"None of those," Cassandra said, her smirk deepening as she gestured around the empty shop. "This will be The Knowledge Emporium."
I blinked. "Knowledge Emporium?"
What kind of name was that?
Knoweldegde? Is it as in information or just pure knowledge?
Wait...
My eyes widened as I thought of something. "Wait—is this an information network type of operation?"
She laughed, twirling the key around her finger. "Correct, but not entirely." Moving deeper into the shop, she began explaining with the enthusiasm of a master architect revealing her blueprint.
"First floor—" She swept a hand toward the main area. "A café-library hybrid. Customers can read books for free but they will pay for drinks and light snacks they buy. But there won't be full meals, just things that won't stain the pages. We aren't opening a restaraunt after all."
Right, that make sanse, and the idea itself sounds promising.
Her boots clicked against the wooden stairs as she ascended. "Second floor is much quieter and cozier. Only drinks allowed here, no food or even snacks. And one will need to pay to enter here - higher prices for the privilege of silence. But the books will still be free." At the landing, she added with a wink, "People pay surprisingly well for the illusion of exclusivity."
Yeah, that's right, I think. It's probably like a premium tier thing.
Then her voice dropped, teasing. "And then... the third floor." She leaned in slightly. "There is the manager's office. And... the information room."
I crossed my arms. "So it is an information network after all."
"Haha, not quite, don't worry though, you'll find out soon," she singsonged, already climbing to the next level. "Come on—let's see your workplace."
─────
The third floor's hall was more smaller, split into two rooms.
Cassandra pushed open the first door—a modest but well-appointed office. A sturdy oak desk, two comfortable chairs, shelves waiting to be filled, and a window overlooking the back alley. Simple but functional.
Perfect.
"Well?" She leaned against the doorframe. "Will this suit our elusive manager?"
I ran a hand along the desk—smooth, no dust. "It's ideal."
"Glad you approve." She straightened, eyes gleaming. "Now for the interesting part."
With a flourish, she produced an another key—this one smaller, silver—and unlocked the adjacent door.
The room beyond was...
Empty...
Completely, utterly empty.
I stared at the vacant space, then turned to Cassandra with a raised eyebrow. "It's... empty?"
But she just burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand as her shoulders shook. "Oh, your face!" she managed between giggles. "Absolutely priceless. You looked like someone replaced your coffee with vinegar." She wiped a tear from her eye. "Like a statue carved from pure bewilderment."
I sighed, shaking my head. It wasn't that much. She's clearly exaggerating. "So you just tricked me."
"Of course!" She grinned, utterly unrepentant. "But don't look so glum. This trick always works—you should see the expressions I get from stuffy nobles." Leaning in conspiratorially, she added, "And it teaches an important business rule: Always keep them guessing. Mystery creates value."
I nodded slowly, crossing my arms. "Sure. But the mystery shouldn't end in disappointment, or your business is destined for failure. Just like now-"
"Woah!" Cassandra's eyes lit up like fireworks. "There it is!" She clapped her hands together. "You do understand. That's exactly right. My eyes weren't lying to me."
"Let's wash away your disappointment too." She then gestured to the empty room with a flourish. "This place is for information—but not in the way you're thinking. It's not some shadowy network of spies."
She stepped inside, her voice taking on a more businesslike tone. "This will be a legal information exchange—a place where merchants, scholars, nble and even ordinary people can buy or trade verified knowledge. Think of it as... an information archive, if you will." Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "And in time, we'll stock rare and ancient texts too. The kind that don't belong on the public floors."
I nodded slowly, absorbing every word. The concept was impressive—a legitimate front for knowledge trading.
"It's good," I said impressed. "Amazing, actually."
Internally, though, doubts flickered.
Would it really work here?
The town didn't seem large enough to sustain such a unique business. But I hadn't explored all its districts yet, and voicing skepticism now might raise questions about why a "local" noble student would lack basic knowledge of the area.
It was better to play it safe.
Cassandra, meanwhile, beamed with unrestrained pride.
"Just wait," she said, launching into her vision with the energy of a seasoned entrepreneur. She detailed plans for curated knowledge auctions, subscription services for merchants, even collaborations with the academy. Her hands moved animatedly as she spoke, her passion palpable.
I listened quietly, my lips curling into a faint smile. For all her noble poise, she had the heart of a true businesswoman—sharp, ambitious, and genuinely excited by her craft.
"—and who knows?" she finished with a mischievous grin. "You might even become the right hand of a future business queen someday. Though," she added playfully, "you'll have stiff competition."
"A rival?" I blinked.
She nodded. "He'll be working here too, though in a different capacity." Waving a hand dismissively, she continued, "He'll arrive in two days with the initial inventory and personnel. You can meet him properly next weekend."
I chuckled despite myself. That mystery methd was admittedly effective—I was curious about this unknown colleague already.
"Well," Cassandra said, clapping her hands together, "tour's over. How would you rate your guide?"
I pretended to consider. "Five stars... wanted to say, but I'll give it four. That empty-room reveal still stings."
She laughed and gave me a light, playful shove.
"Oh, come on! Don't be so petty." Her tone shifted to mock seriousness. "Besides, a four-star rating is terrible for business. I'll have to win you over with free tea later."
As we descended the stairs, the afternoon sun streamed through the front windows, painting the empty shelves in gold. The shop was still just a skeleton—but one with undeniable potential.
And honestly, I did find myself genuinely looking forward to seeing it come to life.
"Ah, right, that rival of yours is a bit shy type, so I hope you can teach him the ropes when the time comes."
Shy...?
...
It can't that bad... Right?