Chapter Text
After the bright light faded, I found myself sitting on the floor of some room. A fading magic rune hovered above me—must be how God transported me here.
Though my feet felt unsteady, I stood up and took a look around. The room was empty, but I could tell this was a brand-new building from how the walls and floor gleamed as sunlight hit them through the windows.
I walked to the window and peered outside.
"It's snowing..." I said in a daze. The view was a complete white expanse.
I'm actually in the middle of a forest, I thought. I touched the windowpane—it was ice-cold. If I step outside like this, I'd probably freeze to death...maybe.
I noticed a path stretching from the front door. It must lead to the main trail to town, as God mentioned. Unlike the surrounding area, it wasn't covered in snow.
I stayed silent for a moment, then arrived at one explanation.
It must be magic, I thought with absolute certainty.
I turned back from the window and scanned the empty room. A staircase led up to the second floor—my living space, presumably. Still...
"This is big..." I said, amazed. I headed upstairs to a hallway lined with several rooms.
I started with the door closest to me, inspecting each empty room excitedly while mentally mapping a floor plan for furniture and decorations.
On the second floor were two Western-style bedrooms and a bathroom. All had cozy cream wallpaper, wooden floors, and plenty of space.
I could definitely use one room as my closet... then add some plants to make the place feel alive.
I went back downstairs. The first floor was clearly café space: a big open room with a full kitchen, lots of windows for natural light, and a nice hearth.
I opened the front door to check the path I'd seen from the window.
I wonder what the town looks like.
Since snow wasn't building up on the path, I stepped outside and took a look at my new home.
Without thinking, I gaped. "...Holy shit."
It was better than I'd imagined: a charming cabin with a classic A-frame roof topped by a sturdy brick chimney on the left, rectangular windows framed by cozy shutters, and a modest front porch with a railing.
"This house would probably sell for thousands back in my world—" My words cut off as a shiver ran through me. "Shit, it's cold..."
I hurried back inside.
For now, nothing filled the space except basic appliances. I pulled the pocket watch from my pocket.
"Time to make use of this."
I opened it, and a translucent search screen popped up. I scrolled through the catalog with my finger—items from this world and even my original one.
"I just need to think of something, and it'll appear," I mumbled, hand to my mouth in thought. "Then... a gaming PC!"
I said it excitedly, waiting for it to materialize. Nothing happened. Did it not work?
I checked the screen:
[We do not carry the product you requested. Please try another search.]
I stared in shock and disbelief. Refusing to accept it, I tried similar items: smartphone, tablet, television, gaming console—even a CD player. Same message every time.
"No... that can't be..." My legs gave out from the shock. "I can't open a gaming café."
I sighed, brainstorming other ideas. A plain café would be boring, no entertainment. Board games like Monopoly might work if available here, but they weren't.
Then I remembered: "Books..." I blurted.
"I can open a book café!" My face lit up. I stood up and got to work.
I summoned tables, chairs, stools, and bookshelves to furnish the area, adding antique-style decorations and potted plants for life. Upstairs got a bedroom, closet, and a bathroom.
I stepped back to admire the fully furnished café. It was a masterpiece—absolute art. I should've been an interior designer.
"Ah, right. I should add magic charms to these books." A tome on enchantments appeared in my hands.
Anti-theft charm, protective charm... A cleaning charm?! I won't have to do manual labor—this is amazing. I thought, skimming the pages. The spells ingrained themselves in my mind as I read.
I closed the book after each passage, immediately charming every book with anti-theft and protective spells to keep them pristine. I enchanted the fireplace too, preventing fire spread.
"Well, it's done... the interior, at least."
I opened the door; cold wind hit, making me shiver. "I should put a heating barrier around the house..."
"Ah, and a parking lot—or a stable. This world's main transportation is probably horses."
I visualized a stable, and it appeared. God, this pocket watch was OP. I added cleaning charms, theft deterrents, and a warming barrier around the house.
- ᯓ★ -
Saparata slumped into a seat after all his hard work. He glanced around his café, surrounded by bookshelves and antique decorations. It felt nice. He might as well spend free time reading this world's local books.
He grabbed a book from a nearby shelf. It was a romance—intriguing premise. He settled comfortably and opened it.
The front door bells chimed. He looked up to see a man lowering his cloak's hood, revealing a fairly handsome face: black hair and striking purple eyes.
The sharp purple eyes scanned the café before landing on Saparata. "I saw the sign outside. Is this place open?"
Saparata shook off his admiration. "It's open. Welcome to Sap's Café 'n Books. Please make yourself comfortable."
The man nodded, still glancing around. He gave an intimidating, yet approachable vibe in princely clothes of purple, black, and gold—maybe a noble. Saparata hoped he wasn't the snobby type.
"I left my horse tied to your front porch. I hope that's okay?"
"Mhm, there's a theft-prevention barrier, so don't worry. Or you could let it roam in the stable at the side of the house if you want."
"I'll leave her as is, thank you."
"Sap's Café 'n Books, huh?" He smirked at the white-haired owner.
"Not the most creative name, I know, but it's identifiable." Saparata shrugged sheepishly.
The man chuckled, then noticing the book in Saparata's hands. "Is that... a book from Yggdrasil? I thought there weren't any left in Pandora, especially in Luminara." His tone was thoughtful.
"Ah... is it illegal to own?"
"Oh, no, don't worry. The conflict ended years ago. You're good."
*Conflict? What conflict?! I might've forgot to ask God about that.*
The man sat. "Name's Fluixon, by the way. The snow was pretty rough out there, and your place was conveniently spotted."
Saparata chuckled, setting the book down to fetch a menu. "Glad I could shelter you... You're my first customer. Perhaps fate brought you here."
"Perhaps so," Fluixon huffed amusedly, taking the menu. "Saps, huh? What's that stand for?"
"Ah, it's Saparata. Sorry, I didn't introduce myself properly."
"Well, quite the menu you have, Saparata," he commented, eyes on the page. "Refills on tea possible?"
"Don't worry—I've enchanted the teapot to refill itself and keeps the tea warm!" Saparata beamed.
Fluixon eyed him curiously. "Fascinating."
"Then, chamomile tea set with croquettes, please."
"Coming right up! You can read while you wait—I've charmed the books to be self-cleaning, so if you're planning to eat while reading, they won't get dirty anytime soon!"
"I'll keep that in mind."
Saparata headed to the kitchen, glimpsing Fluixon browsing shelves. Focus. Saparata chided himself, he needs to make this order extra special to the convince Fluixon to visit regulary!
In the kitchen, steam rose from sizzling pans as Saparata shaped golden croquettes, filling them with savory herbs and cheese summoned from the pocket watch. He brewed chamomile, infusing subtle floral notes. Discreetly, he wove a recovery spell into the food and drink—replenishing energy without trace.
Fluixon sat reading a politics book when Saparata returned with steaming plates: perfectly crisp croquettes and a fragrant tea set. "Thank you," he said, looking up.
"Of course. I hope you enjoy." Saparata retreated to his book and a comfy seat.
My first customer... I hope he likes it and comes by often. He thought giddily.