Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Economic Control
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Arc gathered the merchants and held a financial report meeting. Normally, this would be held every few months, but this time, due to the expansion into the Kali Kingdom, they would check the sales situation for the first month. Through this report meeting, they would decide the direction for the future activities of the trading company.
“The sales of weapons and tools have reached their peak. On the other hand, food sales are still growing.” (Merchant)
“Based on the population in the surrounding area, we have completely succeeded in capturing the demand.” (Merchant)
“The local merchants are no longer breathing.” (Merchant)
Positive reports from the merchants followed one after another. The sales had been good, based on the local customers’ responses and the merchants’ feelings, but this time it was clearly shown in the numbers.
“Everyone, you’ve worked hard. I think I’ve said this before, but the first month in business is the most important period. I appreciate you working without almost any rest.” (Arc)
Arc listened to the reports with satisfaction.
“What about the profit?” (Arc)
A merchant who was good at calculations received the financial reports for each store and quickly compiled them into one.
“In this one month, we have earned 2,000 gold coins. After subtracting costs, transportation fees, lodging, salaries for the merchants, guard fees for the adventurers, taxes, and other various expenses…” (Merchant)
“The profit is about 800 gold coins.” (Merchant)
800 coins. The merchants of the Warden Trading Company in various regions of the Kingdom of Laplace generate a profit of 6,000 gold coins every month. For a single region, the territory of Duke Edel in the Kali Kingdom, a profit of 800 gold coins is more than satisfactory.
“Mm, mm. Not bad. Considering we had some problems like the arson in the beginning and other things didn’t go well, you’ve done well.” (Arc)
Arc had been prepared for a deficit as necessary expenses before the expansion, but the profit exceeded expectations, and he was very satisfied.
“The sales in this area will continue to grow in the future.” (Arc)
“Alright. Let’s keep up this pace!” (Arc)
Arc encouraged the merchants, tightening up those who were getting tired, and then ended the meeting. Normally, he would have wanted to hold a grand banquet to reward them, but since it had only been one month since the expansion, he didn’t want them to become complacent. Besides, since the merchants must have accumulated fatigue, it would be better for them to rest rather than tire themselves further with a banquet.
After the meeting, Arc checked the future strategy of the Warden Trading Company with Hangue.
“Hangue. With this, we have secured a base for expansion into the Kali Kingdom.” (Arc)
The map of the Kali Kingdom spread across the desk. On the territory of Duke Edel, Hangue had planted the flag of the Warden Trading Company.
“Yes. Now we just need to plant our flag across the entire Kali Kingdom.” (Hangue)
“So, what should we do from here? I’d like to hear your opinion, Hangue.” (Arc)
“First, we’ll take over the Merchant Guild of the territory of Duke Edel.” (Hangue)
Hangue immediately answered after hearing Arc’s strategy.
It seemed that he already had a solid plan in mind.
“Why? How?” (Arc)
Arc asked for the specifics.
“There are local merchants, right? We’ll have them sell Warden Trading Company’s goods as agents.” (Hangue)
“Indeed, we’re limited by the number of merchants we brought from Mikanda. If we can get the local merchants to sell for us, we’ll be able to do business on a wider scale.” (Arc)
For a merchant, earning is justice.
The local merchants, who had their customers stolen by the Warden Trading Company, might hold grudges, but if they were shown the opportunity to act as agents, they would happily follow.
“But, is that alright? Hangue, you didn’t like those merchants, did you?” (Arc)
Arc checked.
Hangue particularly hated the local merchants who had harassed them.
Could they really cooperate with them?
“True, I don’t like them. I still resent them for burning my shop. But that’s a separate matter. I’ll use whoever I can. Right?” (Hangue)
“You’ve become a fine merchant.” (Arc)
Arc was impressed by Hangue’s rational and decisive answer.
It seemed that this cousin, whom Arc had come to think of like a younger brother, had grown quite a lot as a merchant during the time Arc had worked as a noble.
“We’ll give the local merchants the opportunity to sell as agents and bring them under the Warden Trading Company. Then, the Merchant Guild will quickly be ours.” (Hangue)
“And we’ll do this not only in the territory of Duke Edel but across the entire Kali Kingdom. This way, the economy of this country will belong to the Warden Trading Company.” (Hangue)
“Mm. Wonderful.” (Arc)
Arc praised Hangue wholeheartedly.
“Hangue, your strategy is exactly the same as the one I had envisioned.” (Arc)
Hangue was excellent at managing the merchants, but he had been uncertain about challenges like entering and developing new markets. That was why Arc had come along to help with the Warden Trading Company’s expansion into the Kali Kingdom. However, Hangue had grown admirably.
Arc decided to entrust everything to him.
“I’m going back to Mikanda soon. I want to leave everything about the business in the Kali Kingdom to you. How do you feel about that?” (Arc)
“After all, I’m the president of the Warden Trading Company. You can trust me without worry. In fact, I’ve been unhappy with how you’ve been acting like my guardian until now.” (Hangue)
“I see. That’s my bad.” (Arc)
Indeed, Arc had accompanied Hangue to the Kali Kingdom and taken charge of the merchants because he had been doubtful of Hangue’s ability. But if Hangue said he could do it, Arc thought it was time to trust him.
“Alright, I’m leaving the conquest of this country to you. Just do it the way you’ve been doing until now.” (Arc)
Arc said this and handed Hangue a memo.
—
Crush other merchants with high quality and low prices.
↓
Once rivals are gone, return the prices to normal to make a profit.
↓
Give the local merchants the opportunity to sell as agents and bring them under our control.
↓
Take over the Merchant Guild.
—
“I’ve already etched this method into my mind, so I don’t need it.” (Hangue)
Hangue glanced at the memo Arc handed him and pushed it back.
“Our business method is to make enemies with fellow merchants. Be sure to take care not to overdo it.” (Hangue)
“Yeah, understood.” (Arc)
Finally, Arc gave one last piece of advice before returning to Mikanda with Rishu and the other adventurers.
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