Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 75

The building where Gooljin’s base is located has a dim and dirty appearance. However, it is equipped with several small rooms convenient for handling business secrets, and we are guided to one of them.

“So, what’s this profitable opportunity you’re talking about?” Gooljin asks.

“It’s this,” I say, presenting the shoes. “These are revolutionary shoes. They won’t get you bitten by poisonous snakes if you step into the bushes, they won’t slip on muddy slopes, they won’t injure your feet on sharp rocks, and they won’t cause blisters even after walking all night. They’re genuine shoes designed specifically for adventurers and merchants.”

“Hmm? The soles seem unusually thick. What material is it? They look like boots, but they have laces? The length goes up to the ankles? These shoes are quite odd. I don’t feel any magic from them…”

Can he tell if something is magical just by looking at it? Well, magical items are said to have some kind of aura about them.

Even I can recognize strong auras, but weak or specialized magical powers require the skills of a professional mage and catalysts.

Gooljin has probably developed a discerning eye since he has seen many magical objects in his business.

“Try them on,” Swiberry says with a grin.

I have Gooljin try on the prototype adventurer’s shoes over a pair of socks. As he walks around the small room, he becomes excited and starts talking animatedly.

“Oh? What’s this? There’s a sort of cushion on the soles! Is there some glue or resin on the feet? The soles…” With that, Gooljin stomps on a piece of furniture with his shoe. “Wow! It doesn’t hurt! And since it goes up to the ankles, it doesn’t twist!”

“Reinforced with tough leather on the toes, so it doesn’t hurt even if you kick a rock,” I say.

As Swiberry also chips in unnecessary details, Gooljin kicks the leg of the table with a thud.

“It doesn’t hurt! Wow! It’s so comfortable to walk in and great for your feet! These are definitely magical shoes! How much? About two silver coins?”

“No, they’ll be cheaper. I want every adventurer and street merchant to wear these shoes,” I reply.

Gooljin looks surprised and turns to Swiberry. “Hey, is he serious about this?”

“Apparently he is serious. Even my captain is amazed, but he does seem serious,” Swiberry answers.

Gooljin grunts thoughtfully and sits down heavily in a chair, crossing his arms. 

“I’ll sell you these shoes at a bargain price. We supply them to the Sword Fangs Legion as well. You’ll get the right to sell them in other cities. That’s the profitable opportunity I’m offering you.”

“How many can you produce?” Gooljin asks

“First, 1,000 pairs per year. The following year, 2,000 pairs. How many after that will depend on your skills.”

“A minimum of 2,000 silver coins… that’s quite a business. So, how is your captain involved?”

Swiberry taps the hilt of the magic sword hanging from his waist. “We’ll be the bodyguard. Kenji’s skills are lacking in that area.”

It’s not that my skills are lacking. I was a mid-level adventurer and swordsman for five years. It’s just that these guys are too strong.

“I see.Kenji makes the shoes. The Sword Fangs Legion protects them. Our caravan sells them. That’s the plan, right?”

Gooljin is quick to grasp the business details. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to lead a caravan.

“Yes, that’s right. With this arrangement, even if we leave this city, we can still do business. After all, the method and materials are only in my head.” I point to my head and address Gooljin. “If they have the goods, there will always be someone who can dismantle them and produce inferior products. However, I can make high-quality shoes at a low cost. The Sword Fangs Legion will wear them and showcase their excellence. You’ll sell these amazing magical shoes,” I explain.

“Not a bad deal. Not bad at all. But what if I refuse?” Gooljin asks.

It seems that both Captain Jilboa and Gooljin like to test the waters before fully committing.

“If you refuse, you’ll miss out on the profit, and I’ll just take this opportunity to another caravan,” I reply.

Gooljin scratches his head and grins. “Well, don’t get so angry. I’m just asking,” he says.

It’s clear that he’s trying to gauge the situation, which makes me irritated.

“So, will I get exclusive sale rights?” Gooljin asks.

“You’ll have priority, but there’s always a chance you might not be able to sell them all,” I answer. He’s sharp and never misses a trick. But if he can’t see through that, it’s risky to add him to the team. “Well, if you’re interested in this opportunity, come with me to the Sword Fangs Legion’s office. We’ll discuss the details there.”

For now, I’ve succeeded in getting a caravan to handle the goods. There’s one more challenge ahead.