Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 194

I’m not just idly watching Jilboa tighten the screws on Gooljin.

I’m mentally brainstorming and refining various ideas for a new trading structure.

Once I have a rough framework and concept ready, I turn to Gooljin.

“Gooljin, this incident is a blunder. I’ll have to reconsider our dealings. From now on, there will be no monopoly on distribution. I’ll be supplying shoes to other town merchants as well.” I continue, cutting off what sounds like a suppressed groan.

“However, you do have a track record. I’ll give you preferential treatment based on that,” I promise.

While I have reservations about Gooljin as a leader of the inter-city merchants, I have no particular complaints when it comes to him as a trading partner, given his previous achievements.

Besides, abruptly terminating all dealings would completely ruin Gooljin’s reputation and likely cause his subordinates to struggle with their livelihoods. There might even be those who would hold a grudge and plot revenge against us.

It would defeat the purpose of reducing those who might attack us if the number of attackers increases instead.

“A week from now, gather the main inter-city merchants to finalize the trading conditions. Get those who are interested together.”

As I say this, Gooljin’s eyes take on a calculating look.

He understands; this time, he will only reach out to those who will listen to him. Well, we will reach out to him as well, making his plan futile. It would be better to let Gooljin think he has a chance to turn the tables here.

“Then, see you in the office in a week.”

Once freed, Gooljin hurries out of the office without looking back.

He likely intends to start moving around quite a bit from here on out.

Couldn’t he put that energy to better use?

As I ponder this, several of Jilboa’s crew members receive a silent signal and quietly follow Gooljin out.

They are likely there to monitor whether Gooljin will act impulsively again.

“Still as meticulous as ever,” I mutter, to which Jilboa replies, “It’s a habit.”

◇　◇　◇　◇　◇

Now, it’s time to deal with the aftermath of the disposable attackers.

“Hey, you there. I think you’re one of Garon’s subordinates?”

When I call out to him, the tied man nods silently.

“Tell Garon he’s welcome to make a deal if he wants, but he’ll have to pay a penalty for this attack. Can you pay your own ransom?”

When I ask, the man shakes his head vigorously.

“Well, I guess that’s impossible. Let’s do this: if you come with us, we’ll include Garon in deciding the terms of the deal. Garon will pay the fine. If he doesn’t admit that he hired you, there’s no deal. Tell him that. Got it?”

With that, I signal for the members to cut the ropes binding the man.

He then scrambles out of the office as if to escape.

Now, if he wants to make a deal, he’ll have to pay the fine; if he turns a blind eye to the fact that they attacked him, he’ll get rid of the man.

“Too lenient,” Jilboa remarks as he observes the scene.

“I dislike things that don’t bring in money,” I shoot back.

He laughs and says, “If you dislike things that don’t make money, you wouldn’t be dealing with fledgling adventurers, would you?”

I have no response, so I remain silent.