Helping with Adventurer Party Management - Chapter 99

The bells of the church tower ring out solemnly, and the streets fill with citizens who gather to celebrate the union of the beautifully dressed couple in their white wedding attire. The bride is undeniably beautiful, with an air of refinement suggesting a well-bred background, but there is much debate about whether the groom possesses similar qualities.

The groom’s tall and robust figure seems somewhat constrained by his wedding attire, and he awkwardly fumbles with the short sword at his waist, which amuses those who are familiar with his usual glum expression.

“Vice-Captain! The ladies’ man looks sharper than ever!” comes the crude jeering from the groom’s side.

Though the refined guests on the bride’s side frown slightly, it is a wedding of the hero who protected the city, so such disrespect is overlooked.

After all, the Sword Fangs Legion is renowned among neighboring adventurer clans for its unparalleled reputation and achievements. Their presence has significantly improved local security by driving away dangerous monsters, reducing damage to merchants traveling between cities, and boosting the local economy.

Many merchants who have benefited greatly are among the attendees on the bride’s side. Moreover, the triumphal parades led by the celebrated leader have given the city’s citizens immense pride and reassurance.

Human psychology is a curious thing. When people feel secure by being close to powerful men adorned with formidable weapons and armor, it actually improves city security, raises consumer confidence, and boosts the economy.

In this sense, the Sword Fangs Legion is becoming more than just a top adventurer clan; it is evolving into a heroic figure that serves as a psychological pillar for the citizens.

The only concern for the city’s people is that these mighty heroes might eventually leave the city, but that worry is dispelled today. Swiberry, the Vice-Captain who always stands by the leader and is said to be unparalleled in martial strength, has agreed to marry the daughter of a powerful city merchant.

The bride’s father, a wealthy merchant, is visibly proud and enthusiastic. This pride is reflected in the lavish feast at the wedding banquet.

In the square where the Sword Fangs Legion usually holds their triumphal parades, large tables are set up, and a grand display of food is prominently placed in the center for all to see. Among the sumptuous dishes are grilled veal, stir-fried pork leg, braised shoulder meat, roasted venison, stewed wild rabbit, skewered chicken, and quail stuffed with herbs, grains, and beans. The food, so extravagant that even Sara and I can only guess at its opulence, continues to be served in quantities too large to finish. Guests nibble on cheese between servings of meat and toast with wine.

The citizens who come to witness the wedding are treated to barrels of celebratory ale, showcasing the bride’s wealth. Market stalls and vendors catering to the wedding guests line the square.

In summary, Vice-Captain Swiberry of the Sword Fangs Legion marries the daughter of a prominent city merchant.

Two months later, I hold the first prototype of the protective shoes produced in bulk by the workshop.

As anticipated, after the initial surge in temporary demand from nobles and wealthy merchants for unusual items and gifts for soirées passes, we shift to manufacturing products that better meet actual needs.

The first delivery is protective shoes for merchants traveling between cities, led by Gooljin. These protective shoes are becoming standard in other cities as well. However, unlike in this city, there is no effective advertising like the Sword Fangs Legion’s triumphal parade, so Gooljin’s strategy is apparently to start with actual demand.

Well, as long as the manufacturing costs are covered and we can increase the number of shoes produced, that’s good enough for me.

The goal is to increase the number of shoes, expand the market until they reach novice adventurers, and lower the price. This is just the first step.

The workshop’s manufacturing efficiency is still far from ideal. However, I take pride in the fact that our workshop can produce high-quality shoes faster than anywhere else in the world. Repeated manufacturing also helps train the craftsmen. We are close to achieving the success of the business I envision.

That’s what I thought.

On that day, as usual, I go to the Sword Fangs Legion’s office with my guards and Sara, and am greeted by a sour-faced Jilboa. It’s rare for him to show any emotion.

Jilboa shows me a finely decorated parchment letter. It appears to be from a high-ranking noble. He urges me to read it, but letters from nobles in this world are often filled with elaborate and grandiose language, making them difficult to understand immediately.

As I struggle to decipher it with a frown, Jilboa says, “It’s a request, or rather, an order from Count Lund. He wants to buy the rights to manufacture the shoes.”

Damn it.