Sales were slumping.OOC Note: This thread is currently facing/dealing with the chapter consequences.
No one wanted exquisite crafted bouquets, shampoos that helped with hair growth, or delectable tarts. It was all in the spreadsheets that Diederik had compiled for each of her businesses. It wasn't because people couldn't afford it, due to Harper rock being in an economic slump. It was because people wanted guns, ammunition, tactical gear, and other things that gave them the false hope of security. Not luxury items that Elizabeth could offer them.
“Thank you, Diederik.” Elizabeth stated with a firm nod of her head and a smile that matched that nod. What else could she say or do? It was not the fault of her staff, or his, or even hers for the reasons there were barely any sales these days. “I am afraid I have to consider closing most the stores down. Perhaps not the flower shop, for people will need funeral flowers for their loved ones given all things...” A bit morbid, but true none the less. “Which means...” She sighed and shook her head.
She had over a dozen different employees who all counted on her and the pay cheque. But Elizabeth could not afford to keep them on as staff at this rate. “I need to consider severance packages for the employees at Cutting Corners and LemonDrop.” The spreadsheets were collected into a neat pile, the two previously named businesses on the top to see if there was a way to salvage the loss of her employees. Perhaps not all, but some.
“How are your studies going?” Elizabeth asked, glad for the change of subject. She had not been sorry for choosing him as a thrall. He was brilliant in the ways of business and Diederik's company was pleasant at each encounter. Far better than the last male she had enthralled some years ago. ”Well, I haven't really gone in a while.” He confessed as he pocketed the USB drive that held all her businesses data on it. “Why not?” Elizabeth asked, curiously, frowning. “I am paying for your books, Diederik. They were not cheap this semester...” Elizabeth trailed off, not approving of him skipping out on his studies.
”What's the point of going to class when we're in the middle of a crisis? Or, why risk being some zombie's lunch one day?” His points were valid and not any Elizabeth could argue against. “Then we shall see if we can get you transferred to another university in another city. You need to finish your studies because it is important and I depend upon it.” Elizabeth stood and picked up the packets of papers. “We will finish this discussion at a later time. But, I assure thee that it is not finished. Hardly.” Elizabeth moved to make her way past her thrall, then stopped and gave his statements more consideration. “Use your tome. As much as possible. I do not want one walking the streets longer than deemed necessary.” The thrall from Denmark nodded his head in understanding , before adding on, “Got it.” Using her own advice, Elizabeth was gone after reciting a few words from the tome she created for herself and began making a list of various severance packages for her staff. If it was not safe for Diederik to go to school, then it was not safe for them to work anymore.