Chapter 1

The bar was dimly lit, a warm, inviting glow casting shadows across the walls. The scent of hops and barley filled the air, the result of countless batches of fresh, home-brewed beer. The patrons chatted, laughing, and clinking glasses, a symphony of camaraderie. At the center of it all stood Elra, the barkeep with a figure as slender as the pint glasses she poured.

Nandy, with his neatly kept beard and lean physique, took a seat at the bar, eyeing the woman who owned this quaint establishment. He admired her quick wit and the way she moved behind the bar with an easy grace. As she set a beer in front of him, their eyes met, and he couldn't help but notice her skepticism.

"A new customer," Elra remarked, her voice light and slightly amused.

Nandy looked up from his glass, a pleased expression on his face. "Indeed, it seems so. And what do we have here?" He took a sip of the amber liquid, his eyes widening in delight. "This is delicious. Why are you so surprised?"

Elra chuckled, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "It's just...well, people tend to expect a certain appearance when it comes to brewing beer. But it's clearly not the case here."

He took another sip of the beer, savoring the rich, malty taste. "Seriously, this is fantastic. You should be proud. I don’t understand what’s missing."

Elra explained, “I think it’s my size. Errr, well, my weight. I don’t have the ‘beer loving figure’ they have come to expect from the other pubs.”

"So, let me get this straight. People think a brewmaster should look like they drink more beer than they make? That's ridiculous."

Elra shrugged, her lips twisting into a wry smile. "It's not ideal, but it's the way things are. Customers feel more at ease when they see a 'seasoned' brewmaster, as they call it. Someone who's been around the block a few times and knows their stuff."

Nandy's voice was firm and sincere, capturing Elra's attention. "But if that's what people want, then give it to them. Play the part. You're not just a brewmaster; you're a performer as a business owner. If gaining a few pounds helps your business, why not give it a shot?" Nandy suggested with a devilish grin.

Elra blinked, her eyes wide with shock. "What did you just say?" she stammered.

"I said, if gaining a bit of weight would help your business, then why not?" Nandy replied, leaning forward with a mischievous smile. "It's a small price to pay for success, don't you think?"

Elra hesitated, her mind racing as she considered the proposition. Could she really do that? Gain weight on purpose, all for the sake of her business? It seemed absurd, but she felt the logic was sound.

"I...I don't know," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not something I've ever thought about."

Nandy's grin widened. "Well, it's worth considering. Think about it, Elra. They want someone who fits the profile and a ‘rebranding’ might be exactly what you need”

Elra took a deep breath and looked at Nandy, her eyes shining with determination. “Okay, fine. I’ll do it. I’ll try the whole beer belly thing. If the business dies then my life is over anyway.”