NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 289.2
Chapter 289.2. Preserved Foods
Konoha hung her head and blushed with embarrassment. She hadn’t thought it would be such a big deal. She had imagined, quite foolishly, that gathering people, preparing materials, and focusing on negotiations would be the main tasks.
“Heh. No need to worry. I have a brilliant plan!”
“A brilliant plan, you say?”
Disguised as Rei, Shizuku smirked coolly and revealed the secret plan.
“Let’s ask Serika-chan for help. When it comes to development, we should rely on the developers!”
People call it depending on others, but Shizuku said it so confidently that Konoha, impressed, was easily convinced. She was a good-natured, straightforward girl.
Serika smiled wryly, but it was true. Still, she thought they should have given it more thought. Shizuku wouldn’t remember people’s names if it wasn’t necessary, so Serika sighed, realizing Shizuku wasn’t cut out for middle management. She raised a finger and spoke up with an idea.
“Preserved food to supply to the Adventurers’ Guild. But this is meant to be bought by adventurers, so if it’s just food, it’ll be an eternal competition with other companies.”
“That’s true. There are always seasonal food releases, and trends come and go. While there are long-time popular products, adventurer food is something that’s just starting…”
Konoha realized Serika was right. Even if they had a few types of preserved food ready, if other companies brought out new, delicious food, they could lose. They could make the adventurers buy it forcibly through the guild, but that wasn’t their style. Without free competition, it was easy to predict that food wouldn’t be focused on taste.
“Free competition, huh? Well, if we go the normal route, we’d lose to food companies. After all, their know-how is different. A food company that just popped up would be finished in no time. Especially when it comes to preserved food.”
Shingen nodded in agreement with Serika’s point, sipping his drink. This girl must truly be the genius the rumors spoke of. Though she seemed a little absent-minded in front of Defense, he’d heard that she often outsmarted and profited from people. It seemed her reputation wasn’t exaggerated.
“So what do we do then? Are we going to have a cooking competition? If it’s a hamburger showdown, I’d love to try one wrapped in bread. I wonder if that’s really as delicious as they say?”
“No, that kind of competition is only in manga. In reality, we just release a new product or compete on price to crush the opposition. A restaurant might be saved if their food tastes better, but ‘happily ever after’ like in fiction only happens in fiction.”
After Rei added his own wish, Serika glared at him for adding unnecessary comments, then shook her finger to focus on the main point.
“So, we just need to make a profit in a place where other companies can’t compete. Simple, right?”
“A place where other companies can’t compete?”
Konoha tilted her head curiously. It was hard to imagine a situation where competition could be avoided in cooking.
“It’s not about cooking. We need something universally useful. And here’s what I’ve prepared.”
She signaled to the maid, who brought over a tray. It was placed on the table, and everyone leaned forward, eager to see what it was.
“A wooden box?”
On the table was a wooden box about the size of an A4 sheet. It was slightly taller than a packed lunch box. A simple magic circle was engraved on the lid. Serika picked it up and, as if it were a puzzle, easily disassembled it into six wooden boards.
“What’s this?”
Shingen raised his voice in confusion. The box looked like just a larger-than-usual box. Was this really preserved food? He and Konoha both looked puzzled, while Shizuku and the maid only asked for a second helping of food.
Since Shizuku understood the magic circle, she wasn’t surprised, so Serika decided to ignore her and explain to the others.
“This is a magical item to warm up preserved food. It can be used 100 times and creates a [heat retention] effect. The temperature is 60 degrees, and it lasts for three minutes. It keeps the contents warm so you can eat them. We’ll sell a crystal of the [Heat Infusion Apprentice] skill for 100,000. People who’ve learned that skill will make these warming tools.”
“An apprentice, huh… I thought it was just a useless skill crystal, but it seems it has its uses.”
The “apprentice” skill meant skill level zero. Serika had thought it would be a useless skill, but this unexpected application was intriguing. It was a bit of a trick, but clever.
“It’s a specialized skill, so even with a level zero skill, the magical item can warm things up for a few minutes. It’ll be about 60 degrees, though. It’s not great for heat retention, but it’s perfect for a microwave substitute when eating. I’ll sell it for 3,000 yen.”
“That makes sense. At that price, there won’t be any competitors, and other companies will probably start making preserved foods using this box. No, they definitely will. Having warm meals is very appealing.”
Though sales might be slow in the summer, Konoha was impressed, feeling the difference between her thinking and Serika’s. She realized the difference between a genius and a regular person.
“In three months, since it’s a training period, the salary will be half, but actually, we’ll front the cost for the skill crystal, so we’ll deduct that from the salary. The salary will be halved for three months.”
“This could sell in ordinary households. But, only 3,000 yen?”
“The base material is a wooden stick from Core Store. It’s a magical wood filled with magical power. Since the material is cheap, we can offer it at this low price.”
Serika spoke proudly, but Konoha understood it wasn’t just that. There would be equipment for processing the wood, and it was clear that Serika intended to sell it to regular households. It was certain to become a large market. Konoha was impressed, realizing that her skill might even surpass the famous Amano Sakimori.
Also, her mother would surely get excited about this idea. At first, Konoha had casually wished her well on making preserved food, but now, with the direction the conversation had taken, her mother’s expression would certainly change with excitement.
This was going to be tough, Konoha sighed, and Shingen grimaced, knowing things would get busy, while Serika smiled happily, clearly enjoying herself.
Shizuku and the maid were discussing what dessert to have, but Serika showed off her skill at ignoring them.