Earth Needs Useless Things - 9
"Hehe..."
Ria's face was filled with smiles. "This is goooood..."
On the large desk, countless designs were spread out. Designs from the newly arrived clothes and ones she had drawn herself. She had no idea exactly what these designs were for or how they'd be used. She had simply drawn and drawn some more.
'It's fun.'
In her childhood, 'drawing these kinds of pictures' had been an obligation to her. Something she absolutely had to do. She had to pour passion and sincerity into every single design. It had been painful and exhausting. Her mother had meticulously inspected every one, flying into a fiery rage if even a hint of Ria's true heart was missing from them.
But now, things were different. Everything was enjoyable.
'I'm happy.'
After that commotion, Jeong Isu had earnestly asked for her opinion. He had inquired about what she wanted to do. She had recalled her childhood dream. Without a single complaint, Jeong Isu had acknowledged her with the words, "Do that then." She had plenty of spare time, and she had the best materials available. Ria kept creating designs. She did what she wanted. Every day was filled with happiness.
'Is it really okay to get paid for doing such easy work...'
A flicker of doubt arose, but she soon shook her head vigorously.
'He said it's fine!'
He had affirmed her. It was okay for her to stay here. It didn't matter if the contract fell through because of her. So—
"You're out early. Take it easy."
"Y-y-yes sir!"
Jeong Isu appeared. Ria jumped in surprise, her body trembling.
"B-b-boss. I thought you weren't coming in today..."
"I've got an appointment. Need to take some goods out."
"I'll do it!"
"It's not that much stuff... If you're busy with what you're doing now, you can handle it later. No problem."
"No! I'll d-do it!"
Ria scrambled to her feet and hurriedly packed the items he mentioned.
"So, where does it need to go? That is, your aunt—"
"Yes. The deal with Amelie is off. Honestly... I didn't want to say anything harsh since she's family to you, Ria, but it was disappointing."
"I'm sorry..."
"It's not something you need to apologize for. Anyway, the stuff we were going to sell is kind of floating in limbo now, so I had to find another way."
"What will you use it for?"
"Can't use the fabric right away, but we have those clothes we received, right? Finished products. I'm taking some to Mukseong first."
Ria broke into a beaming grin.
"A-as expected of the boss! I heard you're close with the Mukseong Guild Master. So that's why—they agreed to buy the clothes!"
"No. Their situation isn't great either, so I doubt we can sell them at full price."
"Huh?"
Ria's expression darkened in an instant. He had said it was fine, but from the boss's perspective, a huge sum of money had just vanished into thin air right before his eyes. He didn't seem indifferent to money, so he must have felt some inner bitterness even if he didn't say it.
"I'm donating them."
"Huh?"
Ria tilted her head in confusion.
"Good to see you again, Isu."
"I should've visited more often, but things have been busy lately."
Lee Seoyeonn's expression wasn't great. Mukseong's situation was worse than I'd thought.
"And who's this with you? Your girlfriend?"
"No, an employee."
Ria bowed her head deeply, trembling as she stole a glance at Lee Seoyeonn.
"I-it's an h-honor!"
Lee Seoyeonn and Mukseong were a guild that was overrated compared to their actual size and capabilities. They didn't run some internet viral team or anything, but they'd built a genuinely good image in many ways. Whenever hunters were needed, they'd step up without hesitation, even for less pay. They went on frequent overseas volunteer missions and ran a donation foundation. With all that media exposure, it was only natural their image shone brightly.
"Did the ordered item arrive, by any chance?"
"No. Unfortunately, it'll take a bit more time. But I prepared a simple gift instead."
"That's a shame. It should arrive within the requested timeframe, right? We really need it..."
"Don't worry about that."
I opened the bag and showed her the goods.
"...They're pretty."
"Right?"
Clothes. Beautiful, ornate garments handcrafted by Joinkind artisans.
"Amazing. Is this... some kind of artifact too?"
"Strictly speaking, it's hard to call it an artifact, but yes. It's something hard to obtain on Earth."
"Another special item. Thank you. But..."
Lee Seoyeonn bowed her head.
"I'm sorry. It seems valuable, but we don't have the means to buy it."
"I see."
"Yes. The guild's finances aren't great right now. We can't afford... luxury items like this."
This was within expectations. I hadn't planned to sell it to her in the first place. Lee Seoyeonn lived a far more frugal life than her guild's scale or influence would suggest. She wouldn't snap up luxury goods just because we were friends.
"If you really need them, I could buy a few for me and Yuha to wear..."
I shook my head with a smile.
"I know you run a donation foundation. Right?"
"You know well. Korea doesn't have many such issues, but abroad, gate refugee problems are rampant."
If gates weren't cleared in time and monsters spilled out, disasters struck entire areas. But countries with weak administration couldn't monitor them properly, and even if they did, they lacked funds to hire hunters. As a result, countless people lost their homes and livelihoods.
"For the next charity gala, please present these clothes as gifts. I'll prepare plenty."
"I-is that... okay?"
"Of course."
She didn't seem like someone overly interested in luxury, but these clothes were different.
'Definitely different.'
Great fit, stylish design. Made by the finest clothing artisans, the Joinkind. With colors like they'd been steeped in moonlight and a noble texture, no one receiving them would feel out of place.
"Y-you're such a kind person. A good one. Preparing special gifts for them—they'll all be thrilled."
"They really will love it. They're all good people, so it's nice to give back like this, but..."
Like most foundations, Mukseong's was funded by donations. Small contributions from ordinary folks mattered, but inevitably, massive corporations and ultra-wealthy tycoons donated far more.
'On the surface, it seems inefficient, but...'
People who flaunted their luxury. Those who spent money on 'unprofitable' noble causes, pursuits of greater value despite their practical worthlessness. People who could pour out cash to show off their overflowing wealth.
People who revealed their surplus and worth through 'useless' acts.
For them, these 'one-of-a-kind clothes impossible to buy anywhere' would be a sweet reward.
"...I never imagined receiving gifts like this. I'm not even sure I deserve them."
"Really?"
"I don't know fashion prices, but this isn't cheap, right? It must be a burden for you too, Isu."
This was unexpected. She was wary of my gift.
"Please understand. I'm overly suspicious sometimes. But being guild master... free favors always come with strings attached eventually."
"No need to worry. I'm not giving these clothes out of pure goodwill either."
"Then..."
"Promotion. If the distinguished, wealthy attendees of Mukseong's charity gala wear them... it'll benefit me too."
"I-is that enough?"
"Yes. More than enough. Even if the promo effect is lacking... I can just call it a donation. Not a huge loss."
Originally, I'd planned to hand the 'moonlight fabric' to Amelie. Turning it into luxury would take too long for the groundwork.
'But no reason I can't eat it alone...'
If Amelie had been faithful, I wouldn't have needed to interfere. But since she'd betrayed me, there was no point continuing the partnership.
'We have the fabric, and though uncertain... Ria could handle the design role.'
That left one thing. How to turn it into luxury. How to infuse value into this special, beautiful, pretty, stylish—but worthless—item.
'Nothing impossible.'
No need to scale the business huge from the start. Limit quantities. Make clothes truly unobtainable, no matter how much money one had. Stoke desire. Have enviable people wear my clothes, making others crave them too.
A price that 'can't be set' means it doesn't matter how much the buyer pays or seller asks. Creating demand was more efficient than chasing immediate cash.
'With Mukseong, it's foolproof.'
Compared to their actual scale and power, their image was stellar. The caliber of guests at their charity gala was guaranteed. It was the achievement of their members' conduct and attitude.
I just needed to leverage that virtuous image.
"...Thank you so much. If you put it that way, I'll gratefully accept. Tell Yuha thanks too."
"Thank you."
"But the real priority is the gate supplies. Embarrassing to admit, but we're at a point where we have to rely on you, Isu."
"Really?"
I couldn't help but waver. Ultra-large gate subjugation. It would've happened with or without me, and Lee Seoyeonn surely had contingencies if I failed to deliver.
'That was close—could've been disastrous.'
If I hadn't heard in time, Mukseong Guild itself might have crumbled. I let out a sigh of relief.
"It's already underway. But if there's no alternative... I'll focus more there."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Hmm..."
Mukseong was desperate. Unbeknownst to me, the guild's fate was half on my shoulders.
So, a slightly bolder request should be fine.
"I know Mukseong has an exclusive workshop."
"Yes."
"Mind if I get in touch with them?"
Moonlight fabric. Precious, no doubt. If used right, a luxury item of immense value.
But right now, it was time to find something more 'useful.'