Scenario:Sandalphon - Management Training
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Management Training
Several days after the Auguste shark attacks, Sandalphon and company resume operating their food stall. They decide to create a lounge area out front, complete with seating and a cooling device, in order to bring in more customers. Sandalphon changes into his swimsuit, committed to helping the customers feel more at ease.
Several days have passed since the crew's Augustian beach vacation was interrupted by a flying shark attack.
With peace returned to the shore thanks to the crew's valiant efforts, Sandalphon resumes managing his food stall.
Lyria: Sandalphon! We've got another order!
Sandalphon: Very well. I'll get started on it right away.
Although Sandalphon struggled at first, he has more or less learned to play things by ear. However, one problem remains.
Sandalphon: Why aren't we bringing in more customers?
Vyrn: Good question. Nothin' wrong with the taste as far as I can tell...
Puzzled by their inability to attract a steady stream of patrons, Sandalphon and company have decided to hold a strategy meeting.
But try as they might, they can't seem to pinpoint exactly what they need to improve on.
Sandalphon: There must be a root cause behind this... But what is it?
Vyrn: Hey, whaddya say we try askin' our customers? We can pass out surveys or somethin'!
Sandalphon: Knowing what our patrons are dissatisfied with would help us identify where to make changes, so normally I would agree with the idea...
Sandalphon: But this stall will only be open for a few days. We might learn things that would help in the future, but we wouldn't have time to make adjustments now.
Vyrn: I didn't think about that...
Sandalphon: I have a feeling you're on the right track though. The question is, what do we do?
Lyria: U-um, if it helps, I've seen a number of customers who looked unhappy!
Lyria: Some of them acted like they were tired from standing, and others seemed to be searching for a place to cool off...
Sandalphon: Oho...
Sandalphon: I was under the impression that customers visited beachfront cafes to take a break, while stalls were just for light refreshments.
Lyria: Maybe the cafes were all too crowded, so they went looking elsewhere.
Sandalphon: I see. In that case, what do you think about creating a lounge area in front of the food stall?
Sandalphon: It would be a comfortable space for patrons to relax. We'd probably need to ask permission from the chamber of commerce though.
Vyrn: A break area, huh. That does sound like it'd draw more customers!
Sandalphon: What's your opinion, (Captain)?
Sandalphon: Then it's settled. If the captain agrees, that must mean it's the right call.
Choose: I'll handle getting permission!
Sandalphon: I'd appreciate it. Considering you helped solve the recent shark incident, I imagine they'll be open to working with you.
Continue 1
Vyrn: Awesome! Then let's get to work!
Lyria: Yeah!
Leaving (Captain) to handle the chamber of commerce, Sandalphon and the others set out to gather equipment for the lounge area.
The group starts by heading to the marketplace to shop for seating, but Sandalphon soon finds himself facing a dilemma.
Sandalphon: Wood or metal, cushion or no cushion... I had no idea there were so many types of chairs.
Lyria: Hehe. Yeah, it's hard to decide!
Sandalphon: Something light and easy to set up would be ideal. But they also need to be sturdy enough not to topple over in the wind.
Sandalphon: Hm...
Sandalphon: I think this type of chair might work best. It doesn't take up much space, and it's comfortable as well.
Sandalphon: Plus, the design is nice and simple. I think we could afford around ten with our budget.
Lyria: Um... But don't they only seat one person each?
Sandalphon: Well, yes. Why?
Lyria: Um, well... There's nothing wrong with chairs or anything, but what do you think about these benches?
Sandalphon: Benches? What benefit would those provide? They only limit your arrangement options.
Lyria: But you know... Friends or couples might want to sit next to each other.
Sandalphon: ...?
Couldn't we just put some of the chairs side by side?
Couldn't we just put some of the chairs side by side?
Lyria: Well, you're not wrong... But these benches might make them feel more connected, or give them a sense of togetherness... or something like that.
Sandalphon: Hmm... Connected?
Sandalphon: ...
Sandalphon: That's true... I see what you're trying to say. We'll go with the benches then.
Lyria: Yay, thank you!
Sandalphon: Heh... Let's go ahead and place our order.
After purchasing the benches, Sandalphon and company pay a visit to the Grandcypher's storeroom.
Vyrn: There he is!
Hey, Rackam!
Hey, Rackam!
Rackam: Well, look who it is! The food stall gang's all here—you guys sell out for the day already?
Vyrn: Nope, but that's what we came for! Sandalphon had somethin' he wanted to ask you.
Rackam: Me? So you can sell out?
Sandalphon: Something came to me as I was watching the propellers of the ship spinning.
Sandalphon: Would it be possible to create a similar mechanism, only smaller? The shape doesn't have to be exactly the same.
Rackam: Huh? Well, it should be doable as long as you include some sort of engine...
Rackam: But what do you plan to do with a thing like that?
Sandalphon: I'm looking for something that can produce wind. By providing our customers with a breeze, we can help them cool off.
Sandalphon: But I don't have the expertise needed to build a device like that, so I came to see if you might be willing to help.
Rackam: Oho? Wind, huh... That's a pretty neat idea.
Rackam: I think I get what you're after. Count me in!
Sandalphon: Really? Thank you. I appreciate it.
Rackam: Sure, no worries. Call it payment for you making me coffee on overnight flights.
Rackam: All right, let's get this ball rolling!
Rackam offers his knowledge and skill to help fashion an apparatus capable of producing a refreshing breeze.
Rackam: Whew... That does it.
The group succeeds in creating a cooling device from a single, side-facing propeller surrounded by an circular enclosure of iron mesh.
Vyrn: Ooh! This'll definitely help the customers chill!
Sandalphon: ...
Rackam: Huh? What's wrong? Not what you had in mind?
Sandalphon: Well, yes, but in a good way. It's even better than I imagined.
Sandalphon: So this is the wisdom and technology you skydwellers have developed over the past two centuries... The power of evolution never ceases to amaze me.
Vyrn: Okay, whaddya say we give it a whirl!
Rackam: That thing sticking out of the stand is the power switch. Go ahead and push it.
Sandalphon: Here goes.
Vyrn: Whoa, it really is makin' wind! Feels nice and cool!
Vyrn: Wait, isn't it kinda strong?
As the wind continues to intensify, Vyrn's excitement turns to concern.
Vyrn: Uh... Uh-oh...
Vyrn: Whoooa!
Sandalphon: Hey, Vyrn! Are you all right?
Vyrn: Y-yeah... Saw my life flash before my eyes though...
Sandalphon: Heh... Haha...
Sandalphon: Ahahaha!
Vyrn: Hey! What's so funny!
Sandalphon: Nothing. Sorry. That just caught me off guard.
Vyrn: You don't have to laugh...
Rackam: Whoops, sorry about that! Gimme a sec to make some adjustments.
Having received permission from the chamber of commerce, the crew reassembles at the food stall with the benches and cooling device in tow.
After a bit of arranging, the lounge area is finally complete.
Vyrn: Hehe! It turned out pretty great!
Lyria: I hope this will bring in more customers!
Sandalphon: Agreed.
Sandalphon: ...
Sandalphon: We couldn't have created this relaxing space without you, (Captain). You have my thanks.
Sandalphon: But it still isn't enough. In order for this upgrade to truly be complete, I need to make some changes to myself as well.
Lyria: What do you mean by that, Sandalphon?
Sandalphon: I've been thinking... A manager who's overly formal is bound to make customers nervous.
Sandalphon: If I want someone to relax, I need to be the one to take the initiative.
Sandalphon: To that end... Could I ask you to watch the shop for a moment?
Vyrn: S-sure, no problem. You're lookin' pretty serious though—whatcha got in mind?
Sandalphon: You'll understand soon enough. It's time to show just how far I'm willing to go.
Some time later, Sandalphon returns to the food stall, having made a noticeable transformation.
Sandalphon: W-welcome! Would you be interested in trying our—I mean... How about a nice cup of coffee?
Customer: Excuse me! Could I place an order?
Sandalphon: Of course. Have a seat, and I'll be with you in just a—
Sandalphon: I mean... I'll be right there, okay?
Sandalphon serves the customers cheerfully and politely, a clumsy smile plastered on his face.
Lyria: Hehe. Sandalphon must be really nervous!
Vyrn: Ahaha! Looks like he's stopped overthinkin' things so much at least.
Sandalphon: The archangels have found new roles, and I've decided to protect the sky for my own reasons.
Sandalphon: Wearing swim trunks is beneath my dignity.
Lyria: Yeah! He's still a little awkward though...
Lyria: But if he keeps up the effort and planning, he'll be a wonderful manager before we know it!
Customer's Child: Mommy! This spinny thing feels nice and cool!
Sandalphon: H-hey! Don't stick your fingers in there! It's danger—
Sandalphon: Er, I mean... Scoot back just a little so you don't get hurt, okay?
Having accomplished their objective of creating a comfortable space for the stall's customers, (Captain) and the crew are in high spirits.
As they watch Sandalphon fully devoting himself to his position as manager, they continue to cheer him on in their hearts.