Because the underground ventilation was relatively slow, and he did not particularly like the smell of smoke, smoking was now strictly forbidden inside STARRY. Prominent No Smoking signs had also been posted at the entrance.
He felt that smoking in public was a matter of basic manners—well, more simply, he had barely ever inhaled secondhand smoke at home.
Talent Young Master had been pampered since childhood, and most of his family members and his parents' guests did not smoke.
The small number who did would also be mindful of the setting when they visited, politely asking where the smoking room or balcony was.
Though forbidding smoking in a Livehouse that did rock business seemed even stranger, his rules were his rules, and no one was allowed to criticize them—not even the manager!
Occasionally, hot-tempered musicians and customers would angrily protest, but he had made them understand what real temper looked like...
Trying to act like a thug and play tough with him? Did they have a death wish?
Strictly speaking, Ichiji Nijika had been the one to suggest it in the beginning. He had merely added fuel to the fire and pushed it through.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Sakurakoji Talent, the pastry chef and general errand boy here. I can handle any dirty or tiring work. Please take care of me."
"Oh, and drinking is fine here, but smoking isn't, okay? Otherwise..."
He put on a "gentle" smile and cracked his fingers, producing a series of crunching sounds.
"..." Hiroi Kikuri frowned. Her half-asleep body suddenly went cold, and she shuddered. Instantly sobering up a little, she stood ramrod straight and saluted. "Yes, sir!"
Ichiji Hoshika froze as she stared at her. "...What are you doing?"
Having temporarily intimidated the biggest drunkard to appear so far, he asked Ichiji