"Wait a moment… I'll go check."
"Pardon?"
"The sooner, the better."
"You can do it after the meal."
"Since you're taking a rare break, we should handle it as soon as possible."
A French full-course meal typically takes at least 2 hours, and sometimes up to 4 hours.
Given that they went all out to bring in a 3-star chef, they clearly don't intend to end it quickly.
'That's really considerate.'
Henri Vuitton returned after being away for about ten minutes.
Judging by his bright expression, it seemed like he had good news.
"The company is quite surprised."
"...?"
"No matter how wealthy one is, it seems no one has bought it for personal use yet."
In other words, I'm the first!
"There's a price difference depending on the options, but they say there are unnecessary features if it's not for commercial use. Excluding those might make it cheaper than expected. And, of course, installment payments are available."
"But since it takes time to manufacture, immediate purchase won't be possible, right?"
"Yes. Especially for a cruise, as it's essentially a hotel floating on the sea, so it requires more time."
Hmm.
So I'll be spending money but won't get to use it right away.
Just as I was swallowing my disappointment, Henri Vuitton seemed to read my expression and continued.
"Fortunately, they made an excellent proposal."
"An excellent proposal?"
"Until the ship is completed, they'll lease a cruise to you for about a month each year."
Wow!
"How about leaving tomorrow? Considering the price, it's better for you to see it yourself before purchasing…."
"Of course."
I nodded pleasantly.
The next day.
We boarded Vuitton's private jet and headed for Italy.
In front of Venice Airport, two red Ferraris were waiting.
Shortly afterward, a man impeccably dressed in an Armani suit approached us.
"I've been instructed to serve you with utmost care."
The man bowed politely.
"The headquarters is quite far from Venice, but since such distinguished guests have arrived, they specially brought the cruise to this port."
Perhaps it's because personal purchases are unheard of.
They're really providing VIP treatment!
We got into separate cars and started moving.
It was my first time riding in a Ferrari.
Wow—ah.
As expected of its reputation, it was jaw-dropping.
While I was marveling at it, we arrived at our destination before I knew it.
At the port, a short but sturdy man was waiting.
He bowed immediately upon seeing me.
"It's an honor to meet you."
He was so formal that I thought he might be a staff member who came to greet us.
"I'm Diego, the CEO of Fincantieri."
He bowed once again.
At this point, you could mistake him for a sales representative.
He also showed proper respect to Henri Vuitton.
But something about it felt different.
It didn't seem like respect towards a famous figure, but rather…
The joy and gratitude toward the person who brought the customer!
I guess in this area, the customer really is king.
"To ensure we meet your preferences, we've prepared three models for your review."
I was already curious about why there were three ships here.
But wait, what is this?
Did they bring all of them here?
Wouldn't it have been easier to fly me to their headquarters by helicopter instead?
"How could we do that? Since our VVIP is visiting, of course, we have to provide this level of service."
"Then, is this carpet on the ground also…?"
"Why should only actors walk on the red carpet? Our VVIP deserves even more exceptional treatment."
Luxury shops have nothing on this!
Their customer service is undoubtedly top-tier.
"The first model we'd like to show you is our flagship high-end ship representing Fincantieri. If you're okay with it, may we give you a tour of the interior?"
"Of course."
"Thank you."
We walked toward the largest of the three cruises.
I had been wondering why it was so expensive.
It turns out it's over 300 meters long and more than 50 meters tall.
It's four times the size of the famous Titanic.
It can accommodate over 5,000 passengers.
"There are several swimming pools, aren't there?"
"Yes. There are five pools with water slides, and dozens of private pools."
Ah!
At that moment, I realized something.
'This definitely isn't for personal use.'
It's like buying a hotel and living in it alone—there would be a massive waste of unused rooms.
This ship is the same.
Even if I use it alone during vacations, it makes sense to operate it for profit the rest of the time.
'Hmm.'
Am I going to end up running a transportation business at this rate?
Then, ideas started flowing one after another.
Super Mario, recreating an underwater stage as it is.
Or setting up water-element capsule monsters throughout the ship, creating a scene straight out of a cartoon.
And if someday Japan's mega-hit franchise 'Pirate King/One Piece' gets released?
I could build a cruise perfectly optimized for family trips!
Literally constructing a theme park on the sea…
'Hold it right there!'
Am I really thinking about making money even while on a vacation?
Though I try to convince myself otherwise.
'The entire second floor is basically a shopping mall. If I fill it with Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Ultimate, and Gromhatz, I'll recoup the cost of the ship within three years…'
Ahem!
"There's no need to see more, is there?"
"Have you already made your decision?"
"Yes. Please build it using this ship, including all the commercial-use options."
"But… that will make the price skyrocket."
I explained in detail my plans for a theme park and shopping mall, and I asked if they could implement it.
Then,
"If you're paying, we'll do whatever you want."
I received a very satisfying response.
Of course, not all reactions were positive.
A large question mark appeared above Henri Vuitton's head.
"Sir… Didn't you say it was for vacation purposes?"
"Well, that was the original plan, but seeing the scale of this, I thought it would be a waste to leave it idle."
"For something that seems like a spur-of-the-moment idea, it feels too detailed…."
Yes, I dislike that about myself too. Haha.
I soon turned to Diego and said.
"Shall we draft the contract?"
"Installment payments can be spread out over 10 years."
Almost like an angel, truly an angel.
"And… this is an additional proposal from the company."
"...?"
"Regarding the idea you mentioned earlier, the theme park on the sea… if you allow us to continue producing ships with that concept, we're willing to offer this one at half the price."
"I'm not interested in discounts."
Since I'll be paying in installments, the burden is manageable.
What's the point of saving a little money anyway?
It would be much more profitable to receive royalties every year instead.
"...."
Perhaps sensing that I wasn't an easy target, Diego put on a sales smile again and said.
"I was being too hasty. That matter can be discussed later in a corporate-to-corporate setting."
"Sounds good."
I reviewed the contract first.
There was nothing particularly unusual.
Ah, except for one clause.
There was a special agreement stating that while the ship was under construction, they would lease a cruise of the same size for one month each year.
Starting from this very year.
"We're thinking of lending you this ship for now. Would that satisfy you?"
"Is it capable of helicopter landings?"
"Of course. You can land up to five helicopters simultaneously."
Okay!
I gladly signed my name on the contract.
Perhaps because selling a ship isn't an easy task, Diego's face was filled with emotion.
"If you're planning to return to Monaco, how about using this ship instead?"
"...?"
"Since you mentioned wanting to relax, we cleared the sailing schedule entirely. You can take it right away if you wish."
"Right away?"
"Yes. There are navigators, chefs, and even medical staff on board, so there won't be any issues."
I glanced at Chairman Henri Vuitton.
"If you're okay with it… I wouldn't mind enjoying some luxury myself."
He nodded willingly.
***
Meanwhile, Jo So-deok was busy at work.
It was a pop-up store that required a large gathering of people.
The layout had to be simple!
It needed to have a structure that could be easily seen from anywhere!
Jo So-deok leveraged his unique network, inviting professors from Oxford's architecture and interior design departments and holding daily meetings.
Until now, he had mostly been focused on recruiting people.
But now, he looked more like a professor than ever.
'I can't get used to this….'
Still, the work progressed smoothly.
Thanks to Jo So-deok's characteristic drive, they were ahead of schedule by several times the expected period.
Although Ji-hoon had emphasized that there was no need to rush!
'If the department store stays closed, that's all lost money….'
Jo So-deok moved tirelessly, as if it were his own money on the line.
Couldn't this be considered genuine loyalty?
While the department store's president personally ran around taking care of matters, employee morale continued to rise day by day.
One major factor was the two-hour lunch break.
With the Harris family stepping down, it finally felt like real change was happening.
Everyone could feel it with their whole being.
Until the employee cafeteria was completed, they provided generous meal allowances, which certainly played a big role.
Thus, a wave of significant changes swept through Harris Department Store.
RRRR! RRRR!
A call came into the president's office.
"It's Jo So-deok."
(You have a great voice.)
"Oh, Boss!"
Jo So-deok stood up from his seat and carefully held the receiver with both hands.
(Are you very busy?)
"No, not at all."
(I feel bad calling when you're at your busiest, but…)
Could this be another workload bomb?
Jo So-deok instinctively bent his back slightly.
(I'm planning to host a party on a cruise. It would feel incomplete without you.)
Huh?
He had expected a workload bomb, but what's this talk about a cruise party?
(I know you're very busy, but still…)
"Boss!"
(...?)
"I've already finished all the important tasks."
(Already?)
Hearing the word already was the most thrilling thing in the world to Jo So-deok.
Maybe he was addicted to that word, which was why he always worked himself to the bone.
"The critical tasks were completed early, and only a few details need to be adjusted."
(Then you'll be able to attend?)
"How could I miss a party hosted by you? I'll drop everything and come right away."
(I'll send a plane for you, so just head to Monaco.)
"Oh, yes. Is there anything I should bring? Anything urgent you might need…?"
(It's fine. It's a cruise, so we've got most things covered.)
"Excuse me? A cruise?"
(Yes. It's a party to celebrate the cruise purchase.)
"A purchase… Um, Boss?"
(...?)
"Are we talking about… that kind of cruise?"
(It's probably the one you're thinking of.)
Did he really buy that?
Unable to ask further, Jo So-deok could only blink in confusion.
***
Tennessee received the same call.
Park Ji-hoon, who only ever focused on work, hosting a party?
'That's unexpected.'
Tennessee despised parties.
Those flashy events where rich people invited celebrities and famous individuals just to flaunt their connections?
It was the type of thing he loathed most in life.
However, the party Park Ji-hoon mentioned was intriguing.
'How could he not invite a single woman?'
He chuckled.
It was so typical of Park Ji-hoon.
'Thanks to that, it'll be more comfortable.'
Tennessee began selecting wines to bring as gifts.
Since it was a cruise, they would already have basic things covered.
Château d'Yquem, Coche-Dury, Romanée-Conti, Armand Rousseau… Bringing a few old vintages should suffice.
'Ah, I probably don't even need to bring anything.'
Since it was Monaco, he could ask the royal family there to arrange it.
Still…
'He bought a cruise?'
Even if his grandfather had been alive, he doubted he would have ever bought a cruise.
Thinking that way made it feel more real.
He chuckled.
'Park Ji-hoon, you really go all out.'
Tennessee smiled wryly, shaking his head as if in disbelief.