The promised week passed in a blur of activity. Ryo spent his days alternating between brewing, cooking, cleaning, and preparing for the grand reopening. Tomas and Galen proved invaluable, not just for their bor but for their connections within the vilge. Through them, Ryo met the local butcher, a boisterous man named Garrett who promised weekly deliveries of fresh meat at reasonable prices. The vilge baker, a quiet woman called Mabel with flour perpetually dusting her apron, agreed to supply bread daily. A shy girl named Lily who tended her family's vegedable garden offered seasonal produce.

  By the day before reopening, The Drunken Sheep had been transformed. The common room gleamed with polish and fresh rushes on the floor. New candles filled the sconces and chandeliers. The firepce stood ready with a stack of seasoned wood beside it. Behind the bar, clean mugs hung from hooks, and bottles of spirits stood in neat rows on the shelves. In the kitchen, pots bubbled with savory stews and pies cooled on racks.

  Ryo stood in the middle of the common room, taking it all in. His tavern. Ready for customers.

  "We're all set for tomorrow?" Galen asked, putting the final touches on a repaired bench.

  "Almost," Ryo replied. "I still need to decide which of Bertram's reserves to tap for the opening. And we should test the Sheep's Delight to make sure it's coming along properly."

  They headed to the celr where the new batch of Sheep's Delight had been fermenting for the past week. Ryo carefully drew a small sample, holding it up to the ntern light. The liquid was a rich amber color, slightly cloudy but with promising crity for such a young brew.

  He took a small sip, letting the fvors develop on his tongue. It wasn't as complex as Bertram's aged reserves, but it had a pleasing honey sweetness banced by the subtle bitterness of the hops. For a week-old brew, it was remarkably good.

  [Brewing Assessment Complete]

  [Sheep's Delight Quality: Superior]

  [Ready for Service: Yes]

  [Brewing has increased to Level 7]

  "Well?" Tomas asked eagerly. "Is it good?"

  Ryo handed him the sample cup. "Try for yourself."

  Tomas took a sip, his eyes widening. "This is better than I remember, and it's not even fully aged yet!"

  "The honey from Marta's forest hives made the difference," Ryo expined. "It has more complexity than what we initially pnned to use."

  Moving to the aged reserves, Ryo considered each barrel carefully. The oldest—the ten-year reserve from 1148—would be too precious to serve widely. Perhaps for special occasions or particurly discerning customers. The five-year barrel from 1153 seemed ideal for the opening; old enough to showcase Bertram's skill but not so rare that they couldn't serve it generously.

  "This one," Ryo decided, patting the 1153 barrel. "For the reopening."

  Galen nodded approvingly. "Grandfather would be pleased. He was always proud of his five-year reserve."

  They spent the rest of the day making final preparations. Ryo carefully wrote out a menu board, listing the food and drink that would be avaible. He decided to keep the opening offerings simple: Sheep's Delight ale (both the new batch and Bertram's reserve), a hearty beef stew, fresh bread from Mabel, and a honey cake he'd created based on one of Bertram's recipes.

  [Menu Pnning Complete]

  [Food Variety: Basic but Appealing]

  [Drink Selection: High Quality]

  [Tavern Management has increased to Level 2]

  That evening, after Tomas and Galen left, Ryo sat alone at one of the tables, reviewing his status.

  [Name: Ryo Balvaine (Former Noble)]

  [Age: 18]

  [Unique Skill: "Slow and Steady" (Passive)]

  [Skills:

  - Brewing: Level 7

  - Cooking: Level 5

  - Negotiation: Level 4

  - Patience: Level 4

  - Combat Awareness: Level 2

  - Physical Reinforcement: Level 2

  - Foraging: Level 1

  - Ingredient Assessment: Level 3

  - Tasting: Level 3

  - Tavern Management: Level 2

  - Recipe Creation: Level 2]

  [Current Path: Tavern Master]

  [Quest: Open for Business (Nearly Complete)]

  His skills had grown significantly, particurly those reted to brewing and cooking. The system clearly rewarded focused, consistent effort in his chosen profession. Ryo found himself wondering how high these skills could go, and what benefits the higher levels might bring.

  A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. It was well after sunset, and Ryo wasn't expecting visitors. Cautiously, he approached the door.

  "Who is it?" he called.

  "Morris Bramwell, proprietor of the Prancing Pony," came the reply, the voice clipped and formal.

  Curious, Ryo unbolted the door and opened it to find the innkeeper he'd glimpsed a few days earlier. Up close, Morris was a thin man with meticulously groomed gray hair and expensive clothing. His face was set in an expression of barely concealed disdain.

  "Good evening," Ryo said neutrally. "What can I do for you?"

  Morris gnced past him into the tavern, taking in the renovations with narrowed eyes. "May I come in? I believe we have matters to discuss."

  Ryo stepped aside, allowing the man to enter. Morris moved with precise steps, examining the common room with the critical eye of a competitor.

  "Impressive work," he admitted reluctantly. "I wouldn't have thought this old pce could be salvaged so quickly."

  "Thank you," Ryo replied, closing the door. "Would you like a drink? I have some of Bertram's reserve ale."

  A flicker of genuine interest crossed Morris's face before he masked it. "Perhaps a small sample. For professional courtesy."

  Ryo moved behind the bar and drew two small mugs of the five-year reserve. He pced one before Morris, who examined the amber liquid with suspicion before taking a cautious sip.

  The innkeeper couldn't quite hide his reaction. His eyebrows rose, and he took a second, rger sip. "This is... exceptional," he admitted. "Bertram always did have a way with ales."

  "He left detailed recipes," Ryo said, taking a sip of his own ale. "I'm following his methods."

  Morris set his mug down carefully. "Let me be direct, young man. Willowbrook doesn't need two drinking establishments. It barely generates enough business for one."

  "And yet, by all accounts, The Drunken Sheep thrived for decades alongside your inn," Ryo observed mildly.

  Morris's lips thinned. "Different times. The trade routes have shifted. There are fewer travelers now, and the vilgers have less coin to spend."

  "Then I'll just have to ensure they spend what coin they have here," Ryo replied, maintaining his calm demeanor. "Quality at a fair price tends to attract customers."

  "I'm prepared to make you an offer," Morris said, ignoring the implied criticism. "Five hundred gold coins for this establishment. It's far more than you paid the widow, and you'd walk away with a tidy profit for minimal effort."

  Ryo nearly choked on his ale. Five hundred gold was indeed a substantial sum—five times what he'd paid Elma. The offer was clearly designed to tempt him.

  [Negotiation Challenge Detected]

  [Opponent's Intent: Eliminate Competition]

  [Recommendation: Remain Firm]

  "That's generous," Ryo acknowledged, "but I'm not interested in selling. I didn't come to Willowbrook to make a quick profit. I came to run a tavern."

  Morris's expression hardened. "You have no experience in this business. No connections. No understanding of the local economy. You'll struggle for months, drain your resources, and eventually fail. I'm offering you an easy exit."

  "I appreciate your concern for my financial wellbeing," Ryo said dryly, "but I'll take my chances."

  "One thousand gold," Morris said abruptly. "My final offer. Enough to buy a small estate elsewhere and live comfortably for years."

  The sum was staggering. In his previous life, Ryo had never held anything approaching that kind of wealth. But something about Morris's desperation intrigued him. Why was the innkeeper so determined to acquire The Drunken Sheep?

  [Negotiation has increased to Level 5]

  [Hidden Information Detected]

  [The Drunken Sheep holds greater value than apparent]

  "The tavern isn't for sale," Ryo said firmly. "Not for any price."

  Morris drained his mug and set it down with controlled force. "You're making a mistake. This vilge can be... unwelcoming to outsiders who disrupt the established order."

  "Is that a threat?" Ryo asked, his voice cooling.

  "A friendly warning," Morris replied, standing. "Running a successful business requires more than good ale and clean floors. It requires the goodwill of the community. Goodwill that can be... influenced."

  Ryo also stood, drawing himself to his full height. "I'll keep that in mind. But I think I'll let the quality of my establishment speak for itself."

  Morris gave him a thin smile that didn't reach his eyes. "We'll see how long that philosophy sustains you. Good evening, Mr. Balvaine."

  After Morris left, Ryo locked the door and returned to his seat, turning over the conversation in his mind. The innkeeper's offer had been suspiciously generous, suggesting The Drunken Sheep held value beyond what was immediately obvious. And the veiled threat at the end... Morris clearly wouldn't give up easily.

  [Quest Update: Open for Business]

  [Additional Challenge: Overcome Local Opposition]

  [Reward: Increased if challenge is successfully navigated]

  Ryo sipped his ale thoughtfully. Tomorrow's opening would be more important than ever. He needed to make a strong first impression, not just on potential customers but on the vilge as a whole. If Morris was pnning to undermine him, the best defense would be overwhelming community support.

  With renewed determination, Ryo headed to the kitchen to make final preparations for tomorrow's food offerings. He would ensure that the reopening of The Drunken Sheep was an event no one in Willowbrook would forget.

  ---

  Morning dawned bright and clear, a perfect day for a tavern reopening. Ryo had been up since before sunrise, preparing food, checking the ale, and making sure everything was in perfect order. Tomas and Galen arrived early, bringing with them fresh flowers to pce on the tables and news that had Ryo raising his eyebrows.

  "Morris has closed the Prancing Pony for the day," Galen reported as he arranged flowers in a small vase. "Posted a notice saying they're doing renovations."

  "On the exact day we're reopening?" Ryo said skeptically. "That's quite a coincidence."

  "He's afraid people will compare his pce to yours and find it wanting," Tomas said with undisguised glee. "The whole vilge is talking about it."

  "Let's focus on our opening, not Morris's closing," Ryo suggested, though he privately found the timing suspicious. "Is everything ready in the common room?"

  "All set," Galen confirmed. "Tables arranged, benches positioned, bar stocked. We open at midday, right?"

  Ryo nodded. "That gives us time for any st-minute preparations. I want everything to be perfect."

  They spent the morning in final preparations. Ryo tapped the barrel of Bertram's five-year reserve, positioning it prominently behind the bar. The new batch of Sheep's Delight was also ready, transferred to serving kegs. In the kitchen, the beef stew simmered in a massive pot, releasing savory aromas that filled the tavern.

  At precisely midday, Ryo unlocked the front door and officially reopened The Drunken Sheep. He'd expected a gradual influx of curious vilgers, perhaps building to a modest crowd by evening.

  What he got instead was an immediate rush. It seemed half the vilge had been waiting for the doors to open, and they poured in with enthusiasm bordering on celebration. Within minutes, every table was filled, and the bar was three deep with people cmoring for service.

  "By the gods," Ryo muttered, momentarily overwhelmed by the response.

  Elma, seated at a table near the firepce, caught his eye and offered an encouraging nod. Several other vilge elders surrounded her, all looking pleased to be back in the familiar setting of The Drunken Sheep.

  Ryo took a deep breath and got to work, serving mugs of ale with efficiency that surprised even himself. Tomas ran back and forth from the kitchen, delivering bowls of stew and ptes of bread. Galen collected payment and kept the tables clear of empty mugs.

  The vilgers' reaction to the first taste of Sheep's Delight after the tavern's long closure was everything Ryo could have hoped for. Men closed their eyes in appreciation, women nodded in satisfaction, and several older patrons procimed it "just like Bertram used to make."

  When Ryo brought out samples of the five-year reserve for the vilge elders, the response was even more emphatic. Elma took a sip and actually teared up, murmuring something about "tasting memories."

  [Local Reputation Significantly Increased]

  [Customer Satisfaction: Excellent]

  [Tavern Management has increased to Level 3]

  By mid-afternoon, the initial rush had settled into a steady flow of customers. Some left after a meal and a drink, only to be repced immediately by newcomers eager to experience the reopened tavern. The atmosphere was jovial, with frequent toasts to both Bertram's memory and Ryo's success.

  Ryo was wiping down the bar during a brief lull when the door opened and a group of travelers entered—merchants by the look of their clothing, with dusty boots and trail-weary expressions.

  "Heard in the next vilge over that The Drunken Sheep was reopening today," said the leader, a stout man with a neatly trimmed beard. "Couldn't believe our luck. Used to stop here regur on the northern route until old Bertram passed."

  "Well, you heard right," Ryo replied with a smile. "What can I get you gentlemen?"

  "Sheep's Delight if you've got it," the merchant said. "Been dreaming about that ale for months."

  Ryo served them the fresh batch, earning approving nods after the first taste. "Not quite as complex as Bertram's, but damn good for a new brewer," the merchant decred. "You his apprentice or something?"

  "Something like that," Ryo answered, not wanting to expin his actual situation to strangers. "I'm using his recipes."

  "Smart move," the merchant said, raising his mug in salute. "Don't fix what isn't broken."

  As the merchants settled in for a meal, Ryo noticed a tall, well-dressed man standing in the doorway, observing the busy tavern with keen interest. Unlike the other customers, he made no move to find a seat or approach the bar. Instead, he simply watched, his eyes missing nothing.

  After several minutes of observation, the man approached Ryo at the bar. "You're the new proprietor?" he asked, his accent marking him as educated and possibly from the capital.

  "I am," Ryo confirmed. "Ryo Balvaine. Welcome to The Drunken Sheep."

  "Edgar Voss," the man introduced himself, offering a hand. His grip was firm but not aggressive. "I represent the Brewers' Guild in the capital. May I have a word in private?"

  Ryo raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Galen," he called to the younger brother, "mind the bar for a moment?"

  He led Edgar to a small table in the corner, retively isoted from the main bustle of the tavern. "What can I do for the Brewers' Guild?" he asked once they were seated.

  Edgar leaned forward, keeping his voice low. "I'm here about Bertram's membership in our organization. As you may know, he was a Master Brewer, one of the few outside the capital to earn the title."

  Ryo hadn't known this, but he nodded as if it was common knowledge. "I'm aware of his reputation."

  "Upon a Master's death, their membership and certification typically expires unless they've formally trained an apprentice who can demonstrate adequate skill," Edgar continued. "The Guild was informed of Bertram's passing st winter, but we've only recently been able to send a representative to assess the situation."

  "And what situation would that be?" Ryo asked cautiously.

  Edgar gestured subtly at the busy tavern. "This one. Word reached us that The Drunken Sheep was reopening under new management, serving Bertram's recipes. Normally, we would consider this a viotion of Guild regutions—only certified brewers may produce and sell recipes registered with the Guild."

  Ryo's mind raced. Was this some kind of shakedown? Or perhaps Morris had connections to the Brewers' Guild and was using them to cause problems.

  [Complex Negotiation Scenario Detected]

  [Recommendation: Be Honest but Strategic]

  "I wasn't aware of these regutions," Ryo admitted. "Bertram's widow provided his recipe book and gave me her blessing to continue his work."

  Edgar nodded. "Elma Thornwood. Yes, we're familiar with her. She has no legal cim to Bertram's Guild status, of course, but the personal connection is noted." He paused, studying Ryo carefully. "I'd like to sample your brew, if I may. Both the fresh batch and any reserves you might have."

  Ryo went to the bar and returned with two mugs—one containing the new Sheep's Delight, the other holding the five-year reserve. He pced them before Edgar without comment.

  The Guild representative approached the tasting with professional rigor. He examined each ale in the light, noting the crity and color. He smelled each one, closing his eyes to concentrate on the aroma. Finally, he tasted them, taking small sips and allowing the ale to linger on his pate before swallowing.

  His expression revealed nothing until he'd finished both samples. Then, surprisingly, he smiled.

  "The fresh batch shows promise," Edgar said. "Good bance, clean fermentation, proper carbonation. Not Master level yet, but certainly journeyman quality. But this..." He tapped the mug containing the reserve. "This is undoubtedly Bertram's work. Exceptional."

  "Thank you," Ryo said, unsure where this was heading.

  Edgar's expression became more serious. "Here's my dilemma, Mr. Balvaine. Guild regutions are clear about unauthorized use of registered recipes. However, we also recognize that Bertram's work deserves to continue. His contributions to brewing techniques, particurly the use of honey infusions, have been significant."

  He reached into his jacket and produced a sealed letter. "This is a provisional license from the Brewers' Guild. It grants you one year to either develop your own registered recipes or formally apply for apprenticeship certification to continue using Bertram's. During that year, you may serve his ales without penalty."

  Ryo accepted the letter, surprised by this unexpected turn. "That's... very generous of the Guild."

  Edgar's eyes twinkled. "Between us, several Guild Masters were quite fond of Bertram and his exceptional ales. They would be disappointed to see his legacy disappear. This arrangement gives you time to prove yourself worthy of continuing that legacy."

  [Item Acquired: Brewers' Guild Provisional License]

  [Legal Status: Authorized Brewer (Probationary)]

  [Duration: 1 Year]

  [Tavern Management has increased to Level 4]

  "What would I need to do to qualify for full certification?" Ryo asked, genuinely curious.

  "Develop three original recipes of superior quality, or demonstrate mastery of all of Bertram's registered recipes," Edgar expined. "I'll return in a year to conduct the evaluation. Until then, this license protects you from any... compints that might arise about your qualifications."

  The pointed way he said "compints" made Ryo wonder if Edgar knew about Morris's opposition to the tavern. "Has someone already lodged such a compint?" he asked directly.

  Edgar's expression became carefully neutral. "The Guild doesn't discuss the source of inquiries regarding licensing matters. I will say that we received notification about the change in ownership here somewhat sooner than would be typical through normal channels."

  So Morris had tried to use Guild regutions against him. Interesting. "Well, I appreciate the Guild's flexibility," Ryo said. "And I'll make sure to prepare properly for your return visit next year."

  "See that you do," Edgar replied, standing. "Bertram's pce in Guild history is assured. Whether you join him there remains to be seen." He pced several silver coins on the table. "For the excellent ale. Good day, Mr. Balvaine."

  As Edgar departed, Ryo noticed the tavern had grown even more crowded. Word of the reopening had clearly spread throughout the day, drawing people from across the vilge and perhaps beyond. The atmosphere was festive, with spontaneous toasts and bursts of ughter rising above the general hum of conversation.

  Galen caught his eye from behind the bar, gesturing frantically for help. Ryo pocketed the Guild license and returned to work, serving ale and food with increasing efficiency as the evening progressed.

  By the time they finally closed the doors well after midnight, Ryo was exhausted but exhirated. The opening day had been an unqualified success, with profits far exceeding his expectations. More importantly, the vilgers' response had been overwhelmingly positive.

  "We need more help," Galen said as they colpsed into chairs after the st customer had left. "The three of us can't handle crowds like this every day."

  "Agreed," Ryo said. "Do you know anyone looking for work?"

  Tomas, sprawled across a bench, raised his hand. "Our cousin Becca. She's been working at the Prancing Pony but hates Morris. She'd switch in a heartbeat if the pay is decent."

  "And there's Finn," Galen added. "Good d, reliable. Been helping at the butcher's but looking for steadier work."

  Ryo nodded, making mental notes. "Let's talk to them tomorrow. If business stays anywhere near this level, we'll need at least two more pairs of hands."

  [Quest Completed: Open for Business]

  [Bonus Objective Completed: Exceptional Opening Day]

  [Reward: Tavern Reputation System Unlocked]

  [New Quest: Establish The Drunken Sheep]

  [Objective: Build local reputation, expand staff, develop unique recipes]

  [Local Reputation Level: Promising (23/100)]

  As Tomas and Galen finally left for the night, Ryo stood alone in the common room, surveying the aftermath of the day's success. Empty mugs waited to be washed. Tables needed wiping down. The kitchen was a disaster of dirty pots and serving ptes.

  And yet, he couldn't stop smiling. In his previous life, exhaustion like this would have filled him with dread and resentment. Now, it felt like an accomplishment—evidence of a day well spent doing something he enjoyed.

  The Drunken Sheep was officially back in business. Morris's opposition, while concerning, seemed manageable. The Guild's provisional license provided legal protection for his brewing activities.

  Ryo poured himself a small mug of the five-year reserve and raised it in a silent toast to Bertram, wherever he might be.

  "I'll do your legacy proud," he promised quietly. "Slow and steady."

  Sipping the exceptional ale, Ryo began pnning for tomorrow. He had employees to hire, brewing to continue, and a reputation to build. The path stretched before him, challenging but clear.

  For the first time in either of his lives, he was exactly where he wanted to be, doing exactly what he wanted to do. And the system—his unique "Slow and Steady" ability—seemed perfectly designed to help him succeed at his own pace.

  Draining the st of his ale, Ryo headed upstairs to his bedroom, ready for a well-earned sleep.