Snowy Sweetness: Prologue
Overview
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Guide
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Story Script
NXX Conference Room
As the last of the four seasons, winter marks the conclusion of the year and represents the arrival of an important holiday in Stellis — the Winterwish Festival.
Perhaps due to the howling winter wind outside, residents always look forward to the relaxing and warm festival, and that is especially true for children.
The saying "If it snows on the Winterwish Festival, your wish is sure to come true" has stoked their excitement since the beginning of winter.
Marius: *sigh*... Looks like it's not going to snow on the Winterwish Festival this year either...
Marius looks at the results on his tablet and sighs.
Vyn: Oh? How unexpected for you to have such a wish. I thought you were too old for that.
Vyn wears a playful expression, clearly teasing Marius.
Luke: Yeah, that's quite the innocent wish.
Luke: But it rarely snows in Stellis, so it's normal for it not to snow during the Winterwish Festival too.
Even Luke joins in on the teasing.
Artem: Seems like Pax must've made another big move lately — something to do with the Winterwish Festival, for you to be concerned about whether it'll snow.
Marius nods, his expression making it obvious that Artem saw right through him.
Marius: Yeah, look how sharp Artem is. Unlike you two...
The two "accused" men shrug their shoulders indifferently. You are the only one watching the "drama" you've seen many times before with amusement.
Marius: The philanthropic organizations in Stellis are working with several companies to hold a pop-up café charity event this year.
Marius: Senior management from each company were invited to work independently for set periods in the cafés. Ultimately, all proceeds earned will go toward public welfare programs.
Marius: And to make things more interesting, they're going to compare everyone's profits in real time.
Marius: The store that earns the most revenue at the end will get a mysterious surprise.
Marius pauses, looking at you with a sly smile in his eyes.
Luke: You were invited to participate, and the event will come to a close on the day of the Winterwish Festival. So if it snows, it will be the cherry on top of victory...
Luke: That's what you're thinking, right?
Luke summarizes Marius' thought process in just a few words, and Marius snaps his fingers, nodding.
Luke: You're pretty confident, assuming you're going to win first place before the competition has even begun...
After listening to their conversation, Vyn looks at you thoughtfully.
You: What is it, Dr. Richter?
Vyn: [Player], are you going to take part in that event?
You: Huh?
Vyn guessed correctly. Marius has sent you an invitation long before today's meeting.
You thought it sounded fun, so you gladly accepted.
However, you were simply listening to their conversation just now, so you're not sure how Vyn came to that conclusion.
But since he asked, you decide to come clean.
You: Marius told me about the event before, and I have nothing to do lately because of the Winterwish Festival...
You: The event is for charity, and running a store sounds like fun, so I agreed to do it with him.
As soon as you finish speaking, the other three look at Marius with an unspoken understanding.
Although Marius is still looking at you, when he realizes everyone is staring at him, he sits upright and clears his throat, embarrassed.
Marius: Ahem...
You: So... how did you know, Dr. Richter?
Vyn: Just some simple deduction...
Vyn: When Marius mentioned the event just now, you did not seem surprised, as if you had already heard about it.
Vyn: And...
Artem finishes Vyn's sentence, complete with his mocking tone.
Artem: And... we all know Marius too well.
Artem: He wouldn't let you miss such an interesting event.
Marius shakes his head, his expression full of resentment, then sighs again.
Marius: You're right, but I'm guessing...
Marius: Right now, you're probably all thinking that this event sounds fascinating, and you don't want to miss it.
Vyn: Yes, seems like you were already prepared for that outcome. Can I join the two of you?
Vyn said "the two of you," but he looks at you, clearly only interested in your opinion.
You: Of course. The more the merrier.
Luke: In that case, it's time for me to show what I can do.
Artem: Me too. I don't have any plans for the Winterwish Festival either.
You: Ah, then it looks like this will be an NXX Investigation Team effort!
You: We can all celebrate the Winterwish Festival together!
Artem: When does the event start? We can do some preparation ahead of time.
You: It might be too late for that. It starts tomorrow...
Even after learning that time is tight, Artem isn't too surprised. He asks about the next steps.
Artem: Tomorrow? Why don't we go to the café first and have a look?
You: All right, Marius and I planned to head over after the meeting.
Vyn: I see...
The other three all look at Marius again, and the relaxed atmosphere becomes tense again.
Marius seems already used to this kind of thing, and he raises his hands as though admitting defeat.
Marius: All right, all right, let's go. I'll drive...
With wry amusement, everyone obediently follows Marius to the car.
Cafe
The location that Marius is assigned to is quite nice, seeing as it's close to the NXX Headquarters and a number of commercial streets.
In addition to its great location, it is also fittingly decorated for the Winterwish Festival, giving it a festive atmosphere.
Marius: Not bad. Looks like this is going to be a breeze.
Just as you are about to check what kind of equipment is available in the café, someone comes out from the back kitchen.
Store Manager: Mr. von Hagen, you're here. And these are...?
Marius: Hi, they're all my friends. They're going to be running this store with me starting tomorrow.
Store Manager: I see...
You all briefly introduce yourselves.
Store Manager: Call me Mr. Schmidt — I'm the manager of this café. Nice to meet you all.
Store Manager: I'm assuming Mr. von Hagen has already filled you in, so I won't go over everything once more.
Store Manager: That said, the organizers have prepared some free materials to motivate everyone...
Store Manager: You all just need to complete some simple challenges to earn them.
After speaking for a while, the manager pauses for a moment before continuing.
Store Manager: I just got an important message, so I'll leave you to it. Let me know anytime if you need anything.
He nods politely, turns, then leaves. After watching him go, you turn to Marius.
You: Huh? Didn't you say we'd be working independently?
Marius: Yeah, we are, but it's a competition. So an objective third party needs to act as a supervisor.
Marius: He'll check out our daily profits, take care of various expenses, and give us some suggestions when needed.
Luke: So... you said we'd be running the café, but we're actually just here to work part-time?
Marius reassuringly pats Luke on the shoulder with a cunning expression.
Marius: Oh, don't say it like that. We'll have a lot of freedom.
Artem and Vyn head straight into the back kitchen, and the rest of you follow.
Artem: Let's see what kind of equipment they have, then we can split up the work.
The first thing that catches your eye is a row of clean and sparkly coffee equipment.
Aside from the basics, the rest of the equipment is so complicated that you cannot make heads or tails of it at all. You can only look on in wonder.
Luke: Not bad. A coffee machine, a grinder, a cream dispenser... Yup, everything we need...
While Luke carefully checks all the devices you don't even recognize, the four of you can only stand off to the side and watch him.
Luke: What are you guys doing, watching me like that?
Marius: I'm just a little curious — how do you know so much about coffee equipment?
Luke: A lot of jobs require disguises, and you can't go wrong with a barista.
Luke: I learned how to use all of this stuff and got my barista certification to make working on cases easier.
Luke's simple explanation leaves you surprised, so you just nod and pat him on the shoulder like Marius did.
You: You're just full of surprises, aren't you, Luke?
You: Looks like you should have no problem taking care of the drinks.
Luke looks at you all smugly, as if he is a professional barista.
Luke: No worries. Just leave it to me!
After handling the question of the drinks, you all take a look at the beautiful desserts and small meals situated in the display case.
Artem: I just had a look at the dishes on the menu, and it doesn't seem too difficult. I can take care of the small meals.
You: As someone who's tasted Mr. Wing's cooking before, I have to admit our future customers are in luck.
Marius: Oh... Does that mean you can take care of our staff meals too?
Marius' words pierce straight into your heart, and you can't help but look at Artem, your gaze full of anticipation.
Artem: Ahem...
The corners of his lips slowly turn upward, but the tips of his ears are somewhat red. He clears his throat softly.
Artem: Yes, of course...
While you are talking, Vyn is looking over the desserts in the glass display case.
You: Dr. Richter, is there a problem?
Vyn: Not at all. I was just wondering how I could improve upon these desserts.
Luke: Ah, I almost forgot there's a master pastry chef among us.
Vyn: Using the word "master" might be exaggerating it...
You: Not at all! I still remember the Mont Blanc cake you made for us after that meeting. That flavor...
Artem: Yeah... it was really delicious...
Even Artem responds out loud, causing Vyn to adjust his glasses and laugh.
Vyn: Since you have spoken so highly of me... it would be quite "uncooperative" for me to refuse now.
Vyn: All right then, I will handle the desserts.
You: Great! Then all the food work is divided up.
You: But... what should I do?
You look around and spot the currently empty dining area, and an idea pops into your head.
You: I'll handle orders, waiting on customers, and cleaning.
Marius, who has been silent the entire time, is suddenly energized after hearing what you have to say.
Marius: Waiting on a whole store all by yourself will be too tiring. Why don't I...
He suddenly pauses, squeezing out a slightly embarrassed smile as he looks at the others.
Marius: I mean... the Winterwish Festival is just around the corner, so... it would be a big draw if we made some holiday-themed ice cream.
Marius: Of course...
Marius: If [Player] needs help, I'm happy to lend a hand.
You: Sure. From now on, we'll all need to help each other out.
Marius gives you a meaningful smile, then raises his eyebrows and changes the topic.
Marius: Now that the work is all assigned, let's think of a name for our café.
Artem: A catchy and profound name will leave a lasting impression on customers, which will be better for business.
Luke: Right. We need a name that makes people want to visit as soon as they see it.
Vyn: Do not forget that the Winterwish Festival is coming up. We would be remiss not to include a festive element.
As everyone is discussing, a simple and catchy name gradually takes form in your mind.
You: Hmm... I have an idea.
Vyn: What is it?
You: We all know that people in Stellis see the Winterwish Festival as the "Day of Miracles."
You: That's where the saying, "If it snows on the Winterwish Festival, your wish is sure to come true," comes from.
Everyone nods, seemingly agreeing with your statement.
You: So why don't we call it "Wishful Cafe"? It's nothing fancy, but it's simple, catchy, and related to the Winterwish Festival.
You: More importantly, isn't the purpose of our café to fulfill people's wishes?
You: And it's my wish to spend the Winterwish Festival with all of you.
Vyn: Wishful...
Vyn repeats the word softly, looking at you with tenderness in his eyes.
Vyn: It is a great name. You have my vote.
Artem: You're right. It's also my wish to spend Winterwish Festival with you... all.
Marius: Yeah, it's a good name. I'm going to ask for your opinion on names if Pax releases any new products in the future.
Luke looks at everyone, full of passion.
Luke: Then... Wishful Café will officially open tomorrow!
As you watch the pedestrians coming and going outside the window, your heart is full of anticipation.
Will everyone like Wishful Café?
But no matter what, regardless of whether it snows on the Winterwish Festival...
Working with everyone in NXX is destined to be an unforgettable experience.
Summary
