AROUND THE SAME TIME
VESTA
I stepped out of the Hostess of Fertility, the evening breeze brushing against my bluish hair. The warmth of Mia's stew still lingered in my chest, a faint magical glow of satisfaction humming softly. Now… it was time to think bigger. A small bell jingled as I entered a real estate office tucked between a potion shop and a blacksmith. Shelves held scrolls of property listings, and a stout man behind the counter looked up.
"Good evening! Can I help you?" He asked, eyebrows raised.
"Yes." I said." I want to rent a small space for a restaurant. Something modest, maybe ten to twenty seats. Fully equipped or ready to be set up. What are my options and costs?"
The man leaned back, rubbing his chin.
"Ah… a restaurant, hmm? Well, depends on location. Busy street near adventurer guilds, potion shops, or smithies? High traffic, higher rent. Quieter alley? Cheaper, but fewer customers."He asked.
I nodded.
"Let's start with basics. How much for a modest spot near traffic?"I asked.
He tapped a scroll.
"For a small, visible space in a good district… minimum 150 Valis per month. Up to 300 Valis if it's high demand. Utilities extra, around 20 Valis per month, plus guild permits, another 50 Valis at minimum. Equipment usually not included."He said.
I tilted my head, calculating quietly.
"50… utilities and permits… roughly 220 Valis to start. Doable."I said.
He nodded.
"If you want a ready to go kitchen stoves, ovens, pots, pans you're looking at another 400–500 Valis depending on quality. Ingredients for your first month? Easily another 100–150 Valis. Adventurers are picky, especially when they're used to buffed meals and magical enhancements."He said.
I raised an eyebrow.
"So minimum upfront cost for a small functional restaurant… roughly 650–700 Valis?"I asked.
"About that, yes." He said. "Add a little extra for unexpected expenses, you never know when a guild inspection or sudden demand will hit."He explained.
I nodded, appreciative of the advice.
"Guild permits… officially registered with them, yes?"I asked.
"Yes." He replied. "They'll need to inspect for safety, fire hazards, sanitation, and magical interference. All standard, but important. Can't have a new restaurant harming adventurers before they even get fed."He explained amd I nodded in aprooval.
I straightened, rolling the scroll into my satchel. Enough coins from the dungeon haul earlier could cover this initial cost, with a little left over for rare herbs and enchanted seasonings.
"Thank you." I said softly. "This helps a lot."
He smiled.
"Good luck. If you're truly Vesta, people will come. They always notice when a goddess cooks."He said with a wink.
I let out a faint laugh, feeling the familiar thrill of planning, of progress. Forgotten? Maybe. Ignored by most? Absolutely. But now, I had numbers, plans, and a goal. One restaurant. One kitchen. One chance to show the world what I can do. Stepping back onto the cobbled streets of Orario, I let the evening air wash over me. Lanterns swung gently, adventurers hurried past, and somewhere in the distance, guild announcements shouted over a small crowd. I smiled faintly to myself.
"First step taken… now I just need the right spot, and then… food, magic, and maybe a little chaos."I grinned.
The city felt alive, chaotic, and perfect. For the first time in centuries, I felt that faint spark of purpose stirring in my chest. Forgotten? Perhaps. But soon… I would be remembered. I counted my coins one last time. Five hundred Valis gleamed dully in the lamplight of the alley, heavy but promising in my palm. Enough for a simple spot, not grand, not impressive but a start. That was all I needed. A small corner where I could put my stove, my utensils, and myself.
The next morning, I returned to the real estate office, the bell jingling as I pushed the door open. The same stout man looked up from polishing a scroll.
"Morning! Back for the restaurant, I take it?"He asked.
"Yes." I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I'll take the modest space. Fully empty is fine. I'll furnish it myself."
He nodded, shuffling papers.
"You'll be renting the alley facing spot next to the smithy. Ten seats, small prep area, basic plumbing, no magical interference reported. Rent's 150 Valis per month, first month upfront, plus 20 Valis utilities deposit."He said and I nodded.
"I'll take it."I said and then I signed paperwork.
I handed over the coins, counting carefully. 500 Valis. Rent, utilities, guild permits… that left me just enough to outfit the kitchen with the essentials. I let the remaining 300 Valis sit in my satchel for ingredients and a few magical touches.
"Keys." He said, sliding a small iron bundle across the counter. "And here's the guild permit application. You'll need to submit it before opening. Safety inspection, sanitation, fire hazards. Standard stuff. I would start that today so you can cook without delay."
I tucked the scroll and keys into my satchel and stepped back into the bustling street. The alley was narrow, slightly grimy, but the location had promise adventurers moving past, a smith hammering nearby, potion fumes drifting faintly from the shop next door. Perfect chaos for a cooking goddess.
The empty interior smelled faintly of damp wood and old stone. Sunlight filtered in through a cracked window, dust motes dancing in the glow. I ran my fingers along the counter space, imagining the smells of stew, bread, and roasted meats filling the room.
"This… will do." I whispered.
First, the stove. I spent most of my remaining coins on a battered but functional unit, along with a few pans, a knife set, and some basic utensils. Nothing enchanted yet, those would come later but they would suffice. I arranged the tables and chairs, small enough for a cozy, inviting feel. Ten adventurers could eat at once, maybe a few more if they squeezed in.
Then came ingredients. Simple flour, vegetables, meat, herbs. A small pouch of magical seasoning I had saved from past ventures for emergencies. I didn't need it now just enough for one perfect dish. By evening, the place was ready. Lanterns hung from the ceiling, a small bell above the door jingled faintly with every breeze, and a faint magical warmth hummed in the kitchen.
"Let's see what you've got, Vesta."I whispered.
With one flick of my wrist, the first pot of broth began to simmer, filling the air with a scent so comforting that even the passing smith paused to glance at the small alleyway. Somewhere, a rogue adventurer clutched his stomach, distracted by the aroma. I smiled faintly. One restaurant. One chance. And maybe… just maybe… I could make a little magic, and a lot of chaos along the way. The city of Orario was loud, messy, and relentless. Perfect.