The Legendary Caffeine Transcendent

Alex hovered above 30,000 feet overlooking the Hadstead Mountains just having returned from the capital of Lyra. A quick glance to the north brings her mind to a passing thought of Lyra as she just flew from there. Then she looked down at the brick roads slowly making their way to the capital and into the nearby Duke's territory and eventually to the capital.

A sudden rush of euphoria took over her because fuck yeah, every part of the negotiation went her way. Did Alex feel an ounce of guilt? Hell no. Princess May was smart. She dares to even say that the princess might be the most business-savvy person in Nulfrae. It was unfortunate she couldn't go to school for an MBA.

It wasn't an altogether bad deal for the Princess, though. Even if the royalty the Princess had to pay was ludicrously high at 27.5%, she'd still make mad bank once Star Cubs became fully operational on this continent.

Originally, Alex was only looking to sell a single slot of the Star Cubs franchise for the Port City location. Princess May took the initiative herself to buy up 2 more slots which was a welcome surprise.

The Princess of the Kingdom owning 3 slots was an advantage in and of itself. Corrupted nobles and local gangs wouldn't dare to strong arm the locations, otherwise, they'd incur the Crown's wrath.

The first location being in a Port City would also mean extremely dense foot traffic. Fishermen do love their coffee, as fishermen would probably need that jolt of energy. Alex suspected that the Cup of Cub would be the best seller there, as it was fast to make, just like black coffee.

Having been granted access to ports would also mean she needed to somehow build ships. A cargo ship would need an engine for efficient travel. An engine needed materials, which she already got from Count Mourier. After the engine, she needed someone to make a ship with her damn engine.

Alex knew what her limits were. Her strengths were, to be specific, magitech engineering and late-stage capitalism. She could probably engineer an efficient cargo ship, but it would lack all the quality of life and nuances that a real shipbuilder would know to build. OSHA would have a field day if she made them use such a ship she built.

The Port of Kite was also a valuable destination point for her employees. The Tsuba Islands were one thing, but there was a continent to the west of Mir called Layos. They would have their own cultures and products that could benefit the Path.

However, to get resources that would build ships and the manpower required to crew the ships, money is essential. Everything came down to money. Which was why: money is sacred.

In addition to all of that, she lucked out finding that flower. Who coulda known that such a flower would have the glucovanillin chemical compound? Vanilla was an essential part of coffee culture, and the necessary element for the end goal of Caramel Crunch Frappuccino.

As she descended to Path HQ, Alex saw Witch Raven just by the door, waiting for her. There was also a scene of 8 employees kneeling down in the square for some reason. The hell was that about?

Once her feet touched the ground, she opened the door and strode to the fur covered bandit throne.

"Sup?"

"Boss, I think we can reconsider and look for a different area where we can grow the sugar canes."

"Pfft, sugar canes?" Alex asked rhetorically. "They're called Hadstead stalks. Completely harmless things."

"That's what you said about sugar canes, remember?"

"Oh shit, did I?"

"Yes."

"Sheesh, what's got your panties in a twist?"

"I just believe that if I take a look around with Aurora or one of the C-Suite members, we could probably find an unoccupied island that doesn't have the Fren--I mean, Pandor influence."

Damn the French! Alex asked, "And how long will that take?"

"Maybe a couple of months?" Raven said.

"Heard something funny from Princess May."

"Yes, boss?"

"Heard the island had more than just bananas. They have different kinds of fruit there which could flavour our coffee and refreshers," Alex said. But looking at Raven, her expression looked even worse after saying that.

"I got it, boss. But!" Raven said.

"But what?" Alex asked. This woman was starting to have more initiative, I like it.

"9 to 5. If I'm about to kill someone and my phone beeps at 5, I fuck off for the rest of the day and continue tomorrow."

"Done."

Raven sighed. "Hope it's not as bad as last time."

"Huh, what's not as bad as last time?"

"Nothing."

"Fine," Alex said. "On your way out, can you send in Sanders and Aurora?"

"Yup. I'm out." Raven walked out to the door of the city hall and disappeared before even opening it.

Thinking more about it, Raven was probably the best choice to send to Layos continent, but not for scouting out better islands. More so because she knew what Alex needed for the Star Cubs franchise. Fish-Fil-A still needed some kind of high smoke point oil for deep frying as well.

If Alex sent her on missions in this continent, she would probably make too much of a mess, just like last time. Although profitable, it wasn't the right time when they still needed to stop burning through their gold runway.

She also couldn't afford to wait 'a couple of months' for reconnaissance. The Hadstead stalk syrup was good, but it wasn't sugar. Sure, sugar was an irreplaceable ingredient in modern culinary arts, but who the fuck cared about that when she couldn't taste different versions of frappuccinos?!

The City Hall doors opened. Aurora and Sanders walked straight through the aisle and knelt in front of her. Note to self, make Raven partake in this culture of kneeling down.

Aurora looked up at Alex, smiling widely. "My Lady, you've called for us?"

"Uh, yeah. I've called. I got something for both of you," Alex said.

"Please grace us with your orders," Sanders said.

"You guys seriously need some chill..." Alex cleared her throat. "Anyway, let's start with Aurora. What do you know about the Lyre flower?"

"The Lyre flower is the symbol of the Kingdom of Lyra, my Lady. It only grows near sea level, and cannot grow above the mountains."

"What else?"

"Its method of cultivation is a bit cumbersome. It needs hand pollination as most pollinating bugs usually do not get rewarded by the flower."

Interesting... that's very vanilla like. Too bad this plant wasn't going to be any easier to grow if that's the case. "Why's that?"

"The flower produces very little nectar, though it has a very relaxing aroma. Hence, the Kingdom of Lyra's castle has it everywhere in their castle."

"That is true," Alex said. Just walking around the castle had made her feel relaxed because of the vanilla scent.

"Since it's the Kingdom of Lyra's national flower, they restrict its distribution strictly to stems and disallow anyone from growing it outside of their Royal Castle. There is a penalty of 10 gold per whole flower found."

"Cool. Cool. But why keep it to themselves?"

"My Lady, it's a monopoly on its scent. The Lyre perfume easily costs around 25 gold and is an auction only item. To make this, the Kingdom of Lyra has two Legend-level mages taking turns curing pods. The kingdom itself only has 4 legends within its court."

Alex rubbed her chin. She could imagine it now. The long process of curing vanilla pods was a nightmare. Using two of three legends to make the perfume was crazy talk, except it wasn't. 100 gold basically bankrolled her whole operation. 25 gold was a crazy amount of money just for a perfume, though the 'auction only' method of purchase could contribute to that inflation of value.

"Well, Aurora, how would you feel if you were given the ability to cultivate the Lyre flower and the necessary land for it?" Alex asked.

"I'd be amazed, but conflicted. It is true the Lyre flower rivals that of the Star Seeking flower, yet it would mean leaving the mountains to cultivate the flowers."

"Good point," Alex said.

Since the Star Seeking flower and Lyre flower were complete opposites when it came to their optimal location, Aurora would have to constantly move. Both flowers also demanded lots of attention. But that also means that Aurora needs to start learning how to delegate.

"Who's your most trusted employee, Aurora?" Alex asked.

"I do not have one. I tend to the divine garden myself."

"That needs to change. You're part of the C-Suite. You need to start gathering some of your own employees. Understand?"

"Yes! I shall gather followers and teach them the grace of tending to your garden."

"Good. Because we're going to start to cultivate the Lyre flower in Count Mourier's land, given to us by Princess May."

"I understand. I shall make haste. However, if I may intrude, why cultivate the Lyre flower?"

"We need it for vanilla. It'll be part of the ingredients for our Star Cub product line."

"Yes, my Lady!" Aurora shouted, turning her head down again.

"Now, Sandy boy, got a job for you."

"Your wish is my command," Sanders said, this time it was his turn to look up and meet her eyes.

"How's the current atmosphere of the Path recently?"

"Since you've asked this, I'm afraid there are currently 8 suspended employees due to their lack of OSHA compliance."

Shit. Here we go. Alex tried not to show her stink face to Sanders. "Go on."

"The 8 employees have injured themselves during their work hours as they didn't follow OSHA standard practice. They've been put into 2 week mandatory seminars and 2 more weeks of 'staying home' as punishment," Sanders said.

"That doesn't sound that bad... did we have to pay them workers' comp?" Alex asked.

"Yes, my Lady. They've been granted extra silver coins for their injury. However, none of them took it."

"Huh?"

"The employees believe accepting 'workers' comp' would be a sacrilege to the Lady. They cry in the square every day, kneeling to be able to work for the Path once again. I believe we should hear their pleas."

"They dare spout nonsense of their own sacrilege for the Lady's holy decree of OSHA!?" Aurora suddenly shouted as her head snapped to Sanders. "I believe their non-compliance with safety guidelines should be punished even more. They do not deserve to work for the Path for an extra week!"

"I understand, Chief Product Officer, but have you no heart to see their pleas?"

Alex kept her mouth shut. Not taking workers' comp? Kaching noises went off in her head. Wanting to desperately work for the Path and skipping temporary suspension? More kaching noises.

"I must admit, it is truly heartbreaking. Yet how would that develop our company's culture, Head of Human Resources, Sanders?"

"I see what you mean, Chief Product Officer," Sanders sighed. "If we loosen the punishment, more and more people will act recklessly and injure themselves."

"That is not all," Aurora said. "As they have not followed Her words, they are in direct contempt of Her order. Had they continued to not follow OSHA standard safety, they could critically injure themselves and have an 'extended leave of absence'. Would that not be a more painful punishment for our employees?"

"Chief Product Officer... I had not seen it that way. I apologize," Sanders bowed his head to Aurora. "A graver injury would force them to 'stay home' longer, thus, an even more painful punishment of not being able to work for the Lady!"

"Exactly, Head of Human Resources," Aurora said. "Please extend their punish--"

"Hold on, cool it. Cool it." Alex cut in before it could get any more dangerous.

"I apologize..." Aurora bowed her head again.

"Are the 8 of them injured badly?" Alex asked.

"Most of the injuries are light falls, concussion, and a sprain. They should be healed by now, My Lady," Sanders said.

"Ok, just keep the original punishment," Alex said. "Is that fine, Aurora?"

"If that is your wish, this Chief Product Officer follows your will," Aurora said, smiling as she bowed her head down again. "The Lady truly is benevolent..."

Yes, definitely benevolent. Alex turned back to Sanders. "Now, on to bigger matters. What is the general sentiment of the employees? Are there any complaints?"

"The Lady's employees dare not make any complaints!" Sanders shouted.

"Dude, just relax. I'm just asking," Alex said.

"I believe that the employees are overall happy. Their lives are at their peak compared to how they lived in the Kingdom or as serfs for nobles. No longer are we called bandits, we are now Path employees, standing proud as travellers pass through our tolls," Sanders said.

"Cool," Alex said. She materialized 3 sheets of paper in her hand and floated them over to Sanders. "Copy this onto scroll sheets per employee. Have them answer the questionnaire by this week's 5th day."

"This is an 'employee satisfaction survey'... My Lady, to allow us to answer this survey would be of the highest honour!" Sanders shouted.

"Yeah. And the last sheet would be our HQ expansion plan. I'm getting kinda tired of this bandit throne. We need a commercial tower," Alex said.

Sanders turned over to the third page, and as he did, his eyes widened. "I see. The Lady's plan shall be executed without error."

"Finally, a structure befitting of the Lady's grace..." Aurora muttered as she looked over at the papers.

Raven did say something about sky scraping mage towers over in Pandor. That made Alex curious about how they did that. Concrete and rebar would be too much of a bitch to make at the current state of technology.

But if they were able to do that, the technology must be there to build such things. Or at least some equivalent of it. The answer to that would be Grey and Yulka. Leave the construction to them. They'll figure it out. Eventually.

A commercial tower of at least 10 floors would be possible with the rigidity of the Plaedis wood. They also had gotten a tremendous amount of ores. Adamantite was a possible material to be able to withstand similar loads if the name of it suggests so.

Alex still needed to test Yin, Cinder, Mithril, and Adamantite ores after all. She hasn't gotten to it due to her other assignments so far. There were too many things to do in a start-up.

"I'll send the structural plans to Grey and Yulka later once I finish it. They can fill in the holes on their own," Alex said.

"Yes, My Lady!" Sanders shouted.

"That's all for now. Any questions?"

"No, my Lady!" both Aurora and Sanders shouted.

"Good. Now don't bother me for a bit." Alex stood up, not waiting for an answer. She went to the door beside the bandit throne. Opening the door, she disappeared into her room.

...

Aurora and Sanders stood up and exited City Hall. Before heading back to the divine garden, Aurora tapped Sanders' shoulder.

"I apologize for my abrupt words earlier, Head of Human Resources, Sanders," she said.

"Please do not apologize, Chief Product Officer. You have lit the path for my eyes." Sanders sighed. "Had I a stronger heart, I would've extended their punishment by a week for not following Her safety guidelines."

"I appreciate the words, but I do see it your way. The employees grieve as they saw their folly. We can only assume they will follow OSHA safety guidelines strictly from now on."

"Indeed so."

"If it's ok, may I see the 'survey satisfaction' that the Lady had entrusted to you?"

"Of course, Chief Product Officer. Shall we take a look together?"

"Wait. I believe we should bring over Grey as well."

"A great idea. Shall we head over to his quarters?"

"Let us head over right away. We must share the Lady's benevolence with him as well."

"Make haste, Chief Product Officer."

Aurora and Sanders fast walked towards the square. Once they were at the square, Aurora tried not to look at the grieving 8 employees. Even she felt guilty at not letting the employees do their job. However, the Lady's words were the law. Entering the housing area, they quickly found Grey's home and knocked.

"Grey? May we trouble you?" Aurora asked. "We have a critical update on the Lady's All-Seeing Plan."

Grey opened the door. "Chief Product Officer, Head of Human Resources, please come in."

☕︎ ☼ ☕︎ ☽ ☕︎

Fraser opened the door to his 1 floor house that he was happy with. The Lady had mandated houses to have 'front lawns', and each of them was responsible for keeping it tidy. He didn't know why that was. All she said was that it was 'his' property, meaning he owned it.

In the Kingdom of Dragus, all the land was owned by the nobles or the crown. Even businesses such as Solemn Stay Inn were owned by the crown. As long as it was within the borders of the kingdom, it was owned by someone else.

But the Lady herself, through the documents that Grey gave them about their houses, in fine print specifically stated that the owner of the land was the occupier. Fraser was the occupier, which meant he owned the land.

Just thinking about it almost brought tears to his eyes once again. He remembered crying on Grey's shoulders when he read the document about his house's deed.

That's why he always kept his lawn neat. It was the first thing the Lady would see whenever she flew by the 'residential zone'. Looking at the height of the grass, he'd need to cut it in about 6 days. That should satisfy the Lady.

Fraser walked over to his mailbox, which also came with all the houses. A red half cylinder metal box with a door at the front for the mailman to put in mail. Usually, there was nothing in it, but Grey did say that more frequent mail service would start up soon.

Oh well.

Opening the mailbox, Fraser saw 3 different scroll sheets. Taking them out, he saw the first scroll was titled 'Employee Satisfaction Survey'.

Weird, but ok.

The 2nd paper was the 2nd page of the survey. And then the third scroll sheet was more like a drawing. It was a drawing of a high tower that breached through the clouds. Around the tower was the familiar scenery of the square and the distillation facilities. Underneath the drawing was the title "the Path SkyTower'".

The fine letters underneath read: The Lady has decreed her plans for a mega structure rivalling the mage towers of Pandor. It shall be a glorious 'commercial' tower for all employees to rest, eat at the cafeteria, and do their desk work if they have any. All employees shall be assigned their own desks once the construction is finished. To all, this will be the hallmark of the Path. It will be this tower where she shall look down on all of Nulfrae from the top floor.

Fraser smiled. The Lady was finally getting the kind of throne she deserved. Though it wasn't a castle, a tower was a much grander sight as she needed not the defenses of castles. She could slay enemies just by simply willing it.

Turning back to his house, he walked towards the door and closed it behind him. He went to the dining table and threw the set of scrolls on top, then sat down. Isolating the satisfaction survey, he began reading.

[Employee Satisfaction Survey]

[This survey will take you at least 5 to 10 minutes. You may answer these questions during your work hours or after work hours.]

[Please answer using a pen and mark down which feeling best describes each question.]

Fraser smiled. Finally, something he could do after work hours. Today was an off day, meaning he couldn't work at all. A pity that the Lady did not let them work 2 days out of the week. He moved the quill closer to him and then read the questions.

[Question 1: I am happy with my work.]

[Question 2: I know what is expected of me at work.]

[Question 3: At work, I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day.]

[Question 4: In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.]

[...]

All the questions had a gradient of answers from left to right. The left most being the most positive, then positive, then neutral, then negative, then most negative.

They were all simple questions that made Fraser feel fuzzy inside. To think that the Lady would even want to know about their feelings about the company! Of course, he answered 'very positive' to all the questions.

After finishing the questions, there was one last note at the end of the survey.

[Please submit your answered survey at the square. Make sure you do not write your name on it.]

Why would the Lady not want people to put their names on their answers...? Well, it wasn't really much to think about. If it's what the Lady wants, then she has her own reasons.

Fraser stood up with the survey and exited his house again. He walked for a couple of minutes to the square, and the box to put the survey in was exactly there. It was a red box that was labelled 'Insert Surveys Here'.

As he walked towards the box, he saw Aurora walking to the box with her own survey sheets. She had a large smile on her face that even infected Fraser, making him smile.

"Fraser, how's your survey?" Aurora asked.

"It's very well. I'm very positive on all aspects," Fraser said. "What about you?"

"Me too, Fraser. The Lady does not even need to ask us for our opinions, yet here she is, wanting our feedback," Aurora said.

"The Lady is truly benevolent." Fraser started to tear up. "I apologize, Chief Product Officer. I always seem to show you tears."

"Do not be ashamed, Fraser. Are those tears not for the Lady?"

"Of course, they are. I just feel like I'm not doing enough..."

"Do not underestimate the power of your thoughts. She must know of your unbending devotion already."

"I do have a question, Chief Product Officer," Fraser said.

"Question away."

"Why does the Lady not let us put our names on the survey?"

"Has it not occurred to you that the Lady treats us all as equals?"

"But... wouldn't that mean you are equal to me?"

"We are all equal, Fraser. Whatever hierarchy we put ourselves in, does it matter to a being such as her when she looks down from 30,000 feet above?"

"I see, that truly makes sense. Thank you."

"You are welcome. Now let's hand in our surveys. Go ahead."

Fraser nodded, smiling happily. The moment he inserted the survey into the box, relief washed over him as he felt how the Lady took in his feedback. Soon after, Aurora put hers in too.

"Now, run along back home, Fraser. Do not let me catch you go back to your Distillation Facility."

"I understand..." Fraser's shoulders drooped.

"I know, I know. We all want to work more, but the Lady's words are absolute."

Fraser nodded. "Then I shall see you later, Chief Product Officer."

"I'll see you later. Visit the Divine Garden whenever you want."

"Ok!" Fraser turned back and walked back to his home from the square. Excitement grew in his bones as he could not wait to see the Path's SkyTower.

By the way it was drawn, he was sure that Grey and Yulka would present an even more outstanding reality to the Lady. It would be the first symbol of the Path against the tyranny of the 3 kingdoms in the Mir continent.

Oh, shoot. Fraser forgot to tell Aurora. The yeasts she, along with Elador, had developed for him had succeeded in resisting up to 66% alcohol by volume. The Lady did tell him to keep increasing the base ABV before it went into the mana structure. This new yeast strain was basically almost triple as effective as the last one he had used.

Dammit. If he went to look for Grey now, it would be counted as 'work'. He'd get reprimanded. Fraser sighed. The Lady truly was too strict.