Renovating the Shop

Renovations can take quite a while, so we should start as soon as possible. I'll hear their opinions and put together a remodeling plan today. It's easier to picture things when I'm at the shop.

With that in mind, I decided to ask the two of them for their ideas about the remodeling.

"Then let's put together our ideas for how we want to renovate the shop. Ronnie, do you have any suggestions to start with?"

"Hmm... For now, I think we can leave the exterior and basic interior as they are. But maybe we should change the counter. It's plain and wooden right now, so I think it would look nicer if we made the counter out of brick too."

"You're right, that might be better. I was thinking of making an ice-cooled glass display case for the counter. Would it work to make its base out of brick?"

Glass was readily available in the central district of this world, so I didn't think using it would draw too much attention. The problem was whether I could actually make one, though. Well, I wouldn't know until I tried! Fortunately, I could create ice, so there had to be a chance.

If it didn't work, we'd use a regular counter. Then we'd have no choice but to make a refrigerator the usual way. And if I couldn't make a refrigerator either... then we'd have to store everything in the basement. That would be extremely inconvenient, so I at least wanted to complete the refrigerator.

"Huh...? You're going to use glass!? And what's a 'display case'?"

So there were no display cases in this world. Come to think of it, glass was probably only used for windows. There weren't many glass dishes or cups, either. You'd only occasionally see them in noble estates.

"I want to make a glass box that lets people see what's inside. If we put cakes in it, don't you think it would make things easier for customers to choose?"

"That might be a good idea, but since a glass box would be something new, wouldn't it be difficult to make?"

"That's true. So if we can't make one, we'll use a regular counter."

"I see. Well, in that case, I'll leave it to you."

"Thanks. If we use a regular counter, would it be okay if we made it out of brick and kept it the same size as the current one?"

"Yeah! It could be a little bigger, but I think the current size is fine too."

"Got it. Then I'll proceed with that plan."

After Ronnie and I settled on a general plan for the counter, I turned to Yoan.

"Do you have any requests, Yoan?"

"Yes. I'd like you to install a cooking stove and other equipment and replace all the kitchen equipment. I'd also like a bath, or at least somewhere we can wipe ourselves down."

"I'm planning to replace the entire kitchen. I was also thinking of building an extension for the bath in the courtyard. Would the courtyard be all right?"

"No, anywhere would be wonderful if you're willing to build an extension."

"Then I'll build an extension for the bath in the courtyard. I'll make a changing room too."

"That would be a great help!"

"We really do need one, don't we? Is there anything else?"

"Let's see... Nothing else comes to mind at the moment."

"I see. Ronnie, do you have anything else?"

"No, I'll basically leave it up to you, Leon."

The two of them said that and shook their heads. All right! Then I could decide the rest myself.

"Then let's head back to the ducal residence for now. I'll decide how to renovate the shop while incorporating your ideas."

"Yeah! I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out."

"I'm looking forward to it too!"

After deciding on the shop, I saw Ronnie and Yoan home by carriage, then returned to the ducal residence.

Once I returned to my room at the ducal residence, it was time to decide on the interior. Being able to design my own shop however I liked without worrying about money was amazing. I was getting excited!

I prepared paper and a pen on my desk and began by listing everything we would need. I could buy the smaller things later, so I should start with the things that would take time.

First, there was the counter and the display case to go on top of it, tables and chairs for the dining area, and the kitchen's worktable and sink. We also needed a cooking stove. There was already an oven, so I'd just have it renovated. We also needed a sofa and table for the break area, as well as a desk for Ronnie to work at.

...Were those all the large items? Oh, I'd forgotten the bath and changing room. Add a bath and changing room to the courtyard. We also needed a light orb for the basement. I should have the shelves in the basement renovated and add more of them too.

Yeah, that should do for now.

"Roger, I'd like to arrange everything written here, but where should I order it all from?"

I said that to Roger while showing him the paper.

"Yes. The ducal family has businesses it regularly patronizes, so I believe you can order from them. If you wish to purchase ready-made furniture, a trading company would be suitable, but if you want to decide on the designs yourself, you will need to commission a workshop. Also, since there are no existing glass display cases, you will need to commission one from a workshop."

I thought it might be nice to commission furniture based on my own designs, but I wasn't very good at that sort of thing... For now, I'd look at ready-made pieces, and if I found anything I liked, that would be fine.

"For now, ready-made furniture should be fine. If I don't find anything I like, I'll commission it from a workshop. I'll commission anything else that isn't sold in stores from a workshop too. The bath and changing room would be made by a workshop as well, right? I'll think about the layout."

"Understood. Then I'll make the necessary arrangements. Would you like me to have everyone come to the ducal residence together on the next Recovery Day? Or would you prefer to visit the workshops and trading companies yourself, Leon-sama?"

"I'll go myself. It seems like that would be faster. We'll have to go see the furniture in person anyway, right?"

"If you wish to see the actual furniture, you will need to visit the shops. If you have them come to the ducal residence, you will only be able to look at design drawings."

As I expected, I couldn't get a good idea of things without seeing the actual pieces. Visiting all the shops and workshops myself would be the fastest way.

"I want to see the actual pieces, so I'll go myself."

"Understood. Then I'll arrange for us to visit them all on the next Recovery Day."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

We continued discussing the shop's interior, and a week later, on the next Recovery Day, Ronnie and I visited various workshops and trading companies. Yoan wanted to focus on researching sweets, so he went separately this time.

First, we bought furniture from a trading company and had it delivered to the shop. They had a lot of stylish furniture, and I was very satisfied with what we bought. However, they didn't have enough tables and chairs for the dining area, so they said they would place an additional order for however many more we needed, using the same items.

We found a soft, comfortable sofa for the break area. It was so comfortable that it was almost dangerous—we might never want to get up—but it should help relieve our fatigue.

Lately, I'd been thinking that having too much money was a problem in its own way, but I was glad I had it. Being able to shop without worrying about money was the best! I was having a lot of fun!

"Leon, everything is expensive... Are you sure you have enough money? We've already spent a considerable amount, haven't we?"

Ronnie asked me that while we were traveling from the trading company to a workshop.

"Yeah. I have plenty of money from developing magic tools and technology, so I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

"So you really made that much money, Leon. I knew you had money, but I didn't expect you to have this much. By the way, do you still have plenty left?"

"Hmm, I probably haven't even used ten percent yet. Besides, the usage fees keep making it grow."

"I see... That's amazing..."

Ronnie gazed off into the distance after saying that. The amount of money was certainly enough to make me want to make the same face. Still, I was truly grateful that I didn't have to worry about money at times like this.

As we chatted, we visited several workshops and shops, eventually arriving at a glass workshop. Roger had made an appointment, so someone came to the door as soon as we knocked.

This was our last order, so let's give it our all.