Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 95

“I see, that’s why there was less interference from the Shoe Guild…”

Recalling Anor’s story from Kwan Workshop, a few things come to mind. Right after launching the Guardian Shoes, we were flooded with orders from the upper class, including many nobles. Naturally, there were minor annoyances from various organizations with vested interests, but we had taken standard precautions, such as securing materials in advance, so the impact was minimal.

However, it seems the real reason lies in the customer base. The nobles who placed orders for the shoes are not truly high-ranking. Those with real power within the Shoe Guild, who are closely connected to the nobility, are likely uninterested in the Guardian Shoes, which are seen as commoner’s footwear.

It’s a bit disappointing, considering how well-prepared we were. There is relatively little resistance from the shoe shops in the Third District, which are already involved in ongoing transactions and employment. The shops in the Second District are refraining from interference due to their connections with the Sword Fangs Legion. Since I am always accompanied by Sword Fangs Legion guards and referred to as a “Sub-Captain,” it’s likely that I am perceived as an insider.

While the current situation aligns with our plans, there is a sense of discomfort. Combining the information from the orders with Anor’s story, several additional insights emerge. Some of the shoes that were thought to be for nobles are actually intended for guards or duels. This suggests that not only lower-ranking nobles and knights but also a certain percentage of high-ranking nobles have recognized the practical value of the Guardian Shoes.

It also means that sooner or later, these shoes might be adopted as military footwear by private armies in noble territories.

“Military boots, huh…”

The Guardian Shoes are indeed suited for military use. They are designed for walking and combat, and I am both idealistic and skilled in producing them in large quantities with consistent quality. It might be possible to offer military surplus shoes at reduced prices to fledgling adventurers.

The benefits are significant, but there are also risks. According to my preliminary business plan, if the Guardian Shoes are adopted for military use, I might lose the manufacturing rights due to confidentiality. I am also concerned about potentially losing the ability to sell to adventurers.

However, as the shoe business progresses and I gather more information about the nobility, it becomes clear that there is no uniformity among them. According to Anor, once the reputation of the shoes spreads, it is difficult to strip away the manufacturing rights unless dealing with extremely high-ranking nobles.

Moreover, I am prepared to flee to another city if necessary and have guards specifically for my protection. Such information is attainable with a little money, and for now, the financial benefits of the shoe business are not worth the political risks posed by high-ranking nobles who might take action.

The fact that my clients now include lower-ranking nobles provides me with a new perspective on interpreting information. Essentially, it’s a matter of deterrence. I should apply the same strategy I used to establish checks and balances among shareholders to my business dealings.

Since noble private armies are dispersed by territory and noble houses, selling separately could potentially reduce the risk of monopolizing manufacturing rights. By securing safety, I could expand the company and client base, accumulate know-how for mass production, and potentially offer Guardian Shoes at lower prices to fledgling adventurers.

Developing demand for military footwear and marketing to noble private armies could be the next market to target, alongside mid-level adventurers, once the demand from top-tier clans and nobles subsides.

Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

As I ponder these possibilities, I forget to turn on the lights in the office until Sara comes to call me for dinner.