章 205: [43.1] Not-so-Business Savvy
Felix and I stood side by side as we stared at the many paintings, artifacts, and sculptures we managed to obtain.
Felix asked, "Do you think the white marble overshadows the exhibits?"
I shook my head, "No. I think it screams 'look at how rich and elegant we are'. It's perfect for an art museum."
"And the wallpaper? Is it too busy?"
I shook my head, "I don't think so."
"And what about the-"
"-It's fine." Cyrus interrupted. He sat on a chair watching us as we both stared at the newly built art museum, "You two have been working nonstop for an entire week to make everything perfect. So why are you both dragging your feet and why won't you just open the museum already?"
Felix and I looked at each other.
Felix was the first to whine, "B-But what if it doesn't work and I have to close it down?"
I gasped, "What if no one comes?"
Cyrus pursed his lips, "Well no one is coming now since it's still closed."
Felix and I both groaned anxiously.
Cyrus stared at us both, "If you were both this hesitant, why wouldn't you wait until after the competition is over? You would both be able to focus on its success and you wouldn't have to worry about closing for the tests."
I waved my hand nonchalantly, "There's only a test every other month. What else would I do in the meantime?"
Felix added, "There are also more people in the Capital thanks to the competition. We can reach a wider audience if we open now."
Cyrus smirked, "Yeah. You're definitely reaching a wider audience right now."
I turned to Felix, "He's right. We should open."
Felix looked at me nervously, "Are you sure?"
I nodded, "We have to take the leap. Let's open."
Felix nodded with sudden courage, "Let's do it! How should we advertise our opening?"
I thought back, "Well… In my world, you would get cute girls in skimpy outfits to hand out brochures on the street."
Felix thought about it for a moment, "Would that really encourage people to come?"
Cyrus added, "I think skimpy outfits would bring the wrong crowd."
"Okay… Then we can have Caldwell make us matching uniforms that are elegant to show off how cultured we are."
Felix let out a sigh, "But will people actually come? No one seems eager about it."
I tried to think of more ideas, "We can also offer discounts. Everyone loves a good sale."
Cyrus smiled playfully, "Everyone? Or just you?"
I stuck out my tongue, "Everyone. It's basic marketing."
He chuckled and reached out to pat down my ruffled hair, "Yes, yes. It's not just you."
Felix tapped his chin as he thought, "I don't think high society will care about a discount, but if the lower class gets a discount and sees people of the high society coming to the museum, they may be more inclined to go. If we have individuals attend that everyone admires, that would be even better!"
"Oh? Who would that be?"
"The Headmaster, the King, Chief Gonza, and-" He paused and looked at me cautiously, "-Captain Lou."
My expression twitched.
I cleared my throat and looked away, "I think it would be easy for the Headmaster and Chief Gonza to attend."
Cyrus shook his head, "That wouldn't work. Those two are related to you so everyone would think you were just trying to use your familial connections and they wouldn't respect that. There's also no way the King would attend. He stays in the Palace and only leaves under special circumstances."
I started turning pale, "What are you saying?"
Felix forced a smile, "Only Captain Lou would work."
I changed the subject, "What about Marx? He invented teleportation and other fancy things I can't even pronounce."
Cyrus shook his head again, "That may be true, but he's a notorious hermit so they probably wouldn't even recognize him."
I added hopefully, "But don't hermits have an air of mystery and allure?"
"Maybe… If they didn't smell so bad."
I let out a groan.
Why did Marx have to be such a background character with no useful purpose?
Felix looked at me in pity, "I'm sorry Reika… Only Captain Lou is an option."
I shook my head, "I won't do it. I won't stoop that low."
Cyrus added, "I doubt he would help anyway."
"I doubt that." Felix playfully elbowed Cyrus, "If you asked, I bet he would do it. He seems to have a soft spot for you."
I narrowed my eyes, "And yet he hates me."
Felix reminded me softly, "You did get in a lot of trouble as a child."
I scoffed, "So? I was a child!"
Well…
Technically I was.
Cyrus rubbed my shoulders, "I think you can have a successful business without relying on anyone for help."
I nodded with a huff, "That's right. We can do it without him."
Felix nervously drummed his fingers, "Can we?"
I spoke confidently, "We can! Just watch. This time next week, our art museum will be packed full of people!"
…That same time next week…
Felix and I stood side by side wearing matching uniforms. The design was heavily influenced by my experience working at a previous museum. Felix wore a navy blue suit with a tie, and I matched him while wearing a pencil skirt and a blazer.
Felix collapsed to his knees and cried, "NO ONE IS COMING! Everyone was right! This IS a failure!"
I panicked, "No, no! Don't give up yet! We just opened! Give it a few hours!!"
…A few hours later…
Still, nobody came.
Felix was sobbing in the corner while Cyrus sat behind the security desk watching us. We could see people casting curious glances inside, before scurrying away quickly.
I looked over at Cyrus, "Art isn't illegal, right?"
He shook his head, "There isn't a law against it, but it isn't socially acceptable."
Felix hung his head with a sigh, "I knew this would happen…"
"Hey! Don't give up yet!" I jumped up with a large grin, "We will just have to change our focus."
Felix picked up his head glumly, "How so?"
I gave him a wink, "We will have to appeal to the younger generation."
"And how do we do that?"
I ran out waving my hand, "Just leave it to me!"
クリエイターの想い 
Nekoru
Nekoru I'm back again!!! Sorry, I'm late... I just finished editing this...
uwu
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット