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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
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“As you know, shipwrights are valuable assets. Why should I hand them over to a noble from the Toscana Empire?”
Actually, I don’t need the mayor’s permission to recruit shipwrights.
I can just offer them higher wages and ask them to leave the city’s guild and join me.
It would be frustrating for the city, but there are no laws against it in our continent.
‘But that would make me an enemy of this city.’
“Because the Toscana Empire and the Kingdom of Lyon, despite minor diplomatic disagreements, are destined to remain allies. Trust the circumstances, not me.”
Humans are creatures governed by circumstances.
A good person, starved for a week, can kill for food.
And a wealthy but wicked person wouldn’t risk their life for a small amount of food.
Political and diplomatic relations operate on similar principles.
“The Toscana Empire’s potential enemy is the Duchy of Milan. And the Kingdom of Lyon’s potential enemy is the Hanover Empire. You’re both too busy dealing with your own enemies.”
The mayor’s biggest concern is that I’ll build warships and attack them.
So, I need to convince him that I have no such intentions.
“That’s true.”
“So, wouldn’t it be beneficial for you to offer me some assistance?”
A faint smile appeared on the mayor’s face.
But I’ve only earned the right to negotiate.
I need to offer appropriate incentives to secure his permission to recruit shipwrights.
“If you allow me to recruit shipwrights, I’ll offer you something in return.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“I’ll sell a substantial amount of kelp to the Kingdom of Lyon. And I promise not to sell it to any other city in the Kingdom, except for Guillaume, for three years.”
I’ve heard rumors that kelp’s reputation has spread beyond the empire to neighboring countries.
That’s probably why some, like Hans in my village, tried to smuggle it.
“So, all the kelp supplied to the Kingdom of Lyon will go through Guillaume.”
“Every noble desires medicine that aids in postpartum recovery.”
And with the added rumor of its benefits for men…
Even the overpopulated nutria in Korea saw a sharp decline in numbers after rumors of its aphrodisiac properties spread.
A medicine good for both mothers and men? It’s bound to sell.
Nobles will be clamoring for it, offering me fortunes.
But kelp cultivation is progressing smoothly, so by next year, I’ll have enough to supply Lyon and more.
And the surplus can be consumed in Bio Village or smuggled to other countries.
“Guillaume is somewhat isolated from other major cities, which has hindered its development. But with merchants flocking here to buy kelp, it will greatly benefit the city’s growth.”
Even wastelands attract people and develop into cities if they offer valuable products.
As the mayor of a port city, he must understand this basic principle.
But he’s subtly downplaying the value of my offer.
I’m slightly offended.
“Wouldn’t the city’s development also benefit you, Mayor?”
In the short term, he’ll receive more political donations (bribes).
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
“The citizens of Guillaume will praise your leadership. And they’ll actively support you.”
Titled nobles, like Barons, Viscounts, and Counts, usually hold their titles for life.
But positions like mayor are surprisingly democratic.
They can be replaced at any time by the citizens’, or rather, the city council’s vote, without the lord’s approval.
So, mayors throughout the Almaina continent have to constantly seek support from the city council and citizens to maintain their positions.
‘And the best way to gain support is to fill their pockets.’
The mayor suddenly started coughing.
“Ahem, ahem.”
I won’t be fooled by his attempt to downplay the value of my offer.
He’s just testing the waters.
“And aren’t city council members elected based on popular support? If the city prospers thanks to you, they’ll know which faction to support…”
When dealing with powerful figures, it’s best not to directly ask for more.
It’s better to make them offer it themselves.
“To contribute so much to the city’s development… I should be more generous with my offer, even if you’re a foreigner. What do you want?”
The mayor sighed after saying those words.
Yes, let’s be fair in our dealings.
“Allow me to take in the poor from the slums.”
“Is that all?”
Even in the Middle Ages, where population was considered national power, the poor were seen as a social ill.
They were considered potential criminals who threatened public order and made citizens feel unsafe.
Even by medieval standards, less devout lords often massacred or banished the poor.
Who would object to me taking them away?
“I need sailors to start trading.”
I have other plans for them, but I’ll keep that to myself.
Like in a card game, you need to hide your hand.
“Take as many of those slum dwellers as you like.”
“Thank you. Then, I’ll see you again when I officially start trading.”
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The shipyard, being a crucial facility in a port city, was bustling with activity.
“I didn’t expect much from a shipyard in a small port city, but…”
There are at least 100 craftsmen working here.
Or even hundreds, including those I can’t see.
“What’s your business?”
I turned around to find a sweat-drenched craftsman holding a hammer.
His body was covered in muscles, almost like a knight.
“I’m from the Toscana Empire and want to build a new harbor and shipyard. I’m here to recruit shipwrights.”
“Everyone here is a member of the Shipwrights’ Guild. Taking our craftsmen…”
The craftsman gathered the others around him.
They all held tools like saws and hammers.
They’re threatening me, but since I’m a noble, they’ll spare me if I leave.
‘That’s how things work in this world.’
In Korea, industrial spies are arrested on the spot.
“I have the permission of the mayor of Guillaume.”
The escorts provided by Captain Charles presented the permit from the mayor.
The craftsmen stopped threatening me.
I approached the one who looked like the newest recruit and asked,
“How much do you earn per month?”
“As an apprentice, I only get 50 copper coins, meals, and lodging…”
“I’ll give you one silver coin, one pound, per month. And better meals and lodging.”
The apprentice’s eyes widened.
The others started exchanging glances.
“…”
It would be abnormal not to be tempted by a doubled salary.
“Regardless of your position, if you follow me, I’ll double your current salary. I’ll recruit exactly 100 people.”
They don’t know who I am.
But since I met with the mayor and obtained a permit to recruit them, they must see me as someone trustworthy.
“One silver coin referral bonus for each skilled sailor. Two gold coins for a qualified captain. Bonuses will vary based on experience and skill.”
They stared at me blankly, overwhelmed by my extravagant offers.
But right now, saving time by spending money is more important than saving money by spending time.
“I’m looking to buy a 300-ton sloop. Any recommendations? I’ll pay a generous referral bonus if you find me a good one quickly.”
The craftsmen immediately dispersed.
“I don’t know who that madman is, but this is our chance!”
“Let’s make a killing!”
“Dario, drag that guy from the tavern here! There’s money to be made!”
And in just a few days, I secured the manpower to build a shipyard in Bio Village, a merchant ship, and a crew.
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[Your Text Here]
Money is the answer for everything.