Chapter 54

Chapter 54: Structure of the Merchant Guild

The Kingdom of Westwind has always placed great emphasis on family traditions, with discussions often taking place at the dinner table. As part of Westwind, Viergha also adopted similar customs.

Lolan Hill first took her seat at the head of the table. The branch presidents from various regions then followed suit, sitting in order. Other important figures present included the leader of Caris’ fleet, the manager of a large shop, and the supervisor of the workshop. These individuals formed the backbone of the merchant guild.

At the table, Lolan Hill nibbled on bread while observing each member introduce themselves. She occasionally nodded in acknowledgment, gradually piecing together the structure and composition of the guild in her mind.

If she was the brain directing everything in the guild, then the guild was divided into several parts.

Firstly, there were the branch presidents. Branches were mainly responsible for selling and purchasing goods at local stores, managing crop estates, and handling miscellaneous tasks and a small number of guards.

Secondly, there was the supervisor of the main workshop, who primarily processed the raw materials acquired by the guild, such as weaving, oil pressing, and shipbuilding. Shipbuilding was a crucial industry for Caris.

Thirdly, there was the fleet leader. Currently, the guild had three major fleets, primarily trading between the Southern Archipelago and the Verdant Empire. There were also sixteen smaller fleets scattered about, equipped with cannons and capable of combat.

Fourthly, there was the supervisor of the land caravan, which was mainly responsible for acquiring and transporting raw materials on land, accompanied by armed guards.

Due to many being new faces, even after Lolan Hill finished eating, not everyone had introduced themselves. Chelsea instructed the maids to clear away the dishes and set new tablecloths, bringing out tea and snacks.

Hopeland, as a port city, wasn’t too hot even during summer. However, considering the large number of people in the hall, butler Sylas arranged for the maids to bring twenty ice chests to the corners of the hall, gradually lowering the temperature.

After the guild officials had introduced themselves, Lolan Hill briefly introduced herself.

“Due to my father’s sudden passing, I will take full charge of the guild from now on.”

Her gaze slowly swept across the room. Some people showed no change in expression, seeming indifferent; others looked at her with suspicion; some seemed to want to speak but hesitated; some kept their heads down in silence; and others appeared more interested in her appearance.

Lolan Hill wasn’t surprised. After all, this matter was sudden, and it wouldn’t be easy for anyone to accept it immediately. Moreover, her youth made it normal for some to lack trust and worry. She paused briefly before signaling Chelsea to present the will, the public one that stated Angus had transferred all his property to his heir, Lacy.

Chelsea carefully held the will and showed it to each member present. Lolan Hill sat in her seat, quietly observing their expressions and noting them down.

After circulating the will, most of the guild officials recognized Lolan Hill’s leadership. Although Caris’ guild was founded by Angus, he only owned 60% of the shares when he passed away. The remaining 40% was distributed among these guild officials, both as an incentive and to keep talented individuals.

“Are there any other major issues recently?” Lolan Hill asked, wanting to get a simple understanding of the current situation.

“Miss, due to Lord Angus’ sudden death, many other guilds fear our disintegration and have started urging us to settle accounts,” someone said.

“How often were accounts settled previously?” Lolan Hill asked.

“Normally, major guilds settle accounts once a year, while smaller ones every six months. Currently, our working capital is limited, so we can’t settle all accounts at once.”

“Let the smaller guilds settle their own accounts and then settle with us in sequence. I’ll make it clear beforehand that if any false reports are found, they will be dealt with next year. This way, they can settle their accounts gradually, and we can handle them one by one. This creates a buffer, and it will also give them peace of mind.”

“As for major guilds, they can withstand pressure better and don’t mind waiting a bit longer. We’ll settle accounts annually as usual. If they still insist on settling accounts soon, report it to me, and I will personally visit them.”

“Next, continue.”

“Due to recent civil unrest in Westwind, many raw materials we usually acquire there have been affected,” a fleet leader said somewhat troubled.

“What are the critical raw materials that need to be acquired in Westwind?”

“Mainly timber, fruits, and cotton. Other quantities are small and can be supplemented elsewhere.”

“For these raw materials, stop accepting new orders. How much is missing from existing orders?” Lolan Hill asked.

“Miss, we have some reserves in the shipyard. Additionally, we can use a few ships originally prepared for ourselves to deliver, which should barely suffice.”

“Good. If there’s a shortage, let the fleet replenish the timber from the Verdant Empire. Timber production there is abundant, though transportation is usually too distant to be cost-effective.”

“As for cotton, are there many weaving orders in the workshop recently?” Lolan Hill asked.

“Yes, Miss. Recently, Westwind has urgently recruited soldiers, and many nobles there have ordered cloaks and standardized uniforms.”

“Suspend accepting orders. Prioritize completing small orders, and delay fulfilling noble orders until later,” Lolan Hill suspected that these Westwind nobles might not wait for delivery.

“As for fruits, have the fleet purchase them from the Southern Archipelago.”

Lolan Hill swiftly handled various issues, her actions orderly and decisive, instantly grasping the key points, which left people amazed.

“Alright, next, is there anything else?” Lolan Hill asked.

“Miss, due to the civil unrest in Westwind, many guilds have started stockpiling food. Should we do the same?”

“No, just follow the usual routine. Besides, our current cash flow isn’t abundant,” Lolan Hill shook her head holding the teacup.

Although it was foreseeable that food prices would rise, stabilizing the situation now was the priority. It was unclear what the Tisiphone family might do next; they were professional war profiteers.

Lolan Hill then flexibly handled several more issues, and the meeting slowly adjourned as night fell.

After the meeting, guild members gradually left. Lolan Hill remained alone at the table, rubbing her temples with her fingers.

“You’ve worked hard, Miss,” Chelsea handed her a white towel to wipe her hands and instructed the maids to clean up the messy table.

“Ugh, feels like there’s a lot to do. Was it like this before?”

“Not this much. Probably because everyone is unsettled by Lord Angus’ sudden departure and looking for reassurance from you.”

“You’re doing quite well, Miss. You don’t seem to be just a seventeen-year-old.”

“I’m not that impressive,” Lolan Hill stood up from her chair, stretched slightly, and smiled humbly.

“Is that so? But the managers seemed very reassured and impressed when they left. Your modesty doesn’t match their reactions.”

(During the period of planning a new book, I suddenly felt inspired again. This book will still be updated occasionally. 233)

(End of Chapter)