Kit was in a daze as he walked, thinking about the stall he had set up today. He was already planning what he could do to improve for the next opening. He was planning to open a stall in each town they passed through on their way to the forsaken state.

He not only needed money for his restaurant, but he also needed to start saving for money conversion. If he wanted to be able to keep playing CAL, he needed to save up money to convert to real life. Kit made a note to check the conversion rates when he logged out of the game.

As he was thinking about what to do when he logged out, he realised he hadn’t kept count of the days he had been in game. Kit started to count the days off since he entered. He realised today was his 11th day in game. Mars had started a day before him so today would be his 12th day.

Kit wanted their days to match up if they were traveling together. So, he would need to log out one day early. Kit concluded he would have to discuss a plan with Mars tonight. Kit had been preoccupied with his plans as he walked. He glanced around and realised he had almost walked past his destination.

Kit corrected his path and headed to the door of the Large Fuzzy Chicken. He wasn’t looking forward to heading inside. He was worried about signing a contract with Snickers who was over 500 years old. He knew he was way out of his depth when it came to her. He sucked in a breath and pushed through the door. It was better to get this over with, or he would be stuck in an endless loop of anxiety about the contract.

The bright interior assaulted his eyes as he walked in. Kit had forgotten about the glaring colours. He couldn’t see anyone inside the restaurant. He started to head towards the back kitchen. Kit thought it would be rude to just walk barge in, so he announced himself.

Kit heard a familiar musical voice reply. “Come in Kit. We are just finishing cleaning.”

Kit walked into the Kitchen and saw the owner of the voice. Arnold was sitting on a stool talking with Morrigan.

“Hello Kit. I thought you would have been in earlier. Snickers has been in a panic all day thinking you had run off.”

“Sorry Arnold. I went to the markets this morning and made a stall.”

“Ahh, so you are the one I heard all the chatter about today. I overheard gossip today about a vendor selling a stats dish in the market.”

Kit shuffled his feet. He couldn’t tell if Arnold was angry. He hadn’t thought about what the restaurant owners that sold stat dishes would think about him selling meals at the market.

Morrigan came over and patted his shoulder. “Don’t look like that Kit. Competition is normal in business. It is what makes us work harder to improve ourselves.”

Kit relaxed at the man’s words. He glanced at Arnold and was glad to see a smile on his face.

“Kit this is good news for me. It means you have a very good chance of opening your own restaurant and I can get rid of my lovely niece.” The smile on Arnold’s face dazed Kit. The man looked like a movie star when he smiled like that.

Once Kit adjusted to Arnold’s dazzling smile. He realised what the man had actually said. Kit felt his stomach drop. Dread started to replace the happy mood he had been in all day. Kit started to panic at what those words meant.

The cause of his alarm walked through the door.

“KIT! About time you got here! I was about to come and get you. Come with me!”

A small hand grabbed his wrist and started to drag him into another room. Kit heard a chuckle escape from Morrigan’s mouth.

“Good luck Kit.”

Kit turned to Morrigan and gave him a frightened look. Morrigan just laughed even harder. Kit tried to remove his arm from Snickers grip. His hand did not move an inch. Kit was hauled into an office. A large wooden desk with three chairs was in the middle of the room.

Arnold followed them into the room and sat in the large leather chair behind the desk opposite two wooden seats.

“Uncle, I wanted to sit there.”

Kit knew from his father that the seat Arnold sat in was commonly known as the seat of power. He could tell Snickers was already trying to lead the negotiations just from those words.

Snickers was giving Arnold a pout. Kit took a seat before his legs gave out. He didn’t know what a contract with Snickers would entail. All he knew was that he wasn’t going to like the outcome. Kit’s cheeks puffed out as he blew a breath through his cheeks. He needed to get himself together or this would end in disaster.

“Alright let’s get started. No point in delaying things.”

Arnold looked so happy to start the process. He opened a desk drawer and pulled out a large parchment and quill. He placed them on the desk. Snickers reached her hand out to grab the paper. Kit reacted quickly. He reached for the quill and paper like his life depended on it.

He snatched them over to his side. Snickers lifted an eyebrow at his movements.

“I will be the owner. I will write the contract.”

Kit knew he was being quite forceful with this move, but he didn’t want Snickers to write the contract in case she put something in it sneakily. Snickers shrugged her shoulders as if she didn’t care. Kit stared at the blank paper in front of him. He felt a little dazed, he had no clue how to formulate a contract.

Kit glanced at Arnold. He hoped the man would help. If he wanted to get rid of Snickers, he was sure he would help him construct the document. Arnold didn’t disappoint. He started to dictate the first part of the contract.

“Kit owner of the restaurant writes a binding employee contract with Snickers. She will hold the position of restaurant manager in Kit’s restaurant. Terms of contract.”

Arnold stopped then looked over to Snickers. Kit realised contracts in CAL would be different to real life. He remembered his binding notification after his contract with Morrigan was signed. Kit knew he would have to pay special attention to wording in the document.

Kit started to write slowly so he didn’t miss anything. Snickers was impatiently tapping her finger on the table.

“Hurry up Kit.”

Kit ignored her and kept writing. Snickers sat up straight in her chair and fixed her eyes on Kit. He felt pressure as her eyes stared at him without blinking. He couldn’t help but to glance up at her with nervous eyes every now and then. He felt like a rabbit terrified for his life in front of a lion. Kit hoped he could make it through the contract process without selling his soul.

“Kit, move it along. We have not got all day.”

“Snickers please don’t rush me. I haven’t written a contract before and I don’t want to get it wrong.”

Kit felt his hands shaking at having to ask Snickers to stop pressuring him. The constant staring didn’t help settle his nerves either.

“I want one gold crown a day.”

Kit’s eyes almost fell out of his head when he heard this. He stopped writing and started to shake his head without even realising.

“No, impossible. I won’t earn much money to begin with. How could I pay you so much?”

“I am giving myself a very low wage because I know you are just opening. I am worth one platinum a day little boy.”

Snickers had a look of just being insulted. She sat up proudly in the chair and fluffed her hair. Kit’s heart almost stopped when he heard one platinum. He glanced over to Arnold to see him nodding his head in agreement. Kit’s eyes rounded. What ability does she have to be worth one platinum?

All the dread he felt at having to hire Snickers disappeared. Anticipation replaced the sinking feeling. He really wanted to sign a contract with Snickers now at any cost. He should have realised from the start she would be special, being over 500 years old. He had just been distracted by Arnold’s wish to be rid of her that he did not realise how lucky he was to get this chance. When he thought about the one gold crown, he realised that this was impossible.

Kit placed the quill on the paper and sighed. He had a chance to gain an amazing employee and he couldn’t take it. He was heavily regretting that he didn’t realize earlier the benefits she could bring to his restaurant. He didn’t prepare for this negotiation at all.

Before he entered today, he thought he would be happy with the contract falling through. He should have known, this is CAL and benefits come from rare opportunities. He felt dismay at never knowing what he might have received from employing Snickers. Then again it was probably better he never knew.

“I’m sorry Snickers. I should never have said I will give you a job. I can’t afford such a large price.”

Kit bowed his head in apology. Snickers slapped the table.

“You pick up that quill. I will not let you out of giving me a job.”

Kit jolted at the loud noise. Snickers was looking at him like she was going to kill him. Kit felt the killing intent coming off her in waves. He almost fainted from the pressure. Kit didn’t know what to do in this situation.

“Snickers I really want to give you a job. I can’t though, I’m sorry.”

Kit was just as disappointed as Snickers. He could feel the chance being swept out the door. He didn’t even think he would be allowed back inside the restaurant ever again. He had a feeling this was a onetime chance. Snickers confirmed this with her next sentence.

“I will never give you this chance again Kit. SO… PICK. UP. THAT. QUILL.”

Kit automatically picked up the quill without thinking. Snickers was very scary when she was angry. Kit was starting to think he would be lucky if he made it out of this situation alive. While Kit was starting to panic, he also realised an important fact. Snickers was desperate to find a job.

Why was she so desperate to get a job? He could hear the desperation in her angry tone the longer it was taking to complete the contract. Kit decided to find out what was so important in getting a job. She obviously had an uncle that owned a restaurant. Why could she not just stay working here?

“Snickers why do you want a job with me so bad? You could get a job anywhere.”

Snickers looked at him like he was an idiot. Then she sighed.

“I can’t get a job. The moment I try my fiancé gets involved. He makes sure I can’t start a job anywhere. I managed to keep the information about the job with you secret.”

“Why does he not want you to work?”

Kit was really puzzled right now, Snickers was definitely a high level, from the killing intent coming from her earlier he was sure of this. Was she being bullied by her fiancé?

Snickers face turned red. She glanced at Arnold.

“Snickers made a bet with her fiancé. If she could get a job with a human within a year, their marriage would be cancelled. If she could not find a job, she would have to marry him after the year was up.”

Kit was a little surprised at this answer. Out of all the possibilities going through his head this was not one of the reasons he had come up with. Kit felt sympathy for the little girl. Who would want to marry someone they didn’t like. Snickers obviously didn’t want to marry the guy if she was trying to get out of the engagement.

Kit wanted to help Snickers, but he couldn’t think of a way.

“I really am sorry Snickers I can’t afford that much. I wish I could hire you. If only you could be hired for a meal a day instead.”

As he was speaking a large bang was heard in the restaurant. All three pairs of eyes turned towards the door.

“SNICKERS YOU GET OUT HERE, DON’T EVEN THINK OF SIGNING A CONTRACT.”

Snickers eyes went wide.

“Deal.”

Snickers snatched the parchment and quill and started writing frantically. She then signed down the bottom. She then shoved the parchment under Kits nose and forced the quill back into his hands.

“SIGN NOW.”

Kit didn’t even think of disobeying the order. A moment later a large man burst through the door. His eyes landed on the newly signed document. Kits eyes followed his gaze. The parchment had two golden threads making their way towards Snickers and Kit.

Kit’s eyes followed the golden thread closest to him. It made its way over to his wrist then started to wrap around forming a bracelet. Kit glanced over to Snickers to see the same bracelet on her wrist.

Ding!

[CAL]

Contract bind. Player Snickers will be unable to break the contract with Kit without his permission.

Employee gained: [Special Employee] Snickers

Role: Restaurant manager.

Special ability: Calm a crowd.

Snickers can sing a sweet song to calm the masses, or she can threaten them into submission.

Rewards: Uniforms made by Snickers will have a special enhancement. Restaurant will have an additional unlockable feature on completion.

Extra rewards for management: Attracts high level employees. High chance to receive extra restaurant fittings or upgrade to appliances upon restaurant completion/reconstructions.

Kit’s jaw hit the ground when he saw the notification. ‘Fighting fish! Snickers has such amazing bonuses to her employment.’

He didn’t know how he managed to gain Snickers as an employee. He couldn’t believe what was written in front of him. Not only could she calm customers, she could create special uniforms. The biggest boon to gaining Snickers - there was an additional feature that could be unlocked!

If he hadn’t been successful in contracting Snickers he would have missed out. Kit couldn’t stop his heart from racing. Kit glanced at his wrist to see the golden thread fading. He flicked his eyes over to the large man that was staring at him like he was a dead man walking. Kit gulped. Fear spread over Kit as he stared at the large man.

The large man turned his gaze to Snickers.

“My beloved. Why would you do this to me?” The large man had a whine in his tone. His eyes were glistening from unshed tears. He gazed at Snickers like she was the only thing in his world. Kit felt a little uncomfortable watching his distress.

This wasn’t the reaction Kit had been expecting. He thought the man would be an overbearing monster. Right now, he looked like a sad puppy.

“You don’t love me anymore.” The man continued his broken hearted monolog.

“How will I live without my little Snoo Snoo.” The large man grabbed his chest and pouted. Kit started to feel like he was watching a horrible TV drama.

“My little Snoo Snoo, I will not let you go. I will work hard to make you, my wife.” The large man turned to Kit. The adoring gaze he had for Snickers disappeared and was replaced with a menacing glare.

“I want a job too. Arnold give him another piece of paper.” Kit felt immense pressure to sign another contract. If he hired this man, he could tell he would have a large headache every day.

“Leonard I will not speak to you ever again if you work for Kit. He is mine not yours.”

Snickers had gotten to her feet to face the large man. Snickers was only just over half his height. She placed her hands on her hips and calmly stared at him.

“Snoo Snoo. You would pick this little human over me. My heart.” Leonard made a swooning action. The drama filled man was putting on a good show. Kit felt a headache coming on.

Snickers kicked his leg and glowered at Leonard, then walked out of the room. The man mountain followed Snickers pleading to work with her. Leonard was over 6’5 and made of solid muscle. Kit couldn’t fathom the man acting like a giant baby.

Kit didn’t know what he had just gotten himself into. He turned to look at Arnold. The man had a huge grin on his face.

“They are your problem now.” Arnold couldn’t look any happier about Kit’s misfortune.

“…”

Kit was speechless. Now he understood why Arnold wanted to get rid of Snickers. She came with a bonus baby man mountain. Kit had originally thought Snickers was the reason Arnold wanted to be rid of her. He now understood it might be Leonard that was the issue.

Kit let out a groan and rubbed his face. He could tell he was going to be in the middle of their relationship. He wasn’t looking forward to dealing with a pouting 500 year old and a baby muscle mountain.

Kit at least could console himself with the fact he wouldn’t have to deal with the pair until he opened his restaurant. Kit shook his head then looked at the contract on the table. He drew the parchment towards himself.

He glanced over the content he had signed without reading.

Kit gaped when he read the terms of the contract. There was only one line. He had managed to hire a special employee without any ridiculous terms. He could only stare in open awe at the fact he only had to provide her with one meal a day for her employment.

Kit couldn’t believe his luck. He even thought the man mountain was not a bad trade off for his new employee. Kit was ecstatic with the contract he had signed. He rolled the parchment and placed it inside his pouch. Kit’s eyes met with Arnold after putting the document away.

“Looks like you have some luck, Kit. That was the smoothest negotiation I have ever seen. What are your plans now?”

Kit though about the question. He couldn’t mention the map to Arnold.

“I will work on saving money to start my restaurant. I did better than I expected today with the street stall. So, I will work on creating more dishes while selling my meals in the towns I visit.”

“You won’t stay in Flower Field town?”

“No, I plan to travel around Fornax and explore before I settle down in one place.”

Arnold had a thoughtful look on his face. His eyes lit up when he gazed at Kit.

“Traveling with friends is much safer than traveling alone. You can take Snickers with you.”

Kit blanched at the idea. He didn’t want to deal with the drama filled pair until he had something to distract at least one of them with. He had no plans to travel with Snickers. He would wait until he had a restaurant before he would allow her to accompany him.

“It’s ok Arnold. I have a travelling companion already. I will leave Snickers with you until I open my restaurant.” Kit gave Arnold a big grin.

Arnold rolled his eyes.

“Fine. As soon as you open a restaurant, she will be all yours. Don’t take too long or I will come looking for you.”

The elf gave Kit a scary look. Kit shuddered. Why were these people so scary? Kit couldn’t wait to leave. Kit thanked Arnold for his help, then raced out of the building like his life depended on it.