Chapter 2
23.
In a classical yet sophisticated place, there is a maid cafe that is quite below the standard of what's common. Down in the alley, across the city, a business seems to be behind the curve. It was popular back then but when the management changed, it all went downhill. Welcome to the Trio Brews and Sweets.
First off, the eldest of among the 3 sisters. She is currently the head manager of the place. But due to her clumsiness, she often broke numerous dining utensils, running them up quite a large bill. "GOMENASAAAII" a word that can be heard from her after the accident. Her name is Rin, a short blue-haired Catgirl. Even though she is extremely clumsy, her dedication to guiding her younger siblings is unmatched.
The second one next to Rin has an entirely different taste, character, and mission compared to her older sister. Sewing multiple dresses to hone her skills, she's eyeing to be part of the most famous clothing line in the land. Her name is Aoi, a long silver-haired Catgirl. She may have been on a different path, but Aoi still helps the maid cafe, especially in providing and fixing the uniforms.
Next up is the third and youngest among the sisters. She is quite timid and silent in nature. A smart-looking one with a passion for making tea. Her passion for it is so high, she looks down on Kemis who prefers coffee to tea. Which sometimes results in some problems in the shop. Wearing eyeglasses, her name is Lisa, a medium-length green-haired Catgirl. She may look cold but she has a soft heart inside, especially for her sisters, and for those who love tea as much as she does.
Lastly, the most loyal worker in the maid cafe. She is not blood-related to the sisters but they were the only Kemis who trusted Coco's baking skills. Therefore she stays in the cafe, even though almost everyone else left. A long twin tail brown-haired Catgirl, her name is Coco, the baker of the maid cafe. She is quite a hard one to deal with, especially if you don't know that much about her. Coco is not honest with her feelings, a tsundere if one may say. She may cause quite a confusion but her goal is crystal clear, to let the town know her greatness in terms of baking.
Altogether, the four of them are the Kemis who run the business. Trio Brews and Sweets may be struggling right now, but the workers here don't know the meaning of giving up.
It was already noon by the time they reached the cafe, they could have been there way earlier if Kita did not run off randomly.
"Welcome to the maid cafe~" Mae said as she opened the door.
"Oh Mae, are they customers?" Rin asked.
"HALOOO," Kita said as everyone in their group wiggled their ears.
"Irasshaimase~" Lisa and Rin said as they wiggle their ears as well.
"What's that noise? Do we finally have some customers?" Coco asked as she came out from the kitchen.
"Even better, they are here for work!" Mae proudly said.
Rin gasped as she asked, "HONTOOO?"
"Hai!" Mae answered.
Later that moment, Aoi came out. "Their clothes are unique, quite unusual," she mentioned.
"They indeed look unusual," Lisa added as she directly meant the Kemis, not the clothes.
"Hmph. I hope they are not just like the other staff. Anyway, I'm out of here." Coco said as she went back to the kitchen.
"Please have a seat." Rin offered Kita's group.
As soon as they were all settled in the office, the discussion began. Rin does not want to waste any of their time, she lets everyone clearly know the current state of their shop. The Trio Brews and Sweets is definitely in a rocky state. Their financial status is incredibly critical. No Kemis stay in their shop because the salary is always delayed, and sometimes close to none. The only thing that they can offer is shelter, food, and uniforms. The salary will only be available once the business can stand again.
It was a heavy discussion, the sisters are actually not expecting Kita's group to willingly agree. The terms are not quite favorable and they already received tons of rejection.
After explaining the terms, Rin sadly said. "That is our current state. It is okay if nyu decline our offer."
"We'll do it." Kita immediately answered.
"Understandable, sorry for wasting your time," Rin replied as she thought that the Kemis said no.
"Ano Nee-san… They said yes." Aoi mentioned.
"Eh?" Rin doubtfully reacted.
"They indeed said yes," Lisa added.
"EEEHH!?" Rin reacted once more as she was entirely shocked by the response. It was the first time that a group agreed to their terms.
"We don't have a place to stay, plus free food. That's what we need for now." Yuna said.
"Hai, we came from a distant land. We need to stay somewhere for a while to adjust." Hana added.
"I'LL WORK HERE UNTIL I CAN BUY THOSE DONUTS!" Kita said determinedly.
"I'll do my best… as weeeeell~" Lulu responded as half of her statement was cut by her yawn.
The sisters have different reactions toward the scenario. Rin is quite in tears when she hears that someone finally wants to work for them. Aoi is hopeful that the Kemis will stay this time. And Lisa, on the other hand, is quite skeptical of this matter. Since the agreement was already formed, the trio sisters bowed their heads, grateful to Kita's group.
After the heartwarming scene, Aoi invited them to her room in order to take their measurements. It will be used to create their uniforms.
"Nyu guys follow me, I'll take your measurements so that I can create your uniforms." Aoi offered.
"Uniforms?" Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu reacted. All of them are quite used in changing outfits. From their regular outfits, they already experience the Winter outfit and the crew's orange jumpsuit. They all wonder what the next one is.
"Hai. Just like the ones that we are currently wearing. It's called a maid outfit." Aoi explained.
"Woaahh..." They all reacted as Kita's group was excited to wear the maid outfit.
Immediately they all followed Aoi to her working area. On the other hand, Mae left because she had to do some studying.
24.
The Trio Brews and Sweets was definitely a place to visit, at least back then. The cafe is inviting, the ambiance is relaxing, and the quality of the product is truly remarkable. Even though the maid cafe is not on the main street, Kemis intentionally came to visit the place back in the day. The interior is of classic design combining the colors of; cream for the walls, dark brown wood texture for the floor, fancy big glass window on the side, and a beautiful chandelier in the middle of the cafe.
Kita's group truly appreciates the details of the cafe since it is the first time they have ever seen one. A few moments later, they entered Aoi's room.
"Just sit wherever nyu want, I'll just get my equipment," Aoi said.
The group looks around and witnesses how messy the room is. A lot of cut fabrics on the floor, tons of unfinished dresses, also multiple sketches on the table.
"I guess nyu are quite busy," Yuna said to Aoi.
"I'm sorry for the mess. I've been trying to create a dress to practice my creativity. I often start all over again rather than completing the first one." Aoi explained as she started to take Lulu's measurements first.
"I see... That explains these sketches on the table. Mind if I look at it?" Hana asked.
"Sure, feel free to do so," Aoi replied.
A few moments later, Aoi listed down Lulu's measurements as she finalized the details. Next up is Kita.
"These designs are beautiful," Hana said as she complimented Aoi's work.
"Hmmm… I think it will look good on nyu, my taste is different tho." Yuna replied to Hana.
"I'm glad that nyu like it. I actually want to produce all of those but it will be a waste of resources for now." Aoi said as she took Kita's measurements.
"What do nyu mean?" Hana curiously asked.
"I only make uniforms as of now, sometimes dresses for special occasions. But I cannot just create more without a purpose for it. The materials needed for those dresses are quite pricey." Aoi explained.
"Pricey?" Kita responded.
"It means it requires a lot of golden coins," Aoi answered.
"I see..." Yuna reacted.
Time passed and eventually, Aoi managed to get everyone's measurements. There are already spare maid uniforms, used by the previous workers who did not last long in the cafe. Aoi is planning to adjust the sizes according to Kita's group measurements, to save both time and resources. She then tells Kita's group to roam around the shop first as she finalizes everything.
As they left Aoi's room, they saw Rin in the hallway.
"Are nyu done with the measurements?" Rin asked.
"Hai~" They all replied.
"Great, follow me then. I'll show nyu the room where nyu will stay." Rin instructed as she led the way.
Later that moment, they entered the vacant room located at the edge of the hallway. It was previously a stock room. Lisa and Rin arranged the room while Aoi was taking their measurements earlier. The room is definitely clean, though only futons, pillows, and blankets are there, 4 of each, making 4 sets.
"I'm sorry, this is only what we can offer for now. We could have prepared better if we knew that nyu guys are coming…" Rin said shyly.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it!" Kita said.
"We slept in a poorly built hut before, this is actually way more comfortable. Thank nyu for your kind offer." Hana replied.
"The room in the shipping vessel was smaller than this, to be honest," Yuna added.
"I can sleep anywhere too~" Lulu added as well.
Rin is confused by the group's response. She never had that kind of reaction from the previous workers before. Rin is starting to realize why Mae suddenly brought the group to their cafe. They may lack knowledge about what they are doing, but it is evident that the group is willing to learn.
"Nyu guys can settle your things here. I promise that we will try our best to give nyu a better room soon." Rin said.
"No worries," Hana responded as they put down their bags.
"Once nyu are done, meet me in the office. I'll discuss the duties and also give nyu a tour around the cafe. Tomorrow will be the training, nyu can relax for today after the discussion." Rin politely said as she left the room.
"Hai~" They all answered.
What Rin didn't know was; taking things easy is none nonexistent in the group's dictionary, especially for Kita. A few seconds later, Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu entered the office.
"Is there a problem?" Rin asked. She thought that the Kemis encountered some trouble.
"Ahhmm… Nyu said we should meet nyu after we fix our things right?" Kita replied.
"Hai, After nyu guys settle…" Rin answered.
"Done!" Kita responded.
"Eh?" Rin reacted. She could not believe the group was already settled since it was only a couple of minutes before she left them.
"We just put down our bags there and that's it," Yuna explained.
"Let's start!" Kita enthusiastically said.
"Ah... Hai…" Rin replied. The free-spirited nature of the group surprises Rin, but of course in a good way. It's unusual for her to meet someone with this level of positive outlook, especially towards their maid cafe.
The discussion starts and it goes smoothly, mainly because the work is somehow similar to household chores. The group easily understands the duties that they should perform. Their experience in the shipping vessel was way harder than the maid cafe. The only thing that they should practice is the etiquette of doing so, the proper service towards a customer as a maid. Lisa served them some pastries made by Coco while they were at the meeting. Kita, Hana, Yuna, Lulu, and Pily truly enjoyed the sweets.
After the discussion, they proceed with the cafe tour. This part of the tour is helping the group familiarize themselves with where they'll be working in. Starting from the basics like where they could find the equipment, to the distinction of the products in the stock room.
The latter part went tricky since the group was not familiar with the new ingredients. Good thing that Lisa is a master of identifying the supplies, especially in the field of tea. Lisa took over this part, and she thoroughly discussed how they could easily distinguish the stocks. Lisa gave the impression of a strict mentor, though the mastery of her field truly shines on this one.
25.
Hours have passed and the tour is almost done. Everything is going well as of now. Aoi takes charge of the uniforms, Lisa is in charge of the stock room, and Rin takes the lead. They are now heading to the last part of the tour where Coco is in charge, the kitchen.
As they entered the kitchen, the group was amazed by the place. Back in Riverania, the kitchen is usually connected to the dining area. Compared to Kemitopia, kitchens here are completely separate rooms. Lots of equipment and of course space to work with.
"This place is spacious," Yuna said.
"And spotless," Hana added.
"Of course, this is my workplace after all. Hmph." Coco responded. She is currently making a list.
"Anooo… What are nyu doing?" Lulu curiously asked.
Coco has a soft heart for the cute ones, she is incapable of giving the same attitude toward Lulu. "I'm making a list of the sweets that I'm planning to bake," Coco replied differently.
"To baakee?" Lulu replied.
"Hai, I'm planning to have new recipes. Maybe that can bring more customers~" Coco answered.
"That is actually a good idea." Yuna praised.
"I know right. Anyway, I'll show nyu around. Pay attention, I won't explain it twice." Coco said.
"You wooon't?" Lulu asked with sad eyes.
"Aa…. ano… Of course I will, but only for nyu!" Coco replied to Lulu.
"Nyatta!" Lulu happily reacted.
This time, it's Coco's turn to mentor the new maids in the cafe. The idea is to let everyone know the basics. One of them will be Coco's assistant, the other 2 will be in charge of service, and the remaining one will work with Lisa. The positions are not yet fully decided. Rin wants to let the Kemis choose what they want, that's why she shows them the basics of everything first.
Coco thoroughly explained how to use the equipment one by one. The group is quite overwhelmed, they did not know that baking is this precise, and definitely way different than cooking.
In terms of cooking, it only requires the recipes then it's up to the chef how they will cook the dish. Any methods are valid as long as it will reach the target output. Meanwhile, in baking, the technique is important. Small errors like over-kneading the dough will lead to poor output.
Kita, Yuna, and Hana are having a hard time following the details. On the other hand, Lulu seems to be interested. After almost an hour of lecture, the tour ended. The night comes and Rin invites the group to her office for the final time. They have to discuss the final arrangement before calling it a day.
"I'm sorry that it went long, we are done after this. Lisa is already preparing dinner for us." Rin said as they settled inside the office.
"No biggy!" Kita replied.
"I can help prepare our meal some other time." Yuna offered.
"Thank nyu for understanding. As of now, I'm planning to have 2 service crew, who will help me in taking as well as serving the orders. 1 in the kitchen, who will be Coco's assistant, helping her in baking pastries. And the last one in the stock room, someone who can arrange and lift boxes, brew some tea and coffee, to be paired with Lisa." Rin explained.
"Are nyu going to assign us now?" Hana asked.
"Actually, I let nyu guys see the overview so that nyu can choose what area nyu want to work in. We can also set a rotational setup if nyu prefer it that way." Rin answered.
"That's nice to hear," Yuna responded.
"Let's choose now!" Kita added.
Carefully assessing their strong points, the group started the discussion about where they should work. Knowing their strengths will surely help them fit into a suitable role.
"I can be in the stock room, I prefer heavy duties after all. Besides, we already have experience in the vessel ship in terms of checking the stock. I'm sure that I'll do fine there." Kita said.
"I agree, nyu are the strongest one here after all," Yuna replied.
"Hehe…" Kita chuckled, flattered by Yuna's compliment.
"The only problem is that Kita might irritate Lisa during the process…" Hana added.
"That is also true…" Yuna also agreed to Hana.
"OY! I thought we were on the same side!" Kita complained.
"Don't worry about Lisa, she's a bit emotionless if I'd have to describe her," Rin said.
"I guess that is settled. Kit will be in the stock room." Yuna replied.
"Hai!" Kita responded while saluting.
"I want to be in the kitcheeen~" Lulu suddenly said.
"Kitchen? That's quite a hard one. Nyu might have a hard time there." Yuna replied.
"Buuuut I want to baaakeee." Lulu argued.
"I think we should let Lulu on this one. I noticed that Coco likes her. I'm sure she will be guided nicely." Hana intervened.
"Coco does love the cute ones~" Rin added.
"Well if nyu truly want it, then we'll let nyu be in the kitchen. I'll just occasionally help whenever I'm free." Yuna responded as she finally agreed.
"Nyatta!" Lulu reacted.
"I guess that leaves us in the service crew," Hana said to Yuna.
"That's fine with me. I can actually work in any field, to be honest." Yuna replied.
"I'm glad to hear about your choices. I'm sorry but I forgot to ask nyu this earlier, where are nyu guys from? I'm just curious since it looks like nyu came from somewhere far away." Rin said as she started to ask some questions.
The group is quite hesitant to answer, they know that it will eventually lead to the question of; what they are doing here. They must not let the owner know about their true goal due to 2 primary reasons; the first one is it might cause panic. The other one is the owner might get rid of them if she knew that it was a complicated matter. Securing a place to stay while observing the area is the main goal for now.
On the other side, Lisa is done preparing the table and she was about to call for everyone. As she approached the office, she heard Rin's question regarding the group's whereabouts. She decided to eavesdrop from the outside. Lisa is quite skeptical about the sudden convenience that the group is giving, her instincts are wary as of now. The question is; will the group effectively hide the truth?
End of Chapter 2