Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 77

“I have a proposal regarding the rules,” I say, pulling out ten golden shoe-shaped ornaments from my pocket.

“What are these?” Gooljin asks suspiciously.

“These are the rights to the shoes. Each one represents 100 pairs. Each has a number from 1 to 10. The first 100 pairs belong to you, Jilboa,” I explain, handing Jilboa the ornament marked with the number 1.

“There are 900 pairs remaining. We will divide these rights among us,” I continue, addressing the two men who are about to voice their claims.

“However, I will be paying wages to the craftsmen who make the shoes, and there are costs for procuring materials and maintaining the workshop. I will require three large copper coins per pair,” I add.

This has already been discussed with Jilboa, and he nods in agreement. Gooljin, however, seems surprised and shouts loudly, “Three large copper coins! Isn’t that too high?”

“Aren’t you planning to sell them for two silver coins each?” I repeat Gooljin’s earlier words.

Gooljin falls silent. Since Jilboa is already on board, making any higher demands would be difficult. The primitive but effective deterrent governance is functioning as intended.

“Another thing! To ensure fair distribution of profits, I will make the selling prices and the buyers known to those who hold the rights to the shoes,” I say.

Both men look astonished. In this world, both pieces of information are typically kept secret. Merchants usually keep their connections hidden to protect their own interests, and the selling price is a trade secret. Generally, such information is not disclosed even at the risk of one’s life.

However, with the disclosure of the selling price and trading partners, it seems the two realize what I mean by “those who hold the rights to the shoes.”

“Those who hold the rights? Are there others besides us?” Gooljin asks.

“Yes. What do you mean by that, Kenji?” Jilboa demanded.

The two look upset. Both are leaders of powerful organizations, yet they are deliberately sitting together for the sake of business. Even so, my words suggesting a potential split in the team would be unacceptable to them, as they would not tolerate being undermined by someone like me. However, I can’t back down here either.

“I want this business to succeed and continue. Therefore, I have no problem transferring the rights to sell the shoes to you two. However, how will the Sword Fangs Legion sell the shoes? It wouldn’t make sense to hold onto more shoes than needed for their own use. And what about Gooljin? Do you have the financial resources to handle more shoes than you can sell? Can the Sword Fangs Legion trust the prices Gooljin sets? Is there someone who can verify them?” I appeal with all the force I can muster. “I will make the shoes. The Sword Fangs Legion will protect the business. Gooljin will sell the shoes. I will scrutinize the prices and divide the profits fairly. The rights will be updated every 1000 pairs. If anyone fails to meet their obligations, the rights will be sold elsewhere.”

“And if you fail to keep your promises?” Jilboa asks.

Logically, that too is a possibility. Jilboa, as always, is quick to grasp the essence of the matter. He understands how the system and rules work as well.

“When that happens, you’ll be the one to kill me. Gooljin should also be able to crush me with ease,” I reply.

“I see. Indeed, it seems Kenji is necessary for proper profit distribution,” Jilboa says.

“Tsk… If I could just kidnap you and make you spill the beans, it would be simpler, but Jilboa would interfere, huh?” Gooljin mutters.

Well, caravan merchants are known for their rough nature, so that kind of attitude is to be expected. In reality, Gooljin is the weakest in terms of business position among us. In this pyramid, I’m controlling the upper tier, and Jilboa would interfere if anyone gets in the way.

“Ah, and if it turns out that you’re plotting anything, the rights will be transferred from you to another caravan merchant,” I add.

When it comes to strong negotiations, the threat of changing partners is a powerful tool. With significant profits at stake, Gooljin must be feeling frustrated.

“Damn it, you’ve really thought this through, kid,” Gooljin said, calling me a “kid” even though I’m not that young anymore, but it’s true that in this room, my title is the lightest.

“Make sure to keep the records of the shoes properly. Jilboa will be checking them too,” I add nonchalantly, causing Gooljin to make a displeased face.

Thus, our “Adventurer’s Shoe Manufacturing and Sales Team” is set to make its wobbly start. The Head is an ordinary person, and the crew is inexperienced. But the product is top-notch.

Will our journey be smooth sailing, or will we be sunk by a storm?

It is a rather unsettling start.