Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 231

For a moment, the craftsmen are stunned, but then one of them speaks up. “Is it okay for someone like that to wear the shoes we made? Well…”

His voice trails off, and another craftsman takes over. “Well…we’re still inexperienced, and we might not be well-regarded by the masters of other workshops…”

It seems they’ve begun to share a sense of crisis concerning their position within the city’s workshops.

However, it’s still not enough. They need to understand more about the nature of the crisis.

“Yeah, that’s true. All the workshops in the city will know our company’s name and have doubts about it. They’ll wonder what a workshop that just popped up can really do, and they won’t be pleased.”

First, I acknowledge their concerns, creating an atmosphere where they feel heard.

“Moreover, the masters of traditional workshops in other cities that have made garments for the cardinal will also likely resent our company, too.”

The craftsmen look up in shock upon hearing this.

“And the nobles and merchants hoping to connect with the Cardinal might not take kindly to us either, so they may try to sabotage our company.”

One of the craftsmen reacts to the word “sabotage” and asks, “I… What do you mean by sabotage? Like not selling materials? Not buying shoes?”

“It’s not like that.”

When I deny his assumption, the craftsmen look relieved. However, as I continue to explain, their already pale faces turn even whiter.

“Sabotage means they might try to kill me or bribe everyone to steal the shoes. That’s what it means when nobles say they dislike us.”

“B-but making shoes for the cardinal is a good thing, isn’t it? Why would they think like that…?” one of the craftsmen asks.

The good citizens of the town, the craftsmen, probably wonder why making shoes for the noble Cardinal could be seen as a threat, so I hesitate to deny their reaction. But I need to ensure they understand the gravity of the situation.

After all, the future of the business and my own life are at stake.

“Making shoes for the Cardinal is indeed a great honor, isn’t it?”

When I ask, the craftsmen all nod in unison.

“Especially in this town, it’s the first such achievement in almost a century. So what do you think the people of the town will think?”

One of the craftsmen replies, “Everyone will want to buy our company’s shoes!”

I look around at everyone and nod.

“That’s right. Until the Cardinal’s unveiling, it will be tough, and we will face danger. But I will do my utmost to protect everyone and the company. If we can overcome this, a significant leap forward awaits us—a future where everyone in town will want our shoes and line up at our store. Please cooperate with me for a while.”

With that, I bow my head.

If I only instill a sense of crisis, people won’t be convinced unless I explain the reasons behind it, and they won’t follow me unless I offer them a bright future.

Why is it dangerous? What benefits will I gain by overcoming it? How long will this danger last?

I don’t possess any special abilities or outstanding military power, so all I can do is ask for cooperation from those around me through my words.

I wonder if everyone understands. I slowly raise my head and meet the eyes of the craftsmen.

“Let’s do it! It’s a little scary, but I’ll give it my all!”

“That’s right! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime honor to make shoes for the Cardinal! Leave it to me!”

As I watch the craftsmen respond one after another, tears inadvertently well up in my eyes.