Central Street, Peace Square.
Inside the soon-to-open Magic Battle Arena, everything was bustling with activity. Staff members moved back and forth everywhere.
Yet under the direction of a calm and precise voice, everything remained orderly.
"Mom, go check the banners, wall posters, and welcome trees at the entrance again. Report immediately if there's any issue."
"Yes!"
"Luke, inspect the restrooms and make sure nothing is missing. Also, check that both back doors are clear."
"Yes!"
"Elmi, count the event prizes and the lottery box again. Make sure we have enough for at least 500 people."
"Yes!"
Standing in the center of the hall, Nora issued clear and efficient instructions, keeping the entire Magic Battle Arena running smoothly.
Most preparations had already been completed over the past few days—today was just a final round of checks.
After assigning tasks, Nora walked over to about twenty to thirty employees dressed in neat blue uniforms.
Half male, half female—young people with pleasant, gentle features.
Standing in two neat rows, they looked quite imposing.
"The grand opening is this afternoon, so I'll go over some key points again."
Nora's expression softened slightly as she spoke:
"Although you've completed initial training and memorized the rules of Magic Duels, you must keep the Magic Codex with you at all times."
"If you encounter a situation not covered in training, ask nearby staff. If it can't be resolved, report it to me immediately. Do not handle it carelessly."
"Maintain a warm attitude toward customers. Do not engage in conflicts. If a customer is being unreasonable, report it immediately—do not handle it on your own."
"If a dispute occurs between customers, intervene immediately to mediate. Regardless of severity, anyone who notices must report it."
Since it was opening day and staff training had been brief, Nora would personally handle many important issues.
After all, these employees were commoners, while anyone bold enough to cause trouble here would likely be a noble.
Many matters required Nora's direct involvement.
Ron sat nearby, resting his chin on his hand, watching Nora with a faint smile.
He looked exactly like a pretty boy living off a strong woman.
He rarely saw this side of her—serious, capable, commanding.
Back in the City of Chaos flower shop, Nora only handled plant sales and never really displayed such leadership qualities.
And in front of Ron, she would never act authoritative.
But now that Ron had entrusted more of his businesses to her, those hidden qualities gradually emerged.
Just like when she had once beaten up three thugs in his courtyard.
After days of experience and growth, Nora was no longer timid—she had become a truly capable lady boss.
"Good work," Ron said with a smile as Nora finished and walked over.
He casually took her hand and led her toward the exit. "Let's grab lunch at the hotpot place next door."
"Mm." The moment Nora's hand was held, her firm and composed demeanor melted away, returning to her soft, obedient self.
As they arrived at the hotpot restaurant, they ran into Betty and her group.
"Your Eminence Ron!?"
"Your Eminence Ron…"
"G-greetings, Your Eminence Ron."
The noble ladies all reacted differently, but all showed clear excitement.
Mostly because Ron was simply too handsome.
Seeing the way their eyes lit up, Nora quietly wrapped her arms around Ron's, no longer satisfied with just holding hands.
"Miss Betty, we meet again," Ron greeted politely. "And greetings to all the lovely ladies."
Nora tightened her grip slightly, then gave a polite bow to the "extras."
"Your Eminence Ron, I heard your Magic Battle Arena is opening this afternoon. We were planning to go take a look," Betty said, taking the lead in conversation.
"Then I'll welcome you in advance. Thank you for your support."
After entering the restaurant and chatting briefly, Ron declined their invitation to dine together and headed straight to a private room on the sixth floor.
"Jealous?" Ron teased, glancing down at Nora.
Nora quickly let go and turned her head slightly. "…No."
Ron smiled, grabbed her hand again, and interlocked their fingers.
The snug fit between their fingers felt oddly satisfying.
They entered the private room.
Mia and Eileen were already inside.
Ron dropped into his seat and immediately started eating.
"Any progress with the hotpot restaurants in the northern and eastern regions?"
He picked up a few slices of lamb, placed them into Nora's bowl, and asked casually.
Mia clicked her tongue at the scene before answering, "They've all opened one after another. Promotions and publicity are underway—should see results in a few days."
"The eastern region is smooth thanks to Eileen."
"The main issues are in the north."
After some discussion, Ron got a general understanding.
Hotpot restaurants weren't considered a major industry—certainly nowhere near weapons, grain, or mining.
So the copycat operations in the north were handled by minor figures under the northern duke and the Gemstone Trade Alliance.
Expansion in this sector required time.
Ron wasn't in a rush.
Unlike Element Cards, which required his constant attention, the hotpot business was managed by Mia and Eileen, with Lyle handling execution.
He didn't need to worry about the small details.
Once the business model was established, expansion was simply repetition.
The core lay in the dining style, service, and seasoning.
The first was easy to copy—that's how knockoff hotpot shops appeared.
So service became the key focus, something Mia and the others were constantly improving.
As for seasoning, with Ron supplying large quantities of Spice Pine fruits, their restaurants already held an unbeatable advantage.
According to Ron's plan, they would release a new flavor each season, gradually keeping customers hooked.
He also didn't dare put all four flavors into the same restaurant.
Most people wouldn't use all four in one meal—but it was better to be safe.
Otherwise, if some… chaotic "group activity" happened in a hotpot restaurant, the consequences would be disastrous…
"Ron, for your Magic Battle Arena's opening, can I get one of those special edition Elemental God Elementia cards?" Mia asked playfully.