The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel-Chapter 223: Normal Operations - 2

“Alright! As you all know, starting today we’re officially open for business.”

The long-awaited day of Daseogak’s full reopening. Before the employees began their tasks, I stood before the work-study students to go over some announcements.

“Yesterday, you were all shown where you’ll be working.”

Standing there talking to the staff like this really makes me feel like a proper boss.

The old Daseogak had the feel of two passionate young people continuing the family business alongside elderly employees.

“Main floor display, organizing duty, printing room—just follow what you were shown. Those assigned to the second floor, come with me for further instructions.”

Especially you, Im Ha-yeon. I was about to lead the second-floor staff upstairs when one of the first-floor employees called out to me.

“Manager! If we make a mistake, will there be penalties?”

There are, of course. Deductions during the evaluation for Outstanding Work-Study Student, and if it’s a serious enough screw-up, reduced pay or even dismissal.

Should I tell them that?

No. Even if I bring it up later, now’s not the time for that kind of statement.

“It’s only natural to make mistakes at the beginning. If something goes wrong, don’t stress—report it quickly, and let’s work to reduce errors.”

I looked at the visibly anxious staff with a warm smile.

They’re all new anyway. Better they make some mistakes and learn properly than do nothing out of fear.

“We’ll do our best!”

Only then did their tense expressions ease, and they all greeted me in unison.

Looks like I’ll be insanely busy for a while. Until Daseogak stabilizes, even ten bodies wouldn’t be enough.

After instructing the first-floor employees to prep for opening, I headed upstairs and immediately called for Im Ha-yeon.

“Young lady Ha-yeon, you’ll be in charge of the display and organization.”

Well, more precisely—you’re in charge of looks.

If two PC cafés had the same performance, you’d still go to the one with the pretty staff, right?

Putting someone like Im Ha-yeon in charge of Daseogak’s front—not just a typical beauty, but someone who looks straight out of a martial arts dating sim—is basically cheating.

“Display? I thought I’d be assigned to tea service.”

Im Ha-yeon responded, surprised.

“Tea is handled by young lady So-so.”

You’re in charge of looks.

“I’ll do my best!”

So-so, with her baby-faced features and lingering roundness, raised one hand energetically in response.

In contrast, Im Ha-yeon looked at me with a face full of sulking dissatisfaction.

“Young lady Ha-yeon, when you’re at the display, don’t look at customers the way you look at me. Greet them with a smile when taking orders.”

“When did I ever look at you with a sulking face?”

“Then smile for me.”

“......”

Told you to smile. Look at that pout—her lip’s sticking out a mile.

“Save the face like you’re about to eat someone for people causing trouble on the second floor. That’s also part of your organizing duties.”

Daseogak always needs a chaos eraser.

Since Im Ha-yeon knows martial arts, I told the other staff to report to her first if I’m not around.

“Wow! Unni, you really know martial arts?”

“A martial artist! Young lady Ha-yeon is a martial artist?!”

“Can I take over the tea duty instead? I’m really good at brewing tea.”

Im Ha-yeon, clearly unhappy with her assignment, tried to negotiate with me.

Fair enough. Tea brewing is one of the essential skills for a courtesan, so she’s probably confident in it.

“Young lady So-so is the perfect fit.”

Nope. Not switching. Not even considering it. Give up already. I firmly shook my head.

“That’s right, unni! I’m good at tea too!”

So-so responded with a cheerful face to the grumpy Im Ha-yeon.

“Everyone’s been assigned according to what they’re good at.”

“But wouldn’t brewing tea get you higher points for Outstanding Work-Study Student?”

Im Ha-yeon looked at me anxiously as she asked.

Ah, so that’s what this is about. The evaluation.

Like baristas making coffee, brewing tea definitely requires skill. You’re not just throwing a teabag in hot water.

From her perspective, tea brewing is like a skilled culinary job, while display work is just grunt labor—like being a low-level clerk.

“We don’t discriminate over things like that. You’ve simply been assigned to what you’re good at.”

“Then obviously I should be—”

I said we’re not discriminating. Geez, she won’t let it go.

Look in the mirror. Does it benefit Daseogak more to have you brewing tea facing a wall, or smiling at the front desk?

“Since you don’t seem convinced, both of you go brew a cup.”

I pointed to the tea station behind the display counter.

“...Fine.”

“Unni, I’m really good. Just watch.”

The two of them headed to the tea-brewing station and immediately began selecting tea leaves.

“What’s wrong with these leaves?”

Im Ha-yeon opened a canister and frowned.

They’re not high-end leaves, but they’re good value. This isn’t some luxury teahouse—Daseogak’s modest selection is plenty.

“Hmm hmm~”

Meanwhile, So-so happily hummed as she began brewing.

“Here you go.”

“Here it is!”

Both of them served their cups almost simultaneously.

Speed’s good from both. So now, it comes down to taste.

“Oh...”

“It’s the same tea, but the taste is different?”

“So-so’s tea tastes better.”

Anyone could tell hers was better.

“No way! I brewed mine by the book!”

Im Ha-yeon looked shocked, eyes wide in protest.

“Want to try it?”

“Give me that. ...No way.”

After tasting So-so’s tea, Im Ha-yeon muttered in disbelief, like she’d walked into a trap.

“Heehee. My mom used to run a small teahouse here in Yichang.”

Which is exactly why I made her the tea lead.

“Those were definitely low-quality leaves.”

“Tea isn’t to blame. With high-grade leaves, the textbook way is fine. But with these, you need to read the condition and adjust accordingly.”

“Ugh...”

“Any more complaints?”

You get it now? That’s the difference between textbook and adaptability. I asked plainly, watching Im Ha-yeon’s defeated expression.

“...Fine. I lost.”

Im Ha-yeon admitted, lowering her head in reluctant acceptance.

“Tea is young lady So-so’s duty. Young lady Ha-yeon will handle the display and organizing. Everyone else, continue as instructed yesterday.”

The second-floor tasks are what make Daseogak different from other bookstores. I gave the rest of the staff special instructions to be extra attentive upstairs.

“Losing over tea... I studied for years...”

Was the shock that bad? Im Ha-yeon slumped, muttering to herself in a voice only martial artists could hear.

“Young lady Ha-yeon.”

Chin up. You’re naturally suited for thievery, not tea. It just wasn’t your calling.

I held back the words that might turn her into a runaway employee and called her instead.

“Why are you... calling me.”

She looked up at me, flinching as if bracing for a scolding.

“I liked your tea too. Once we bring in higher-grade tea, I’ll ask you to handle it then.”

I gave her a supportive smile, trying to show she didn’t need to take it too hard.

“Ugh! ...Alright. I’ll make it way better once we get proper tea!”

Maybe realizing my expression was meant to encourage her, Im Ha-yeon covered her face with one hand and, voice newly resolute, returned to the front counter.

“Haha. I’ll look forward to it then.”

Already checking in on employee morale, huh. At this rate, I’m gonna end up winning some Model Boss of the Year award or something.

-----------

“Daseogak has reopened!”

People began gathering right as morning opening time hit.

“That smell of standing in a forest of books—this really is Daseogak!”

“Feels like I’ve come home!”

“Members of the Daseogak Society! Welcome, everyone!”

Never thought seeing my regulars’ faces again would actually make me feel like I was home.

I stood at the entrance, warmly greeting the first customers of Daseogak’s reopening.

“Manager Kang! I’m so glad you’re safe!”

“Were you hurt at all?”

“Your limbs look fine, but you’re not suddenly going to cough up blood or start limping, right?”

“Hahaha. I’m fine. Please head up to the second floor.”

“I see some unfamiliar faces.”

The Daseogak Society members pointed discreetly at the employees [N O V E L I G H T] and asked me.

“They’re the new staff at Daseogak. The previous employees have retired.”

“That so? Well, they were getting on in years. So I suppose you hired with the idea of ‘new wine in new bottles,’ huh?” 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

“Haha. I’d have liked to keep the veterans, but I think Daseogak growing busier made them feel burdened.”

“Fair enough... Wait! Manager Kang. Those young ladies—don’t tell me they’re employees too?”

“Welcome!”

“Haha. Yes, they’re our newly hired staff.”

The Daseogak Society members were visibly surprised by the employees greeting them on the second floor.

Well, it’s understandable. They’re beautiful—even I have to admit that.

“Daseogak’s blooming with flowers now!”

“These are the kinds of beauties you’d only see working at a high-end teahouse!”

“High-end? That young lady at the display counter is beyond that.”

“What do you mean by—wait, what?!”

All their eyes locked on one young lady at once.

“Haha. Young lady Ha-yeon does have exceptional looks.”

“So her name’s young lady Ha-yeon, huh?”

“I’ll be right back—I need to pop home for a second.”

“Why’s that?”

“I left in such a rush I don’t think I washed my hair.”

“I’m going to order from young lady Ha-yeon!”

“You bastard! Out of my way!”

The Daseogak Society members all rushed to the display to get a closer look at Im Ha-yeon’s face.

What a response. This is why you hire beauties in customer service.

That’s also why, whenever I worked part-time in service, I did things like kitchen duty or deliveries—any job where my face wouldn’t be seen.

“Scholar Son, aren’t you going?”

While reminiscing about my bittersweet past, I turned to see Scholar Son standing there blankly.

What’s wrong with him? I expected him to freak out in his usual dramatic, stingy fashion, but instead, he was clutching his chest.

“M-Manager Kang...”

Scholar Son clutched his heart with a pained expression and stepped toward me. What the hell? Is he sick?

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“I... I think I’ve fallen in love.”

You little—

“If you start hitting on staff during business hours, I’ll ban you from Daseogak.”

I declared coldly, with a stern expression.

“Urgh... So this is where our friendship ends? Even I have to get married someday, don’t I?”

“Then bring it up with your matchmaker or your parents.”

“Aren’t we lifelong friends? From today onward, Manager Kang, you’ll be my matchmaker.”

“Lifelong friends? Me?”

My only lifelong friend is that mischievous loudmouth from the Tang Clan.

“Urgh... And to think I prayed every day for your safe return!”

Okay, that one stings a little.

“Funny. I never saw you once outside Daseogak.”

“Ahem! I prayed at home!”

Scholar Son hastily explained to the person next to him. Yeah, figured.

“Consider this your warning.”

You're about to be permanently banned from Daseogak. Watch yourself.

At my warning, Scholar Son sighed quietly and spoke.

“Haa... What a cold friend. I have a long road ahead if I want to get a best friend and a bride.”

Nope. No road. You're at a dead end.

-----------

Maybe more people were waiting for Daseogak’s return than I thought.

From day one, Daseogak was quickly returning to normal.

“Of course the Most Beautiful Woman in Sichuan is the main wife!”

“What are you talking about?! The Top Courtesan of Hubei, Du Eung-hyang, is obviously the main wife!”

This part of normalcy? Yeah, I could’ve waited a little longer.

“Manager Kang! Who does the Sichuan Tang Clan consider the official main wife?!”

“Well... I suppose since they’re from Sichuan, the Most Beautiful Woman in Sichuan is pretty popular.”

I replied casually while helping out at the busy second-floor display.

“What did you say?”

Why’s Im Ha-yeon suddenly shocked?

She turned to me with a horrified expression, as if I’d just announced a coup d’état.

“I knew it! I knew the Tang Clan considers the Most Beautiful Woman in Sichuan the main wife!”

“What do those yokels from Sichuan know?!”

“How could some lowly courtesan possibly be the main wife?!”

“The Tang Clan backs the Most Beautiful Woman in Sichuan! That settles the Main Wife War!”

“What was that?! Manager Kang only said it—that’s not an official position!”

“Hmm? Can’t hear you. Looks like the Most Beautiful Woman in Sichuan is the main wife.”

“You bastard!”

Things quickly escalated until the two men grabbed each other by the collar.

I missed Daseogak... but not this part.

“It’s been a while, so things are getting overheated. Young lady Ha-yeon, please go calm them down.”

“......”

“Young lady Ha-yeon?”

Why the sudden change in expression?

“Yes?!”

“Please go and de-escalate the situation.”

“Understood.”

Im Ha-yeon nodded solemnly, then left the display counter and approached the two men who were fighting.

“Say it again! Who’s the main wife?!”

“Mm-hmm. The Most Beautiful Woman in Sichuan is the main wife!”

“Why are you two fighting?”

Ohhh. Is this the pressure of a martial artist?

With a voice as heavy as if facing life and death, Im Ha-yeon stepped between the two.

“Uh, well, I, um... young lady...”

This new chaos eraser is working great. Worth every effort it took to hire her.

The Daseogak Society members shrank back under Im Ha-yeon’s overwhelming aura.

I get it—everyone’s a little overexcited. Let’s keep things quiet. Daseogak isn’t your personal property.

I figured once she delivered a stern warning and came back, things would settle nicely.

But the words that came out of her mouth were not a warning.

“Obviously, the main wife in Storm of the Tang Clan is the Top Courtesan of Hubei—Du Eung-hyang!”

...Excuse me?