Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 209

Now that we share the same premise, I continue my explanation. “Now, I want you to think about this a bit more. Let’s say the use of the tax is explained and that it is trustworthy.”

Everyone nods at that premise, so I elaborate further. This is where the real discussion begins.

“What if the tax is used, for example, to support rural areas?”

Sara enthusiastically raises her hand and responds, “I’ll pay!”

“Well, it’s not that I won’t pay, but I would prefer if they ordered swords and armor instead,” Gorgoro says.

“That’s right. If the nobles don’t order beautiful clothes, the seamstresses’ livelihoods will be in jeopardy,” Anne adds.

If they understand this much, we’re almost there. I continue with another question.

“What if you could decide for yourself whether to pay the tax or not?”

As expected, the three of them struggle with the premise of having the choice to pay the tax, folding their arms in thought. Finally, Sara responds, “If it’s not too heavy, I might pay it.”

Surprisingly, Kiriku seems to agree. “That’s right. Many of our members come from rural areas, so I think a lot of them would be willing to pay.”

Gorgoro and Anne, who mostly live in town, are more resistant.

“I won’t pay.”

“Me neither.”

After hearing everyone’s opinions, I nod in acknowledgment.

“So, returning to the matter of the pioneers’ shoes and the Church Seal: the Church Seal will be placed on these shoes. It’s a kind of tax levied by the church, but its purpose is to support rural areas, and you have the freedom to pay it or not. You don’t have to buy the shoes.”

Everyone nods, seemingly understanding the concepts we have discussed up to this point.

“However, as everyone mentioned, this tax must be used in a beautiful way, creating a system and atmosphere where many people can willingly pay. Deacon Michelino will be in charge of establishing such a special department. This department will manage the taxes collected, clarify their uses, and explain that the money is not being misused. Additionally, we need to publicize and promote the idea that people who wear shoes with this seal are respected and admired. It’s also important to convey that this seal is reserved for specially selected items. I would like us to brainstorm this approach together moving forward.”

Brand management requires both offense and defense. The church’s management department will focus on defense, monitoring and controlling to prevent any products or initiatives that might undermine brand value.

On the other hand, we, who manufacture the pioneers’ shoes, will focus on offense. We need to emphasize brand value and create mechanisms that show that only selected products can carry the church’s seal and that wearing them is associated with social status.

In reality, offense and defense are two sides of the same coin. Deacon Michelino will be involved in these discussions, and they will tackle these issues as a team.

In this way, they will accumulate brand management know-how, establishing a foundation that is unprecedented in this world. This experience will be invaluable in further enhancing the organization’s competitiveness in the global market.

However, Deacon Michelino, who has been observing the discussion from the sidelines, blinks repeatedly, his expression delicate as he appears torn between amazement and surprise.