Oh? This is her relative?

Looking neat, not overly dressed.

Kind looking.

The kind of man that probably is peaceful.

[Hello there! Glad to finally meet you! Are you her brother?]

He looks a bit too young to be her father.

If he turns out to be I'll just say he looks very in shape.

"Something along the line. Why exactly do you want her to work here?"

[I need someone to be the link with the customers while I bake.]

"What can you offer her?"

[Hehe, the working environment is the best! It is very peaceful and safe!]

"Safe you say? What if someone tries to mess with her while you are baking?"

[This is exactly why we have a guardian beast! Wolfie, say hello!]

She lazily waves a paw.

"This…small wolf is the one protecting this shop?"

[She may not look like it, but she is very smart! If there is anything she'll get reinforcements.]

"What about you? How do you usually spend your days?"

[Mostly baking.]

"Right now you were out, right? Do you often leave the shop unattended? I'm asking for her sake of course."

[I understand! I was out running a small errand. I'm always coming back here every day, so I'll be able to help if there are any issues. Plus I still need to bake.]

"I see. How about we share a cup of tea while talking?"

[Why not haha.]

Thus we sit together.

I can feel it we are bonding already.

At some point, he gets out some sort of powder.

Apparently, it's a mix of sugar and spices.

One that brings out the flavor in the beverage.

He offers me some and I gladly accept.

It tastes like cinnamon to my delight.

At that point, I'm already impressed.

But that's when he brings out another powder satchel.

Then another one.

He keeps getting out new flavors.

He offers me to try some of each.

Before long I have tasted many flavors.

Honey, berries, maple syrup, lemon, mint, many others.

I can't believe how awesome that is!

I instantly ask him if he'd like to partner to bring me these spices.

I'm hyped about trying all-new cooking recipes with that.

He lightly refuses at first.

Then I keep pushing saying that I'll give him credit for sure.

I say that I can even name a pie after him directly.

I tell him about my dream to share my pies with the whole city.

To have everyone from children to adults to old men eat them.

He somehow shudders from excitement while picturing the scene.

At that point, I'm convinced he'll accept.

I tell him I can even hang a poster of him in our bakery.

You know as a thank you.

He promptly declines.

He seems so thrilled at the idea that he is still shaking.

But apparently all of the previous are really hard to get.

It is fine for personal use, but it would make one bankrupt in a big quantity.

Of course, I tell him that this is not an issue.

That I can start a premium pie only for the elite.

One that would use expensive ingredients.

Once more he seems excited, but he quickly turns me down.

It seems the issue is also the supply.

One cannot buy that in high quantity.

Something about it being a special blend made personally by an alchemist.

A shame but it's understandable.

I can understand the issue.

Not only are the ingredients hard to get, but that alchemist probably doesn't want to have his recipe stolen by automating the process.

Anyone could just barge into his workshop and steal everything.

I do ask him to tell his friend about me.

How I would like to make a deal with him.

That we can discuss everything further.

That I'll make it worth his time.

That I simply want to bake the best pies there is.

I tell him about my dream to eventually expand to the outside world.

While all of this is happening my new employee is looking over.

She seems baffled for some reason.

Did she expect this to go the wrong way?

Perhaps he just sensed my passion.

That would explain why he doesn't seem against her working here.

He probably is either a rich merchant or from a rich sect/family.

After all, it is the first time, I have seen such flavor additives.

I'm guessing most top-tier chefs must use some.

Like the food I ate at the Moon Keep or recently at that one merchant guild.

I feel like I'll have to diversify my recipes soon.

While great, my current pies are quite simple.

Well, there is a charm to that too.

Anyway, I assure him that his sister will be in good hands.

That we are one of the most respectable shops there is.

That we even have city hall people as our customers.

When I tell him that, he nods seriously.

Just when I am basking in the joy of a mission accomplished…

Comes a shout!

"How dare you taint this city with your abominations!"

What the hell?!

What is happening outside?

This is a bad time for a commotion!

I just finished convincing my interlocutor too.

[Excuse me a second, I'll be right back.]

Outside awaits me a lady covered from head to toe in white.

She is wearing some sort of veil.

A long robe.

That would usually seem elegant…

But right now she's screaming and pointing.

She seems to have a conflict with my two artist friends.

"You should be ashamed of yourselves! I'll have this place razed to the ground!"

[Wow, lady! What is happening?!]

"This place is owned by an outrageous bastard that should be put down with his shop that's what's happening!"

Meanwhile, some customers are crowding over to watch the show.

Including the brother that I just convinced.

So much for a peaceful bakery.

What is up with this timing?!

*Sigh*

Now is the time for me to show how calm and composed I can remain.

I make sure my tone is the friendliest.

I flash a bright and sunny smile.

I look at the lady directly into the eyes.

Then …

[Lady, I am the owner here.

If you have any concerns, I will calmly listen to them.

Now that said…

If you are simply here to cause trouble…

Then kindly shut the fuck up!]