The attack forced Evan to accelerate the brand’s strategy He realized Arcane Flavor could no longer operate like a small business susceptible to every sabotage They needed structure leadership distribution and communication Something more complex than a team of four

They needed a council

Evan called a meeting at the Riverbend branch Loras stood proudly behind his counter Mila brought crystal boards Rinna carried blueprints Evan brought documents outlining long term growth

Evan started
We cannot control the League We cannot control the Guild But we can control ourselves We build a structure stronger than both Something that keeps us united and lets us expand safely

Loras asked
What kind of structure

Evan placed a parchment on the table
The Franchise Council

He pointed to the sections
Training Division Magic Stabilization Division Supply Chain Division Equipment Forge Division Expansion Review Division Crisis Response Division Customer Experience Division

Mila’s eyes widened
This is a full organization chart

Rinna chuckled
You just built a kingdom department

Evan explained
Every future Arcane Flavor store will answer to the council not to outside factions Decisions will be made through unified policy not chaos Training will be standardized Equipment regulated Runes audited Supplies verified And expansion approved through process not instinct

Loras asked
Who leads the council

Evan answered
We do The four of us But as we grow we add new members

He assigned the initial roles
Mila Head of Magic Stabilization
Rinna Head of Equipment and Rune Engineering
Loras Head of Store Operations
Evan Head of Strategy and Expansion

At first they hesitated The titles felt too big But Evan reminded them titles were tools not decorations

Then he presented the next phase
Three more franchise candidates had already submitted requests One from a nearby trading town one from a guild controlled district and one from a noble family

Mila whispered
A noble wants a franchise

Rinna replied
That means influence and danger

Evan nodded
We evaluate all three We approve one We proceed cautiously

But before they could decide a messenger arrived panting holding a silver stamped notice

To Arcane Flavor
By decree of the Guild Chairwoman Elphira
You are summoned to present your newly created organizational structure for review and integration consideration within forty eight hours

Mila’s eyes widened
Integration consideration What does that mean

Rinna frowned
Either partnership or takeover

Evan read the message three times then shook his head
No The charter we signed prevents takeover The Guild wants to understand our new structure They want to make sure we are not drifting toward the League

Loras asked
Should we show them everything

Evan answered calmly
Yes Transparency is our strength The League hides in shadows We operate in daylight

They prepared the presentation Mila crafted rune charts showing stabilization divisions Rinna built a physical model of equipment hierarchy Loras wrote scripts for store operation demonstrations Evan refined the council’s mission statement

The next day they brought everything to the Guild Hall The representatives watched with mixed confusion and fascination

Evan spoke clearly
The Franchise Council exists to ensure stability unity and transparency It prevents rogue growth and protects economic balance

Mila explained the rune oversight system
We will register equipment runes on record and provide scheduled audits The Guild will always know what we use and how we use it

Rinna presented standardized equipment
No two stores will deviate Each rune plate each stove each teleport pad will match specifications The Guild can inspect at any time

Loras demonstrated operational consistency
Training is mandatory and monitored We maintain predictability even across distance

Finally Evan concluded
We choose neither chaos nor domination We choose structured freedom A model where innovation grows with responsibility and oversight

Silence lasted a long moment Then Chairwoman Elphira rose
Arcane Flavor You continue to exceed expectations We will classify your council as a recognized economic entity with limited autonomy You remain under Guild regulation but with expanded privileges

Gasps spread through the chamber This level of recognition was rare usually reserved only for large established corporations

But Elphira’s tone sharpened
However You must be warned The Free Traders League is escalating Their influence spreads across the eastern districts They view your council as a threat and will act accordingly

Varos stood adding
Be prepared Evan Hayes You're building not just a franchise but a new form of commerce And those who fear it will not remain quiet

As they left the hall Mila whispered
We gained power again but we gained more enemies too

Evan answered quietly
That means we are moving in the right direction

But as they walked back toward the stall a violet raven perched above them watching with glowing eyes

The League had heard everything
And the next strike would be bold