On the other side of the partition, the team of service crews didn't fare that well either. The big boss, Edgar, who's used to giving out commands then let his subordinates fend for themselves is currently sitting leisurely with a cup of coffee on one hand and a tablet on the other.
While the princess in the kitchen had difficulty adjusting to the work hours of the commoners, this prince who was deprived of his royal status had no qualms at all after throwing out the phrase, "We only have one big group coming in. Get everything ready."
The three service crews who received a tablet showing a reservation for 30 pax at 12 PM: ...
(ಡ‸ಡ)
The barmaid, Sera, the oldest and most experienced of the crew let out a silent sigh. She has been working in the food and beverage industry for more than three years so naturally, she wasn't as flustered as Vivian and Joshua, who have zero experience. Thinking back to the absurd salary she was offered, she finally relented to the sudden responsibility that befell her.
She swiftly assigns the task of cleaning up and table arrangement to the two noobs then went back to the bar to run another check on her stocks. The restaurant might have been newly established, but she noticed the promotion of AE's on social media received quite a lot of exposure.
Mainly because of the videography...
Why? It's because of the number of good-looking people popping up here and there in the video...
While silently giving the glasses another wipe, Sera gave the whole establishment a once over absentmindedly. She first lands her gaze on the still leisurely sitting in the corner Edgar. Then move on to Vivian, who is vigorously wiping a stubborn stain on the french window. She then proceeds to assess Joshua, who is moving the table smoothly according to her instruction.
She placed the dry glass on a rack and proceeded to pick up another one to wipe. She then moves her gaze towards the kitchen. From the see-through glass, she saw Jake calmly chopping some vegetables. Gared is in his own zone as he performed a very professional-like knifework on the big chunk of meat in front of him. Reina is stirring a large pot while occasionally dumping some stuff in. And the mini boss, Aaron, taking a sip from a small spoon before nodding in satisfaction.
...
She took a calming breath and placed the glass on the rack again. Instead of picking up another one to dry, she turned her whole being to face the mirror behind her. She gave herself a once over then silently returns to her task.
She has never been a person who values her image. But that doesn't mean she didn't acknowledge that she has a good look. Working behind the bar, she has heard many compliments and grown accustomed to it. If any, she sometimes finds it a little unbearable. The amount of harassment she received from customers, she can't even count it even if she put all her fingers and toes together.
But right now, one particular comment on AE's social media page pops up in her mind.
[Is this really a restaurant?? Are you sure it's not a modeling agency????]
Sera: I'm starting to have second thoughts too...
It's not uncommon to hire good-looking people in some countries. But this is her first time seeing so much in one establishment. She silently praised her bosses for their good eyes and their ability to gather this many employees to gain an upper hand in this ever competitive industry.
One can satisfy their hunger and enjoy so much eye candy at the same time. Deep inside, she has conjured up a special menu, different from the one they serve in the restaurant.
[The cute fairy, Vivian.]
[The big puppy, Joshua.]
[The shy guy next door, Jake]
[The chef with a good hand works, Gared.]
[The lively sister, Reina.]
[The prince of a neighboring country, Aaron.]
[The elite manager, Edgar.]
She wasn't as conceited to include herself in the list. But if one has to describe her, it would be:
[The tsundere, Sera.]
*****
It was nine in the morning. Just one more hour before the opening of the restaurant. At this time, the kitchen door finally opened for the first time today. Aaron was carrying two large plates, followed by Jake, Reina, and Gared. Each carrying different sizes of plates and bowls to the table.
They each had a haggard look on their faces but that doesn't affect their face value at all. After setting up the table, Aaron called out to the service crews who are still pretending to be busy.
Five hours is more than enough to clean up the restaurant. It wasn't dirty in the first place, but Edgar insisted the service crew start working at the same time as the kitchen crew. While it's true they don't have much to do, they don't dare to slack off due to the presence of Edgar.
As a result, the restrooms were cleaned twice, the tables were wiped twice, the windows were wiped until it sparkles, the floor was mopped to the point one can see their own reflection on the tiles, and the bar was cleaned until it gives out a squeaky sound. And when they no longer have anything major to do, they started rummaging through the plates, bowls, and utensils, and have them cleaned and dried, twice.
The service crews: Why are we abusing ourselves this way...
Hearing the call of their savior, they finally let out a breath and walk up to the table. Only they know how much they want to run towards Aaron right now. They each took a seat and considerably left the seat next to the mini boss, Aaron, empty. Which then was taken by Edgar.
The dishes on the table is exuding a very fragrant aroma and the visual effect is enough to stir the hearts of the starving wolves on the table. Seeing their eager look, Aaron picked up the utensils and said with a smile, "Let's eat. We might not have enough time to have lunch later. So make sure you eat your fill now."
The clink-clanking of utensils soon followed after but the more receptive Sera had a bad premonition. She then asked, "But we only have one group reservation today?"
Hearing her inquiry, Aaron showed a confused expression. He then slowly turned his head to look at the culprit sitting next to him, asking in a low tone, "Have you update the reservation from the site?"
Edgar who's in the middle of scooping pasta into his plate paused. With a solemn face, he asked, "What reservation?"
The crews: ...
Aaron: Ah. I wasn't the only one struggling after falling from grace...