Chapter 58: Soft Opening
Two weeks passed in a flurry of flour, grease, and grease-smeared parchment paper.
By the time soft launch day arrived, Inigo stood behind the polished wooden counter of The Mcronald wearing a freshly stitched red apron, trimmed with golden thread at the edges. He glanced down to smooth a wrinkle over the front, where a simple patch had been sewn with the shop’s name in bold letters. The place smelled of toasted bread and sizzling meat, warm and savory and welcoming.
"Menu’s up," Lyra called from the customer side, nodding toward the board they had mounted the night before. It was painted in deep crimson and bright yellow, just like the chain Inigo remembered back home. Each item was written in blocky, hand-painted letters: Classic Burger, Double Flame, Potato Frites, Cheese Melt, Crispy Bird, and Sweet Brew for their house tea blend.
Inigo tightened his grip on the spatula. "You sure about this?"
Lyra gave him a look. "We faced down a monster in the rift. This is just cooking."
"But this is real," he muttered. "This is everything I’ve dreamed of since getting here."
She walked up to the counter, resting her arms casually on it. "And now it’s time to show them why."
At exactly ten o’clock, the door creaked open. Their first customer stepped inside—Elise, the guild receptionist, who wore a cloak over her usual uniform. She blinked at the fresh paint, the warm glow of the hanging lanterns, and the inviting scent hanging in the air.
"This is... cozy," she said. "Smells amazing."
Inigo stepped forward. "Welcome to The Mcronald. Today’s a special tasting menu—discounted prices, feedback encouraged."
"You had me at ’discount,’" Elise said, pulling out a few silver coins. "I’ll try the Classic Burger and Frites."