To encourage similar proactive behavior in the future and to equip the host with the means to further expand the Emporium’s business, he shall be rewarded.]


    Though he couldn’t have done any of this alone. It was in large parts thanks to Jasmine’s direct involvement and the very fair terms for their cooperation. Like the generous cut she had negotiated for him from the numerous food, drink, and merchandise booths that had set up shop for the duration of the event.


    ‘I guess interpersonal relationships and the right connections are just as important as business acumen.’


    Severin stood on top of the stage and looked down at the packed audience. Only now, seeing them from this elevated view, did he truly understand how many people he had reached. It far exceeded anything he could have imagined. It also explained the System’s rare praise.


    [You are hereby awarded the ability to hire three additional [Employees].]


    ‘So stingy! How underwhelming!’ His initial reaction was not one of gratitude or joy.


    “Are you okay? You look a bit…,” a soft voice, as to not be picked up by the omnipresent transmitter crystals, asked, bringing him back to the present.


    “No. I mean yes. I just thought what a big success this turned out to be,” Severin replied, addressing Jasmine’s evident concern.


    “It went well,” she agreed, misunderstanding the true meaning of his words.


    Though it remained true that this was probably the most boring reward imaginable, his disappointment had long turned into genuine delight.


    It solved all of his most pressing issues! And not just because of the increase of customers they would have to deal with.


    More and more, it looked like the Emporium would soon experience some vast changes.


    He immediately became wary. [Mylana? What is it?].


    Why would she call him in a situation like this? [Has something happened?] he echoed her question with concern.


    [That’s what I want to ask you. You look like an idiot up there. Did something happen with that System of yours?]


    ‘How sharp!’ Severin couldn’t help but be amazed by how perceptive she was. Was he really that easy to read? But more importantly…


    [What do you mean, like an idiot!?]


    [So you’re not denying it! Out with it then. What is it that can make you forget your composure in front of so many people? I’m not the only one who can see you, you know?] the rough oldtimer reminded him.


    ‘That old hag!’ Severn was torn between annoyance and amusement, but at this moment he didn’t intend on bickering with her. The timing might have been somewhat inappropriate, but given his excitement, he couldn’t wait to share the good news. Without expanding too much on why the System had rewarded them, or what it meant to him, he directly told her about the reward itself.


    When he was done, he eagerly waited for a response, hoping to share the excitement.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.For a small eternity, he received no answer.


    Only when he no longer expected any reply at all did Mylana’s voice again appear in his head. At which point he much preferred if she had remained silent.


    [We’ll talk about this later.]


    ‘


    ‘Though the event’s closing ceremony was about to be officially concluded, that didn’t mean he was free to leave. There was still much for him to do:


    Winners to entertain, Runner-ups to congratulate, consolidation prizes-namely store credit- to award, helpers to thank, and a bit of politics to play; there was no chance in hell Jasmine would let him leave just like that without having him meet some of her very own VIP.


    ***


    ““I know. You’ve made sure I do. But that’s exactly why we are going now. If we had to wait until you had your beauty sleep, then it would be too late. Wasn’t it you who said it was best to take care of these things while the store is still closed?”


    “Well, yeah. But don’t you think we should have at least waited until we spoke with Sabina and Krill about our plans? What if-?”


    “What if, what?” Mylana waved him off as she kept leading him through Hanvia’s sleepy streets. “They don’t want to become classbearers? Or have a raise?”


    “They wouldn’t exactly become classbearers and-”


    “Who are you trying to fool?” Mylana directly cut off his objections. “I’m tell you, there is no way they will reject the offer. And even if they did. It might not be ideal, but with all the fail-safes and special clauses one has to accept before the binding process, you could promote pretty much any random person off the streets without having to worry. And they would be grateful for it.


    We are pursuing greatness. Stop worrying about the small stuff.”


    ‘I think she might be more into this than she lets on,’ he noted with amusement.


    “Where are we going then?” he asked as at this moment they turned into one of the city’s more wealthy quarters. “The palace?” he then added with apprehension; he didn’t want to yet again rely on the royal family for his business related matters.


    ““I might not be very familiar with this city, but I’m pretty sure this is not the way to the employment agency,” Severin retorted.


    “Obviously.”


    “


    “Anyway, my point is, you got lucky so far. But you can’t just rely on that. More importantly, if you keep hiring people-which you obviously have to if you want to expand- then soon you won’t be able to keep an eye on all of them.


    You will want to hire experienced people. Trustworthy people. Especially if you want to go ahead with that idea of yours.


    Now, these kinds of people will cost you, but I think we are beyond the point of having to care about a few coin, don’t you think?”


    But why had they suddenly stopped in front of this grand property that almost rivaled the palace itself in its splendor?


    “And this is where we will hire them?” he asked with apprehension. Maybe they weren’t beyond the point of worrying about money, after all, Severin thought while suddenly feeling like a pauper.


    “