Chapter 272: The WGO's Business Model and Courage's Critical Complaint
Sports cars and beautiful women were, indeed, a perfect match. The image was particularly striking with a fair-skinned girl like Courage. Lucifer briefly pictured Courage behind the wheel of a sleek convertible, a small, amused smile touching her lips. "Eh? Unexpectedly, that sounds quite cool..."
A proud grin spread across Courage's face. "Right? And don't even get me started on the others. Decora and Rantabi both have their own sports cars, too. But the most exasperating one is Ann! That girl! She completely missed the point!"
Lucifer's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean? Does Ann drive a regular sedan or a commercial vehicle?"
Courage shook her head, a sigh of frustration escaping her. "No... that's the thing. Ann doesn't drive at all!"
"Ah... so that's what you meant by 'missing the point'," Lucifer chuckled. "But now that you mention it, that does seem a little strange. Why doesn't she drive? Even a Second-Class Book Master like Rantabi can afford a sports car, so Ann should have no trouble at all, right?"
"Of course, it's easy for her," Courage confirmed with a nod. "Lucifer, have you ever heard that famous saying in the culinary world?"
"Which one?"
"When you have a sum of money and you don't know what to do with it, go into the catering business," Courage recited with a knowing smile. "It's the simplest way to make a fortune."
"Eh? Is that so?"
"It's true," Courage insisted. "Just look around. Milk tea shops, barbecue joints near university towns, fast-food restaurants and casual diners in busy districts, themed cafes, cake shops, dessert parlors, ice cream stands... the list goes on and on. If you open in the right location, you'll always make money."
Lucifer mulled it over. It did seem to be true. Whether high-end or common, delicious or mediocre, there were always people eating. Some were looking to save money, others sought a particular atmosphere, and many were simply repeat customers. Large establishments pursued the perfect harmony of color, aroma, and taste, while smaller ones focused on small profits and quick turnover.
Cerberus, who had been gazing at the scenery blurring past the window, turned her head. "So, what does any of that have to do with how you make money?" she asked, her tone laced with genuine curiosity.
"It has a direct relationship," Courage said with a hint of helplessness. "It's precisely because the industry is so profitable that countless restaurants are desperate for recommendations and star ratings. So, they invite the WGO to come and taste their food. These places aren't short on money to begin with, so..."
A playful glint appeared in Lucifer's eyes. "So you can charge them a hefty fee based on the establishment's prestige? But your business isn't just limited to that, is it?"
"Of course not," Courage confirmed. "The WGO also operates various restaurant chains under its own banner. Besides that, a gourmet organization doesn't just deal with prepared food. We're involved in every step of the process: sourcing rare ingredients, designing and selling high-end kitchen utensils, managing our own shops, wineries, fisheries, orchards, ranches, and breeding farms... you name it."
She paused, taking a breath before continuing her list. "Let me think... there's also culinary education, training programs for new judges, and so on. We also invest everywhere, and we hold private auctions for the recipes of newly developed dishes. There's a lot."
Lucifer let out a low whistle. "You really know how to run a business."
"Naturally. And besides the organization's work, Rantabi and I have other ways to make money on the side," Courage added, a touch of pride in her voice.
"Oh?"
"We get invited to do various interview shows, appear on magazine covers, and write food review columns. We also participate in fashion design. The WGO is an international organization, after all. The complete training of its Book Masters is very important."
Lucifer raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "I always thought you just went around eating, but you actually have so many income streams? It sounds like you have a lot of Book Masters."
"It's just so-so," Courage said modestly. "There are only three of us First-Class Book Masters. There are quite a few Second-Class, and even more Third-Class. Below them are the ordinary inspectors, and then the general staff. But even the staff receive all sorts of specialized training."
Cerberus's eyes lit up. "Eh? The WGO sounds very interesting. I feel like there must be a lot of fun people there!"
Courage thought for a moment, her expression turning pensive. "Interesting people... there really don't seem to be any. Everyone is terribly busy, and the men are all very prim and proper gentlemen. The women are all hyper-professional, too. It's like being at a perpetual cocktail party. Very boring."
Hearing this, Cerberus's budding anticipation for the WGO withered and died. For her, money was far less important than whether something was interesting or not.
As Cerberus sank back into her thoughts, her eyes suddenly caught sight of something in the distance. She immediately shot forward, her head popping up between the front seats and startling Lucifer.
"Cerberus! What are you doing?!" Lucifer yelped, clutching her chest. "That's terrifying!"
Ignoring the complaint, Cerberus pointed a clawed finger forward, her voice filled with excitement. "What is that up ahead?!"
"We've arrived," Courage announced with a smile. "That's the Totsuki Resort."
Lucifer turned her head to look. Spread out before them was a massive, sprawling complex of interconnected buildings. After a moment of stunned silence, she remarked, "Totsuki seems to really like this kind of architectural style..."
Courage nodded in agreement, then turned to Lucifer with a curious look. "Eh? Lucifer, you're a CEO, right? What does your company do?"
"Me? Oh, it's quite varied," Lucifer replied, her tone deceptively casual. "I do a bit of everything. Helping people with their problems... you could say I grant wishes. I provide long-term accommodation... by sending them to hell. I also offer convenient transportation services... a direct line there. You know, a lot of things."
Courage's eyes widened in admiration. "Eh? That must be a very large company, then. You're really amazing, Lucifer, to have built such a big company at such a young age."
Lucifer's mouth twitched at the phrase "young age." Was she young? A mere fraction of her true age was likely older than Courage's entire lifespan. But for a being blessed—or cursed—with eternal life and eternal youth, age was a meaningless concept.
Just as Lucifer was about to say something, she saw a man in a crisp suit emerge from the main building. It was Gin Dojima. Having been notified of their impending arrival, he had rushed through his work to be ready. The moment their car pulled up, he had dropped everything to come out and greet them personally.
"Miss Courage, Miss Lucifer, Miss Cerberus, welcome. Have you had breakfast?" he asked with a warm, professional smile.
"Mm!" the three of them replied in unison.
Gin Dojima's smile widened. "Of course. Ren wouldn't just let you leave on an empty stomach. I'm truly envious. His cooking is something you can never forget!"
Lucifer gave him a look that clearly said, 'Young man, you're very sensible.'
Courage also smiled, her expression softening. "Mm. Ren's cooking is... I should say, it's truly the most delicious I've ever had."
Gin's eyes widened for a second before a mischievous grin took over his face. "Miss Courage, you're already calling him 'Ren,' are you? Could it be that there's been some new progress between you two?"
A faint blush crept up Courage's cheeks, but she held her ground, her smile unwavering. "I feel like there's progress, yes. I'll definitely succeed! But Mr. Dojima, you don't seem to have the right to comment on that."
"Why don't I have the right?" he retorted playfully. "I'm quite popular with women, I'll have you know."
"But you're still single now, aren't you?"
"I'm still young!"
"Mr. Saiba's son is already over ten years old!"
"Joichiro just looks old!"
"But he has a wife and a child..."
"Courage! You little...! I just haven't had time to find someone!"
"So you're still single!"
"I..."
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