862 Bear, gives advice Part 2 - Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear

Fina proposed the idea of adding stuffed animals of Kumayuru and Kumakyu as prizes. "I don't think plush toys have anything to do with reversi." "If you say that, then the all-you-can-eat deal at the store doesn't have much to do with it either." She had a point. Her reply left me without a counterargument. "But why plush toys?" "Because Kumayuru and Kumakyu are popular among the children. I thought it might encourage more people to participate." "That's a great idea. Thanks to Yuna's influence, bears have become quite a thing here in Crimonia." Riana nodded in agreement with Fina's suggestion. As they said, although it's limited to Crimonia, bears do have a following. I've heard that many people covet the bears displayed in my shop. The bear-themed uniforms that kids wear are also well-received. Sometimes, when walking through the city with Kumayuru and Kumakyu, children gather around. "So, I believe making Kumayuru and Kumakyu plush toys as prizes will attract many kids." "Indeed, some adults with children might also go the extra mile to win them for their kids." "There definitely will be," Fina replied assertively to Riana. There had been discussions about selling Kumayuru and Kumakyu plush toys, but I hadn't given the green light. The reason being, if a large stock of them were to remain unsold in the shop, it would sadden me. Also, if only one of them sold while the other didn't, it would be unfair to Kumayuru and Kumakyu. If only Kumayuru sold and Kumakyu didn't, it would break my heart, and likewise, the reverse. While selling them as a set is an option, it would be hurtful to hear someone at the sales counter say, "I don’t need this one," or haggle to buy just one half of the set for a lower price. This emotional toll is why I haven’t approved their sale. Kumayuru and Kumakyu plush toys are exclusively for those involved. When gifting them, I always ensure to give them as a set. If we were to offer them as prizes now, it would be as a set. For now, I decided to incorporate Fina's idea. "Well then, let's add a free ticket for those not interested in the plushies." I had a feeling boys might prefer something edible over plush toys. Riana pointed out that it would increase the cost, but I brushed it off. "That should cover the prizes." "I'll start on the revised flyers then." "Hold on." I stopped Riana just as she was about to get up. A poster makes its impact only when it stands out. "For those uninterested, I think they'd just ignore the poster." "I understand what you're getting at, Yuna, but how do we make it catch their interest?" If they're not interested, they'll walk past without a second glance. We must think of ways to halt them before the poster. Back in my world, it was common for posters to feature famous personalities. Fans of those individuals would stop for a look, and even cute illustrations could grab attention. As an experienced observer, I'm quite certain of that. "How about we include some illustrations on the poster?" "Illustrations?" I pulled out some paper and a pen from my Kuma Box and quickly sketched a rough draft. It depicted a small boy and girl playing reversi. "Come to think of it, Yuna, you can draw, can't you?" She might know about the illustration I did of Milene before. "An illustration would surely make people curious and halt them." "Yes, theater posters often feature actor illustrations. Plus, with a drawing, even those unaware will get a sense of what reversi is about." Though it was just a rough draft, she seemed to understand. "But if we arrange for an artist now, it might take time..." "I'll draw it." "Really?" We've come this far, so I'll lend a hand to ensure the reversi tournament's success. "We won't know until we try." "We'd better have a space for people to experience it." "Experience it?" "If they're interested, they can't try it without buying." Without reversi, one can't play it. "Unless a friend or acquaintance has it... otherwise..." Just like Fina said. People like me, without close friends, might exist too. There must be others who want to try but can't. Reversi is impossible alone. As a former recluse, I've failed. Though I used to understand the solitary life, having Fina, Noa, and others who'd join me had made me forget the isolation. "Plus, some people might not be able to afford it." "True, but if it's for those who can't buy..." "That's why I thought it'd be nice to have a place where they can borrow it." A kind of battle space, in other words. Though I've never entered one, card game shops supposedly have tables for open matches. Lending out reversi would enable matches so long as there's a table available. "If it piques even a bit of interest..." True, if even one-tenth of those interested participate, it would be enough. One in ten. Ten in a hundred. As the base increases, so do the numbers. If participation grows to twenty percent, it doubles. If more are drawn, they might spread the word. Expanding that circle of interest, even a little, would help. "It's a good idea." "I think so too. But we'd need space and people to lend them, which means money." Riana firmly stated, "That's impossible." She made a valid point. "Then we'll use my shop." "Your shop, Yuna?" I have the space at my shop. "Wouldn't that affect your turnover?" "It gets busy at lunchtime, but outside of that, it should be fine. I'd need to discuss it with Tirumina and Karin." After lunch, it's usually women or families who come for cake or pudding. Some come just for tea. Having them play a bit of reversi along with that wouldn't be an issue. During lunch hours, when people pop in during work breaks, they likely wouldn't have time for reversi. The next issue is finding teachers or opponents for reversi. I can't ask the kids who help out at the shop. It would hamper their work. Maybe they can just handle the lending. Anyway, how long does a game of reversi take? About ten minutes if you place discs quickly? But then there are those who ponder their moves... More challenges arise. "Riana, is there a time limit for the games? Some people might take a while to think." "We haven't set a specific time, but we would probably just remind them if they're taking too long." "That should definitely be noted on the flyers." I've heard that professional players in shogi or go think many moves ahead, hence the long deliberations. But surely amateurs wouldn't do that. Or is it just me who doesn’t? "Fina, do you think several moves ahead when you play reversi?" "Several moves ahead?" "I mean, like if you place here, then your opponent will place here, and next you’ll place there, thinking a few moves ahead." "Huh? Is that how you’re supposed to play reversi? I never really think that deeply because there's no way of knowing where the opponent will play. I just try to make sure they don't take the edges and corners and try to take them myself." Exactly. That's how it normally is for amateurs, right? Professionals might have set strategies and might know where their opponent will place the next stone. But we don't have reversi professionals in this world. Instead of overthinking, I switch my thoughts to finding opponents for them. I return to the start. As I'm pondering, I meet Fina's gaze. She's standing right in front of me. "Fina, do the children at the orphanage play reversi?" "Yes, I sometimes play with them too." "Then, how about having them come to the shop to play with customers after their morning chores are done?" "Have the kids participate?" "They'd probably be better than most since they've been playing for a while. They might even offer some helpful tips." Like how holding onto the corners and edges gives you an advantage. That's about all I know myself. They likely understand more than I do. "You could categorize the kids based on skill—those who are good, those who are average, and those who are still learning. Then they could match up with customers to help them practice." Beginner customers could play with the less experienced kids, and as they improve, they could challenge those who are average, and finally go up against the skilled ones. "Certainly, it would help if the kids can take on opponents." "However, since it also depends on the kids from the orphanage, I can't make that decision alone. I’ll check with them alongside the store plans." "Please do." With that, our discussion wrapped up and the plan was set. Now it's time to put it into action. "Thank you, Yuna. I'll do my best to promote it." "I'll check with Tirumina and Karin about whether we can use the shop, and I'll also ask the kids at the orphanage." Fina and I left the commercial guild to carry out our respective tasks.