Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 21

Should I join a major clan or go independent?

After much consideration, I decided to put it on hold, much like a Japanese person would.

“First, I’ll prepare to make something.”

“First off, let’s gather foot molds.”

“Foot molds? What’s that?”

In this world, the concept of shoes is terribly behind. Until Salvatore Ferragamo started making shoes scientifically in the 19th century in the original world, there were apparently no left and right shoes or arch support. So, it’s not particularly surprising. Only the upper-middle class buys expensive shoes, and they don’t walk long distances. Commoners wear sandals or go barefoot. Essentially, there wasn’t a demand for sturdy shoes that can comfortably walk long distances.

“It’s like a pattern for clothes.”

“What’s a pattern?”

That’s where it comes from. Paper is certainly expensive. I can’t imagine a clothing store in a third-class block would have it. Ah, I see. Paper must be expensive. I doubt even third-rate district clothing stores have it. I hadn’t been particularly aware of it until now because I wasn’t interested in clothes, but there might be significant differences in garment-making techniques as well. I hope Sarah just doesn’t know about it.

“You take people’s feet and trace them onto wooden boards with charcoal like this. Draw the shapes from the top and from the side. You trace each foot separately. I want about a hundred of these. Then we’ll decide the shape and size of the shoes. We’ll only make one prototype size, matching the most common foot size. Luckily, I won’t have trouble getting samples. I’ll ask the people I guide on shopping tours to let me take their foot molds as a promise to give them a discount when I sell shoes. Maybe taking these foot molds could also be a form of publicity. Spread rumors like ‘Kenji’s making some incredible shoes.'”

“Seriously, I’m starting to get exasperated with you…” Sarah sighed deeply for what seemed like the umpteenth time today.