After we found out that Saya was going to awaken her Mage power, according to Cirius she would became powerful Mage, if she trained.
I thought it would be great if Saya learned magic, the thing is she need to go to the tower of mages to learn a to control, manage her power and to became powerful.
She was very reluctant to leave the family behind, to follow into the unknown.
For me it meant she would be safe from the famine. For the rest of the family it meant they would not see her for a long time.
Anyways... our cupcakes were a success, people were eager for more, we stopped selling them for now, we managed to save some money, the family was finally eating well for the first time.
However the money we made would eventually run out, I had to make more to help the family for when the famine came.
However I had to make a more serious planning.
We already had the next approach, cupcakes with fruit fillings.
I had to analyze our pricing, costs, and market potential. After a thorough evaluation, I had thought several alternative approaches, that could potentially increase our profits and secure our livelihood.
Firstly, I though focusing on increasing our average selling price per cupcake.
It would be better to create premium flavors or offering special designs that could justify higher prices. By targeting customers who were willing to pay more for unique and delicious cupcakes, we could increase our profit margin.
Secondly, I needed to find a place to sell, instead of using just a cart.
However, to rent a place at the main street where everything was very expensive, was a big no no.
Some places were asking 20 golds per week, I couldn't even breath just reading the pricing list, it was completely outrageous, rich people drawning in gold while the poor are... just drawning.
With the cart we could only sell maximum of 300 cup cakes per journey. Last time we did sell each for 90 pins. We made 27000 pins.
It sounds lot but in the end was about 90 silver coins, we didn't even manage to make one gold coin.
I need to start exploring different locations where the rental costs might be more affordable.
Maybe if I look into smaller streets or even considering a shared space arrangement with another business to split the costs, it could help, save some coins.
Additionally,I need to build a strong brand identity and establishing a loyal customer base. This would enable us to charge higher prices and ensure consistent sales.
Lastly, diversification. Instead of solely relying on selling the cupcake we need to expand our product line to include other baked goods or even offering catering services for events and parties. Tea parties are very popular in this era, so if we could be offering that service this would not only attract more customers but also increase our revenue streams.
"That's what I have been planning, so far. Any side notes Mr. Cirius?"
"I.. I don't understand why you came to me, you seem to have everything well thought out. And most of those words are just too fancy for me. I am not merchant, or business man. But
I guess you just need to put the plan in motion."
"I need more than that, I can't keep depending on your good grace, I need to buy resources, but this kingdom is very expensive, to buy anything. How they expect to people to survive is a wonder."
He nodded and understood my frustration with the high costs in the kingdom.
"You're right, the expenses in this kingdom can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses like yours. It can make it challenging to acquire the necessary resources."
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing.
"Maybe you should consider finding alternative ways to get your resources. Sometimes, different regions or towns offer better prices or have more affordable options. Explore nearby areas and markets to find better deals."
He looked thoughtful for a moment and then added, "You can also consider forming partnerships or joining a cooperative ...."
"Oh my..yesss why didn't I think that before." I stood very excited for the new ideas that formed in my brain. " You can open portals to other places, and towns right?"
Mr. Cirius frowned."Well it would be a quick journey to check how the prices are, without taking in weeks."
"I am not a travel business man, I am a Mage."
"Please Mr. Cirius" he didn't looked convinced. " I will bring Saya with us, and convice her to practice with you."
His eyes beamed in excitement.
*
The next day as promised I brought Saya with me, I told her more or less what I intended to do.
As we arrived Mr.Cirius house, he gifted us with cloaks.
Saya looked like a mage with the cloak on. "We are not going anywhere strange, right big sister?" I guess what she was really asking was if I was sending her to the mage tower.
"It will be fine, trust me. " I told her.
" Well I guess it wouldn't hurt, for Saya to learn how to do this in case I am away."
"I thought she hadn't awake her magic yet." I asked confused, could she still learn magic without awakening her power??
"Is okay she can still learn and perform some magic tricks, but she will be able to powerfully used it after she awakens, truth be told maybe she manages to awaken it faster, by learning somethings."
Without more delays Cirius opened a Portal we could see the see, people walking, children playing. He stood beside the Portal, making a way for us to cross.
As we crossed the portal, a rush of energy enveloped us. The sensation was both exhilarating and unnerving as if we had stepped into a different realm.
The landscape before us was unfamiliar, with vibrant colors and architecture unlike anything we had seen before.
Saya clung to my hand tightly, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension. I gave her a reassuring smile, assuring her that everything would be alright.
Mr. Cirius gestured for us to follow him as he led the way through the bustling market square.
The air was filled with the aroma of spices, the sounds of haggling merchants, and the lively chatter of locals going about their daily lives. It was a stark contrast to our own kingdom.
We approached a vendor selling various ingredients and resources that I needed for my cupcake business. The prices were noticeably lower than what I was accustomed to back home.
With Mr. Cirius as our guide, he helped me find merchants, that I could negotiate with, however I felt like I should have brought Kira with me, she seemed to be street smart, she had quick thinking and some good skills in persuasion.
We managed to secure a deal that would significantly reduce the cost of acquiring the resources I required.
Throughout the day, we explored different areas of this new place, visiting various towns and markets. Each place had its own unique offerings and prices, allowing us to assess which locations would be most favorable for sourcing our resources.
As the sun began to set, we returned through the portal, back to Mr. Cirius's house. We were exhausted but filled with a sense of excitement and possibility.
Saya, who had been quiet for most of our journey, finally spoke up, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"Big sister, can I really learn to do this too? To open portals and explore different places? It was amazing!"
I looked at her with a mix of pride and affection.
"Yes, Saya, you can."
Saya beamed with excitement, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope for our future.
"Big sister, if learn we can get the goods ourselves every time we need it."
"Good, you can leave me out of this mess." Mr.Cirius said between his teeth almost like in a whisper but I could hear it, I couldn't help but to giggle.
" I am going to make some tea." Saya said leaving the room.
"Now that you will be free from helping us, Mr.Cirius what are you planning to do?" He looked at me with curious eyes, somehow I got uncomfortable.
"I don't think I will get rid of you so soon, I still have to teach Saya a few things, opening portals is just one of those." He said sitting back in his chair. "And you what will you do once you finish, doing all this ?"
"What do you mean, what else can I do, I am just a lowly peasant who were lucky enough to find a Mage, that helped me most of the time." I smiled awkwardly it felt like he was trying to read my mind, but to be honest my mind was like a desert, nothing was happening, there.
"What about Damion?" He said with his elbows on the chair arm, his hands in front of his mouth.
"What about it?" My heart sank, I have been avoiding thinking about him, so I don't get depressed.
The truth is, he is at this moment marching towards his death, and I couldn't do anything to stop or help.
"Hmmm." He mumbled
"Would it be possible...?? Maybe this is ridiculous." I said.
"Go on.." he said like he knew what I was about say.
"Is it possible for you to open a portal where he is right now??" He grinned.
"Well yes it is, but.... I wouldn't dare take you there... I actually value my life ." He said the last part almost in a whisper, I still could hear it.
"No ... No ... I wouldn't dare to go, but it would be possible for you to bring him a letter?"
"I have some tea." Saya suddenly entered the room with the tea, serving us.
He nodded with a smile. Even though I said I would like to send him a letter I, could think what I could say to him, we parted ways in a very bitter undertone, I wasn't sure if he angry at me or not.