#Apple Customer Satisfaction

[jcmarchi]

Customer Retention: Reasons Your Business May Be Losing Customers - Technology Org

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Customer Retention: Reasons Your Business May Be Losing Customers - Technology Org

Small business owners know that loyal customers are the best customers. They will continue to purchase from you and even refer friends and colleagues. You can improve your business by identifying the factors that may be affecting your customer base.

Happy customer – illustrative photo. Image credit: Brooke Cagle via Unsplash, free license

What is customer retention?

Customer retention is the ability of a business to retain customers over time. It is a metric that measures how many customers remain at the end of any given period. Customer retention is when your customers remain loyal to your brand and its offerings. It can also contribute to your growth. Instead of a constant influx of new customers to your business, returning customers speak to their satisfaction with the brand.

If you’ve noticed this isn’t the case for your company, here are possible reasons why your business is losing customers.

1. Providing poor customer service

Good service can increase customer satisfaction. Apple and Amazon are examples of organisations that have high standards when it comes to customer service. These companies have shown that placing customer service at your core business model leads to greater success and customer retention. Small and large companies can learn a lot from these leading companies to remain competitive and retain their customers.

What does good customer care look like? Consistency, reliability, and responsiveness are key to every customer interaction. One bad experience can cause you to lose a customer for good. Each interaction with your company should encourage customers to return. A friendly smile and a positive attitude are important, but there is more. For example, aim to answer questions and resolve problems as quickly as you can. Set goals for response times and successful resolutions. Train your staff to be able to correct any mistakes, and empower them.

2. Failing value proposition

Failing to provide the value you’ve promised goes hand in hand with a poor customer experience. If you fail to accurately deliver the product or service you provide, your clients may assume that you don’t care about them. This is not good for business.

Send your clients regular updates that show the progress you are making for them. When you have good or bad news to report, make sure to communicate it promptly, which is important for all businesses, but especially those who foster close one-on-one relationships with their clients.

3. Outdated technology

Technology is an important factor in today’s brand loyalty equation. Consumers today are not only demanding, but have little patience for inefficiencies, since they can find a similar if not better service elsewhere. Slow checkout processes or a lack of convenient payment methods – online and offline – may cause some customers to look for businesses with better operations.

Simple, intuitive technology will help you retain customers. Your websites should load quickly and be easy to navigate on all devices. This includes computers, tablets, and smartphones. Make sure your business is active on social media and that you are keeping up with it. Use technology to enhance your products and services. Consider listing your restaurant on a delivery application to retain customers who may prefer to order takeout online.

4. Failure to reward customer loyalty

When it comes to establishing customer relationships, recognising the long-standing customers you do have is equally as important as improving on those that need a little more work. It can be very effective to reward customers for their loyalty. Encourage customer loyalty by rewarding those who choose your business over competitors. Customer loyalty programs can be used to offer discounts and special promotions. You can make it less likely that your customers will take advantage of a competitor’s offer by providing them great value without having to make any changes.

Money-back incentives are one way of rewarding customer loyalty. Create a feeling of community and belonging. You can show your appreciation to customers in many ways, such as by featuring them in newsletters and sending them birthday and holiday cards, or by asking them for feedback and including them in the creation of new products and services.

5. Pricing does not match value

Focusing on price instead of value is not a great idea for small businesses. As a low-cost supplier, you will find it difficult to raise prices if you are forced to. A larger competitor can also more easily undercut your prices to steal your clientele.

Focusing on value is the best way to increase customer loyalty in small businesses. Customers are not only interested in price, but also service, consistency and accessibility. Especially when larger competitors are involved – if a customer is choosing your product or service, it’s likely because they want a more personalised experience.

6. Incentivising employees poorly

Employee satisfaction is an indicator of customer satisfaction. If you cannot keep your employees, then don’t expect your customers to stay either. Consider how you can motivate and engage your sales team with sales incentives. This will keep them focused on the behaviours that serve both your customers and your business.

From a longer term perspective, ensure your salary packages are competitive, including insurance, holiday and sick payments that cover what it costs to be an Australian in today’s society.

Why is customer retention important?

Customer retention is a measure of a company’s ability to acquire new customers, as well as how satisfied they are with their existing customers. It also boosts ROI, increases loyalty and attracts new customers.

Returning customers are more likely to spend more, buy more, and recommend friends and family. Research shows that a 5% increase in retention can boost revenue by 25 to 95%.

Smart customer retention strategies ensure that customers are educated about your brand, products and service, and they’re satisfied with the customer experience. They also encourage them to come back to your brand to purchase additional products or receive updates.

Increase customer lifetime value

Lifetime value (LTV) can be defined as the total amount a client is expected to pay for your products over the course of their lifetime. The better your retention strategies, the higher your customer LTV. When you have a solid customer retention strategy, your LTV will soar. It is important to spend as little money as possible on acquisition, and then gain as much as you can from LTV.

Retention and acquisition best practices

Increased customer loyalty requires a targeted, focused approach. You should follow the actionable and achievable approaches to maintain a strong customer base, even though every business will lose some customers.

You can reduce customer churn by taking the time to engage, educate and empower your customers.

Inspire customer loyalty

Keeping existing customers is more profitable and cost-effective than attracting new ones. It’s only the beginning to avoid these common mistakes that lead customers away. It takes time to build customer loyalty. The payoff will be well worth the effort.

Bonus tip: Business insurance can also show your professionalism. It’s vital to keep the most valuable relationships you have in your small business. Maintaining the right insurance is a part of this to build trust with customers and show a commitment to your integrity.

Clients often see insurance as a sign of a financially responsible business owner, which can help protect reputation.

Use AI to create proactive experiences

Proactiveness is another important retention strategy. It’s not enough to respond to customer needs. Customers expect more than ever. They want you to give them what they need even before they ask.

Technology can help. According to Forbes, 48% of customers will be more loyal to a brand that uses the latest technology. Instead of reacting to issues that arise in real time, AI algorithms can identify and solve potential problems before they become a problem, such as through live chatbots on your website.

Personalise customer experience using data

To reap the benefits of personalisation you will need to connect all the data across the customer journey. You can combine customer data from various sources such as your marketing automation system, customer support software or order management tools.

Building an ecosystem of connected customer data allows for possibilities such as sending personalised offers to customers who have recently closed tickets. You can ensure that you don’t duplicate promotions offered by another team.

Adapt to changing customer needs and expectations

Businesses are constantly changing their products and services to meet the needs of customers. Companies who are able to improve customer retention usually have processes that allow them to quickly act on feedback from customers and optimise their operations.

Data transparency is driving agility. Agile organisations can stay ahead of the market’s rapid changes by paying attention to their customers’ data.

****

Think about these tips, and ask yourself whether there are any other areas where you can show your customers that you care. Work with your employees to make sure every interaction is positive. By reviewing your files whenever you receive a service request,you can train your team (and use AI) to go beyond what customers expect.

[techdriveplay]

Why Apple Continues to Lead in The Phone Game

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, where innovation and sophistication intersect, Apple stands out as a beacon of excellence and ingenuity. With its roots deeply embedded in the art of creating not just devices, but experiences, Apple has continuously set the benchmark for what a smartphone can be. It’s not merely the advanced technology or the sleek designs that position Apple as a…

[tightwadspoonies]

How to Shop at an Asian (or other ethnic) Grocery Store

Do you live in or near a city in the US?

Need to save some money on groceries?

Might I introduce you to... shopping at the local Asian grocery?

Asian grocery stores aimed at an Asian-American customer base almost always beat the prices of their western (or for-western) counterparts. Often by a significant amount, especially in categories like produce, meat, rice, and spices. Plus in addition to lower prices, you get the satisfaction of supporting a small, local business instead of a larger chain store.

(Note that a lot of this information applies to other ethnic grocery stores as well, but we're using Asian because they're common in many cities, and have particularly good prices on produce.)

But it can be a little bit of a learning curve when you first start to shop at them. This post will give you the information you need to navigate them.

So how do you find a good Asian grocery store?

First, go on google maps and search "grocery".

Note that you are NOT googling "Asian Grocery" or "Cheap Grocery". If you search "Asian Grocery" you will get results for Asian stores marketing toward a western audience, and because of this, will be neat, shiny, and very pricey. If you search "Cheap Grocery" you will get stores marketing themselves as cheap, which generally are only slightly less expensive than their "expensive" counterparts (think Aldi). Okay in a pinch, but you can do better.

Second, look at the pictures of all the stores you can easily get to.

Here's what you want: not a lot of printed ads, pictures of hand-written signs (especially in languages other than English), food in cardboard bins, and you want it to look kind of "junky". Bonus points if you can see prices listed in the pictures or the people shopping there are mostly older, ethnic women.

Third, If you couldn't find anything like this, go on your city's subreddit.

Search "cheap", "cheap grocery" and "expensive grocery". Why "expensive grocery"? Because you want to find people complaining about grocery prices, and you want to see the advice they get. Many times, that advice is Asian or ethnic grocery stores.

If you're still not getting anything, google "[city name] cheap grocery" and "[city name] expensive grocery" (see above). Scroll until you get to FORUMS discussing groceries in your city. You DO NOT want blogs or articles. Again, you're looking at the advice people are given when they complain about grocery prices.

One of the first questions people ask upon walking into an Asian grocery store of the type discussed in this post is:

"Is the food I'm getting here safe to eat?"

The answer is just as safe as anywhere else you might shop.

You're probably used to very clean, pretty, well-lit, well-organized stores. This will probably not be that, but it will be regulated by the same health department that regulates those stores. They are held to the same standards.

It's a lot of work to keep a store looking like a western consumer expects. It's a lot less work (and thus less money) to keep a store looking like an ethnic career housewife or grandmother expects. That is largely where the savings comes from.

What's a good deal at an Asian grocery?

Produce. You're probably used to things like onions and carrots being the cheapest per pound. Here it's going to be greens, apples, pears, radish, cabbage and maybe squash and sweet potatoes. Check unit prices and prepare to try some new things. Also a pound of greens is a LOT of greens. Keep that in mind. Also keep in mind that you might see a few pieces of produce that are bruised or have mold on them. That's okay. Just don't buy those pieces. The rest of the batch is probably fine. Wash produce when you get home if you're concerned, though you should be doing that anyway.

Rice and dry beans. If you like to buy in bulk, you're in luck. Don't expect to walk away with a pound or two of these. They come in 40lb packages. But if you tailor most of your meals around them, those meals will be cheap af. There are also lots of different types of specialty rice if you want to make your own sushi or mochi. Learn how to soak and sprout beans.

Tofu. Tofu is expensive when you buy it at a health food store. It is not when you buy it at an Asian grocery. It probably won't be in pretty packages, but again, cheap is not going to be super pretty.

Meat and fish. Meat is generally going to be cheaper here, though maybe not by as much as the produce is. Pork will probably be your cheapest option. You may also see cuts you don't normally see, like tongue, intestine, liver, kidneys, blood, etc... "Weird," however, does not automatically mean cheap in this context. Check unit prices and prepare to be adventurous. If you don't know what else to do with them, dried fish and animal organs make fantastic stock when boiled.

Spices. Again with the extremely large quantities here. But very inexpensive compared with their western counterparts.

Candy. This makes a great inexpensive gift if you need one, since the candy sold at these stores is fairly exotic for a western audience.

What isn't a good deal at an Asian grocery?

Dairy. This includes fresh milk, butter, cheese, etc... If they have it, it will be very expensive. Consider buying elsewhere.

Eggs. Again, this will probably be as expensive or more than the eggs you could get at a western supermarket.

Snacks. Pre-made items will be expensive in general, even though they may be tempting because they are different from what you are used to and you don't need to learn to cook a new thing. Do your best to avoid these and make your own if you can. If you can't, frozen pork or vegetable dumplings are probably your best bet for a quick meal.

Bread. It's pricey. A lot of Asian cuisines use rice, noodles, or buns for their starch instead of western-style bread. So if you can find it it will often be a novelty item.

What else do I need to know?

It's okay to be overwhelmed by new ingredients. Look up some YouTube videos on how to cook certain ingredients if you're not familiar with them.

These are not supermarkets. They sell food and sometimes the kitchenware (steamers, woks, chopsticks, etc...) needed to cook it. You will probably need to get your soap and household items somewhere else.

Pay in cash if you can. Most of these are very small businesses and paying them cash makes it so they don't need to pay credit card fees. At the very least, make the minimum purchase before paying with a card.

[rlewisphilly]

Did you stand in the rain for this?

Our habit started on a warm drizzly day today in 2007.  (In Philly anyway)The first Apple iPhone went on sale. About 7 out of 10 are reading this on an iPhone. How do you achieve that kind of brand loyalty? “Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again, and bring their friends”Thank Walt Disney for that thought.(Walt’s quote brings me to the current conspiracy theory:  Is Apple…

[davenswitcher]

Mortal Delights

Word Count: 990

Ship: Astarion x Tav

Tags: Cured Astarion, experiencing food after 200 years

Rating: No warnings, General Audiences

Originally posted on AO3

A/N:

Ram Berries: Small, succulent purple berries.

Davalsa: Grape like berrys

Sortani: A rinded fruit; served sliced with melted cheese and nutmeg.

Aaaand you know me! Gotta squeeze that lovely elvish in there ❤️❤️ Sal aestar - I love you

His first meal as a mortal was something simple. Nothing too fancy to not overwhelm his taste buds. On the other hand, after two hundred years even asparagus would taste as if the gods themselves made love to you. Luckily it's just the entrée, so plenty of food left to savour and commit to memory. 

The entrée consists of a red beet carpaccio with goat crème cheese and balsamic crème-sauce. Sprinkled over the carpaccio are pomegranate kernels. 

Astarion is blindfolded to intensify his experience, but also so that he wouldn’t judge the food before tasting it. Because the gods know he would judge the food if it looked like something from a dingy tavern. They hired a private cook, but you never know.

The first bite is a mix of everything. Red beet, goat crème cheese, pomegranate kernels and balsamic. It’s a symphony. The rich and heady balsamic paired with the sweet pomegranate, topped off with the sweet and earthy red beet and heavy taste of goat crème cheese. It’s extraordinary. A combination rarely thought of but works well in a divine way. It feels like an explosion of flavours. Like firecrackers on New Year's Eve.

Astarion hums in satisfaction. “Good gods, I forgot how divine food can be.”

“Not getting religious on me, are you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, my darling. The only religion I subscribe to is you and your delicious self.”

“I thought we were over this, Astarion,” Cecillé giggles.

“Never,” Astarion grins.

“Shall we get to the main course? Or do you want to have more of the carpaccio?”

“I want to try everything the cook has in store, it’s a long evening after all! Let’s get to the main course, my sweet.”

The main course is a variety of grilled vegetables sprinkled with honey, a small cut of elk steak and salmon filet, a green pepper sauce for the steak and a honey mustard sauce for the fish. The fish and elk steak lay separate on the plate, so the sauces don’t mix. As a side dish, the cook chose a fruit salad. A mix of apples, ram berries, davalsa, kiwi and red grapes. Another side dish they prepared is Sortani. The fruit is sliced, served with melted cheese and nutmeg. As drinks, they have sparkling water from the mountains and Saerloonian Glowfire.

The blend of bitter, slightly sour and sweet is exquisite. The combination of the steak with the pepper sauce and a slice of grilled vegetable are in perfect harmony. The Sortani side dish is perfectly sweet and savoury at the same time. The cheese and the sweet nectar of the fruit complete each other. The nutmeg gives it the needed spice. The flavours dancing on his tongue.

Saerloonian Glowfire is a fairly sweet white wine. The taste reminding of pears. A tasteful medley to the dish.

The salmon is rich in buttery flavour, the sauce complementing it and enhancing the taste. The grilled vegetables are a contrast to it. Bitter and sweet, yet with a hint of a light earthiness. Overall delightful.

“My compliments to the chef, darling. Who would’ve thought I’d turn into a connoisseur. Although, I’m sure my taste before was just as exquisite. I remember the calamari at Elfsong. Odd, isn’t it? Remembering something so…mundane?”

“Not odd, no. Taste is a very important factor in memory, Star. And who knows, maybe the chef that worked there back then made it his life's work to serve the best dish he can make for each customer.”

“Novel, really. So, after all this delicious food there must be a dessert or is it you, my sweet?” Astarion takes the blindfold off, getting tired not to see his love.

“You won’t give up, will you?” Cecillé laughs.

“Nope, never. Being mortal means not just feeding my body with this exquisite sustenance, but also filling my soul with your love.”

“Gods, Astarion. You should’ve become a bard, not a politician.”

“Hmm, maybe. But those words are reserved just for you. Making you quiver, and therefore make me eat you right up,” he delights in her face and ears getting redder by the second.

“Chef! It’s time for dessert!” Cecillé squeaks and Astarion laughs unapologetic.

The final course, the dessert, is a rich chocolate mousse with two slices of orange on top. There are different bowls to choose from: dark chocolate, milk chocolate and the very exotic white chocolate. The white chocolate mousse is topped with strawberries instead of orange, to complement the sweet, slightly buttery with a touch of vanilla composition.

The taste of the dark chocolate is rich in flavour, heavy even. The orange brings a fruity, lightly sour and sweet balance into it. The taste is one word: divine. The mousse itself is light despite the heavy aroma.

Astarion moans at the taste and hastily corrects himself with a cough.

“Pardon me,” he says, a little embarrassed.

“Better than sex?” Cecillé teases.

“Gods no, woman, but close I admit,” he chuckles. “The chef did a wonderful job.”

“Glad I was correct with the assumption you’ll love it.”

The next bowl is the milk chocolate version of the mousse. Not as heavy as the dark chocolate. It’s sweet, notes of vanilla and caramelized sugar. The milk being more at the foreground in the taste. The orange slices counterbalance the sweetness with their fruity flavour.

Lastly, the white chocolate mousse. Very sweet, hints of vanilla and a buttery aftertaste. The strawberries bring a lightness to it and enrich the slightly buttery aftertaste. It has a “summer-esque” feel to it. 

“And? How’re you feeling?”

“Full and happy and I cannot believe still that it’s real.”

Cecillé gets up and sits down in his lap. Kissing the crown of his head. 

“You deserve it, Star. And I am so happy for you. Truly.”

She kisses his lips, the taste of chocolate still prominent.

“You’re strong and brave, Star. Sal aestar.”

He nuzzles her neck, “Sal aestar.”

[thesimulationswarm]

Garden of Earthly Delights - one shot

sub!Joel Miller x f!dom!reader

A/N: I've been sick and sort of in a feverish fugue state for a couple of days and I wrote this. Definitely inspired by reading this excellent sub!Joel fic by @haylzcyon, but it turned out quite a bit darker. So, welcome to my horny fever dream I guess? Summary: Joel gets dommed by a bratty shopgirl he meets in the Boston QZ and discovers a very unexpected side of himself Rating: explicit 18+ MDNI Word count: 3.5k Warnings/tags: no use of y/n, hard dom!reader, irresponsible dom behavior that would be abusive irl (don't dom people you meet on the street kids. And for god's sake, use active consent and a safe word), reader described as young and has hair, slapping, spitting, oral sex (f receiving), unprotected PIV sex, premature ejaculation, cum eating, praise, degradation, pet names (good boy, baby boy, kitten, mama), submissive produce washing

Joel was tired, and hungry, and he wanted to go home. At home he had half a bottle left of some dark moonshine that approximated whiskey, and a day off tomorrow to sleep through its aftereffects. But his cupboards were otherwise empty, and he knew he needed to lay in some supplies.

Unfortunately, it was the end of first shift and half of the goddamn QZ was thinking the same thing. The line snaking up to the counter at the ration shop was moving slower than he even thought possible, and he shifted irritably from side to side. He was trying, unsuccessfully, to find a way to stand that didn’t make his whole body hurt.

Even more maddening, only one person was working the counter today. He was sympathetic with operations being short staffed, but that clearly wasn’t the case. He could see right past the greasy hair of the young guy doling out food, and another person was back there, just leaning against the wall. Looking bored.

He watched you as you idly checked your nails. He watched you as you ran your fingers through your hair. He watched you cock one hip to the side and lean down to pull a shiny red apple from a burlap sack, then toss it loosely back and forth between your hands. Like you had all the time in the goddamn world.

You were beautiful.

You were young.

You weren’t bothered one bit by the grumbling line of customers stretching down the street.

He fucking hated you.

Finally, he reached the front, throwing down a thick sheaf of ration cards. “Two loaves a’ bread. Cooking oil. And a couple apples,” he grunted out.

“Sorry, out of apples,” the gormless kid answered. Behind him, he watched as you lifted the smooth red fruit to your lips and bit down, hard, the flesh giving way with a gratifying crunch. You noted with satisfaction that it was a particularly good apple— tart, sweet, crisp.

The shop boy saw Joel glaring and shrugged. “Last one.” Joel looked over at where you stood again, one knee bent with your foot pressed oh-so-casually against the cinderblock wall. Beside you, the burlap sack bulged with the shape of a good dozen round, suspiciously apple-sized lumps. 

A thin rivulet of juice dripped out from the fruit in your hand, sliding down the curve of your wrist. You saw him watching you, and you bent your head to run your tongue along your skin, lapping up every last, sweet drop.

You liked the way he was looking at you. An older guy, gray streaking through his dark hair and down his stubbled jawline. But fucking built, the solid shape of his shoulders stretching out the worn chambray of his work shirt. His eyes were narrowed, his strong brow pinched. The cut of his jaw practically vibrating with tension.

He wanted to kill you. He also, definitely, wanted to fuck you. Maybe both at the same time. And below all of that simmering ferociousness, there was a hint of something else in his big brown eyes. Something that definitely interested you.

He’d been halfway home when a FEDRA sweep forced him back in the direction of the shops. He wasted a good hour waiting for a bunch of fifteen-year-olds in body armor to “clear the area,” then finally got back on his way.

He was deep in thought, thinking about a smuggling trip he was planning for late next week. Wondering if the soldier he was bribing for intel was too far gone on oxy to be reliable anymore. He didn’t want a repeat of last November, inches away from being gunned down as his crew sprinted across what was supposed to be an unguarded field at the edge of town.

So he didn’t see you coming until you were only a couple yards in front of him, walking home yourself— bag of apples slung over your shoulder.

When his eyes flicked up, finally, you’d stopped walking and were standing there in a wide stance with one hand on your hip. You saw the way his eyes widened briefly, then narrowed again, shining darkly as you watched him watching you. You ran your tongue around the perimeter of your lips, and his gaze followed its slow swirl.

Then you reached into your bag and pulled out an apple. You gave your arm a desultory swing and let it loose. It bounced to the ground, rolling toward his boots, then came to a stop just an inch away from him.

He looked at the apple.

He looked at you.

“Thought you might like a taste.”

The loathing that poured over his features was so intense that for a moment, you thought you might’ve misread things. But no, you could see it there in his face again. That bloom of need.

This poor, beautiful man needed to be taken care of.

And sure enough, you watched as he crouched down there in the street to pick up the apple. You watched as he straightened himself up, his knees crackling audibly.

“Good. Now take a bite.”

The apple, tasty as it was sure to be, had just rolled across the godforsaken ground of Boston QZ. Across dust and ash and human detritus, ground down to a smudging blackness that covered every surface here. He didn’t even know why he’d picked the thing up, and he sure as shit wasn’t going to put his mouth on it.

He shook his head, lip curling in a sneer.

“Don’t think so, honey.”

You tutted softly, walking forward to close the gap between you. He held the apple down at one side, the other hand hooked into his belt loop. Shoulders squaring up to you as you neared. Even as he was doing it, he felt like a fool. What exactly did he have to prove to this bratty little shopgirl? And why wasn’t he walking away?

“That’s really too bad,” you said, letting your words drip slowly from your mouth. “I thought you were gonna be a good boy for me.”

You were right in front of him now, close enough to see the rise and fall of his chest as his breathing quickened.

“‘Cause I know how to take really good care of good boys.”

Joel closed his eyes for a moment. He didn’t understand why, but his cock had swollen to half-mast just from crouching down to pick up that apple while you stood over him. And every time you spoke he felt more warmth pooling in his groin. He wasn’t sure if he was going to have to pay for what you were offering, or if you’d do it for free. But he knew he wanted it, unexpectedly, very badly.

He clenched his hand around the smooth skin of the fruit, and against his conscious judgement he felt his arm lifting it up toward his face.

You watched him moving, his eyes still closed, a smile slowly spreading across your face. As the fruit approached his gently parting lips, you reached up to grab him by the wrist, stilling him. You could feel the jump of his pulse below the rough skin.

“Not so fast, boy.” His eyes blinked open, their soft brown blown out to black. “I think since you’re being so good, we can go back to your place and get that apple nice and clean for you. And then you can show me how pretty you are when you eat.”

His place was nicer than many, a handful of rooms that were worn but clean. Functional furniture, a radio, a shelf with books. He clearly was doing okay for himself. The ones who needed this the most usually were.

He led you inside with a nervous energy that told you he hadn’t done this before. He’d surely brought women to his apartment, with those broad shoulders and that roughly handsome face. But never someone like you. And he wasn’t sure what to do. He stood in the living room, still holding the apple in one hand, his other hand clenching and opening at his side.

You looked him up and down. “What’s your name?”

You saw him hesitate. Wondering if this was a good idea— if you were a psychopath about to rob him or worse. But then he swallowed.

“Joel.”

“Joel,” you purred. “Do you have soap, Joel?” He looked blank for a second, then nodded. “Then go and wash that filthy apple off like a good boy.”

He paused again, and then gave a bewildered shake of his head before walking off toward the kitchen. There was a table in the room, across from an unmade bed. You pulled yourself up to sit on top of it, resting your feet on the seat of a battered old chair, and waited.

Joel returned after a minute, holding the now damp and glistening apple. He still wasn’t sure what to do with his hands. Or his body. He held the fruit out to you, watched the bored way your eyes ran down his form as you sat there.

You made a soft tsk. “I see a speck of dirt. Better try again, boy.”

Joel looked at the spotless apple, then back at you. His heart felt like it was going to beat right through the wall of his chest. 

He hated you. 

And he wanted to hear you call him a good boy again. 

He stalked off to the kitchen and stood by the sink, carefully running the damp, soapy washrag back and forth across the smooth, hard peel. The apple was a deep red, flecked with burgundy. Joel held it up in the light that filtered through his window, turning it in circles to inspect for any blemish. When he was satisfied, he carried it carefully back to you. Despite himself, he could feel his brow draw up, his expression pleading, as he offered it again.

You gestured desultorily at the table beside you, and he set down the apple gently. You ignored it.

He was uncomfortably hard now, straining against the too-tight denim of his pants. You looked down at the thick shape of him, and raised a single eyebrow.

“I think you better take your clothes off, kitten. Before you make a mess of yourself.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed.

You watched as he unbuttoned and zipped down his fly, the relief washing over his face as his cock sprung free and bobbed up toward his stomach. You had to fight to keep your face impassive as you took in the sight— you were impressed by the sheer size of him, thick and long and richly veined. The swollen head was stained almost purple as the blood pulsed through him, slick from where he’d been weeping against his boxers.

You had a good feeling about this one. A very good feeling.

“All of your clothes.”

You waited, arms crossed over your chest in a posture of impatience, as he slid all the way out of his pants and unbuttoned his shirt, revealing the curving planes of his muscles and the dusting of dark hair. A little soft right around his tummy and thick thighs, the perfect counterpoint to everything that was hard and rigid about him.

He saw how you were looking at him, and he moved toward you, desperation painting his face.

“Please, baby— I—I need you,” he stuttered, his dark eyes wide and desperate.

Your hand slapped across his face, hard and fast.

He stumbled backward, stunned momentarily as his hand flew up to cup his stinging cheek.

“Did I tell you you could speak?”

Part of him wanted to throw you against the wall, and part of him wanted to fall to his knees and beg your forgiveness.  He felt his cock twitch, growing somehow even harder, a thick bead of precum oozing from the slit.

You watched him, smirking. “I think you liked that, didn’t you, boy?”

A hot blush seeped up his neck as you looked down at his needy cock. He knew you were right. If you kept slapping him like that, looking at him like that, talking to him like that— he’d come harder than he ever had in his life.

“Now,” you said, pointing down at the floor. “Kneel for me.”

Joel lowered himself to the hardwood floor, unconcerned with how his knees were going to feel tomorrow. He watched as you pulled the fabric of your skirt up around your waist, revealing a thin pair of cotton panties, sopping wet where the fabric ran between your legs.

“See what you can do for me when you’re a good boy?” You ran a finger up and down along the slick cloth, ghosting over the shape of your slit.

Then he watched, mesmerized, as you slid the underwear down your legs. Leaving your pussy bare, drenched, and just out of reach.

God, you were perfect.

His tongue darted out to moisten his lips as he stared at you, desperate for a taste.

You smiled. “It looks like you’re ready to serve me already. And you’re very, very lucky today. Because I’m going to let you eat me out, if you just ask nicely. Are you ready to ask nicely?”

He nodded eagerly. You noted with satisfaction that his face was loosening— the jaw no longer so tensed, the deep furrow between his brows softening. He was relinquishing himself to you, little by little. You reached down with one finger and tipped his chin upward, to look into your face.

“Okay, sweet boy. You can ask me now.”

“Please, please let me eat your pretty pussy,” he spoke, his voice hoarse with need. His eyes, looking up at you, were all pupil— hungry pools of black.

You nodded appreciatively, then you reached your hands around to the back of his head and pulled him into you. Your fingers threaded through the thick, salt-and-pepper curls, holding him tightly in place as he began to lick. His beard was scratchy against your sensitive skin, but his lips were surprisingly soft.

You gave him directions— how hard to suck against your swollen clit, how fast to draw his tongue through your folds— and tugged him by the hair to adjust his angle. You could feel the vibration of him whimpering against you.

“Good boy,” you cooed down at him. “Eating that pussy so good for me.” And he was, following your every instruction, responding to the subtlest tap and tug. Like he was born to do this. As you felt your orgasm building, you pressed him deeper against your core, squeezing him between your thighs. He was trapped, and clearly loving it. Below you, you could see the muscular swell of his ass, clenching as he thrust his hips up against nothing.

“That’s it, that’s it. Make Mama come like a good boy.” You pulled hard on his hair as you pressed your hips forward, toes curling, waves of pleasure crashing through you. He moaned just as loudly as you did, your cunt spasming against the press of his hot tongue.

You took your time catching your breath, still holding Joel by the hair. When you finally pulled him free of you, the sight was delicious. Skin blotched and red, your glistening juices smeared everywhere. Hair tousled and sticking out, breath coming fast and hard.

You smiled down at him.

“Don’t worry, pet. We’re not done yet. Now—” you pointed over at the unmade bed—“you’re gonna be my little toy. You’re gonna lie down over there and let me ride you.”

Joel felt a rush of relief at the thought of you finally touching his achy, leaking cock. He nodded up at you, rising to his feet. The sheets of the bed were cool and smooth against his flushed skin.

You took your time, sliding down off the table top and languidly stretching your arms out. Enjoying the way Joel looked lying there, waiting for you with his giant erection jutting up into the air. Finally, you made your way over to the mattress and climbed up on your knees, straddling him.

Your sweet cunt was hovering in the air, inches above the tip of his cock. You paused there, and smiled condescendingly down at him.

“Beg me for it, little boy.”

“Please, please, please.” The words spilled out of his lips, his voice cracked and shameless.

“Please what?”

“Please ride me. Please fuck yourself on my cock like it’s your little toy.”

You reached down and wrapped one hand around his thickness, the grip sending sparks through his body. Then you began to slide his head along your drenched lips, wetting it down. Instead of moving him toward your entrance, you guided the tip to nudge against your clit, and began to tap it against the swollen nub, again and again. His poor, sensitive cockhead was so engorged by now that it hurt, and he whimpered each time you pressed against him.

Then, finally, you slid him down to the hot, wet center of you. You drove your hips down, throwing your head back as you filled yourself with him. He could only fit halfway in your tight little pussy on that first downward thrust, and you whined as you reared up and down again, spearing yourself on his cock. He felt his thighs shaking as you pushed yourself further and further down, until finally he bottomed out inside you. You paused there, letting yourself settle around the heavy length of him.

And then— fuck— he felt that familiar warmth growing in his abdomen, his balls tightening upward. His face screwed up, as he tensed and fought to pull back from the edge.

“Oh, poor boy,” you said, smiling down at him as you began to move your hips in a slow, easy roll. “You’re trying so hard not to come, aren’t you?” The warm slide of your pussy was unbelievable, and Joel’s mind scrambled for something to distract him— think about work detail, plumbing repair, fucking baseball, anything.

“But you can’t hold back, can you? You’re not even gonna make it another minute in this tight little cunt, are you?” You were right. Of course you were right. He grabbed fistfuls of bedsheet in each hand, gripping as hard as he could, knuckles going white as he fought against his hips that wanted to thrust, thrust, thrust into you. He screwed his eyes shut tight.

His eyes flew back open as a spray of warm spit hit his face.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you!” Your voice jolted through him.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he moaned.

“Tell me you’re sorry for coming so fast, you filthy little boy.”

“I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I’m a filthy little boy and I’m going to come.” The words poured out of Joel, his hips bucking uncontrollably as the electric warmth spilled over. “I’m sorry Mama, I’m coming, I’m so sorry, fuck, fuck, fuck.” He began to shoot into you, spurt after helpless spurt, coming so hard he thought for a second he might pass out.

It was only when his cock and his hips finally stilled that he realized he was crying. Hot tears rolled down the sides of his face to pool against the sheets.

You leaned down, stroking your hand along his stubbled cheeks. “Shhh, shhh. It’s okay baby. Mama forgives you.” You slid yourself off his sticky, half-hard cock and moved forward, still straddling him. Your soft hands gently combed through his messy curls.

“Don’t worry, baby boy. You can clean up this mess and I’ll be good as new.” Your hips pushed forward, and you pulled one hand back to hold yourself open, showing Joel where his milky seed was dripping down between your folds.

He nodded, looking up at your encouraging smile. His tongue slipped out between his lips, and he took a first, tentative lick along your slit. The sweet tang of your slick mixed with his own bitter, salty spend.

“That’s a good boy. Clean it all up.” He lapped at you, gathering speed. His tongue pressed inside you, curling against your walls to release every last drop.

Finally, when you were satisfied he’d done his job, you pulled away. He released his mouth from you with a mournful groan, and you sat down against the head of his bed. 

You looked him over from head to toe. He was a fucked out mess of a man. Flushed skin, limbs sprawling. Sticky cock still swollen against his thigh. Lips slick with his own come, and yours.

“Come here, sweet boy,” you murmured softly. You pulled his head into your lap, cradling him there as you gently petted him. “You did good. Close your eyes, Joel. I’ve got you.”

His eyes drifted shut, and in less than a minute he’d fallen asleep. Dark, deep, dreamless sleep— the best sleep he’d had in a long, long time.

When he woke up, it was morning and you were gone. On his table, you’d left the core of an apple, its sweetness slowly turning brown.

[captainjamster]

hi i have a request Price gives stress relief to reader

if youre too busy thats fine

i absolutely read your username instead of price and started writing for graves until i realised, so uhhh... this idea but with phil coming at some point! also wasn't sure if you meant stress relief or stress relief, so this gets nsfw!!

thank u for the ask my little sunshine i hope you enjoy, i am never too busy for a request, especially not from a fellow graves lover <3

Pairing(s): Price x AFAB!reader (no gendered nicknames or pronouns) Warnings: NSFW, fingering, light dirty talk Wordcount: 2.2k Summary: Price gives you a hand winding down after a frustrating day at work, though mutual satisfaction is on his mind. AO3 Link: Right here <3

Full fic is under the cut <3

The pages rustle as John flickers through them, smoothing out with the tapping of your phone to create a peaceful, white noise. Yet despite the atmosphere, a heavy weight presses on your chest, brow furrowed and shoulders tight as you scroll through your apps. You can feel John's eyes on you, taking in your sullen form as you glare a hole into your screen.

"You're quiet, love."

John breaks the silence, looking down at his book again. You take a moment to compile a response, debating whether to delve into the frustrations of your week.

"Just a day, I guess."

He takes in the short, avoidant answer, thumbing the pages of his book. "Don't want to talk about it?"

"I don’t know. Not really."

John looks at you again, and this time, you turn to him too.

"Can I hold you?"

You nod, not trusting your voice. The moment your head inches forward, the book thuds onto his bedside table with a careless toss, immediately spreading his arms open. "C'mere, sweetheart."

You crawl into his lap, curling up and sinking into him. His arms wrap around you reflexively, bringing your head to rest against the bristle of his chest, the other arm rubbing up and down your back. He doesn't press the subject, just sets a steady pace to inhale and exhale with, rocking you softly with each breath.

After a few minutes, you initiate conversation yourself, mumbling against the skin of his sternum.

"So... Shit. Everything is so shit."

"Shit, love?"

You rub your cheek against his chest hair as you nod. "I hate people."

"Yeah?"

Drawing in a sharp breath, the feeling of burning frustration reignites in your lower stomach as you spill out an angry tirade. "God, I just want to tear their fucking heads off sometimes! I want one day, just one day, where I can speak my mind. I could ask them "oh, I'm sorry, is your fucking price wrong? Okay, now is it MY fault or YOUR fault that you didn't check the coupon was in date before you used it?" Maybe their fucking brains would start working if I didn’t have to just smile and say “yes customer, no customer! Whatever you want customer!” like the stupidest shit didn’t just come out their mouth!”

You turn, back pressed to his stomach as you gesture agitatedly. "I can't stand it! "Oh, oh! I dropped this jar and now it's cracked! Can I get it for free? Oh, my kid ate half of this apple, but he doesn't want it, so I'll just put it back on display! Let's berate this minimum-wage worker because the line was slightly long at midday, like they have any control over that!" Like, why do people become such monsters whenever they step foot into a store? My friend from that clothing shop down the street? She said someone tried to return a whole bag of dirty underwear, like what the fuck?"

Huffing, your jaw clenches tight as you cross your legs, flopping your head back against his shoulder dramatically.

"I'm sorry, baby." He murmurs lowly, running his hands up your arms, digging his thumbs into the tense flesh of your shoulder. "S'not fair, you deserve to be treated better than that, your friend too."

You soften into his arms, biting at the inside of your cheek. “I just wanna quit. Management sucks, everyone else working there is just as miserable. No wonder their turnover rate is so high.”

John’s hand drops down from your shoulder, running past your chest to rest against your midriff. "Always can, doll. Put in your two weeks, live off what I've got in the bank 'til y'find a better position. Y'know I'd let you never work a day in your life, if you'd let me."

His tone is gentle and passive, content in his reminder with your desire to keep financial independence and stay busy when he leaves for deployment. The room falls into silence again as you nestle into an arm, manoeuvring it to rest over your chest like a seatbelt and clip between your legs. His other arm rests along the length of your leg, and you feel him lean his weight back against the bed’s head as you continue thinking, playing with his arm hair absent-mindedly. John is content to let you fiddle away, his hand caught in the grip of your thighs comfortably, thumb traces little circles against the skin it rests between.

His body shifts underneath you after a few minutes of quiet, readjusting to move closer. You’re suddenly flush against him as he sits up, pulling you tighter against his soft, sturdy chest and pressing a kiss to the back of your head. The movement surprises a squeak out of you, squirming before a pressure against the crotch of your underwear stills you. Warm air brushes against your hair as John huffs in amusement, readjusting the hand cupped against your sex in an effort to tug you closer, intentionally positioning his hand to spread and fully cover your mound.

"John..."

He hums in response against your neck, lips pressed into the skin.

"Your hand."

"My hand, dove?" He pulls away, leaving one last kiss behind your ear.

"It's, ahhh...”

He flexes his fingers tighter for a second, the increase in pressure barely stimulating the sensitive nerves beneath. “What? Just movin’ you closer, ‘n my hand’s nice and warm down there.”

The playfully avoidant answer earns him an exasperated groan, though the desire seeping into you leaves it breathier than you’d like.

“Want me to stop?”

You shake your head before he can finish the sentence, grip tightening on his forearm. The vibration of his chuckles jostles you against his torso, warming your cheeks. Before you can exclaim your embarrassment, he shifts under the blankets and nudges your legs open, his feet hooking round your ankles to pin them apart. “How about some stress relief, hm? Get all those yucky feelings out for the night.”

His fingers trail teasingly against the hemline of your elastic, running his nails over the soft fat that meets the cotton barrier. All it takes is a “yes, please” for his fingers to breach the elastic, honing to your entrance only to glide back up the damp skin of your lips. At your whining insistence, his fingers deftly pull your lips apart, using his middle finger to collect the slick gathering between your folds and lather it against your clit. Your hips jerk at the contact, and John tuts, chasing your hips to flick his thumb over the sensitive button. “Askin’ for it, but y’won’t sit still, huh? Jus’ wanna help my baby feel better.”

Moving his arm to cup your chest, his hand crawls under your shirt to pinch your nipple, sending shivers down your spine as he rolls it between his fingers. Your whimpers only egg him on, emboldening him to trace little circles around your clit as he works to build the delicious tension growing between your legs.

Warmth flushes through your body, combining with the body heat radiating from John’s chest against your back, leaving you burning up in your own desire. It only takes minutes of John’s ministrations to draw wet squelches from between your legs, filling your ears as your eyes flutter closed, focusing on the way John’s fingers curl and tease around your most sensitive spot.  

“John, please…”

He takes your unspoken request without argument, leaving the begging for another night as his fingers leave your swollen nub to graze against your needy entrance. Your hole twitches at the slight contact, clenching as if to draw him in, eliciting a chuckle from John that goes unchallenged in your distracted state. Catching a line of slick dribbling down your perineum, he guides it back up, coating his fingers before he dips a digit into your hole.

You hiss wantonly at the sensations, hips bucking up to urge his finger in deeper, and John tuts. “Keep still, needy thing. Tryna play with this pretty cunt properly.”

He teases you with a sole finger, crooking it to stroke against the spongey muscle that has you leaking with each pass. Despite the stimulation, the single digit leaves your needy cunt feeling empty, fluttering against the intrusion with a desperation until you’re mewling for more.

“I know, y’need more, pet,” he murmurs into the skin behind your ear, dropping kisses down to your jaw. “Let me take care of you.”

The thick finger retreats from within you, leaving you whining in complaint as your hips chase his touch. Your eager hips are met with a firm spank to your folds, leaving John’s fingers trailing with slick as you gasp and retreat to the mattress, back against the protruding bulge in his lap. The compliance is rewarded with a soothing swipe of his fingers along your stinging lips, collecting arousal against his calloused skin. His fingertips circle teasingly at your entrance again, tracing the quivering muscle as he chuckles at your reactivity. Sensing the protest rising in you, he silences it with a swift thrust of his fingers, filling you up again.

His fingers work like they were designed to coax the stress from you with each drag, replacing the tension with a buzzing need for release that has you flexing and relaxing in waves against him. The pressure builds in the pit of your stomach as his fingers pump in and out of you, his other hand abandoning your breast and travelling down to reclaim its spot nestled against your clit, rolling tight circles around the nerve ending in harmony with the drive of his digits. He masterfully orchestrates your undoing, timing each thrust with each involuntary grind of your hips, kissing the salt from your neck as your head lulls against his shoulder, panting.

“Fuck, right there, m’so close John,” you moan, hands fumbling to find something to grip, finding purchase in his hairy thighs. The way your nails sink into the meat of his muscle has him groaning in your ear, breaking his smooth rhythm with a particularly deep thrust as he struggles to contain his enthusiasm. “Fuck, sweetheart, my god.”

Your cunt tightens so fiercely around his fingers that you’re sure they’re being crushed together as your orgasm hits you, squeezing the digits like you could milk the life out of them if you tried hard enough. John hums praise against your neck as he waits for your walls to relax to resume lazily thrusting in and out through the last sparks your climax, his own breath laboured as you tremble in his embrace.

His hand remains between your legs, fingers snug within you as your breathing evens out, the other travelling to trace small circles on the inside of your thigh. You float on the high of your orgasm, sweaty and satisfied as the strain dissipate from your legs, relaxing against John’s.

“Any improvement?”

You give him a breathless giggle, pulling your eyes open to tilt back and look at him. “Yeah, don’t feel like decapitating someone anymore.”

“Good.” He gives you a pleased smile, dotting a kiss on the corners of your lips. His face is warm and flushed, eyes still hazy with lust as he looks down at you, which brings a thought to your mind.

“Do you want me to take care of you…?”

His expression flickers to something guarded behind the smile, gently disentangling himself from your body. “I’m fine, don’t worry,” he announces gruffly, clearing his throat as he ducks into the bathroom. You frown, gazing at his retreating figure as you shuck off your soiled underwear, waiting for his return. He re-emerges with a damp cloth, crawling across the bed to kneel between your still spread legs, wiping delicately at the mess of arousal sticking to the sensitive surface of your skin.

The cloth is slightly warm as he pats at any excess water, collecting your dirty underwear as he pulls away. Walking to the closet, he discards the used fabrics in the laundry basket, grabbing another pair of underwear for you. Readjusting the sheets and blankets, you watch him quickly tug off his boxers, grabbing another pair that he manages to pull around his knees before you gasp in realisation.

“John, you didn’t?”

He turns around with a bashful expression, tucking himself into the crotch as he grins. “What? Pretty thing like you grinding up against me like that, can’t help myself.” Giving up with discretion, he chucks his own soiled boxers into the basket, returning to the bed with your underwear in an outstretched hand.

You pull them on as he climbs in next to you, tucking himself under the covers as you turn off the lamp and join him. He raises his arm, holding the blankets up like a cave as you grin sleepily, shuffling across the sheets to scoot into his embrace. The covers descend on you as John takes care to tuck them underneath you, entangling your legs between his as his hand finds home in your hair.

“Thank you, John. Was feeling really shitty about that.” You whisper into his chest, blinking your eyes closed as a sleepy warmth grows heavy in your limbs.

John grunts, patting at your hair. “S’what I’m made for, lookin’ after you. Get some sleep 'n we’ll work everythin’ out in the morning.”

A smile tugs at your lips as the last whisps of consciousness fade from your mind, and a gruff I love you is the last thing you remember before falling asleep.

[saints-end]

Agatha Hallowes Reference Page

In this revised ref, Agatha is my original character & a protagonist in my fanfic in AO3. and She begins work in Phoenix Parks, as a sweet shoppe clerk. It also happens that she meets her new friends, known as Barney, Norma, Pugsley, and Courtney, the main gang of the Deadendia books & TV show.

Personality

She has been strayed from any bad influences as a child and taught to be kind and respect others, so she’d use manners and help out whenever she can, putting others satisfaction first before her own. It makes a perfect strength into her job portfolio for customer service & her social life. As much as she’s polite for others, it lets her down to naiveness when others take her for granted, so she takes caution to whoever she gets involved with. She also keeps a calm face despite risky or awkward moments.

When growing up in her teen years, she learned to become independent to take care of herself and diligent into taking care of her family home, developing skills to clean and organize during part-time shifts and cooking her own meals. But a part of her mourns for companionship throughout the years all by herself without anybody but her father or her pets. Her lively humour and kindness helped improve her social life now that she made friends at Phoenix Parks.

Even though she gets curious over things she sees as uncommon/peculiar, her caution spikes up as she investigates before deciding whether it’s safe or not. Unbeknownst of herself, she's quite charming in personality and looks, so she'd find herself admired by others.

Biography

Agatha ‘Aggie’ Hallowes has almost lived her life in solace. Her father raised her all her life and grew up to be a kind and diligent woman, but Aggie felt bored when she grew weary of the daily routine. Not that she hated being stuck at home without anybody to hang out with, save for her cat. She only wanted to do something different and exciting for a change, so an opportunity came when she applied for a job at Phoenix Parks, the Amusement Park run and owned by B-movie star Pauline Phoenix. But after her interview, she gets dragged into a demonic ritual down at Dead End, part haunted house attraction, part portal to heaven & hell!

She made new and unlikely friends, and even got the job later on! But with everything that happened, will she manage her new normal as it goes?

Trivia

When Aggie was little, she and her dad used to own 5 rabbits, respectively named Cinnamon, Oreo, Apple, Róse, & Pepper. She’d also bring one back to her bedroom every night and cuddle with them before falling asleep.

When first speaking to someone, she’d be often referred as Lydia Deetz as she sounds like her (Winona Ryder from 1988)

Her hair is actually dyed midnight blue.

Even though she sometimes dress herself in dark clothing, her room is decorated in a lighter aesthetic; light walls, beige coloured furniture, she’s even got a plushie corner for all the stuff toys from her childhood and still collecting!

Her favourite films revolve around Dark Fantasy, Animation, and Musicals.

Note: There are some notes that weren’t mentioned in the first two chapters, but that’s all explain later on!

[akehoshimystar]

Urara SSR

DELIGHT

Part 1

Roka: The event was a huge success ☆

Takeru: I'm relieved to see our customers leave the store satisfied. 

Urara: Tch….

I couldn't care less about their satisfaction or whatsoever, but one thing for sure, I don’t enjoy being dragged to this tedious event one bit. All I wanted to say now was, “Just let me finish cleaning and leave already.”

Akehoshi: I'll put new garbage bags here~

Then... Should I clean the counter?

Roka: Oh, Urara already did that! Hasn’t it become so sparkly?

Akehoshi: Oh, you're right. Urara-kun's cleaning technique is still as fast and thorough as ever.

Urara: You guys are just too damn slow.

Roka: True, if we worked a little faster, everyone could go home early and be happy.

Let me help you!

Urara: Hold it. Roka, don't move even an inch. You’ll just give me extra work.

Roka: Fufufu. Even I can wipe a table.

Now, check out my elegant art of table-wiping!

Roka getting all worked up gave me a bad feeling.

Takeru: Ah, be carefu-

Roka: Wahhhhh!!!

Sure enough, he knocked over the glass on the table and splashed water in every single direction.

Urara: Tch…………………..

Roka: I'm really sorry, Urara……

Takeru: I’m saying this for your own good, but Roka, you should listen to Urara and behave yourself.

Roka: Now I’m sad...

Urara: (What kind of reaction is that?)

Once Roka had quieted down, the work went smoothly without a hitch.

Akehoshi: It's finally over.

Roka: Good job, guys. It looks even prettier than before the event!

So, how about we all go grab something to eat after this?

Akehoshi: So it’s your treat?

Roka: That goes without saying!

Urara: …….

Takeru: Oh. Urara, are you heading back now?

If you're not in a hurry, come join us. It's getting late. Aren’t you hungry?

Urara: ...Who the hell's gonna go with you?

(Leave me out of it if you’re just gonna play around.)

Roka: It’ll be even more fun if you come with us.

Akehoshi: Well, you can come again whenever you want.

Ignoring the murmuring I could hear behind my back, I left the store.

Part 2

Urara: (Now, what to eat...)

As soon as I got back, I took out the leftovers from the bento shop from the refrigerator. I had initially planned to eat this yesterday in place of the meal provided, but….. It was left like this until now because Roka just had to bring an extra-large gift while we were preparing for the cafe event.

Urara: (Is it nearing the expiry date?)

…………

But even so, if I think it is edible, then it is edible. So I popped it in the microwave. I put the warmed side dish in my mouth along with white rice from the packet. However, the flavor of the fermented side dishes only added to the unsatisfying taste. 

The next day—. After a longer run than usual, I decided to buy a drink from the first vending machine I saw to hydrate myself.

Urara: (...I prefer barley tea over water….. Or maybe I should go for a sports drink.)

(Should I try the one that said it contained BCAA...)

Child: Ughh... I'm thirsty...

Urara: ……

I turned around to the sound of weeping and saw a mother holding her child, coming this way in a panic.

Mother: Alrighty, just wait a moment, okay?

Urara: ……

I put away the coins I had taken out and left. Not long after, they arrived at the vending machine and bought a drink without any hesitation.

Mother: Here, apple juice. Let's go sit on the bench and drink it.

Child: Okay.

Urara: (.....The coast is clear.)

After watching them leave, I went back to buy a drink.

Urara: (BCAA.)

……….

(Jackpot, I get a freebie.)

Since I got lucky today, I chose a PET plastic bottle of tea, and shoved it into my pocket.

Urara: Hmm…..

(it's kind of troublesome to run with this in my pocket.) 

Part 3

On the way home after a run.

Urara: (Still got nothing to eat. I should go grab something.)

The bento shop I know is just a stone's throw away. Just when I thought of going there….

A sprinkle of rain started to fall.

Urara: (Huh? It’s not in the forecast, is it?)

Bento shop employee: Welcome.

Urara: …….

As I entered the porch, the familiar voice of a familiar employee called out. I looked up at the sky, and the rain had already let up, almost as if it had never happened.

Urara: (So it came and went, just like that?)

I compared the bento sample with the daily menu written behind the cash register.

Urara: (The manager's recommendation is “Pork shabu with plum shiso sauce.”)

(For the daily special, it’s "Mackerel Nanban Bento")

……..

Mackerel Nanban Bento with tartar sauce.

Bento shop employee: Right away!

Bento shop employee: Sorry to keep you waiting. Here, your Mackerel Nanban Bento.

I put the money and point card on the counter.

Bento shop employee: If you come when it rains, you get double points. Here. 

Urara: ...The rain’s already stopping.

Bento shop employee: Fufu. Even if it’s just for a brief moment, a rainy day is a rainy day at the end of the day.

…...Oh, you've saved up some points already. Want to exchange them for some freebie croquettes?

Urara: If that’s all right….

Bento shop employee: All right, I'll put some freshly fried ones in your bag.

I took my meal and turned away.

Bento shop employee: Please come again~

Urara: ……

I placed the bento I bought, along with, and the croquettes and tea I had unexpectedly gotten on the table.

Urara: (Should I eat the croquettes before they get cold?)

It’s good.

The balance between the batter and the potatoes made me unconsciously let out a voice.

Ring Ring

Urara: ……Kamiya?

Kamiya: "Oh, hello, Urara. We're having some drinks at the dorm after this, do you want to join?"

Urara: Not a chance.

Kamiya: "Huh? Did something good happen?"

Urara: Where did that come from?

Kamiya: "Hmm. Just a hunch?"

Urara: "Shut your trap.”

Urara: …….

I put my phone down and took another bite. Though it had started to cool, it was still delicious.

TL Note: BBCA = Branched Chain Amino Acid, PET = Polyethylene terephthalate

[loudlyhappycupcake]

Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction and does not reflect the views or beliefs of the author.

In the bustling marketplace of Monstropolis, amidst the towering skyscrapers and neon signs, a young lizard-like monster named Mary, daughter of the infamous Randall Boggs, was busy baking cupcakes. Mary inherited her father's mischievous streak, but unlike him, she used her talents for good. Her cupcakes were legendary, known for their unique flavors and whimsical decorations.

As the aroma of freshly baked cupcakes wafted through the market, children and adults alike flocked to Mary's stall, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. Mary smiled warmly at each customer, her tail wagging excitedly as she carefully scooped dollops of frosting onto her cupcakes.

"These cupcakes look amazing!" exclaimed a little girl, her eyes wide with wonder.

"I can't wait to try one!" chimed in her friend.

Mary giggled and handed each child a cupcake, watching as their faces lit up with delight. The cupcakes were a hit, and soon, Mary's stall was surrounded by a crowd of eager customers, all clamoring for a taste.

As the day wore on, Mary's supply of cupcakes dwindled, and she had to start baking more. But she didn't mind the extra work, for she loved seeing the joy that her cupcakes brought to others.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the marketplace, Mary packed up her stall, her heart filled with satisfaction. She knew that she had made a difference, even in a world filled with monsters and laughter.

@shironezuninja @evander2511 @homuncvlus @billyjoelmutt @miniaturejudgeturkeytree @evaiskindaweird @untitled14360 @twiliartsdreams2017 @twinklemaddie @cartoonfan21 @wolfie245 @sakulovejulius12 @lillywhynot8098 @punk-63 @leo-x-u-raptor-fan @collector-noceda-clawthorne @aamericanotaku @pinkdiamondstar @chaodeknoi @clairaquos @bossbabyfan2 @bloodmoon24 @enchantedchocolatebars @niyatales4ever @jazzyrazzy157 @moonlighteclipse17 @dianathunderamazon-blog @gametoon @gamebruh12 @disneyblabberlover @buy-some-motherfuckin-apples-iv @butterfly7267 @roxxywolf-multiversa @ajaxus166 @sufan136 @freyzw0rld @princessfandom812 @princessesfanarts @princesshillaryellaworld25 @memoriesoftanalorr @broadwaygirl918 @princess-paige-place-of-fun @ellie67

[headfulloflettuce]

The Human Who Fooled All of Prythian

17. All Things Magic and Mystic

Note: Hello, I had finals but now am back at it with writing :D

Perfume is a luxury good that is technically recession proof - in theory. A theory that Cosette did not want to test as it would require the whole of Winter Court’s economy to come crashing down all at once. Unfortunately, as everything stood at the moment, that’s where things were headed.

So, fueled by her guilt of taking away Theo’s and his father’s woodworking business and her fear of rising parsley prices, Cosette began working on a little side project.

“Cosette, a few customers are wondering if we have larger bottles of the vanilla fragrance in the back?” Theo snapped Cosette out of her thoughts.

“Oh? Yes, we should have some, I restocked them this past weekend.” Cosette looked up from the paperwork in front of her.

Theo nodded, quickly rushing to the back to get the bottles a fae had requested.

It had been a couple weeks since they officially opened for business and Cosette was proud to say that they had made enough money to move inside the building. Due to them only having a little bit of spending funds Cosette focused on fixing up the first floor, blocking off the mezzanine from curious explorers. Although the store still had much that needed to be improved, like the creaking floorboards, Cosette was happy that she and Ophelia were at least out of the cold. 

Apart from the cinnamon and vanilla scents Cosette had made a mahogany teakwood perfume in honor of the store’s official opening. Cosette looked over to her left where Ophelia was assisting a customer who wanted to make a purchase. While Theo helped out the customers in the front and did any heavy lifting Cosette needed assistance with, Ophelia managed the cash register and resolved disputes. Theo’s father was tasked with stocking shelves or working in the back. Cosette focused on mass producing perfumes, otherwise floating between jobs, ensuring everything was getting taken care of from paperwork to customer satisfaction.

The female fae’s face shifted to one of displeasure as she caught a whiff of Cosette’s scent. Cosette couldn’t help but smile at the irony that she was deemed one of the few good perfumers in Winter Court, yet she bought perfume from the street that shall not be named.

I am seriously giving those bastards free promotion.

Even Blanche had asked her why she wore the disgusting smell if she made her own perfumes. Cosette always excused it by apologizing and claiming it was just another experiment in perfume making gone wrong. She had Ophelia test her masking scent several more times, but thus far all trials had resulted in failure. 

Cosette straightened out the documents before her, putting them inside a folder.

“Ophelia I’ll be back.” Cosette waved at her friend, wrapping herself in a coat.

“Where are you going?” Ophelia watched her friend head out with a slightly worried expression.

To work on my side project.

“To get us lunch and get some fresh air.”

“Okay, don’t stay out in the cold for too long.”

Cosette waved goodbye, wrapping a cloak around herself and entering the street’s fray. Even if Cosette didn’t fully understand Winter fae yet, she had begun seeing patterns in their behaviors, doing her best to mimic them.

Cosette passed through the market street, eyeing the various food stands. The amount of freshly grown fruits and vegetables had decreased. Firstly because trade with other Courts was a mess, but also because Winter’s own harvest was small. 

Now that just wouldn’t do.

Cosette hated Blanche’s expression when she refused her son apple juice, or chocolate cookies because she couldn’t afford them.

It wasn’t fair.

So, Cosette had a plan; instead of putting all her eggs in one basket she was planning on expanding to a new business venture.

Though, something a little bolder this time around.

Cosette grabbed two cheap sandwiches before making her way to the richer districts, stopping before the store she saw during their tour with Blanche; ‘All things magic and mystic’. Cosette adjusted her hood carefully to keep herself warm, slipping on a simple white mask once she was out of the guards’ line of sight.

One could never be too careful if going to a shady magic shop…even if it was in a rich neighborhood.

Stepping inside Cosette was starting to get worried if she was about to get scammed. Disturbing paintings hung around the front room with various bottles standing on shelves. A couple stuffed creatures stared down at Cosette from their spots in cabinets. An herbal scent hung in the air.

“Oh, hello dearie.” A stout fae woman walked into the room, smiling kindly at the blonde.

“Hello, I heard you do consultations?” Cosette asked.

The fae nodded, doing a little bow, “From consultations to personalized medicines. I can take care of everything as long as it’s related to magic.”

“Wonderful.” Cosette smiled, “You didn’t have set prices listed outside, how much does a single consultation cost?”

“Hmm…” The woman seemed to size her up.

Gauging my rich meter ma’am?

“70 gold.”

Cosette cringed, “Alright.” she reached for her money purse.

“Ah, ah, ah, let’s take care of payments later.” The fae waved her hands, “I want to see what you want from me first before I rob you blind.”

“Hahaha…right.”

“You look quite chilly, would you like some tea?”

“Yes please.” Cosette followed the woman deeper into the shop and into a small room. The place was cozy, covered in pillows and blankets, with a medium sized table positioned in the center.

“So what can I do for you?” The fae set out two tea cups and some cookies.

“I have some questions regarding spirits.” Cosette sat down on a chair, making no motion to have the refreshments.

The woman noticed her hesitance but didn’t pressure, instead eating a cookie herself.

“Ask away dear.”

“I heard that spirits assist in the growth of crops, is that correct?”

“It is. Lower ranking spirits help and encourage the harvest to grow.” The female took a sip of tea. It smelled of chamomile.

“However, in recent years the harvest has been consistently getting worse.”

“Yes…” the woman’s expression darkened, “Farming has always been challenging in Winter Court. Considering how things are going it’s very likely our High Lord will need to increase trade with other Courts to try and sustain the population.”

“Is there a particular reason that the crops are failing to grow?”

The woman shrugged, “I am no farmer dearie, there could be many reasons. From soil quality to a lack of magic.”

“Lack of magic?” Cosette perked up, “You mean the spirits aren’t blessing the lands?”

“The spirits do a lot of work to sustain the ground, a lot of which goes unappreciated. It’s possible that some are getting tired of putting in effort when there is no reward. Traditionally there is trust between the farmer and the spirit. The farmer grows his crops, and the spirits bless them. After the harvest is collected the spirits receive a small offering.”

“Yet there are those who abuse this system?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” The fae looked sad, “Some lesser fae try to carry on traditions but it’s not always enough. It makes the spirits angry, and can you blame them? Who wants to work when there is no reward?” she sighed, “Guess we should be lucky that the primary spirits are still respected.”

“Primary spirits?”

The woman looked at her surprised, “Do you not know about the primary spirits? Surely you must have heard of the Spirit of Winter or Spirit of Spring?”

I always thought that phrase was used as a metaphor…

“I grew up in a very secluded village.” Cosette explained sheepishly.

“An uneducated village.” the woman shook her head disapprovingly, “Each Court has a spirit that represents it. They, unlike many minor spirits, still receive gifts and adoration from the people of their respective Court. That strengthens the smaller spirits in turn as they serve spirits that are stronger than themselves, but it’s not enough, hence the small offerings after a harvest.”

“So then the issue lies only in the offerings?”

“Spirits are slippery creatures. You can never be completely certain of what’s bothering them. To even have the vaguest clue you’d need to ask them directly.”

“How does one make contact with a spirit?”

The female laughed, “By being very powerful or intune with the natural world.”

Fantastic, I am neither.

“Okay, well where do the spirits live?”

Maybe I could knock on their front door or something.

“Everywhere, nowhere. Hard to say. They exist in the in between.”

“In between?” Cosette was trying to not get annoyed.

This fae was speaking in riddles.

“Indeed, in the in-between. They’re often hiding in plain sight though.”

“I see.”

Cosette, in fact, did not see nor understand this conversation thread. The woman sipped her tea again, observing Cosette’s reactions. 

Deciding to get to the point, Cosette continued, “I once asked a farmer why nets or tools weren’t being used to help extract plants deep under the snow. He explained that the spirits struggle to get to crops covered in nets. From his description it sounded like there were two main issues; one, it was that not all plants that grew were retrieved due to the layer of snow, and second, it was a hassle to make an offering every time you harvested a plant. So, I was thinking if there was a potential way to streamline the process.” Cosette pulled out some papers, laying out her ideas before the fae. “I wanted an expert’s advice on this since I am lacking in the knowledge of spirits. This type of container would create the best environment for the plant to grow while permitting farmers to not lose track of it under the snow thanks to the handle extension from it. I come to you because I don’t know how to make this more enticing or easier for spirits to access. I redesigned it here to look more like a house, but you say spirits live in the ‘in-between’, so I am unsure if that’s actually a bad design choice now.” Cosette looked at the woman hopefully. 

The fae picked up the papers, looking at them carefully.

“I was also thinking of putting a mechanism here to give them an offering when they enter the little home immediately so they don’t have to worry about being denied their reward.” Cosette pointed to the little box-like structure on the side of the fairy house.”

The female nodded silently.

“I have to admit it’s clever, and considering how desperate the situation is, this is definitely worth a try. It is important to consider that many spirits may feel insulted by this. They want their egos to be fed, not to be treated as a cog in a machine. To combat this use the design that looks more like a house rather than a container, it will mimic the placement of offerings in the secluded areas of homes or a tree hollow.” the fae hummed, running a finger along the detailed dispenser,  “A smart strategy, but make sure the reward is after they bless the harvest. Spirits are mischievous creatures, they might be tempted to not work if you reward them beforehand.”

Cosette nodded, jotting down the fae’s comments.

“You know what else can help you?” the woman suddenly stood up, moving to one of the bookshelves to pull out a large tome, bringing it over to Cosette, “This. To ensure the spirits can enter and feel comfortable in the provided space you could carve the following runes into the little ‘house’. This will also help identify if the spirit gave the crop their blessing.” The fae flipped to a specific page, marking it for Cosette.

“Ah, okay.” Cosette leaned in, looking at the text.

Great, I understand none of this.

“Does the fae need to have magical power to be able to write properly functioning runes?”

“Yes, they do, however since all fae have even a little bit of magic it shouldn’t be much of a problem. These ruins don’t require a massive amount of energy.”

Shit, all fae have magic? Even Lesser?

“It’s quite funny, that’s why most charms around human homes have never worked properly. Only a select few function and that’s only because they don’t require a user’s internal source of magic to activate but instead rely on the surrounding energy or natural elements.”

Cosette examined the intricate ruins.

It’s as I thought, this work would be perfect for Theo. 

“Thank you for your assistance.”

“Don’t mention it dearie.” the female sipped her tea, watching as Cosette sketched out the ruins on her papers, “That will take you forever, just borrow the book and return it to me once you’re finished.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll run off with it?”

The fae laughed, “I have a feeling that’s not in your personality.”

Cosette hummed.

She wasn’t wrong.

“I have another question.” Cosette took a deep breath.

The reason why she was going through all this effort to pretend to be a fae.

“Do you know anything about traveling between worlds?”

“Are you referring to world walkers?”

“I-..yes? Is that what you call people who make that sort of journey?”

The woman nodded, “It is. What is it you want to know about them?”

How do I ask about this without seeming suspicious?

“How often do people travel across worlds?”

“Haha, world walking isn’t exactly a fun Friday activity.” the fae giggled, “It’s rare.”

“Do people ever travel by accident?”

“On accident?”

“Yeah, like they just fall through a magic portal or something?” Cosette made vague hand gestures, unsure how else to explain what had happened to her.

“Hmm…” the woman pondered the concept, “Nothing like that would happen for no reason. Traveling through worlds is dangerous business. Though, I guess falling through a portal is plausible…”

“How are portals opened?”

She shrugged, “Some fae open them using their own powers if they’re strong enough, others are just naturally intune with the…more intricate makeup of our worlds.”

“Say a person had no such power of their own, how could they open a portal?”

The woman observed Cosette, tilting her head.

“To be honest, I expected a young female such as yourself to come here looking for love advice.” the fae smirked, “Not ask me about spirits and portals.”

Cosette didn’t respond, making the consultant sigh.

“Have you heard of the four Dread Trove items?”

“Yes…”

Briefly, people were raving about them online, something about Nesta using three of them to be an absolute badass.

“The Harp specifically is said to be able to open any door. Even one to a different world and time.”

Okay, perfect, the issue is…

“It’s currently being held by the Night Court.”

Wait. 

Cosette froze, eyeing the woman.

“How do you know all this?”

I know this stuff because I was chronically online, why do you also know these things?!

The woman laughed, “Why should I not?”

“I doubt the Night Court would let this information be public.”

“Hm, well. I have my ways.” the fae’s smile widened, “Just as you do friend.”

“Are you a witch?” Cosette tried not to shiver.

“Would you run away in fear if I was?”

“No.”

I'd ask how you gained all that power.

“Then it matters not.”

Fair enough.

“Can anyone use the Dread trove items?”

I really should have paid attention to the lore of this series rather than raving about the drama.

“Technically yes, but if you’re not Cauldron made those items can be used upon you as well.”

Girl, I don’t want to jump into the soup pot just to get out of here with no consequences!

“So there’s repercussions to using their powers?”

“Oh my dear customer, there’s always consequences. It’s the way this world works; fully based on equilibrium.”

I somehow doubt that considering how many fake-out deaths there were in this series.

“Are there consequences to world-walking?”

“Depends on the circumstances surrounding the traveler.”

“What’s the best case scenario?”

“Hm…they’re somehow meant to be in their new world. Probably filling in a role that is lacking an actor.”

You’re making it sound like everything is a play.

“And the worst case scenario?”

The female’s cheshire grin showed all her teeth, “They’d suffer like no other for daring to defy the Mother’s will.”

“I think that will be all.” Cosette said quietly, standing up.

“Leaving so soon dearie? Don’t you want me to read you your future? It’s on the house.”

“No thank you.”

“Hm? Really?”

“Absolutely, I already kn-have plans for what mine will look like.”

Me back home with my family and hopefully a fixed car - bro has had several years to get it repaired.

“No one can know their future for certain, it’s always fluid.”

“How much do I owe you?” Cosette pulled out a money purse.

“Since I had so much fun talking to you, I’ll give you a discount. 20 gold.”

“That’s a very generous discount.”

“I am a generous being.” The fae took the money Cosette practically threw at her.

“Pleasure doing business with you!” The woman’s laughter followed Cosette out of the shop as she ran into the cold, tearing the mask off once she was a distance away.

She walked down the street, her breathing slowly evening out.

Strange woman…

The guards stationed in the square paid no attention to her as Cosette walked out of the square they were guarding and into the crowded streets. 

The Winter Solstice was approaching and everyone had begun preparing, the streets filled with faes purchasing last minute gifts or foods. Blanche had invited them to celebrate the Winter Solstice at the inn which Ophelia was looking forward to. With them having made good progress on Theo’s debt they had all gone out looking for gifts but hadn’t found anything yet.

As Ophelia stepped inside the perfumery she was greeted with a scene.

“Why can’t I meet the perfumer?” a male fae shouted.

“I am sorry sir Cosette is ou-oh! Cosette, you’re back!” Ophelia looked relieved at her friend’s appearance, the merchant quickly turning around.

“You.” he dramatically pointed at Cosette, “Are you the perfumer?”

“Yes sir.” Cosette smiled.

Please don’t be an asshole.

“Truthfully?”

“I-yes.” Cosette looked at him gingerly,

The man seemed to relax a bit, “It’s an honor to meet you Miss Cosette.”

“It’s an honor to meet you too sir…?”

“Call me Amelio.” he shook her hand, “You know it’s really hard to track you down, many of my acquaintances have tried but failed.”

“Haha, I apologize for the inconvenience.”

“Gah, no need to apologize! I understand first-hand how busy the life of a business person is!”

“May I know why you wished to see me?”

“Ah, yes. That.” the man glanced around, as if it was some sort of great mystery, “Could we talk somewhere more private?”

“Of course, please follow me.” Cosette led the man upstairs to her office, giving Ophelia a reassuring nod.

The office looked much cleaner compared to the first day. The windows were now shiny, the table neatly organized, and the shelves lining the walls no longer empty.

“Would you like some tea?”

“Absolutely.” the man took a sip of the brew Cosette gave him.

“So what is it that I can help you with sir Amelio?” Cosette sat across from him.

“I wish to order a custom perfume.”

Cosette looked at him with slightly wide eyes.

Oh my God, why hadn’t I thought of offering such services earlier?!

Cosette felt slightly dumb.

“I would be happy to make you one, what kind of perfume are you looking for?”

“I want a perfume for my wife, she’s a big fan you know?” Amelio smiled, “She loves warm places like Summer Court, could you make a scent that imitates that?”

Cosette nodded, “I can try. Do you know if she has any allergies or prefers particular scents?”

“She really likes sweet perfumes with a little bit of zest. Also, do you know if it would be possible to make this perfume before the Winter Solstice?”

“Hmm.” Cosette thought for a moment, “I can try to get it done before the Solstice, but I want to make sure you’re satisfied with the product so how about I make you a couple samples of perfumes and in about two weeks we can meet to talk. That leaves time to make any necessary changes.”

“That sounds perfect.” Amelio stretched out his hand, “I look forward to our meeting then.”

“I look forward to it too.” Cosette shook it, walking Amelio out of the perfumery and bidding him goodbye.

With custom orders they’d have an even easier time clearing Theo’s debt. 

Cosette sighed, a feeling of contentment washing over her.

All was going well.

“Say Ophelia, do you remember the day when we arrived at Winter Court?”

“Yeah! Gosh it feels like it was yesterday.” Ophelia nibbled on her sandwich, the two of them relaxing as the perfumery was empty for a moment.

“We still haven’t visited the guards at the training grounds to see if that one fae got punished appropriately.”

“Do you really think we should?” Ophelia looked hesitant.

“Why not? It would only be fair to see if they actually took disciplinary efforts with him as promised.”

“I just don’t want us to get in trouble?”

“In trouble for what? Using the literal permission slip the captain of the guard gave us? Highly doubt that’ll land us into jail.”

“Look who’s the sadistic one now…” Ophelia winked.

“Hey, I am not a sadist! I just think it’s important to see if the man actually got punished for his crime!”

The two ordered a carriage to take them to the palace, closing down shop for the day as most faeries were beginning to head home. The carriage stopped before a large gated archway, being forced to step outside by security.

“Do you two ladies have permission to come onto palace grounds?” a guard looked at them skeptically.

“Yes, we do.” Cosette showed them the paper Aquilo had filled out and signed. 

The guard attempted to take it, but Cosette pulled it back.

The man’s eyes narrowed but he didn’t protest as he looked over the paper from where Cosette held it up for him.

“Hmm, everything seems in order.” he nodded begrudgingly.

“Thank you.” Cosette shot him a smile as the guards let them pass through the large crystal-like gates. The soldiers exchanged glances as the two non noble fae walked down a long wide pathway that separated into various gardens, escorted by the fae who had examined the paper.

“Wow, everything is so pretty.” Cosette whispered to Ophelia.

“Agreed, I wonder how much they pay the gardeners?”

The guard kept a straight face despite the two women gossiping like high school girls, leading them down a separate pathway towards the training grounds.

The grounds looked quite similar to the ones at Autumn; spacious fields with cleared out areas for fighting and drills. 

“Captain!” the fae called out.

Aquilo, who had been yelling orders at some young-looking soldiers turned around to face them, his eyes flickering with recognition.

“Take five.” the captain ordered the soldiers who relaxed, practically collapsing onto the floor.

“Wow, you’re really working them to the bone.” Ophelia commented.

“They need to be prepared for the worst in order to protect Winter Court well.” the captain noted coldly, “Welcome to the training grounds. How has the capital treated you two?” he paused awkwardly, “I must ask you two for your names again, as I have forgotten.”

“I am Ophelia! The capital is breathtaking!”

“Cosette, pleasure to make your acquaintance, again. We have settled in quite well.”

“I am glad to hear it. What have you two been up to?” Aquilo kept a neutral expression, though his tone sounded amused.

“We’ve opened a perfumery near one of the city’s centers.” Cosette said.

“A perfumery? Oh! Are you two managing the one place that opened up recently? The one that is costing the perfumery street’s store owners’ customers?”

“Yeah that’s us.” Cosette couldn’t help the proud smile on her face.

“Well, I unfortunately have only heard of your products but perhaps once the solstice comes to a close I will visit.”

“We’d be happy to have you. Cosette’s perfumes are truly something else.” Ophelia pipped in.

Nice commercializing Ophelia.

“So you’re the infamous perfumer?”

Cosette nodded sheepishly.

I am not that amazing, your perfumers are just really lazy.

Aquilo looked at them silently for a moment before continuing, “Onto business; I assume you’re here regarding the soldier’s punishment.”

“Yes we are.” Cosette confirmed.

Though it’s more for Ophelia than me.

“Very well, please follow me.” Aquilo led them down the snowy field, into a building to the side of the palace, “As part of his punishment we’re having him undergo all his required trainings again and review the laws of the Court. He has also been demoted and is on cleaning duty till the Winter Solstice ends.”

“Wow.” Cosette muttered.

That was harsher than I expected considering the patriarchal nature of Prythian.

“I take pride and honor in our work.” Aquilo glanced at Cosette as if reading her mind, “I expect nothing less than perfection from my subordinates, so punishments are given out appropriately if someone tries to abuse their power.”

Aquilo led them into a room, where the white haired fae from months earlier was sitting behind a desk, reading through a book.

“Captain.” The man quickly stood up, saluting his commanding officer.

“At ease.” Aquilo gestured for him to relax, “Edur, I am sure you remember who these two ladies are. Please greet Miss Cosette and Ophelia”

Edur nodded, hesitantly glancing at the two females. His earlier cockiness from months seemingly erased.

“Hello…” he shifted, clearly uncomfortable under their gaze.

An awkward silence filled the room, as Edur glanced between the three people before him.

“I…” he hesitated, “I would like to apologize.” he bowed deeply, “What I did was wrong. Not only did I discriminate against you both as Lesser fae, but I also attempted to proposition Miss Ophelia. I am truly sorry.”

Cosette was surprised. She hadn’t expected an apology, especially not one that sounded so genuine.

Perhaps because this world was fictional, but people could change so easily.

Cosette laughed internally.

Or Aquilo’s punishment was so grueling that the sexism and racism was knocked out completely.

Ophelia’s face mirrored Cosette’s feelings, “Oh um, it’s okay.”

It’s very much not okay.

“What’s important is that you understand what you did wrong.”

There we have to agree, Ophelia.

Edur nodded, glancing at Aquilo who nodded in approval.

“Is there anything specific you would like to see?” Aquilo turned to the two women.

Cosette looked at Ophelia, “What do you think?”

“Eh? Oh, um, I am good I think.” Ophelia said, smiling awkwardly.

“Then that’s all.” Cosette agreed.

“Alright then. Back to work Edur.”

Edur quickly sat back down, burying his face in a book as the trio left.

Cosette and Ophelia were escorted back to the front gates.

“Have a safe trip home.”

“Thank you sir Aquilo.” Cosette said.

The group said their goodbyes, with the duo leaving to find a carriage to take them home.

Cosette glanced at Ophelia, smiling softly, “See?”

“Hm? See what?”

“Don’t ever let people try to use or force you into things you don’t want, okay?” Cosette smiled at her friend.

I really hope seeing this gave her a confidence boost.

“You deserve better. Always.” Cosette crawled into a carriage, patting the seat across from her, “And if anything does happen, I’ve got you.”

Ophelia looked at her with misty eyes, “Cosette, I should be the one protecting you, not the other way around.”

“You are protecting me. By teaching me how to be a proper fae.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Ophelia shook her head, “Besides, I already know not to let those things happen to me! I know how to speak up for myself.”

I worry you don’t. Sometimes you don’t truly believe that consequences or justice exists until you see it yourself. Leading to people not voicing their fears because they don’t think they will be believed.

“Alright, if you say so.” Cosette smiled at Ophelia, “We should start heading back, otherwise Blanche might get worried if we’re not on time for dinner.”

“Actually, I have something I want to do.” Ophelia said, not getting into the carriage.

“Hm? What’s up? I can come with you.”

“No, no. You head back to the inn, I have something I want to do.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I am sure.” Ophelia smirked mischievously, “It’s a surprise after all.”

“Alright, I can’t wait to find out what it is.” Cosette said as Ophelia closed the carriage door, “I’ll be dying from anticipation!”

The carriage took off, Cosette waving to Ophelia through the window, her friend quickly disappearing out of sight. Cosette stared at the empty seat of the carriage before her.

I really hope I didn’t upset her.

Back: Chapter 16 - Open for Business

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1          Minimalistic Design with Enhanced User Experience

Minimalism continues to dominate eCommerce web design, but in 2024, it is not just about aesthetics—it is about enhancing the user experience  Clean, clutter-free layouts help in reducing distractions, allowing customers to focus on product details and streamline their shopping journey  A simple design helps users navigate easily, boosting engagement and conversion rates.

This trend is particularly vital for mobile-first design, as mobile commerce continues to grow exponentially  Partnering with an experienced eCommerce web design in Vadodara or eCommerce web design in India ensures that your website offers a seamless experience across all devices.

Key Features of Minimalist Design:

Use of whitespace to emphasize key elements

Clean and simple navigation menus

Limited use of bold colors, sticking to neutral and pastel shades

High-quality product images in the spotlight

By keeping the design minimalistic, users can effortlessly browse your site, resulting in fewer drop-offs and more successful conversions.

2          AI-Powered Personalization

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the eCommerce industry, and in 2024, it will continue to reshape how online stores engage with customers.  AI-powered personalization allows businesses to provide tailored shopping experiences based on user behavior, preferences, and browsing history  From personalized product recommendations to customized search results, AI helps deliver a unique, customer-centric experience.

An eCommerce website developer in Gujarat can help you integrate AI-driven tools into your website to offer personalized experiences that improve customer satisfaction and retention.

AI-Powered Personalization Features:

Customized product recommendations based on past purchases

Personalized homepage content based on user preferences

Dynamic pricing strategies for different customer segments

AI-powered chatbots for real-time assistance

Incorporating AI-powered personalization into your eCommerce web design in Gujarat can help you increase sales and improve customer loyalty by providing a more personalized and engaging experience.

3          Mobile-First Design and Optimization

Mobile commerce (mCommerce) is expected to grow significantly in 2024, making mobile-first design essential for any eCommerce business  As smartphones become the primary device for shopping online, ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly is no longer optional—it is a necessity.

If you are looking to create a mobile-optimized online store, working with an eCommerce web design in India is crucial to make sure your website offers a smooth mobile experience  Mobile-first design ensures that your site looks and functions flawlessly on smartphones and tablets, enhancing user experience and reducing bounce rates.

Mobile-First Design Best Practices:

Use responsive design to ensure compatibility across devices

Prioritize fast load times for mobile pages

Simplify navigation for easier use on smaller screens

Incorporate mobile-friendly payment options like Google Pay or Apple Pay

By optimizing for mobile, you can capture a larger share of mobile shoppers and increase overall conversions.

4          Voice Search Optimization

Voice search is becoming more popular with the rise of smart speakers and virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.  In 2024, more consumers are expected to use voice search to shop online, which means businesses must optimize their eCommerce websites for voice search queries.

By partnering with an eCommerce website developer in India, you can ensure your website is voice search-optimized, making it easier for users to find your products using voice commands.

Key Considerations for Voice Search Optimization:

Use natural language in product descriptions and FAQs

Optimize for long-tail keywords that match how people speak

Ensure your website is fast and mobile-friendly

Leverage structured data to help search engines understand your content better

Voice search optimization enhances accessibility and ensures that your eCommerce store is ready for future shopping trends.

5          Immersive Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented Reality (AR) is a game-changer in eCommerce, allowing customers to virtually try out products before making a purchase.  In 2024, AR is expected to become more widespread as consumers demand more immersive shopping experiences.

For instance, AR can allow customers to visualize how a piece of furniture looks in their home or how an outfit would look on them  Incorporating AR into your eCommerce web design in Vadodara can set you apart from competitors by offering a cutting-edge shopping experience.

AR in eCommerce Features:

Virtual try-on tools for clothing, makeup, or accessories

3D product visualizations for a more detailed view

“See it in your space” options for home decor and furniture

Interactive product demos to showcase features

Investing in AR technology enhances the customer experience and can significantly boost engagement and sales for your online store.

6          Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design

Sustainability is more than a trend; it is a movement that has impacted consumer behaviour.  More customers are becoming environmentally conscious and prefer brands that are committed to sustainability.  In 2024, eCommerce businesses that incorporate eco-friendly elements into their website design will resonate more with conscious consumers.

Partnering with an eCommerce website developer in Gujarat can help you create a website that highlights your sustainability efforts.  You can showcase eco-friendly packaging, sustainable supply chains, or carbon-neutral shipping options.

Eco-Friendly Design Elements:

Use green and earth tones to signify environmental consciousness

Highlight sustainability credentials in product descriptions

Use eco-friendly materials for physical marketing assets

Incorporate energy-efficient hosting solutions

By making your commitment to sustainability a core part of your brand, you can attract more eco-conscious customers and build long-term loyalty.

7          One-Page Checkout and Simplified Payment Processes

In 2024, businesses must focus on reducing cart abandonment rates by simplifying the checkout process  A one-page checkout is a great way to make it easier for customers to complete their purchases without being overwhelmed by a lengthy process.

A reliable eCommerce website developer in India can help you implement a streamlined checkout experience that includes multiple payment options and eliminates unnecessary steps  Simplified payment processes, such as digital wallets, buy-now-pay-later options, and express checkouts, can reduce friction and improve conversions.

One-Page Checkout Features:

Clear, concise forms with minimal input fields

Support for multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards and e-wallets

Visual progress indicators to show users how close they are to completing the purchase

Guest checkout options to remove registration barriers

By simplifying your checkout process, you can minimize abandoned carts and increase the likelihood of completing sales.

8          High-Quality Visual Content

In 2024, the visual content you display on your eCommerce website will play a key role in driving engagement and sales.  High-quality product images, videos, and 360-degree views help customers better understand your products and make informed purchasing decisions.

For businesses seeking eCommerce web design in Gujarat, it is essential to incorporate rich media content that showcases your products effectively.  Consumers want to see detailed images and videos that provide a comprehensive view of the items they are purchasing.

Visual Content Strategies:

Use high-resolution images with zoom functionality for product details

Incorporate product demo videos to show features in action

Provide 360-degree views for a more immersive product experience

Use lifestyle images that show the product in real-world use

By investing in high-quality visual content, you can enhance the customer experience and improve your chances of making a sale.

9          Social Commerce Integration

Social commerce is set to grow exponentially in 2024, as more consumers turn to social media platforms to discover and purchase products.  Integrating social commerce features into your eCommerce website allows users to shop directly from platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

An eCommerce website developer in India can help you integrate social commerce into your web design, enabling users to share products, access reviews, and make purchases seamlessly through their favorite social media platforms.

Social Commerce Features:

“Shop the look” galleries and direct purchase links

Integration with Instagram and Facebook shops

Social proof elements like user-generated content and reviews

Easy social sharing buttons for products

By tapping into social commerce, you can extend your reach, attract new customers, and drive more traffic to your online store.

10        Micro-Animations for Enhanced Interactivity

Micro-animations are subtle, small animations that enhance user interaction and create a more engaging experience.  Whether it is a button hover effect or a loading animation, these micro-interactions can make the shopping experience more dynamic and enjoyable.

Incorporating micro-animations into your eCommerce web design in Vadodara can guide users through their shopping journey, providing visual cues that improve navigation and highlight important elements.

Micro-Animation Examples:

Hover effects on product images and buttons

Animated feedback during form submissions

Loading animations that keep users engaged while pages load

Interactive animations that provide feedback when users complete an action

Micro-animations are a small but powerful way to enhance the overall user experience and create a more memorable shopping journey.

Conclusion

As we move into 2024, eCommerce website design will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors  From AI-powered personalization and AR to eco-friendly design and social commerce integration, the future of eCommerce is exciting and full of opportunities.

If you are looking for expert guidance on implementing these trends, working with an experienced eCommerce website developer in Gujarat or eCommerce website developer in India is essential.  A well-designed, user-friendly website is the key to staying ahead of the competition and providing a seamless shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.

At Nivida Web Solutions, a leading provider of eCommerce web design in Vadodara and eCommerce web design in Gujarat, we are dedicated to helping businesses grow by delivering cutting-edge eCommerce websites that reflect the latest trends  Let us help you elevate your eCommerce business in 2024!

[shanviatechsolutions]

Top 5 Must-Have Features for a Successful eCommerce Website

In today’s digital era, creating a successful eCommerce website requires much more than just displaying products। The features that guarantee a smooth shopping experience, such as easy navigation and secure transactions, are essential for a profitable online store। These are the top five must-have features for a successful eCommerce website, whether you’re launching a new one or updating an existing one। Visit Us: http://www.shanviatech.com

1. User-Friendly Navigation

Customers may leave a congested website before they get a chance to look around. Navigating the various sections of your store with ease requires user-friendly navigation. Users should be able to readily locate categories, items, and information on the website thanks to its intuitive structure and well-organized menu. Important components of intuitive navigation consist of:

· Search Bar: A robust search functionality that allows users to find products using keywords, categories, or product codes.

· Categories and Filters: Properly organized product categories and filters (price, size, color, etc.) help customers narrow down their choices.

· Breadcrumbs: Provide users with a clear path to navigate back to previous pages without confusion.

Good navigation ensures that customers spend less time looking for what they need, resulting in higher satisfaction and increased conversions.

2. Mobile Responsiveness

By 2024, mobile eCommerce will still be quite popular as so many consumers will be shopping and browsing on smartphones. In order to take advantage of this enormous market, your eCommerce website needs to be mobile-friendly. With a responsive design, your website will adjust to various screen sizes with ease, offering the best possible viewing experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. Among the main advantages of mobile responsiveness are:

· Improved User Experience: A mobile-friendly website is easier to navigate and increases customer engagement.

· SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google prioritize mobile-responsive websites, improving your site’s search rankings.

· Higher Conversion Rates: With more users shopping via mobile, a responsive design leads to higher sales and customer retention.

In addition to annoying visitors, a non-responsive website lowers its exposure in search results, which can seriously harm your company.

3. Secure Payment Gateways

One of the most important features of an eCommerce website is security. Consumers must feel secure when transacting, particularly in light of the growing worry over online fraud and data breaches. Gaining a customer’s trust requires integrating a secure payment gateway. To guarantee secure transactions, the following components are essential:

· SSL Encryption: Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption protects sensitive information, like credit card details, during the checkout process.

· Multiple Payment Options: Offer various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets (e.g., PayPal, Apple Pay), and even buy-now-pay-later options to cater to a diverse audience.

· PCI Compliance: Ensure your website complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) to protect customers’ payment data.

In addition to increasing trust, a secure checkout procedure lowers cart abandonment, which boosts revenue and fosters client loyalty.

4. Fast Loading Speed

Conversion rates and user experience are closely related to website speed. Customers become irritated and may quit a website that loads slowly before completing a purchase. In fact, studies reveal that a little one-second lag in page load speed can cause a 7% decline in conversions. Important techniques to enhance loading speed consist of:

· Optimized Images: Compressing images without losing quality can drastically improve page load times.

· Content Delivery Network (CDN): A CDN distributes content across multiple servers worldwide, ensuring faster delivery of web pages.

· Minimized Code: Reducing unnecessary code, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, ensures quicker page rendering.

Not only does a quick website keep users interested, but it also helps you rank higher in search results because Google values site speed highly.

5. Customer Reviews and Testimonials

In the field of eCommerce, customer reviews are an invaluable resource. They encourage potential buyers to feel confident about the quality of products, which acts as social proof and influences their purchasing decisions. A mechanism that makes it simple for customers to post reviews and read those of others should be included in any successful eCommerce website. Key characteristics include of:

· Verified Reviews: Ensure that only verified buyers can leave reviews, which builds trust in the authenticity of feedback.

· Star Ratings and Comments: A combination of star ratings and written reviews gives customers detailed insights into a product’s performance.

· Review Moderation: Implement a moderation system to prevent spam or fake reviews from appearing on the site.

Testimonials and reviews that are positive increase trustworthiness, encourage conversions, and have a big effect on customer retention.

User experience, security, and functionality must be given top priority on your website if you want to compete in the fiercely competitive eCommerce market. Building trust, interacting with clients, and increasing sales all depend on features like user-friendly navigation, responsiveness on mobile devices, safe payment gateways, quick loading times, and customer reviews. You’ll not only create a seamless buying experience by adding these essential elements, but you’ll also grow your online business to unprecedented levels.

Visit Us: http://www.shanviatech.com

[wallpaperandringtonesland]

Embrace Tomorrow with the Vivo Y18: A Glimpse into the Future of Smartphones

In the bustling world of smartphones, few names shine as brightly as vivo. From its humble beginnings to its current global presence, the journey of vivo is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Join us as we embark on a journey through time, uncovering the fascinating history of vivo.

Origins of vivo

Every success story has a beginning, and for vivo, it all started with a vision. Founded in 2009, vivo emerged as a challenger in the competitive smartphone market of China. With a focus on user experience and cutting-edge technology, vivo quickly garnered attention for its sleek designs and innovative features.

The Rise to Prominence

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, vivo transcended obstacles and carved a niche for itself in the smartphone industry. Through strategic marketing campaigns and a relentless commitment to quality, vivo captured the hearts of consumers, solidifying its position as a formidable player in the market.

Innovation and Technological Advancements

At the core of vivo's success lies a culture of innovation. From pioneering in-display fingerprint technology to pushing the boundaries of camera capabilities, vivo continues to set new benchmarks for excellence. With each new release, consumers eagerly anticipate the next breakthrough from the brand.

Market Expansion and Global Reach

From its roots in China, vivo swiftly expanded its footprint across the globe. With a presence in over 30 countries, vivo has become a household name, catering to the diverse needs of consumers worldwide. Through strategic partnerships and localized marketing efforts, vivo has successfully penetrated international markets.

Impact on the Smartphone Industry

vivo's influence extends beyond just sales figures. As a trailblazer in the smartphone industry, vivo has inspired competitors and set industry trends. Whether it's introducing innovative features or redefining design aesthetics, vivo continues to shape the future of mobile technology.

Community Engagement and Brand Loyalty

Beyond products, vivo fosters a sense of community and brand loyalty among its users. Through engaging social media campaigns and interactive events, vivo connects with its audience on a personal level, building lasting relationships that transcend mere transactions.

Sustainable Practices and Corporate Responsibility

As a responsible corporate citizen, vivo is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. From eco-friendly packaging to energy-efficient manufacturing processes, vivo strives to minimize its ecological footprint and contribute to a greener future for generations to come.

Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

The path to success is rarely smooth, and vivo has encountered its fair share of challenges along the way. From intense competition to unforeseen market shifts, vivo has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, emerging stronger and more determined than ever.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaboration is key to vivo's growth strategy, as evidenced by its strategic partnerships with industry leaders and influencers. By joining forces with like-minded organizations, vivo enhances its brand visibility and reaches new audiences, further solidifying its position in the market.

Future Prospects and Beyond

As we look to the future, the horizon seems limitless for vivo. With a relentless focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, vivo is poised to continue its upward trajectory, shaping the future of mobile technology and delighting consumers with groundbreaking products and experiences.

Ringtones for Vivo

Looking to download an Apple ringtone for your Vivo Y18? It's easy! Simply head over to our website at https://www.setasringtones.com, where you'll find a wide variety of Apple ringtones perfectly compatible with your device. Once you've selected the ideal ringtone, proceed to download it directly to your Vivo Y18 from our site. Alternatively, you can transfer it from your computer to your device. Once downloaded, customize your ringtone settings by setting it as your default tone or assigning it to specific contacts. With these straightforward steps, you'll quickly have the iconic Apple ringtone on your Vivo Y18, adding a personalized touch to your smartphone experience.

Embrace the Future with Vivo Y18

Welcome to the world of smartphones, where innovation meets convenience! In this digital age, finding the perfect smartphone can be quite overwhelming. But fear not, as we unravel the enchanting features of the Vivo Y18. This article is your gateway to discovering the magic of this exceptional device, designed to elevate your mobile experience to new heights. Let's dive in!

The Evolution of Vivo Y18

The journey of the Vivo Y18 has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by continuous innovation and adaptation to the ever-changing landscape of smartphone technology. From its inception, Vivo has strived to push boundaries and redefine the smartphone experience for users worldwide. With each iteration, the Vivo Y18 has evolved to meet the growing demands and expectations of consumers, incorporating cutting-edge features and advancements in hardware and software. From enhanced performance capabilities to sleeker designs and improved camera technologies, the Vivo Y18 has undergone a transformative evolution

Design and Display

The design and display of a smartphone are pivotal aspects that greatly influence user experience and satisfaction. In the case of the Vivo Y18, meticulous attention has been paid to crafting a device that not only looks sleek and stylish but also offers a visually stunning display. The sleek design of the Vivo Y18 is characterized by its slim profile, ergonomic curves, and premium materials, ensuring a comfortable grip and a luxurious feel in the hand. Moreover, the device boasts a vibrant and immersive display that brings content to life with vivid colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles.

Performance Prowess

When it comes to smartphones, performance is paramount, and the Vivo Y18 delivers in spades. Powered by advanced hardware and optimized software, this device is engineered to deliver a seamless and responsive user experience. Whether you're multitasking between apps, streaming HD videos, or gaming with intense graphics, the Vivo Y18 handles it all with ease. Under the hood, a powerful processor coupled with ample RAM ensures smooth performance, allowing you to breeze through tasks without any lag or slowdown. Additionally, the device comes equipped with intelligent software optimizations that further enhance its performance.

Camera Capabilities

The camera capabilities of the Vivo Y18 are truly exceptional, empowering users to capture life's precious moments with unmatched clarity and precision. Equipped with advanced camera technology, this device ensures that every photo and video you take is nothing short of stunning. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply love documenting your daily adventures, the Vivo Y18's camera is up to the task. With high-resolution sensors, intelligent image processing algorithms, and a plethora of shooting modes and features, you have the tools you need to unleash your creativity and capture breathtaking shots in any setting.

Battery Life and Charging

The battery life and charging capabilities of the Vivo Y18 are nothing short of impressive, ensuring that you stay powered up and connected throughout the day. With its long-lasting battery, you can enjoy uninterrupted usage without the need to constantly reach for your charger. Whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or chatting with friends, the Vivo Y18's battery is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. Additionally, when it's time to recharge, the device supports fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly top up your battery and get back to what matters most.

Software Sophistication

The Vivo Y18 shines with its software sophistication, offering users an intuitive and seamless user experience that enhances productivity and convenience. Powered by advanced software features and optimizations, this device ensures smooth performance and effortless navigation. Whether you're navigating through the user interface, multitasking between apps, or accessing your favorite features, the Vivo Y18's software is designed to anticipate your needs and deliver a fluid and responsive experience. Additionally, the device comes equipped with a range of smart features and customization options that allow you to personalize your device to suit your preferences.

Connectivity at Its Best

The Vivo Y18 offers connectivity at its best, ensuring that you stay seamlessly connected to the world around you. With support for the latest connectivity standards, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and more, this device keeps you connected wherever you go. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or staying in touch with friends and family, the Vivo Y18 delivers fast and reliable connectivity that meets your needs. Additionally, the device features advanced antenna technology and signal optimization algorithms, ensuring strong and stable connections even in areas with poor network coverage.

Security Features

The Vivo Y18 is equipped with robust security features to safeguard your personal data and privacy. With biometric authentication options such as fingerprint recognition and facial recognition, you can ensure that only you have access to your device. Additionally, the device offers secure encryption methods to protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access. Whether you're making online transactions, accessing confidential documents, or storing personal photos, you can have peace of mind knowing that your data is safe and secure with the Vivo Y18's advanced security features.

Immersive Multimedia Experience

Experience entertainment like never before with the Vivo Y18's immersive multimedia capabilities. Whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or gaming, this device offers a captivating audiovisual experience that transports you into the heart of the action. With its vibrant display and crisp audio output, every scene comes to life with stunning clarity and realism. Moreover, the Vivo Y18's powerful hardware ensures smooth performance and lag-free playback, allowing you to enjoy your favorite content without interruption. Whether you're unwinding after a long day or immersing yourself in the latest blockbuster, the Vivo Y18 guarantees an unforgettable multimedia experience that keeps you entertained for hours on end.

Value for Money

The Vivo Y18 offers exceptional value for money, providing users with a plethora of features and capabilities at an affordable price point. With its impressive performance, advanced camera technology, and sleek design, this device punches above its weight in terms of functionality and quality. Whether you're a budget-conscious consumer or simply looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank, the Vivo Y18 delivers unbeatable value. From its long-lasting battery life to its intuitive user interface, every aspect of the device is carefully crafted to maximize value for the user.

Conclusion: Your Next Smartphone Companion

In conclusion, the Vivo Y18 emerges as a true powerhouse in the world of smartphones, combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric design. Elevate your mobile experience and embrace the future with this remarkable device by your side.

FAQs

1. Is the Vivo Y18 waterproof?

No, the Vivo Y18 is not waterproof. It is advisable to keep it away from water to prevent damage.

2. Does the Vivo Y18 support fast charging?

Yes, the Vivo Y18 supports fast charging, allowing you to recharge your device quickly for uninterrupted usage.

3. Can I expand the storage on the Vivo Y18?

Yes, the Vivo Y18 comes with expandable storage options, allowing you to increase the storage capacity with a microSD card.

4. Does the Vivo Y18 have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Vivo Y18 features a headphone jack, enabling you to connect your favorite headphones or earphones without any hassle.

5. Is the Vivo Y18 compatible with 5G networks?

No, the Vivo Y18 does not support 5G networks. However, it offers reliable connectivity through 4G LTE networks for seamless browsing and streaming experiences.

[nexonsoftwaresolutions]

Elevating Businesses with Nexon Software Solutions: A Comprehensive Approach

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve. Nexon Software Solutions emerges as a dynamic force, offering a comprehensive suite of services encompassing iOS app development, Android app development, and staffing and consulting solutions. Let's delve into how Nexon Software Solutions is revolutionizing the tech industry.

iOS App Development: With the ever-growing popularity of Apple's iOS platform, businesses are tapping into its potential to reach a broader audience. Nexon Software Solutions specializes in crafting bespoke iOS applications that captivate users and drive engagement. Leveraging the latest technologies and design principles, our team of skilled developers creates seamless and intuitive iOS apps that elevate user experiences and deliver tangible results.

Android App Development: In the vast landscape of Android devices, standing out requires a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise. Nexon Software Solutions rises to the challenge, offering top-notch Android app development services tailored to clients' specific needs. From concept to deployment, we work closely with our clients to develop custom Android applications that resonate with their target audience and achieve business objectives.

Staffing and Consulting: In addition to our prowess in app development, Nexon Software Solutions serves as a trusted partner in staffing and consulting. Our extensive network of talented professionals enables us to provide staffing solutions that match the unique requirements of our clients. Whether you're seeking temporary staffing for a project or strategic consulting to optimize your business processes, Nexon Software Solutions has the expertise and resources to drive success.

At Nexon Software Solutions, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. We combine technical expertise with a client-centric approach to deliver solutions that exceed expectations. With a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, we have earned a reputation as a leader in the tech industry.

[hopbugmedia]

The Cookie Crumbles: Three Strategies for Effective Advertising

Advertising used to be a rather haphazard affair before the internet. Brands would release numerous ads and messages into the world, hoping that some would resonate with their intended audience. Despite its inefficiencies, this system managed to function adequately. Then came a game-changing development: the ability for companies to track consumers online and customize their advertising based on specific user profiles, thanks to technologies like web-based cookies and personal identifiers. However, the era of third-party cookies is drawing to a close, signaling another shift in the advertising landscape.

To stay ahead and foster greater growth while acquiring new clients, brands can adopt strategies like leveraging their own customer interactions, engaging in data exchanges with other businesses, and exploring consumer targeting based on context and interests.

The Decline of Cookies

The internet underwent a transformation with the advent of cookies. Two decades ago, Lawrence Lessig remarked, "After cookies, the web becomes a space capable of extraordinary monitoring."

Lessig, a prominent legal scholar and former leader at Harvard University's Safra Center for Ethics, foresaw the profound impact of privacy concerns on the evolving digital landscape. For years, marketers relied on cookies to track users' activities across different websites, tailoring ads based on their browsing behavior. However, cookies are now becoming obsolete, and alternative tracking methods are facing scrutiny, posing challenges for advertisers.

Apple's implementation of app-tracking-transparency (ATT) policies requires app providers to obtain explicit consent from users before tracking them using device identifiers in the mobile app realm. Early data suggests that only about 46% of users are likely to consent to such tracking.

This percentage could be even lower in regions where privacy consciousness is heightened. Consequently, a significant portion of users within the Apple ecosystem may remain untraceable by app publishers relying on device identifiers. Notably, both Google and Apple have pledged not to develop or support workarounds like probabilistic fingerprinting to create user-level profiles within their platforms.

Understanding First-Party Cookies

First-party cookies are small data snippets that websites directly store on a user's device via their web browser. These cookies originate from and are managed by the website the user is actively visiting. Unlike third-party cookies, which are generated by external domains and used for cross-site tracking, first-party cookies are confined to interactions within a single domain.

Here's how first-party cookies benefit advertisers:

Tracking User Interactions: Advertisers can monitor user actions within their own websites, such as product views, cart additions, purchases, or newsletter sign-ups. This data provides insights into user behavior and preferences.

Personalization and Targeting: First-party cookies enable personalized experiences based on past interactions, improving engagement and conversion rates.

Retargeting and Remarketing: Advertisers can use first-party data to re-engage users across different platforms, encouraging them to complete actions.

Measuring Ad Campaign Performance: First-party cookies aid in tracking campaign metrics like click-through rates and conversions, facilitating performance evaluation and optimization.

Enhancing User Experience: Tailored content and recommendations enhance user satisfaction and loyalty.

Compliance with Privacy Regulations: First-party cookies are considered less intrusive and more compliant with privacy guidelines than third-party cookies.

Exploring Second-Party Cookies

Second-party cookies involve data exchange between trusted partners, unlike first-party cookies limited to a single domain and third-party cookies from external sources. Here's how they assist advertisers:

Data Collaboration: Trusted partners share relevant user data, enhancing targeting efforts.

Enhanced Personalization: Insights from partners' data improve ad relevance and effectiveness.

Audience Expansion: Partnerships broaden audience reach and improve campaign performance.

Improved Ad Placement: Informed decisions lead to better ad placements on partner sites.

Cross-Channel Campaigns: Data integration across channels creates cohesive marketing strategies.

Data Quality and Trust: Second-party data from trusted sources ensures reliability and compliance.

Understanding Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies track user behavior across multiple websites, aiding advertisers in targeted advertising. Here's how they help:

Cross-Site Tracking: Insights from third-party cookies enable cross-site user tracking for targeted campaigns.

Behavioral Targeting: Segmenting users based on online activities enhances ad personalization.

Retargeting and Remarketing: Targeted ads based on user actions improve conversion rates.

Audience Segmentation: Detailed audience profiles improve ad relevance and engagement.

Ad Performance Measurement: Metrics tracking aids in campaign optimization and budget allocation.

Cross-Device Tracking: Consistent experiences across devices improve user engagement.

Ad Network Optimization: Strategic ad placements maximize visibility and impact.

In conclusion, the phasing out of third-party cookies and evolving privacy regulations will disrupt the advertising landscape. Advertisers must adapt by exploring alternative strategies to maintain effectiveness and comply with privacy standards, ensuring sustainable growth and reduced acquisition costs in the future.

Stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of digital marketing! https://www.hopbug.com