's overall well-being."

Seraphyne continued, "Plus, I could provide employment opportunities for those looking to earn extra income. It's a win-win situation. Oh, and by the way, Auntie Mina, does the pack have a NanoGroup Chat?"

The housekeepers exchanged astonished glances. They were aware of each word Seraphyne had just spoken, yet their combination seemed to defy their understanding until the new Luna had offered it.

Seraphyne's intentions became more explicit and novel. It was a proposition that promised to bridge the convenience gap, empower pack members, and create a sustainable avenue for growth.

As the housekeepers exchanged glances, they recognized the spark of ingenuity within Seraphyne's plan. It was a spark that could illuminate the path to transformation and progress, igniting a ripple of change that held the promise of a better future for the Bloodmoon pack.

The potential of a NanoGroup Chat to enhance convenience couldn't be underestimated. It was a hub of communication that could effortlessly connect the entire pack, effectively becoming a hub for potential customers.

Seraphyne's eyes sparkled with excitement as she considered the possibilities. With the chat, residents could easily place orders, inquire about products, and even arrange for doorstep delivery, a seamless way to bridge the gap between their needs and their products.

Seraphyne's enthusiasm took Auntie Mina aback. The idea seemed to light a fire within her, casting aside any initial doubts. After a moment of thought, she responded, "Yes, indeed. My son manages the chat. I'll ask him for the details and make sure to add you to the group."

"Thank you, Auntie Mina," Seraphyne replied, a smile tugging at her lips.