Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 171

“You’re smart, but you’ve always had a cautious, timid side. However, that’s gone now,” Jilboa says, giving me his assessment.

“I suppose I might have been like that. But not anymore.”

“Yeah, I can see that. That’s why I’m willing to hear you out. You might be able to pull off this seemingly reckless task. Now, tell me more about the details of your plan.”

Responding to Jilboa’s request, I show him the project documents written on thin boards and parchment and spend about an hour explaining the factory establishment plan. He asks a few questions about documents like the financial plan and timeline, formats probably being seen for the first time in this world, but I’m able to finish the explanation without any major objections.

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“I’m shocked. No, rather than shocked, I’m speechless, Kenji,” Jilboa says after hearing the explanation. “I knew you were pretty sharp, but this method itself is so refined. With these documents, even I, could build a cathedral. Are you a carpenter, a merchant, or a craftsman? Kenji, you might be better off becoming a clergyman—you could rise to the top ranks.”

“Cut it out. I’m already getting recruited by the church. If you say that too, it doesn’t even sound like a joke.”

When I deny it, Jilboa gives me a surprised look.

“What? Haven’t you been to the Adventurer’s Guild lately?”

“No. I’ve been out of town for a long time on church business. What happened?”

“Well, every time Kiriku from the military unit drinks in the office, he keeps repeating how you snapped at the priest.”

“Ugh…”

“That guy… he’s pretty good at mimicking people with that look of his. He’s been reenacting your exchange with the priest and getting a lot of applause for it. Lately, I’ve heard he’s even been performing at the tavern where adventurers gather. It seems to be quite popular.”

“That bastard…!!”

No wonder he’s been rushing out of the office just after sundown, despite being a bodyguard. I thought he was either giving Sara and me some space or had found himself a girl in town, so I let it slide. But he’s been doing something like that all along.

“Kenji, you’re quite the celebrity among the adventurers now. Some are even calling you ‘Saint Kenji.’”

“Give me a break…”

I hold my head in embarrassment. Sara is shaking with laughter and softly shouts, “Saint Kenji!” This is going to be a running joke for a while…

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After the laughter dies down, Jilboa moves on to other matters.

“So, what do you plan to do about Gooljin?”

Gooljin, another major shareholder and a traveling merchant between cities, holds a different position compared to Jilboa. Jilboa funds his group, the Sword Fangs Legion, with revenue from monster extermination and sponsorships gained through advertising. Therefore, the income from the Guardian Shoes business isn’t a priority for him. As long as he can secure enough shoes to support his main business, he’s satisfied.

On the other hand, Gooljin is responsible for selling Guardian Shoes to other cities as a merchant. The shoes are light and don’t compete with other goods, so he’s been able to sell them as a specialty product of the town at a high price. In other words, fluctuations in the price of the shoes directly impact his business.

If I expand the shoe business, increasing the volume and causing prices to drop, Gooljin’s business would take a major hit.

To avoid that, Gooljin would have to expand the volume he handles and aim to monopolize distribution. However, the question is whether he can keep up with such rapid expansion, even if not immediately. If he can’t, wouldn’t he oppose the plan?

And when that opposition comes, what approach should I take? Should I persistently try to persuade him? Should I increase the number of shareholders to dilute his voting power? Or should I push through a decision by majority vote?

Even though aligning on a shared business vision sounds simple, each shareholder has their own position and motives. It’s unlikely things will go smoothly.