City of Witches Chapter 322

The wine Takasho gladly brought out was Dom Pérignon.

Siwoo was once again able to confirm Takasho's fanatical love for Dom Pérignon.

Takasho, wearing white gloves, handled the champagne in the ice bucket as if it were a troublesome object and took it out.

"As soon as I heard you would help, I finished chilling it to serve to Lady Periwinkle. Champagne bottles have thicker glass than regular wine to withstand the carbonation, so they require a long chilling time."

He carefully wrapped the bottle, chilled to the perfect drinking temperature, in a white napkin and showed it to them.

"What I have prepared is Dom Pérignon 1973 P3 Plenitude Brut. It's a champagne highly regarded even among the legendary vintage line of the 1970s."

"If it's something like this, that's a different story."

Siwoo saw Periwinkle's eyes sparkling.

To be honest, Siwoo didn't know much about vintages and such.

But just from the imposing appearance of the bottle and Periwinkle's very, very pleased reaction, it seemed like no ordinary high-end wine.

"I will open it."

"Good, good."

Takasho, with soldier-like precise movements, cradled the bottle against his chest and tilted the neck forward.

Then, with a blunt knife that looked like a ceremonial sword, he sliced off the neck.

It was an opening method called sabrage, where the pressure from the bubbles inside the champagne and the force of the blade striking the lower part of the neck cut it off.

-Pop!

A cheerful sound and faintly rising mist.

As the cork and neck flew far away, Periwinkle clapped her hands.

"Nice form?"

"Thank you."

Takasho, with one hand on the bottom of the bottle and the other using a napkin to wrap the body, carefully poured into Periwinkle and Siwoo's glasses.

A slightly heavier golden hue than before.

It was a bit surprising to see the still lively carbonation bubbles even though it had been produced 50 years ago.

"Here, you drink too."

The elegant champagne glass combined with the lighting, shining like a sea holding stars, creating an air of luxury.

Periwinkle gladly handed a glass to Siwoo as well.

"This looks too expensive for me to drink, doesn't it?"

"Is that so? Madam, how much is this?"

"Including Gehenna's tariffs, it's about 24 pounds in gold coins. The selling price is set at 35 pounds."

"Wouldn't this level make you feel properly treated?"

Siwoo's jaw dropped.

Since prices in Gehenna operate on a completely different structure from the Mortal Realm, it's hard to definitively say how much a single gold coin is worth!

However, based on rough estimates during his slave life, 1 pound is about 840,000 won.

Meaning, the cost alone to bring this champagne into the shop well exceeds 20 million won.

With the markup, it's close to 30 million won.

While Siwoo was bewildered, Takasho continued his explanation like a sommelier.

"First, the characteristic gunflint flavor of Dom Pérignon fully emerges. While it lacks the fruity aroma of a rosé, you can instead feel the nutty scent like roasted almonds and the creamy, clinging bubbles."

"You've studied a lot, I see?"

"I thought it would be necessary if you were to feel properly treated. I'm having the other hosts study as well."

"Good, good."

Periwinkle smiled contentedly and sipped the champagne.

"I also really like your spending style. If you had brought out something stingy and measly, I would have been disappointed. You have spirit."

"How could I count pennies when receiving such precious advice."

Although Takasho seems somewhat subdued now, he still seems like a bold guy.

If it were Siwoo, he wouldn't have even thought of offering such grand hospitality in these already difficult business times.

Consulting began immediately along with the champagne.

"Now, where should we start? Let's look at the books again."

"Here they are."

"First, eliminate the entrance fee. As I explained earlier, it can make people feel categorized by class. Provide the prepared wine and Dom Pérignon for free, as basics, regardless of the entrance fee."

"Yes, I will do that."

"Huh?"

Compared to Takasho who nodded obediently, it was Siwoo beside him who was surprised instead.

Siwoo had also been looking at the books Periwinkle was reviewing.

Although they were called basic offerings, they weren't just handing out soju or canned beer.

Even those were products priced at 1 pound, 3 pounds, and so on.

"If Witches just drink the basic wine without any special orders and leave, wouldn't that be a straight loss?"

"That's how it would seem if you think simply."

Periwinkle made a meaningful expression and crossed her arms.

"Didn't I say? Both Witches and the wealthy have their own arrogance? We're using that arrogance against them."

Witches in Gehenna are generally affluent.

Those staying in Renomond Town and visiting Malcut Gallery for leisure are even more so.

"Would those arrogant Witches drink free wine and just leave? Especially with other Witches watching? That would degrade their own dignity and reputation.

Even if such a Witch existed, she would draw scorn from those around her and soon wouldn't be able to set foot in the establishment again."

"That's true."

"Ah, our cute Siwoo. It's also cute that you need everything explained from A to Z to understand."

Periwinkle, who pinched Siwoo's cheek, added to her explanation.

"Anyway, instead of an entrance fee, have them give tips. Make them feel like customers who have been sufficiently 'treated' rather than customers who 'purchased' a service, so they hand over gold coins as a sign of satisfaction. That nuance difference is more important than you think.

The Dom Pérignon lineup the Madam prepared is on a different level for drinking while paying money, but it's also a wine that subtly has a price to it for getting it for free, right? For the sake of face, they'll add a generous extra on top of the wine price as a tip. Of course, provided you entertained them appropriately."

"I will keep that in mind."

"One more thing. Attach more special meaning to the 'gifts' customers order.

Reduce the various mid-level cognacs, whiskeys, wines, brandies, etc., and aim for the highest possible price point, like the champagne you just served me, so they can feel, 'I drank a special wine today~'. Right now, the variety is limited and inventory is insufficient."

"What should we do with the mid-level ones already prepared?""That means reducing future order quantities but maintaining them. However, if you only leave overly expensive products, it could give the impression of 'These bastards are determined to squeeze money out of us.' It's also important to leave comparable products to give the sense that they're indulging in luxury."

Takasho, who had been diligently taking notes of Periwinkle's words, made a slightly troubled expression.

"But procuring such premium liquors one by one isn't easy for me. Regardless of money issues, supply is extremely limited compared to demand."

Even Takasho, with his connections through Adonai's trading company, wasn't in a position to freely purchase rare liquors as he pleased.

"Hmm, that's true too. Then I'll specially help with that as well. There are several suppliers who used to provide liquor to my hotel."

"Really?"

Takasho's eyes, which had shown reluctance, widened in surprise.

He repeatedly bowed his head, expressing gratitude to Periwinkle.

"Of course. Aren't you Siwoo's close friend? I have business to attend to as well, so I can't help right away. I'll assist next time I go to the Mortal Realm. Until then, what you have now should be sufficient."

With Periwinkle's generous support, the worry faded from Takasho's face.

Truthfully, no matter how much he pretended to be fine outwardly, it must have been quite stressful.

After all, it was a situation where a business that could risk his life was withering away.

Periwinkle also went through the account books, pointing out various other things.

She roughly sorted out the types and prices of liquors to order monthly and promised to introduce Gehenna companies that rent interior decoration artworks.

"Consider holding events at appropriate intervals. The important thing is not to make it so they get bored easily."

"I'm considering that as well."

"Once you establish your position, issuing membership cards might be good too. Difficulty of access gives the impression of being that much more special."

"I hadn't thought of that. I'll review it."

"The profit margin is too low compared to operating costs."

"I already apply a 40-50% markup, though?"

"Yes, rather raise prices and offer services or frequently change interior decorations to refresh the atmosphere."

Before they knew it, about three hours had passed as business discussions went back and forth.

In short, the reason for Takasho's lackluster business performance was approaching it with too commoner-like a mindset, and Periwinkle smoothly polished those aspects.

"And the final problem..."

Not everything had been smoothly resolved yet.

This host bar still had a critical issue remaining.

"How to attract customers. Originally, business in Gehenna should rely on word-of-mouth among Witches, but the madam missed the timing to secure customers. Rather, by now bad rumors are probably circulating."

"Hmm..."

"Moreover, the first bathhouse and the hydrangea garden of the large bathhouse are pioneers established over 100 years ago, right? For a latecomer trying to catch up, ordinary effort won't be enough. You need to steal regulars."

"So the remaining issue is promotion."

Periwinkle also made a thoughtful hum, as if she didn't have a sharp solution for this point either.

"Advertising in the newspaper..."

"No. Too vulgar. I forgot to mention this, but remove the signboard placed outside too."

"Yes."

Siwoo, who had been silently watching, stepped forward.

He had actually been thinking about it since hearing of Takasho's difficult situation.

He had sought Periwinkle's help because a fundamental solution was needed, but he had his own ideas.

"Periwinkle, would that level work for promotion?"

"Huh? That's right. It was here all along!"

Periwinkle's face lit up, while Takasho, still unaware of the exact situation, tilted his head in confusion.

"A bar where you can meet the first male witch... This is irresistible."

Siwoo isn't just any ordinary celebrity.

As already experienced in Border Town, he's a pied piper who gathers Witches just by walking.

In Gehenna's liquor business, which heavily relies on word-of-mouth, could there be any more sensational and stimulating promotion than this?

Siwoo, whose rumors have already spread to the point he can't even walk the streets normally anyway.

Since the body is already discarded.

He'll use it effectively for his friend.

"Well, it's true Siwoo is handsome, has good hospitality skills, and can use Magic, but will it really help that much?"

"There's probably no one with as much attention in Gehenna right now as Siwoo? At least the Witches of Renomond Town will come once."

Takasho looked at Siwoo with a strange expression, as if asking "Really?"

"I didn't want this either. Should I call this making the best of a bad situation?"

"What on earth have you been doing..."

In front of Takasho, who forgot his customer service tone and was astonished, Periwinkle began the final arrangements.

"Then, not immediately tomorrow, but starting the day after tomorrow, let's begin the host bar revival project in earnest."

Finally, after giving tips on various details, Periwinkle generously paid for the champagne she was treated to today, adding a tip, and left the bar.

From that evening onward, Siwoo immediately received guidance from Takasho on table manners, attitudes toward Witches, simple general knowledge for easy conversation continuation, and Gehenna current affairs for cultured conversation.

There were more detailed points than expected, and it was serious training.

"You must memorize this."

Just table manners alone included: when putting ice in a glass, orient the concave part sideways.

Ensuring both hands don't go below the table.

When placing a glass down, cushion it once with fingertips to prevent sound.

When pouring liquor, not having the spout face the customer's body.

How to light a cigarette.

Etc.

It was strict and formal etiquette training.

He also heard simple tips for dealing with Witches, but aside from table manners, there wasn't anything particularly difficult for Siwoo.

After all, during his five years as a slave, he had become familiar with Witches' ways of thinking and how to cater to them.

After spending a day receiving special training, almost staying up all night.

Finally, the time for the grand opening of Rose Glass, Gehenna's only host bar, approached.

Author's Note (Afterword)

Burned out completely...