video, un:charon

[notimeforfailure]

Good evening, all. I think this is what is termed a 'bandwagon.' However, as I imagine we will all be busy dead, dying, or in the process of resurrecting soon, I thought I had better commit before October.

I'm opening a bakery and sweets shop.

[Lysithea pans the camera to a table that is covered with pans filled with dozens of buns, cakes, and confections of different colors. It really looks extremely well done. One would imagine that Lysithea applies herself with the same intensity to any task she undertakes.]

Everything will be sourced from traditional Fódlan desserts, passed down through family histories and collected by hand in this book. I've realized that if I'm not the one who makes these treats, I'm... never going to taste them again. So I thought I should share.

[The view changes to an enormous tome currently open to a page titled Saghert and Cream in script prominently displaying a luscious picture of some kind of fruit and cream concoction. It really looks like this was drawn by hand.]

I'm baking from my room for now. If you want anything here, you can drop by or I'll bring it over. If you want delivery, you've got to get at least a dozen, because frankly, I'm not running all over town to give you one sweet bun. I'll open a proper location when it's not Death Month.

...Thanks.

[She signs off after a moment's awkward hesitation, as if she's not sure what to do next.]

[video pt 2, ten minutes later]

It's -- me again. Upon further reflection, I have no idea how to run a business, at all, apart from the portion where you confidently declare it in public.

I would... appreciate advice.

And help. If you are willing to be paid in cake.

Comments

[searingwing]

I would say there is a good twenty percent of business came from that. Mondstadt has a long standing drinking culture. Finding something no one has tried before or at least, something done a new way would always drawn attention there.

Festivals are good opportunity to observe and see what people go for and how. Helping out and trading labor for information during regular times will help you build connections for your business and provide information on what people are after.

Though, I imagine you’ll at least have a sustainable business from trading with your fellow Sleepers.

[notimeforfailure]

Experimentation...

[In some ways, this wasn't too different from studying magic. Baking was chemistry - a science, in many ways, relatable to magic. Multiple trials, experimentation, testing hypotheses, obtaining results.]

I thought I would start off safe with the recipes I know. But you're right; I'm sure people will find them stale with time. Perhaps I should investigate the current trends in Trench and adjust accordingly.

[Even in Fodlan, there were styles in the fashion of food that was served.]

What sort of business do you imagine yourself running here, then?

[searingwing]

A tavern. [He says without a shred of hesitation.] Food, wines when I have them, and entertainment to take people's minds off their troubles for a time.

Anyway, studying the trends and adjusting is good. And there's nothing wrong with having things that would be staples. It wouldn't hurt to offer temporary services such as delivery to areas you don't usually go to for special occasions.

You could use it as a time to test if you want to keep those services or find them not to your liking.

[notimeforfailure]

Oh? Perhaps when we're both better established, I can offer you some wares to serve in your tavern.

[Cake, in Lysithea's opinion, was equally good for taking people's minds off their troubles.]

But thank you for the guidance. I think it would be wise to establish what I can produce reliably and effectively first before I introduce any new additions. Perhaps there can be seasonal species - or rotating monthly offers. Collaborations with people from different worlds who would like to recreate their favorites...

At its heart, food is a way to create community, isn't it?

[She lapses into silence.]

My name is Lysithea, by the way. Lysithea von Ordelia.

[searingwing]

[He nods once as he reaches under the table he’s at. Diluc drops a notepad onto the table and writes something down.]

Food does bring us all together. [The pen goes back down and a faint smile graces his face.] Diluc Ragnvindr, and I would like a collaboration when we’re both more established. I’ve secured the space but the rest is taking time.

[He taps the notepad.] You have a good plan. It was my pleasure to assist. I look forward to seeing what you do.

[notimeforfailure]

I think I've got all sorts of ideas simmering now. It's almost exciting -- baking sweets was one of the reigning passions of my life, but the thought of actually bringing it to fruition as a career had never been possible.

I'll gather more questions as I think of them, if you don't mind me hounding you once or twice more in the future.

Thank you for your help, Diluc Ragnvindr.

[Her pronunciation of that name is almost correct.]

[searingwing]

I don't mind at all. Come to me with your questions whenever you like. If I'm away I'll respond when I can.

[He can't send messenger birds out like before. But these devices do seem to be useful for faster long-distance responses. He smiles just a little bit.]

I look forward to seeing what you come up with. I'll be sure to tell you when I get closer to opening The Roost.

[notimeforfailure]

Let me know if I may be of any help to you in your endeavor as well. Best of luck.

[And with a polite nod of her head, Lysithea will end the communications there.]