Chapter 57

Winter
The seasons passed.

The leaves on the trees turned yellow, and eventually withered and fell.

The wind grew colder.

Winter in this other world was far harsher than winter on Earth in her previous life.

Temperatures stayed below freezing for a considerable period, and snowfall was heavy.

That was why people prepared early.

Stockpiling firewood.

Storing preserved foods.

Arranging winter clothing.

Maryne immediately got moving as well.

"Rhinos. Autumn is nearly over, and winter is coming. Please begin purchasing supplies and stockpiles."

"Understood. I shall arrange everything needed for all of our stores at once."

"I'll be counting on you."

Rhinos moved swiftly.

The Count's capital. The secondary capital. The royal capital.

In no time at all, the necessary supplies and food reserves had been prepared for each of the three company offices.

"As expected of your efficiency, Rhinos."

"You honor me."

By the time those preparations were complete…

Winter had arrived in earnest.

Snow fell steadily.

Not enough to accumulate.

White flakes drifted down one after another, only to melt upon the stone pavement.

Standing by the window of the company office in the royal capital, Maryne watched the scene.

She wore a thick gray coat.

(Winter in another world is quite something too.)

Her breath turned white.

Outside the window, the number of people walking the streets had noticeably decreased.

"Meow."

Firuru shivered.

"Oh my, are you cold too, Firuru?"

Maryne crouched down and picked Firuru up.

Her fluffy brown fur felt warm against her palms.

"Fluffy..."

Winter fluffiness was something special as well.

---

A few days later.

Afternoon.

Maryne called Yumia and Asha to her office.

After the two had taken their seats, Maryne spoke.

"Could you each give me a report on your respective businesses?"

Yumia spoke first.

"Regarding the macarons and pudding... sales have fallen significantly."

"By how much?"

"To around forty percent of their peak."

Forty percent.

A decline of that magnitude made the numbers in the ledgers look quite grim.

Yumia continued with an apologetic expression.

"The cost of ingredients has simply gone up. But the biggest reason is that fewer people are going out."

"That's unavoidable during winter."

Neither macarons nor pudding used many agricultural products, so there had not been any extreme increase in ingredient costs.

The bigger issue was the drop in sales caused by fewer people dining out.

Generally speaking, in this other world, staying indoors during winter was the norm.

"And how are things on your side, Miss Asha?"

Maryne asked.

Asha answered.

"We've experienced almost no decline in sales. On some days, sales are actually much higher."

Staying indoors during winter was the norm…

But nobles were the exception.

Products aimed at nobles were less affected by winter.

That was because nobles would send servants to shop for them or have items delivered to their homes.

Even without going outside, they had ways to obtain whatever products they wanted.