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Chapter 220.1
Chapter 220.1
Chapter 220.1
The next day, I was allowed to leave work in the early evening, and after visiting His Highness the Crown Prince, I went to the palace with Neurath and Schunzel.
On the way, we went around the sites that had been destroyed in the recent battle, asking about the state of reconstruction and whether there were any materials or medicines missing. In addition, I bought scrap wood to use as firewood.
After the Great Fire of Japan, the price of timber skyrocketed because many buildings made of wood were damaged. This was a common pattern in any world. I understand that this was a good time for merchants to make money, but I couldn’t just leave things as they were.
When I visited a lumber guild to talk to them, some of the guild members were very insistent at first, saying, “What does a kid like you doing here?” Well, their attitude changed just as I told them my name.
When I told them that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was very concerned about the progress of the construction, they immediately promised to provide all the stock of materials they had at a reasonable price.
I didn’t like this way of doing things, but it couldn’t be helped because the victims would be more inconvenienced if we were slow in doing things.
In return, I promised the guild that as one of the Stable Master, I would recommend their guild for tender to repair or rebuild an old building in the near future, which seemed to have satisfied them.
I also explained to the reconstruction workers outside the guild that the guild had promised to lower its prices, and they cheered.
After that, we went to Mr. Bierstedt’s shop and sat down to take a rest. I received what I needed from Mr. Bierstedt, asked him if there was something else he needed, and finally asked him for any news regarding the guild of commerce.
“Is there still a disruption in goods’ distribution channels?” (Welner)“Yes, although it seems to be gradually picking up. There are some people who are afraid of another attack by the Demon Army.” (Bierstedt)
I put down the pen I had borrowed to write a report on the capital’s condition and thought to myself. Certainly, it was understandable that people were afraid of another attack by the Demon Army.
On the other hand, although it was inevitable, the royal capital was a commercial city. If the number of merchants visiting the city decreased, it would inevitably lead to the shortage of goods such as foodstuffs. We needed more merchants.
“Are Bicorn Horns worth selling in a provincial city?” (Welner)
“Well, it depends.” (Bierstedt)
After some consideration, I decided to sell Bicorn Horns at a discount to merchants who were willing to provide us supplies we needed.
Although I would make less money this way, it would help ease the shortage of supplies in the royal capital and also encourage merchants to take risks by coming back to the capital. It could prevent potential economic crises by simulating the economy.
Bierstedt responded that some might come if they could get that discount.
I agreed to sell the horns by processing them and distributing them by weight according to their cargo, instead of using whole horns. Bierstedt also added that he would make a proposal to other merchants.
“Also, there are rumors that the kingdom may be sending out troops in the near future.” (Welner)
“Hmm.” (Bierstedt)
He looked at me with a probing gaze.
“Can I gain some extra money from that?” (Bierstedt)
“When people, especially the army, move, there are always opportunities for profit.” (Welner)
I chuckled a bit at the merchant-like exchange. Not only was he willing to go where the customers could be found, but he was also willing to take a risk to profit. I wondered if this world would eventually develop commercial methods that create targeted patrons.
“I hope you make a profit.” (Welner)
“I hope so.” (Bierstedt)
Although I indirectly acknowledged that the mobilization was near, it wasn’t a big deal. As a well-connected merchant, Bierstedt would have already realized by now that the eldest son of Marquis Coltrezis was involved in the Demon Army. I suppose he was just confirming it.
By the way, the second son of Marquis Coltrezis had not left Coltrezis’s territory all this time.