Chapter 42

Chapter 42

#42. Grand Opening (2)

“W-well, for an imperial trade guild opening, it’s rather modest, isn’t it? If you’d wanted, we could’ve held a much grander ceremony at the inner castle…”

After the trio had barely managed to steer the conversation away from Mary-related topics, Ariana awkwardly shifted the subject.

The topic being the scale and location of the grand opening.

Indeed, considering the company’s name, influence, and accomplishments, it was quite a modest opening.

The venue was inside the Arad Company building.

Despite the attendance of a Duke, there wasn’t even a grand banquet.

We simply hired cooks, butlers, and maids from the palace to set up a modest buffet.

Of course, thanks to my basic sauces, curing methods, and recipes, the taste was unmatched.

“I shall keep that in mind, Your Highness. There will be no dishonor brought upon your name or Lenslet’s.”

At her advice, I bowed respectfully.

“…”

Perhaps sensing my reaction as somewhat stiff, Ariana looked at me silently with a disapproving eye.

‘Oh no!’

Seeing this, alarm bells went off in my head.

For a businessman, one of the stupidest moves ranks third: fighting with the government.

Second place goes to alienating the people and consumers.

And first place is doing both at once.

“There’s actually a reason why I kept the grand opening so modest.”

Thus, I quickly felt the need to make an excuse, however cliché it might sound.

“Speak.”

“Firstly, having fewer participants ensures better safety and security. The Arad Company is currently under immense scrutiny and attention from the empire.”

“And second?”

“Secondly, budget constraints. We almost spent all the gold coins received from the viscountcy and above on making detectors and freely distributing Mary’s Blessing to the commoners.”

“The grand opening could’ve been supported by me.”

“Your Highness is also tight on funds, isn’t she? I’m well aware that you quietly provided emergency funds for fertilizer production and distribution.”

I continued.

“And most importantly, I heard that the expeditionary force from the far north is returning soon. Wouldn’t their welcome banquet require a lot of money?”

“That burden has been lessened thanks to the recipes you taught me, Arad.”

“Still, I don’t want to interfere with the grand celebration planned for them.”

Hearing this, the two beside Ariana—Haytai, who handled the northern finances, and Isabel, who managed household affairs—looked deeply moved.

“Hmm… I’ve never met someone like you. Very well.”

Ultimately, Ariana had no choice but to step back. Each reason given was commendable enough to deserve an award.

“But… just one thing…”

As usual, requests are often made right before such heartwarming conclusions.

“Something needed?”

Sure enough, Ariana readily responded.

“Could I use the greenhouse farm’s black soil for free until next year?”

“Free…?”

Surprisingly hearing this request, Ariana glanced at Isabel and Haytai beside her.

Doririri

Then Isabel and Haytai violently shook their heads in fierce opposition.

‘These guys…!’

Seeing this, I almost blurted out some harsh words.

Had it not been for the witches and bureaucrats digging deep into their pockets to help with fertilizer production and the establishment of the Lenslet Order, I would have already screamed in frustration.

“…This needs further discussion and review.”

In the end, overwhelmed by the two’s fierce opposition, Ariana gave me a diplomatic way of saying it wouldn’t be easy.

‘Tch, what good is taxation if the country’s so poor that expenses exceed taxes…’

Understanding why they acted this way, and knowing full well that Ariana was far from indulgence or corruption,

I had no choice but to give in again.

‘Am I turning into a patriotic nobody?’

To sustain long-term benefits, I’d have to continue investing and nurturing for now.

“Then, please promise me this.”

Having compromised repeatedly, I firmly addressed Ariana, Isabel, and Haytai with a resolute expression, almost declaring it.

“Starting next year, Mary’s Blessing will be sold for a fee.”

“Of course. As long as it’s not excessive profiteering, we’d even encourage it. It’ll help High City earn money by selling black soil too.”

This year, Mary’s Blessing will still be freely distributed to farmers.

Not only does High City bear responsibility for the destruction of mana force, but any fertilizer, no matter how good, must be tested to prove its efficacy.

In short, it’s marketing costs.

“From next year onward, Mary’s Blessing, except for small amounts freely given by the Lenslet Order, will only be available through the imperial trade guild.”

“Yes, Master.”

“A very reasonable statement.”

On this point, Ariana, Isabel, and Haytai all nodded vigorously in agreement.

“By the way, Sir Arad.”

“Yes, Lady Valkyrie.”

At that moment, Valkyrie, who had remained silent until now, suddenly called out to me.

“Are you not hiring any more staff besides Miss Mary? With this incident, we’ve mostly eradicated the hidden rats in the north and High City, haven’t we?”

“Oh, we’ll hire eventually.”

To his question, I vaguely replied.

Staff? Sure, we’ll hire them… someday.

“Yet, I don’t see any signs of you planning to hire anyone?”

At my unclear answer, Valkyrie looked at me curiously.

“Hahaha….”

How fickle human hearts can be.

Honestly, I didn’t feel the need to hire staff right now.

In business operations, personnel costs are undoubtedly the largest expense. Why do companies lay off employees first during restructuring?

But so far, the Arad Company hardly incurred any personnel costs.

At least in this aspect, we were truly benefiting from the advantages of being an imperial trade guild.

‘Is this about not using High City personnel so casually anymore?’

Security and protection are handled by the High Knights and Frosthaven.

Administrative work is done by High City bureaucrats.

Even manufacturing-related tasks receive direct or indirect help from the witches.

Naturally, the need to hire staff was gradually forgotten.

‘What a pity.’

Legally outsourcing 99%. And the labor and fees are nearly zero.

Essentially, the ultimate form of government-business collusion. A corporate state system that could have been established, but it seems we’ve been caught.

“After the grand opening, we should seriously start recruiting.”

“Right? When you recruit employees, let us know too. There might still be hidden rats we haven’t caught.”

“…? Of course.”

It seems I misunderstood. Valkyrie’s words seemed to have another intent. A sigh escaped me in regret.

‘Well, might as well get it over with. This way, I can return to Earth sooner.’

Of course, I didn’t plan to stay here indefinitely.

To expand the business and build factories, large-scale employee recruitment is inevitable.

And we must continuously provide work for those recruited.

‘The days of leisure are coming to an end.’

Perhaps the slacking I unknowingly did until now was due to adapting to this world, becoming lazy and complacent.

“Speaking of which, you.”

“Yes?”

Once his curiosity was satisfied, Valkyrie asked another question.

“When do you plan to visit the fief granted along with the baron title?”

“Ah! The SinLiia coast, right?”

“It’s now the Jin Viscountcy.”

“Well, when I have time, I’ll go check it out.”

“Really? Given that land is technically a coastline but practically blocked by the Ice Sea, it holds little value. There are almost no residents. Even the northern orcs avoid looking at that area. How desperate must they be?”

“Still, it’s officially my granted fief. I should visit at least once. Who knows, it might have some unexpected use.”

“What use? Instead of that, why not ask for another fief? Thanks to treason cases, there are quite a few confiscated lands in Shuen and Narvik. His Highness would likely approve.”

Valkyrie said this while glancing at Ariana.

“Exactly! I was just thinking of rewarding you! If there’s a fief you desire, speak up! Anything you want, I’ll grant it!”

At this, Ariana immediately affirmed.

“No need. I’m not particularly interested in fiefs. In fact, I hope His Highness personally governs almost all the northern fiefs.”

“Eh…?”

“His Highness, going forward, please appoint nobles with titles in the north but do not grant them fiefs. Even if you do grant fiefs, the rights to taxation, personnel, and judiciary must remain solely with His Highness.”

“??”

At my response, Ariana looked bewildered.

Isabel, Haytai, and Valkyrie beside her also seemed confused.

You fools, how could you understand? The detachment of a man destined to return to Earth someday.

“In exchange, please ensure that Miss Mary can frequently and regularly attend work at the Arad Company. That’s all I wish for.”

Since I didn’t have any particular desires (though I did, but they’re impossible given the current situation in the north), I requested something I genuinely needed.

Mary.

It wasn’t just because she’s the future Great Witch of the Snowfield and illegitimate daughter (presumed) of the royal family.

She’s skilled with her hands and excels in administrative work.

Regardless of trust or affection, finding such talent in this illiterate-heavy world is extremely difficult.

“…!”

“Cough!”

“Kekekekeke….”

At my request, the expressions of Ariana and the other three turned awkward again.

“…!”

Especially Ariana’s face was strange.

A complex, confused, and awkward expression clouded her pale face.

“…Very well. I’ll do my best.”

After a brief silence, Ariana finally spoke heavily.

“…?”

Though her reply seemed slightly off, I roughly guessed her mood and let it slide.

“Miss? It’s time for you to leave.”

“Is it already this late?”

Just then, Isabel informed Ariana it was time to go.

“Hmph! I should be heading out too.”

“Anyway, I wish your business prospers, Viscount Jin. Ah! The food was delicious. Truly worthy of the founder of Arad Salt.”

Valkyrie and Haytai also prepared to leave.

“It’s an honor that you graced such a humble place with your presence.”

I hurriedly escorted them out according to proper etiquette.

Once their horses, carriages, brooms, and escort disappeared into the distance…

“Ah! I forgot to introduce the business idea!”

I slapped my hand realizing I hadn’t mentioned something important.

“What business idea?”

At that moment, a very familiar and cheerful voice came from right behind me.

A woman with white hair and deep gray eyes.

Her pretty face exuded more of a knight-like aura than a witch, and with a flat expression, she arrived late for work.