Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 401

“Right now, the bosses are probably arguing about this in some bar.”

“Yeah, probably.”

Gorgoro glanced at me. “So, are you hoping the Shoe Guild hears about this?”

“Maybe. Some might see it as a great deal and approach us first. That could loosen up the others’ hesitation. But if they manage to keep it quiet, it won’t happen.”

“That’s impossible. Craftsmen aren’t wired to keep secrets. And after seeing the state of our company, they’re probably still in shock. They’ll need a drink to vent.”

And once they do, they’ll start talking about how amazing our workshop is.

In a world without mass media, bar gossip carries weight. And nothing boosts credibility like praise from fellow craftsmen.

“Maybe we should hold another one or two briefing sessions.”

That alone should be enough to spread the message across the third-class district workshops.

“Next, we could offer an incentive for the first ones to partner.”

“What kind of incentive?”

“Oh, you know—favorable contract terms. Like, the first five workshops get discounted materials for a year or get priority on jobs. That kind of deal rewards quick movers and might motivate the hesitant ones.”

“Like tossing spoiled meat in front of goblins.”

“That’s a terrible way to put it. But yeah, I won’t deny the analogy. Think it’ll work?”

“There are cautious ones, and there are reckless ones. But if two or three step forward first, the rest will flood in like a pack of direwolves.” Gorgoro crossed his arms and snorted.

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If the future looks bright, we need to quickly set up a system for these partnerships.

“For now, can I see the repair records?” I asked Gorgoro

Young Elan—who’s been acting like his assistant lately—rummaged through the workshop to bring them out.

The records were designed so even those who couldn’t write could use them. Each parchment had a picture of the shoe, and any damage was marked with pictograms.

There were maybe 100 records. Fewer than expected.

“That’s not a lot.”

“Some weren’t recorded early on. Also, major clans probably sent theirs to trusted leatherworkers.”

“True. Adventurers from major clans don’t just stay in this city.”

Guardian Shoes are distributed across towns by inter-city merchants. Those adventurers usually have favored shops for repairs.

But as more people start wearing Guardian Shoes, quick fixes won’t be enough.

“It’s like a match pump. If we’re going to start a fire, we’d better be ready with the pump.”

“A match pump? Is that a tool?”

Gorgoro latched onto the phrase I’d muttered and I hurriedly shut my mouth.