Chapter 82
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Technicians Available (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
"Pardon? You mean relocate...?"
"As I mentioned, it's difficult to suddenly switch suppliers due to our ties with the Capital Magic Tower."
"Ah..."
Dominic's words visibly darkened the faces of the middle-aged mages.
'No way, is talent really this scarce? They sent these guys out to make sales? Sigh... Or is it? A pity play or something?'
Their faces were too innocently pure for salespeople, leaving him puzzled instead.
'Nah. A failing rural magic tower like this doesn't have the bandwidth for bluffing.'
Clicking his tongue, Dominic decided to offer the carrot sooner than his initial plan.
If he dragged this out any longer, these guys might actually start crying.
And he had zero interest in their tears.
"It's true that Evergreen City has a supply contract with the Capital Magic Tower for magic tools. Communication orbs are a prime example."
"Yes... So it is true..."
"But here's the thing."
Dominic's voice turned subtle.
"What do you think of this place?"
"Pardon? Evergreen? It's bustling and full of life, and the people all look happy..."
"No, I mean this building."
"...?"
"This is our temporary city hall."
"Oh, I see. But why does that...?"
"What I'm saying is, Evergreen City doesn't even have a completed city hall yet. Still not getting it?"
"...We're sorry. We just can't grasp the profound meaning behind your words, Mayor."
The mages still seemed clueless about Dominic's point, but Karim caught on and smiled knowingly.
"It was our city hall that stamped the supply contract with the Capital Magic Tower. Not the businesses in this city."
"...Pardon?"
"The resort, academy, pottery workshop, spice trading post... none of those are under city hall. Naturally, the amount of magic tools used by various facilities and residents dwarfs what our city hall administration officially uses."
As Karim's kind explanation continued, the mages' eyes widened and jaws dropped.
"If we unilaterally cut ties with the Capital Magic Tower, we'd lose supply of essential magic tools too. We have no reason to take on that risk. However,"
Dominic downed his cold coffee in one gulp and continued.
"My businesses are different. Even the Capital Magic Tower can't nitpick via contract. My businesses aren't city-affiliated; they're purely my personal property. And most magic tools used by Evergreen's businesses and residents are low-circle ones with 1st or 2nd circle spells. We can overlook the quality. How dangerous can a 1st circle magic tool really be?"
"Y-Yes, yes."
The mages nodded as if entranced.
"Truth is, for these items, suppliers that restock fast, are easy to repair, and don't fuss with recharge counts are the best. Especially if the price is right. So... just like the deal in the contract you proposed."
"Th-Then, does that mean the Southern Magic Tower can do business with Evergreen's major enterprises...?"
"Ah, I can't step in and help directly. Too many eyes watching."
This time, Karim spoke up.
"But one advantage of Evergreen is... the city doesn't meddle in residents' dealings. If folks want to buy cheap goods, who are we to stop them? Oh, businesses or guilds setting up here do get various conveniences, so negotiating sooner is better."
"Th-Then we'll contact our tower lord...!"
"Yes, good luck with the news."
It was a satisfying handshake that evening.
"Around today, you say?"
"Yes, Mayor. The inn errand boy said they were on the communicator all last night."
"Whatever it is, they've reached a decision."
Two days had passed.
Dominic had figured it'd take at least half a month, but the Southern Magic Tower's situation must've been worse than thought.
Even a neighborhood eatery agonizes over relocating, let alone a magic tower on the brink of shutdown deciding in two days—it left Dominic's mind in a whirl.
'This isn't some bounced check I'm stuck with, is it?'
Still, he decided to think positive.
Worst case, hire them all as civil servants and work 'em till retirement.
Ding-a-ling-.
In came three hollow-eyed mages, likely up all night.
Unlike before, their beards and hair were a mess.
"Made your decision?"
"Yes. We'll relocate. Truth is, failing this deal meant closing shop anyway, so no need to drag it out. Just took a bit longer consulting those with roots here..."
"Good choice. No regrets."
"Please take care of us, Mayor."
A document was slid before the mages.
"...Technical relocation...?"
"Evergreen's pride! A technician incentive policy, you could say. Promise not to leave for five years, and we provide housing and settlement funds. Of course, if unavoidable circumstances cut it short, settle the support received so far. Sign, and aid starts immediately."
"Is this policy only for certain circle levels?"
"No circle restrictions."
"Then our colleagues worried about funds are all set! Quick, spread the word...!"
"Got it! I'll comm right away!"
The mages gripped hands, overcome with emotion.
For Dominic, it was just vacant housing plots and minor settlement costs—yet he instantly gained the mages' trust and respect.
'Way better for morale than chaining them down forcibly, duh!'
Dominic recalled pottery history during a visit to Stonehammer's workshop.
Potters were central to glorious ceramic cultures, yet treated poorly.
'No freedom to relocate, even?'
Fearing tech leaks, surveillance, exploitation, tyranny...
Who'd want to learn such trades?
Believing experts thrive when motivated for innovation in tech or art, Dominic declared 'technical relocation' for a new immigrant type that day—sparking artisan guilds' interest in Evergreen.
"Southern Magic Tower must've had it rough. Can't sell magic tools when everyone wants Capital ones..."
"Yes. Our tower's full of low-circle mages, so competing with high-end Capital tools was tough. Nobles crave flashier, stronger magic... Urk!"
"But it's a relief. In Evergreen, low-circle magic tools outshine high-circle ones."
"Do those really sell?"
"Haha! You've been holed up in the inn over relocation. Finish the paperwork, then tour. You'll see what I mean."
Low-circle magic tools.
Typically, a chicken rib—neither useful nor useless.
Nobles saw them as minor servant aids; no need with staff aplenty.
Commoners without servant budget found them ambiguously pricey!
So neither bought, wasting mages' mana stones—no point making them.
But Evergreen differed.
Flush commoners bought for fun or convenience; visiting nobles, sans large retinues, used them as servant substitutes.
The three mages reportedly hugged and wept in Central Square upon seeing it.
"Why cry? Be happy. Money everywhere? Regret not knowing sooner?"
"Can't fathom pure joy, huh?"
Ian shook his head at Dominic's puzzled tilt.
"Yes, yes. As expected of a knight, seeing the world beautifully. Enviable."
"Sarcasm?"
"No way. Ah! Are these all the low-circle tools for military use?"
"Overdo convenience, and training loses meaning. This suffices."
"Hmm, fair."
Dominic visited the academy to compile department needs before formally commissioning the relocated mages—as chairman.
"Straw dummies with Stand magic?"
"No need to raise dummies each martial arts session; boosts training volume."
"Wind magic to scatter leaves mid-air? What's that for?"
"Cutting leaves with wooden swords. Multiple students at once ramps up training."
Ian seemed cut out for demon instructor.
Dominic learned afterward how professors cherished students' growth.
'Hope I don't waste money and get flak from students.'
All fixated on efficiency.
Was this Evergreen Academy's academic culture?
"Heave-ho. To Central Square. The magic tower site."
"Ah, those mages' tents?"
"...Mages' tents?"
"Yes. Few days back, they pitched tents by the construction site selling stuff—lots of curiosities."
The coachman chimed in knowingly.
Dominic learned riding eventually but claimed paperwork needs for a dedicated mayor's carriage.
Bedecked with magic tools like a tuned sedan from his past life, boasting top comfort.
He pondered the 'mages' tents' en route.
Soon, Central Square.
"Here, just one of these, please!"
"Mister! I was first in line!"
"Eh? Yesterday's ice magic beer mugs sold out? Nooo! Came for that!"
Dominic could only chuckle dryly at the scene.
"Yes, yes! Two ice magic mugs in stock here! Whew, both? Thank you! Come again!"
The three beaming sellers looked familiar.
'Adapting too fast?'
As Dominic watched the sales-hyped mages, an idea flashed.
'Why didn't I think of this?'
The must-have for tourist cities!
'Why no shopping center yet, idiot!'
The second wave to plunder tourists' wallets began.