Chapter : 11
About 14 hours before the quest window appeared.
“Wow…”
I let out an exclamation as I looked around the shop. I was at the store Millen had introduced me to: “Freesia’s Wonderful Furniture Shop.”
Inside the shop were furniture pieces as wonderful as the name suggested.
There were large, antique yet restrained pieces, and smaller items full of delicate details, all arranged beautifully.
Even on the ceiling, multiple mobiles were hung for children, making every corner of the shop visually delightful.
As a result, Hue and I were completely absorbed in exploring Freesia’s Wonderful Furniture Shop, failing to notice Millen’s smug face, his shoulders raised by about a centimeter.
He gave a small chuckle as he watched us.
“The owner of this shop decorates much better than some people. It’s really worth observing and learning from.”
“…Is that meant for me to hear, Millen?”
“I didn’t say anyone in particular… but I guess you felt guilty, Leila.”
“…Haha.”
I forced a smile and shot Millen a glare. He shrugged lightly and strode deeper into the shop.
“Later, I’ll make sure one thing catches him. I’ll show him the scolding of a stubborn boss! I need to demonstrate everything I’ve learned firsthand.”
I glared at Millen with blazing eyes when suddenly, a voice called from the counter deeper in the store.
“Oh my, who is it?”
It was an elegant voice. I immediately turned toward the source and saw a woman with long, soft brown hair. She radiated elegance, and I swallowed nervously.
‘Could this be Freesia, the shop’s namesake? I should greet her…’
At that moment, Millen spoke to her even faster than I could.
“Where is Freesia?”
‘Ah, she’s not Freesia. I almost made a huge mistake.’
I let out a quiet sigh and studied her. She shook her head slightly and spoke.
“Oh, you must be the ones looking for Freesia.”
“Didn’t make an appointment, but is she not here?”
“Unfortunately, she’s away on important business right now.”
“Did she say when she’d return?”
She only nodded, and a trace of annoyance appeared on Millen’s face. Seeing that, I quickly stepped between him and her.
This mysterious woman might become a potential customer, so I decided to make a good impression before Millen spoke.
“Ah, then can we purchase furniture now?”
“That’s possible. Custom orders aren’t available, but we do have stock. If you need anything, please tell me, Iliana.”
At that moment, two system windows appeared with a cheerful ding!
Furniture Shop Open!
You must visit the furniture shop in person to activate it.
Then, a status window appeared.
Furniture Shop
- Old Table (Stock 4): 100 Gold
- Old Chair (Stock 8): 25 Gold
- Old Dresser (Stock 2): 100 Gold
- We Can Make Anything: 100 Gold
Currently, “We Can Make Anything” is unavailable.
“…Ah.”
‘So that’s why she said there’s still stock.’
I had eagerly anticipated the furniture shop, but what awaited me were not merely “ordinary” items, but old furniture.
I feared my disappointment might be visible, so I forced a smile at Iliana. She returned a graceful smile as if asking, “What’s the problem?”
“Is this all the furniture you have?”
“For now, yes. This shop usually handles custom orders through Freesia.”
Iliana explained that Freesia was particular about her furniture. In short:
“…This is a problem.”
If I didn’t find another shop, we’d have to prepare the cafe opening with this old furniture.
I shot Millen a helpless look. He averted his eyes, clearly surprised by the situation.
Millen ran a hand through his hair and began a half-excuse.
“I didn’t know either, Leila. Freesia’s furniture is exceptional, even Basha recognized it, so I brought it here thinking it would help your cafe….”
“I see… Then, do you know of any other furniture shops?”
“I know a few, but they’re not as refined.”
I immediately understood. He was recommending shops that fit our situation.
Which only made things more difficult. I thought it might even be faster to make the furniture myself.
“You mentioned Basha? Do you know Basha personally?”
“Yes. I’m their granddaughter. Oh, I haven’t introduced myself properly—I’m Leila Token. You can just call me Leila.”
“Oh my…”
Upon hearing my name, Iliana covered her mouth in astonishment, looking moved.
As Millen and I exchanged puzzled glances, she spoke again.
“Could you come back tomorrow? I’ll tell Freesia that Basha’s granddaughter visited, and she’ll definitely meet you.”
“…Really?”
“Of course! Freesia has been searching for Basha. Even if Basha isn’t here personally, she’ll surely do what you want if it’s you, Leila.”
Ah. This had the scent of a quest.
‘There’s never an easy way.’
This must be the beginning of a quest to obtain Freesia, much like how Millen is a “Tool Artisan.”
‘Well, taking a slight detour for one day is fine.’
I smiled gently and nodded.
“Then I’ll come again at this time tomorrow, Iliana.”
“I’ll make sure Freesia is here. Don’t worry, come back tomorrow.”
With a promise for tomorrow, we returned to the cafe.
The next morning arrived energetically.
“No way….”
What kind of situation is this?
I sank weakly to the floor, denying reality.
What’s the point of greeting the morning cheerfully if the system immediately ruins my mood?
Even when I squinted, the maddening quest window hovering in the air remained.
Sigh…
I let out a deep sigh. I had a rough idea why this quest appeared, which made it all the more unsettling. I read the quest description again.
Special Quest!
Spread the coffee that even impressed the gods to many people!
- Sell 20 cups of coffee daily at the cafe for ten days.
Reward: 1 Diamond
Failure: 50% Energy debuff
The debuff disappears at midnight every day.
“They gave me exactly what I wanted, but….”
It’s inconvenient to receive a quest right now, God. I haven’t even resolved the furniture shop situation!
When I offered tributes to the Dael Shrine at Walter’s request, the phrase I wanted appeared boldly on the quest window.
“This quest could have waited until after the shop opens. How am I supposed to sell coffee at a ‘cafe’ when there’s nothing yet, system?”
I can’t sell coffee in someone else’s cafe.
This is really troublesome. How can I sell coffee in a cafe that hasn’t officially opened?
Of course, there’s a soft-open option, but that’s impossible at the moment. There’s no furniture, tools, or ingredients—there’s literally nothing.
The only thing somewhat present is the cafe’s exterior.
Even so, compared to the main city buildings… no one would come just to see one building. A cafe relies more on interior and taste than its outer appearance.
I furrowed my brows and began to think.
Then.
“Oh, wait….”
I realized there was one more thing.
