Witch's Tavern Management Log

The complete manuscript is ready. I’ll start posting once I receive 100 advance reservations or the manuscript reaches 50,000 words.

What kind of witch runs a shop with a rolling shutter for a front door?

Phoebe used every ounce of strength she had to haul up the rusty metal shutter, then stared speechlessly at the shoddy entrance.

It was the first day her tavern was open.

It was also the first day she became a witch.

After dying from overwork, Phoebe became bound to a business-management System. Her shop and its location were both chosen at random.

Everything was up to fate.

Unfortunately, she’d always had terrible luck. She’d never won a big prize, and the only way she could get anywhere in games was by spending money.

So when she opened the tavern door and saw a snow-covered forest, she could only think, “Figures.”

When people are truly at a loss, they just laugh.

And so the witch’s tavern opened for business.

The first customer was a vampire who couldn’t stand the smell of blood. The second was a beagle undead. The third was a dragonkin with serious injuries...

Phoebe: What is this supposed to mean? This is a little tavern, not some weird monster shelter!

No matter what, the tavern’s clientele kept growing. Even fairies and dwarves came from far away after hearing about it, just to have a custom-made drink, buy a mystery snack box, or enjoy a simple meal.

Amid all the chaos, Phoebe kept inventing new products, expanding the shop, filling out her collection, and gathering ingredients.

One day, her little tavern would be known to everyone across the continent of Atlantis.

Maybe then she’d be able to go home.

Little Scene 1

Phoebe had just come up with another new drink. Apparently, it was made with Hazy Blossoms. Its color was dreamlike, and people said drinking it gave you visions like beautiful dreams.

She sidled up to the little dragon and asked, “Want to try some?”

The little dragon warily took a step back. “No.”

Phoebe took a sip herself, eyes sparkling, then leaned toward the little dragon again. “Just one taste?”

The little dragon regarded her suspiciously, then looked at the glass.

While the little dragon wasn’t paying attention, Phoebe suddenly kissed her, leaving a little liquor on her lips.

The little dragon instinctively licked her lips.

Well, the taste wasn’t exactly a nightmare.

Half an hour later.

Employee A: Hey, what do you think’s gotten into the boss?

Employee B glanced at the boss and the little dragon, both crouched in the corner and giggling foolishly, then shrugged.

Maybe the new drink was just that good.

Little Scene 2

“I heard dragon scales are really sensitive. Is that true?” Phoebe edged toward the little dragon with a mischievous look.

The little dragon backed away again. “What are you trying to do?”

“Just let me touch them,” Phoebe said, inching closer. “The shop gives you room and board. Surely you can let me feel your scales? Don’t be so stingy.”

The little dragon reluctantly extended her tail, bit her lip, and let Phoebe touch it once.

The scales were hard and rough. Phoebe didn’t think there was anything special about them, so, puzzled, she tried a couple more times.

Still nothing happened.

So the stories really were nonsense. Losing interest, Phoebe turned to take care of something else.

Winter nights came especially early in Atlantis. That evening, the tavern closed early, and Phoebe headed back to her bedroom to sleep.

But something beside her kept tossing and turning.

“Stop fidgeting. It’s time to sleep.” Phoebe caught a pair of hands covered in fine scales.

“Don’t be so stingy, human.” The little dragon curled her tail around Phoebe and pressed herself against her.

Phoebe didn’t know whether dragon scales were sensitive, but she was starting to think she might be.

Little Scene 3

Phoebe: “Esteemed customer, has your journey been too lonely? Is your life too dull? Have you ever considered getting a spirit pet? No feeding, no picking up poop, just constant companionship and love.”

Customer: “That sounds great. How much?”

Phoebe: “It’s our monthly anniversary sale, so it’s free! I’ll give you one!”

The customer scratched their head, unconvinced. “Really? You’ll give me one?”

Phoebe nodded firmly. “Would you like one?”

The customer nodded hesitantly. Phoebe whistled. “Jingjing, come here!”

A ball of undead energy slammed into the customer’s arms, knocking them off their barstool.

Phoebe came around the counter, hauled the customer to their feet, and tossed them out the door. “I hope you and your spirit pet have a wonderful time together, dear customer.”

“Take care. No need to come again.”

Rubbing their head, the customer staggered to their feet and asked, “Wasn’t it supposed to be a spirit pet?”

Phoebe explained matter-of-factly, “It’s an undead pet. Why wouldn’t that count as a spirit pet?”

Customer: “What kind of pet is this big-eared donkey?”

“It’s a beagle! They’re really expensive. I wouldn’t give one away for free if we weren’t running a promotion. All right, hurry up and take it home.”

The customer wandered off in a daze.

Early the next morning.

“Shopkeeper, open the door! I’m bringing this spirit pet back! I’ll pay you! Hurry! Open! The! Door!”

It was the same customer from yesterday, pounding on the door so hard it boomed. Where had they gotten so much strength?

Phoebe was playing dead.

Looks like her twenty-ninth attempt at finding a home for a pet had failed again.

Reading Guide: Both leads are each other’s only romantic partner, happy ending, manuscript ready, no hiatuses or abandonment.

Blurb completed August 30, 2026.

Theme: Even when you have nothing, be brave and love life.