Product 62 - Cliche Novel

"So, potions and snacks? And… uh, snacks to go with the potion?"

"Don't worry about it. It's not alcohol, so it's fine."

"Ah, so if it's not alcohol, you can have snacks. I see. Noted."

Eve nodded, her eyes swirling, stamped her approval, and handed me the permit.

"Separately, is it okay if I sell a few other things?"

"Sure, sure. It's not alcohol, after all."

"Right. Is it okay if the stall is in the middle of the square where the sports festival is taking place?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

Eve nodded with her eyes spinning again, and with all the permits in hand, I stepped out of the student council room.

It's working better than I thought.

I only activated it very briefly once, and it worked immediately.

This is a utility-focused skill, Royal bloodline is Tier 1.

It easily penetrates the opponent's magical defense. That's why it's Tier 1.

However, even with this Tier 1 skill, breaking through Eve von Roengreen's mental barrier is nearly impossible.

Unless her magical resistance is extremely low.

The only reason her magical resistance would be low in a non-combat situation is if she expended a massive amount of mana.

"Are you leaving?"

"Ah. Speaking of which, Sylphia Evergreen Grove, there's something I wanted to ask."

"What is it?"

I stopped Sylphia and threw in a question.

"Has Eve been looking tired lately?"

"Her recent sleep time is around two hours. Even when advised to sleep more, she doesn't listen."

"Ah, I thought so."

"That's also why I let you pass."

"Hm?"

"When you're around, Eve seems to be more energized."

Sylphia, Sylphia,

That's not energy, that's irritation.

"Sylphia Evergreen Grove, Eve probably won't sleep much."

"I know."

She sighed.

In the original story, she's Eve's loyal retainer and all her actions are based on Eve.

But in the original story, Eve doesn't sleep much either, and Sylphia and Kelters were worried about her in Substory 3.

"Get her a top-tier mana potion and have her drink it every morning."

"What did you say? Ordering me… No, no. What do you mean by that?"

"Eve is blessed with mana and can move like that because she converts mana into stamina. Do you know that?"

"Ah. So that's why her stamina is…"

"12."

"Right. I see."

Sylphia didn't know.

Eve converts mana to stamina through the skill.

So if she uses up more stamina than her mana recovery rate, she will literally collapse.

And that turns into a 100,000 Jephryn tragedy. That was in Substory 3.

"If you can't break Eve's stubbornness, get her a top-tier mana potion. That should help."

"I trust you. You are truly Eve's brother."

"Alright, take care."

"Wolfram von Roengreen, on behalf of Eve von Roengreen, I extend my thanks."

With that, Sylphia bowed her head.

"Well, take care."

Even if she considers me an outsider, she's still a necessary retainer for Eve.

We have no reason to become friends, but she's a sincere person nonetheless.

Sylphia didn't lift her head until I was far away.

***

"Popcorn machine is ready, senior!"

"Drink machine is set up, senior!"

"The stall and donuts are ready, senior!"

However, all these preparations were done under Nephti's supervision.

Fast and precise. There's no hesitation on where to place things.

"How can you be so fast and precise?"

"Hehe. Well…"

In these cases, as your characters' affection increases in Jephryn, you gain synergy when forming a party. So, the characters you use as your main should always be managed for affection. When Nephti's affection goes up, Nephti provides close protection. Suppose the opponent attacks quickly, and our dealer 'will definitely get hit.' Naturally, Nephti would fail to defend. But at that moment, the system will 'make Nephti defend for one turn.' And Nephti says this.

"I've been coordinating with Kelters for quite some time."

It's a memorable line. And it's a good feature too.

"I've worked with Wolfram for a long time, haven't I! I'm really grateful!"

Nephti, in front of me, answered in the same tone I remember, no, in an even brighter voice.

"…Is that so?"

"Yes!"

"Alright. Let's work hard."

"…Huh?"

"What?"

"No, usually, you'd say 'work hard as usual.' …Um. No. Yes. Let's work hard together!"

Nephti continued working without losing her smile.

'Work hard as usual.'

'Let's work hard.'

Upon thinking, there is some difference.

"Okay. Let's work hard, together."

"…Eheh. Yes! I'm ready!"

***

Before the start of the sports festival in the square's front yard, we managed to secure an incredibly good spot, the first shop on the right as soon as we entered the Engineering Department.

What is the most important thing to make a profit at the Jephryn sports festival?

Good products, reasonable prices, good service? All good.

But the most important thing is to capture attention.

"Hmm. Those guys are doing quite well."

A wonderful aroma wafts from the surroundings.

They've prepared something fragrant after being scammed by donuts last time.

"But they're foolish! Foolish!"

Mixing multiple scents like this makes it confusing.

Parents are not drawn in by such sweet smells.

These fools still don't understand the basics of business!

"Go, Patrasch. Go and show them."

"…Do I really have to go?"

"Yes."

"…Phew. Alright."

Patrasch set off, wobbling.

His heavy footsteps.

Dressed in full steel armor, carrying a high-flying sign.

'Tension. Headache. Stress Relief Potion.'

'Jephryn's Secret Recovery Potion'

'Good for health! Different every day!'

'100% effective guarantee!'

'First shop on the right in the 1st Square!'

'Find Wolfram's convenience store!'

'We will surely show you!'

With such phrases written on the sign, the wolf walks.

A red wolf dressed in golden armor, with a flashy sign, even has wings attached.

There's even a meaningless dagger on his right foot.

Watching the confident walk of Patrasch, Nephti, who had approached unknowingly, tilted her head.

"Senior, do you think that'll really work?"

"Hmm?"

"About Patrasch. From my perspective, it's a bit too flashy. It's overwhelming."

"It'll work."

"Is that so?"

"Since ancient times, guys have loved golden armor and wings. And flashy pets."

"…? Is there such history?"

"Yes."

"??"

How would a high school girl know this?

Golden sword. Golden armor. Golden wings. At least a flashy wolf-level pet.

Men who cultivate characters in games love such things.

The effects may be ostentatious and flamboyant, but they captivate with their golden allure and appeal to the instincts of older men.

"If they can surpass that kind of allure, then I lose."

"…Well, I trust you, Senior. I'll go finish preparing."

"Okay."

I have faith in the genes of those men.

I believe in the flashy essence embedded in their genes!

***

Leaving Patrasch to handle the allure, I headed straight to the stockroom.

"Phew. Think. The people who come to buy this will initially drink it like medicine, not alcohol. It tastes like alcohol and makes you healthy, so initially, it's a potion. Then it's herbal liquor. And after that, it's medicinal liquor."

No matter how many times I consider the approach, that's how it is.

People who come to imbibe this liquor… no, this potion, assume it might be as potent as the medicinal potions sold in Jephryn. After taking a sip, they feel pleasantly tipsy, their spirits are lifted, and they feel revitalized, making them feel good again.

So, this is not about the initial sale, but rather, it should target repeat sales. For individuals who feel reinvigorated and want to take some home or generously gift it to others.

The objective is to spread rumors that there's an exceptionally effective medicinal liquor available for purchase when outsiders are allowed in.

So what's the most important thing for that? Actual efficacy? That's obviously prepared. The most important thing is actually the "presentation. Packaging."

Consider it.

Receiving a potion as a single unit.

Receiving it in a plastic container.

And receiving it in a crimson box with gilded letters elegantly spelling out "Jephryn Student Council Certified Recovery Potion."

These are entirely different. They exist in separate realms.

So, like the red ginseng sticks from my previous life, I need to set up the box, wrapping paper, and even paper bags to create an impression that's genuinely stylish and thrilling to receive as a gift.

[Handy Work]

I activate my skill, set up red dye, gold dye, and paper. It's a bit rushed, but if I work on it all day, the quantity will match up.

"Oh, Ace, you're here?"

"Huh? What did you come to buy?"

"No, I just thought Ace must be doing business in a really good spot."

"Oh, then buy something."

"You really have some nerve!"

It gets noisy outside, and I see someone picking a fight with Nephti.

I pause setting up the wrapping paper and stand up.

What's going on now?

I'm super busy.

Who's causing a scene now?

Who is it, harassing our part-timer?

***

Nephti slightly shakes her head as she looks at the classmate in front of her.

"So you're not buying?"

"Ugh, it's a disgrace to the Knight Department that someone as money-hungry as you is the second-year Ace!"

"Hmm. A disgrace?"

Why it's a disgrace, Nephti couldn't understand.

Isn't passing exams quickly and working a public rule of the Knight Department?

"Even if it's a part-time job you got introduced to, isn't it against the rules to do it directly without going through the Knight Department?"

"I only work with companies approved by the student council?"

"You really don't give an inch. Ah, how shameless."

Nephti slightly shakes her head several times.

Trashy Gabi, the girl in front of her, is a top-ranking student in the knight department.

"That's why poor people… It's unbelievable that someone as money-hungry as you is the knight department Ace!"

'Ah. Aha, I see.'

This person has good grades. And her family is well off.

So, she's 'covered on all fronts.'

The knight department mostly consists of poor commoners, but there are some variables.

Firstly, 'having talent that is awkward for learning magic'

Secondly, 'having wealth that is awkward for supporting magic'

In such cases, even if they come from noble or merchant families, they enter the knight department.

So, what Nephti is going through right now is venting.

It's annoying enough to come to the knight department, but having a poor commoner as the Ace must be irritating.

This happens often.

It's bitter, but that's one aspect of Jephryn. Being poor… is a weakness in itself.

There's a strict hierarchy even within the knight department.

The best way to get through this is to bow your head and push forward. It's very simple. Just as Nephti was about to greet her as if nothing was wrong, at that moment,

"Hmm. I don't really know what you're talking about, but I'm really sor—"

"[Don't apologize]."

"Huh?"

And then, at that moment, a familiar voice raised Nephti's bowed head and grabbed her waist.

"Yo-you are…"

"Ugh, I came to see what was going on and found you doing something silly."

"Heh…"

Trashy Gabi's face turned pale.

She also knows who he is.

Wolfram von Roengreen.

The worst-ever student council president.

Trashy Gabi turned around immediately, planning to flee.

"[Stop.]"

"Heeck."

"Running away won't matter, but this issue will formally be brought up at the student council. Trashy. Daughter of Western Gabi merchant."

"Uh, President Wolfram, do you know me…?"

"Yes. I am the former student council president."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know that the shop belongs to you, President Wolfram."

"Hmm. Interesting. If it wasn't my shop, what were you planning to do?"

"I, I'm sorry."

Trashy's face turned pale.

Following Wolfram's words, Nephti's eyes widened in surprise.

"I don't need an apology, nor do I have a reason to listen. However, I am curious. Listen carefully."

"What is it?"

"When you were able to fully focus on your training without worrying about tuition because of your parents' money, Nephti earned money through labor. By rough estimate, you would profit around eight hours a day, right?"

"Yes. Yes, you are correct."

"Yet you couldn't top the class. Is it the intensity of your effort that falls short, or is it your innate talent? Answer me."

"I, I'm…"

"The answer is both. Do you understand? You are merely envious because you can't match Nephti's diligence or talent."

"I'm sorry!"

"Get lost. If I see you around Nephti or near me again, I will file a formal complaint with the royal family."

***

Trashy disappeared like the wind.

No big deal.

However, it might not be a big deal for me, but it could be for Nephti.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

Nephti looked at me with vacant eyes.

She must have been quite startled.

"Is it alright for you, senior? Trashy has many friends and if you suffer any loss…"

"Don't worry about it."

"But your sales."

"Sales? Ha. Making sure you're not hurt is more important."

"Uh, um… What?"

I've always been helped by the words of my former convenience store manager, who was also a good friend.

"Can't stand to see employees being disrespected. I'd rather take the heat. Think of it as employee welfare."

"That's very like you, senior. Yes."

Nephti's face hardened back to its usual expressionless state.

It seemed as if the pink aura that was there a moment ago had slightly turned blue. A bug in this game?

"Let's see. I've always been consistent."

"Yes, you have been… Uh-huh."

"What's so funny?"

"No, it's just nice to have a dependable senior."

"Stop talking nonsense. Look over there."

"?"

I pointed to the far end of the square.

There was Patrasch, like the Pied Piper, leading a group of older men, confidently walking towards us in golden armor with red wolf wings.

"Look, the customers are coming. We need to get ready for sales."

"There are so many."

"Yes. Does thinking about the money they'll spend motivate you?"

"Ah-ha!"

Finally, Nephti looked at me, at Patrasch, and then at me again, smiling brightly.

"Can you do it, Ms. Nephti?"

"Of course! Boss!"

Alright, let's do business.

We need to make money.