Thud.
A teacup landed on the office desk.
With a gaze that seemed to say, “Why are you making me run these errands?” Sylvia glared and turned to leave.
A bit cheeky.
I called her back immediately.
“Sylvia. We’re starting a new business from today.”
“…What kind of business, young master?”
Gulp.
Sylvia swallowed nervously, her expression tense.
I understood.
Aslan had probably botched more than a few ventures before.
“Security services. How about calling the company Vermont Security?”
“Why the sudden interest in that field?”
“Recently, we had to clean out corrupt employees, and now the Vermont estate is almost devoid of security personnel.”
“Yes, I’m aware. I’ve been covering for the shortage myself.”
“The quickest way to replenish our numbers is simple: hire experienced personnel in large numbers. The problem is, thanks to Leon, the Vermont name is now infamous for embezzlement. It’s not a situation where we can easily hire security staff to guard the estate.”
“I understand. Honestly, though my body is more exhausted now, it’s mentally easier since those troublesome guards are gone.”
“Really? You prefer physical strain over mental stress?”
“…!”
I winced.
Sylvia stepped back, her face turning pale as if she’d seen a ghost.
“So, what’s the connection between the security personnel shortage and running a security business? How do you plan to manage a security company when we can’t even guard our own mansion?”
“Through a training period. Funding rookies’ training to become proper security guards is too burdensome with my own finances. So, I suggest solving it with business capital. Expand the security workforce, subcontract the estate defense to them, and assign the remaining personnel to other tasks. That’s the plan.”
Creating jobs was a bonus.
Moreover, if I could find a promising talent among the commoners, that would be a jackpot.
Including Charlotte in the training program would be a big help.
It’s a business with multiple benefits.
“I perfectly understand the purpose and advantages of the business. So, who will be the instructor?”
“You know the answer already.”
“…Young Master.”
Sylvia glared intensely.
Oh, she wanted to hit me.
“Me again? Are you telling me to train rookies into security guards for the security company as well?”
“Exactly.”
“Young Master! I am already dedicating myself tirelessly to the Vermont family, and my current workload is so overwhelming that I have no time or energy for additional tasks…”
“Pay cut.”
“…!”
“I’ll shorten the period if you succeed in this security business.”
“Is that true?”
Sylvia’s eyes widened, her pupils trembling.
How many months had Sylvia’s pay been docked for her previous insolence?
With her current poor contract conditions and a halved salary, it was practically sl*very.
Although all of this was a consequence of Sylvia’s own actions, I felt a bit sorry and decided to show some leniency.
This was the carrot and stick approach.
The carrot after a beating is always the sweetest.
Sylvia’s eyes were now moist with gratitude.
Good girl.
“I will work hard! Shall I start by posting job ads?”
“Yes. I entrust it to you. You can organize the training program based on what you experienced in the military.”
“I will definitely, absolutely, succeed! I will make Vermont a stronghold of security!”
Sylvia left, full of determination.
In that state, she would probably work tirelessly for a while.
Until she realized I hadn’t set any specific criteria for “succeeding in the security business”.
‘From now on, only trust contracts with seals, Sylvia.’
Verbal agreements are not binding.
I’ve taught her a valuable life lesson for free.
I wonder if I’m being too generous.
Starting a security business is partly because the estate’s defense is currently weak.
But it’s also because there are likely to be more and more important individuals to protect.
The first of those important individuals is Jacob the Dwarf.
“What is all this, young master? What happened to my smithy?”
“Your equipment was outdated, so I’ve arranged for new installations. It will take about a month to complete, so you can stay at the mansion until then…”
“N-no, no! I’ll stay at a nearby inn!”
Jacob bowed his head, trembling.
His forge, which was covered in dust and filled with broken-down furnaces, was due for a major overhaul.
Although it felt a bit like destroying his grandfather’s legacy, seeing the excitement in Jacob’s eyes cleared away any hesitation.
“Tell me if you need any equipment.”
“Thank you very much, young master.”
“This isn’t just empty talk. Really, let me know. You can make and sell whatever you want. I’ll handle the transactions and connect you with customers.”
“W-what…? So, I’ll be working under the Vermont name?”
“Of course. We signed an exclusive contract yesterday, didn’t we?”
“…!”
Was that a face of shock?
Or one of being deeply moved?
It’s not getting any better.
‘He’s one of the few mana forge users in the world who can be counted on one hand. I’ll have to support him generously.’
Whether Jacob likes it or not, he’ll have to work hard under the Vermont name, pounding out iron goods.
Whether it’s horseshoes or farm tools, anything will do.
If he uses mana forge, whatever he makes will boast exceptional quality, quickly gaining a reputation as a top-tier product and becoming renowned.
“We’ll split the sales ratio 6 to 4, so keep that in mind.”
“I get 40%?”
“Didn’t you read the contract? You get 60%, of course.”
“Yes…?”
Did I get hit in the head?
I set up the smithy for him and even got him some orders, and now I’m taking a hefty 60% as commission?
Honestly, 40% would feel a bit excessive too, but I plan to adjust the terms for Jacob once his name starts carrying more weight.
Tears welled up in Jacob’s eyes.
Why is this guy suddenly like this?
“I’ll work hard! I’ll ensure no tarnish comes to the Vermont name! I’ll meet the deadline without fail, producing only the highest quality goods!”
“Good. Work hard.”
“Yes!!!”
Wiping away his tears, Jacob turned and hurried away.
I chuckled loudly, watching his retreating figure.
“Now I can promote Vermont for free.”
This is fan service for Kali.
[The Evil God, ‘Kali’, chuckles heartily.]
The first step toward improving Vermont’s image is none other than the talented Jacob.
As his reputation as a master grows, Vermont’s name will naturally become famous.
Of course, corresponding benefits will follow.
‘I can’t let him be assassinated like his grandfather.’
An artisan who uses mana forge is extremely rare worldwide.
They’re so valuable that extreme measures like assassination might be considered.
Hence, the rush to launch Vermont Security.
To protect Jacob, we need skilled bodyguards who are loyal only to Vermont.
Of course, there will be others to protect in the future besides Jacob.
Sylvia alone can’t handle all of them.
In fact, I’m reducing Sylvia’s workload.
But this guy doesn’t even know my intentions…
Ugh, tsk. I’m so sad.
‘There’s so much to do.’
I’ve entrusted Sylvia with quite a lot, but aside from running errands, most of it falls on me.
I’m designing the business structure, of course.
Though Jacob’s credit is nearly zero, if not negative, I have to sell hard to seal deals.
And as the blacksmith shop grows, I’ll have to hire several employees.
My involvement in management is inevitable.
“Mister, Mister! Can we test the Super Super Strong Sword on the field?”
“Go to the mountain behind to avoid hurting anyone.”
“Okay!”
“Recently, I’ve been able to understand the voices of spirits. They really dislike you. What did you do to them?”
“Well, I’m not sure.”
“Hmm, okay. I’m going to take a nap soon, so please lend me your hand.”
“…”
I’m dealing with sudden visits from kids that make me wonder if I’m a nanny.
Plus, when Julia sleeps, she has to stay in one place for a whole 9-hour stretch.
That’s weird.
While I’m physically capable of not sleeping, I feel like I’m running out of time more than anyone else.
That’ll improve if the company is a success, right?
The future of peace without worrying about murder?
It’s the moment I’ve been waiting for.
“…!”
Booom!
The ground rumbled with a sound that sent chills down my spine.
It was far more powerful than when Sylvia used her magic.
I jumped out in surprise and saw Charlotte lying on the ground.
And…
“I-I’m sorry Mister…”
“What did you do?”
“The mountain… I accidentally split it in half…”
It was the back of the mountain that had been split in half.
No, that direction is towards the Imperial Capital, isn’t it?
