Returning the Favor III

The next day, Carolyn went downstairs to check on Margaret and her family before she headed to work. She found everyone except for Margaret busy inside the tavern. This was the first time she had seen all three of them working hard this early in the day, so she was reluctant to interfere, but Mila called out after noticing her.

"Carol, are you heading to work now?"

"Yes. I was just looking, but you all seem very busy."

"Yea, long story short, we made Ma rest, so I'm taking over in the meantime and I have some ideas I wanna test. I won't be changing the surface, but be prepared to find a new tavern when you come back."

Though she showed a brave grin, in Mila's eyes, Carolyn found both anticipation and anxiety. Despite her confident words, Carolyn could tell that Mila's heart was unsettled, but what else could she do besides offer empty words of encouragement? She had her own job to do and though she wished she was free, she couldn't abandon her position on such short notice. It was the first time since taking the position at the Continental Courier Service that she wished she was still unemployed.

"I see. I'll look forward to it."

Perhaps if Mila asked for her help, Carolyn would be reckless enough to skip work, but she couldn't bring herself to be so selfish without such an excuse. And so, with a smile as fake as Mila's, Carolyn left for work.

Her polite mask never fell even while working, but as he watched her, Rome could tell that something was wrong. Combine that with what he knew about the previous night's incident, and it was easy to deduce her issue.

"Carol, where are you on that summary I asked for?"

"Ah, it's eighty percent complete. I should be done before lunch."

"Good. Once you're done with that, you can take the rest of the week off."

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"

Carolyn could hardly believe what Rome just said, but she didn't think her ears were playing tricks on her either.

"I said, you can take the rest of the week off once you're done with that summary. You don't need to worry about your duties. I don't have any meetings planned and, to be honest, there's not much work for me to give you because you've already done everything I had piled up."

"Thank you for your consideration, but it's only the second workday of the week, Mr. Rome. Isn't it too early to make such a decision?"

Carolyn didn't know where this suggestion came from, but as a conscientious employee, she couldn't simply accept a vacation at such a strange timing.

Seeing that she wouldn't back down without a good excuse, Rome shook his head and spoke honestly.

"I can tell that you've been worried about something since I came in. It's about what happened to Boss Margaret, isn't it?"

"..."

"I'm not blaming you. I'm worried too, but knowing her, she would just be upset if I tried to visit. That's why, for both of our sakes, I want you to stay at the inn and help them through this. So Carol, can you do that for me?"

"I..."

On this day, the Wild Boar Inn had a different atmosphere once it opened. The inn usually had slow traffic while the sun was up, but many regulars paid the inn a visit this time. Rumours about Margaret's collapse had spread and her absence from the tavern basically confirmed it. It wouldn't have been strange for the inside of the tavern to resemble a wake, but it was the opposite.

"One Jumbo Fries Set and two mystery cocktails!"

"Alright!"

Though only two hours had passed since the tavern opened, the collar of Mila's blouse was already soaked in sweat. With Margaret absent from waitress duty, Mila had to work hard enough for both of them. If it was a normal morning, then Mila could have handled it with relative ease, but her new ideas had caused an explosive rise in both regular and new customers.

Mila had been taught the way of the trade by her mother, but with an unyielding desire to make the inn flourish, Mila had visited other inns, restaurants, and bars for ideas that she could use. After much research, she had crafted several plans to develop the inn, but even with the growing pressure of taxes, Margaret had never agreed to let her try them. Now however, Mila could finally make the changes she envisioned.

To test the waters, she started with two of her ideas: the introduction of set meals and alcoholic cocktails with random flavours. A set meal was a combination of multiple menu items that typically cost less that the sum of those menu items, and was a standard tactic used by restaurants with many branches that targeted commoners. In exchange for a drop in profit for each set meal, Mila foresaw an increase in sales.

As for her second plan, all the random cocktails would be palatable, but even Marco had thought it was dubious to offer a drink that might not match the taste of the customer that ordered it. However, the rising taxes and closing businesses opened the way for the bait they needed to get customers to bite. By negotiating with closing bars and liquor stores, Mila was able to get many bottles of rare and prestigious liquor for much cheaper than their market price. By advertising this with a couple flyers and a sign outside the inn, and setting the price for the mystery cocktail to be slightly above a normal mug of beer, they could get customers who couldn't normally afford these rare liquors to loosen their money pouches. And the fact that Marco was a trained bartender meant he could make a good cocktail, even with cheap liquor, so they could choose when to use the expensive bottles.

At first the customers were hesitant, but by giving the first few free samples, good word of mouth took care of the rest.

Both of her plans involved discreetly guiding customers to pay more than they normally would, with her second plan being borderline gambling. But this was business, not a charity. She was taking a risk by introducing these plans, so she couldn't afford to be generous. While she admired her mother and didn't plan on letting a customer waste themselves away, she had no obligation to hold their hands as they made a purchase.

Mila was glad that her ideas were showing signs of success, but the workload was more than expected. If it was before, Marco could have helped serve, but Mila's new ideas forced him to be stationed behind the bar top.

"Where's my sandwich?"

"Coming right up!"

By having him prepare the most popular dishes in advance, Rod could stay on top of the cooking, but serving was a bottleneck. If her plans were successful, then they could hire an additional waitress, but that would only be possible if she could make it through the first few days. She didn't let the sting of sweat falling into her eyes stop her from distributing plates and cups, but the lunch rush had yet to begin and she was already close to her limit. The regulars would be more lenient, but she couldn't afford to discourage new customers with slow service.

'I was only able to get this opportunity by forcing Ma to step down, but at this rate, it'll all go down the drain.'

Perhaps if she had time to think, then she would be able to come up with a strategy to overcome the lack of staff, but there was no moment to spare for even a sigh.

"Two Chicken Sandwich Combos ready!"

"I'll be right-"

"I'll take it. What table?"

"Uh... Table 6. Second row from here, by the wall."

Marco answered with confusion in his tone, and Mila couldn't blame him when she saw who took the tray from him. Wearing Margaret's apron and using a black ribbon to lock her hair into a simple bun, Carolyn took the tray to the table Marco pointed out and then turned to face Mila.

"Waitress Carol, ready for work."

Many things flashed through Mila's mind but, not even a second could be wasted so she stuck to one line.

"It'll get more busy from here. Follow my lead."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Carolyn had no experience being a waitress, but as long as she knew where to go, serving tables was simple. Once she saw that Carolyn had become more familiar with serving, Mila focused on taking orders and cleaning tables. Their collaboration wasn't as good as when Mila and Margaret worked together, but Carolyn was a quick learner so she could handle the basics well enough that Mila had few complaints.

The lunch rush tested their stamina and quick thinking, but the two were able to make it through with record-breaking sales to show for it. Shortly after the lunch rush, the traffic slowed down enough for the two to move at a leisurely pace. Both of their tops had been soaked with sweat, but there was a sense of accomplishment beneath their fatigue. When she looked at Carolyn as she wiped a table, Mila asked one of the first questions that had been on her mind.

"Carol, I can't thank you enough and I'll compensate you for your work, but why are you here? What about your job?"

"Mr. Rome was kind enough to let me come back here. I went to meet Miss Margaret as soon as I returned, but she told me you needed my help and lent me her apron."

It seemed like a prank by fate that she would be pushed into the job that she had resolved to surrender, but even then Carolyn hadn't been sure if she would be up to the task given her previous awkward behaviour in the tavern. However, as soon as she stepped in and saw the distress on Mila's face, her fear could no longer hamper her steps.

"Ma..."

Learning that Margaret had been the one to send Carolyn to them gave Mila mixed feelings, but ultimately, she was thankful.

'If Ma's on my side, then there's no way I can fail here!'