Chapter 52
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: To the West (1)
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To explain the mercenary business, there are all sorts of little details attached, but in the end, the key point—the icing on the cake—is recruitment. It's all about buying good mercenaries cheap and selling them high.
Especially compared to the eastern and northern regions, which never stopped bickering, a big event was about to erupt in the relatively quiet western region soon. So Allen needed to hurry and recruit some usable personnel before heading west.
Of course, the other businesses were important too, but the right order was to first get the mercenary corps somewhat organized, then proceed with the remaining funds. No matter the business, without a solid mercenary corps as backup, you'd end up getting devoured by the competition.
And so, Allen once again found himself relying on the guild house's roadside office.
Still, with the Allen Mercenary Corps' reputation having risen even higher, the number of hopeful recruits had noticeably increased. There were rumors from the Silver City, Argentia, but the decisive factor was the protection from Viola, one of the Ten Strongest Leaders. Everyone seemed to view the Allen Mercenary Corps as a satellite of the Viola Mercenary Corps.
...Fine by me—.
Since it had come to this, Allen decided to actively leverage Viola's halo effect. Compared to the other vicious members of the Ten Strongest, Viola was practically a saint. Even if unavoidable circumstances forced them onto different paths, she wasn't the type to harbor grudges and seek revenge.
In any case, thanks to the rumor that he was Viola's man, the quality of mercenaries seeking Allen out had shot up dramatically.
A female warrior from the northern region, clearly brimming with ambition in her eyes, had come to see Allen.
Her rough skin was dotted with freckles, her coarse hair tied up haphazardly, and her bold gaze—fearless of the world—seemed to look down even on Allen.
"Name?"
"Zunisha."
"From the north?"
"Yes."
"...Did you come after hearing the rumors? That I'm close to Leader Viola... something like that?"
She crossed her arms and stared boldly at Allen, nodding without the slightest hesitation.
"Yes."
Her brazen honesty made Allen chuckle.
"I like your straightforwardness."
"Can't stay in one place forever."
"True enough. Alright. Do well, and I'll recommend you to the leader."
"Thank you."
People with [Narcissism] definitely had that trait stand out. Just like Charlotte.
"No need to drag this out. Let's go with a one-year contract."
"How much?"
Allen took into account that she had [Desire] and [Miser]. ...She'd snort at anything less than a hefty sum.
The fair price was around 25 gold. Of course, he'd never offer the full amount.
"22 gold."
Her brows furrowed instantly.
"Too low."
"What's your counter?"
"At least 27."
"No."
Allen cut her off firmly, as if it were absurd. ...Truth be told, her stats warranted that much. If he weren't such a tightwad himself.
"You want me to work for peanuts?"
"I said I'd put in a recommendation to Leader Viola if you do well. Doesn't that offset the pay? Is the weight of the Ten Strongest name shaken by a few gold coins?"
At the mention of Ten Strongest Leader Viola, Zunisha shut her mouth. A conflicted look, like she was weighing it.
Good, her head's just the right amount of dim—.
Mercenaries who were too smart weren't ideal. Otherwise, they'd be like that red-tower mage, following orders without question.
"...Fine. 25 then."
"24. That seals the deal, right? It's a recommendation letter. Do I look like the type to write those for just anyone?"
"Hmph. ...Alright, 24."
"Nope. You just doubted me, so 23."
"That's not how it works—!"
Zunisha protested. Her greed had suddenly sharpened her wits a bit.
"Take it or leave it. ...I thought a fine mercenary had finally shown up, but swayed by a few coins? Leader Viola wouldn't want that kind of talent."
Ugh.
[Narcissism] or [Miser]—!
Allen landed the finishing blow.
"Next—!"
"W-Wait... 23. No more concessions."
Allen grinned widely.
"Excellent. My eye doesn't fail me."
Her briefly heightened intellect returned to normal.
...
Allen certainly reaped the benefits of his popularity, securing four new members in just two days.
The northern female warrior, Zunisha.
The bald black-eye, Billy.
The lanky one, Christopher.
The tattooed guy, Arnold.
Especially the tattooed Arnold—Allen had scoured the discharge list himself and tracked him down. He'd even checked the human dumpster of a staffing agency just in case, but no worthwhile recyclables there.
By nature, discharge agencies stuffed with rejects rarely yielded gems unless by mistake or intent. He was just desperate enough to dig through the trash.
With the headcount filled adequately, Allen prepared to depart for the west.
After subtracting necessary expenses, he had about 800 gold left. Too much to sit on idle, too little to invest properly. At best, he could run a few street stalls here, but even buying from Vermandua's merchant guild and selling would leave nothing after stall fees. Better to look elsewhere.
...Since he's heading west anyway, maybe pick up some goods there. The west excels at jewelry.
Targeting prostitutes as main customers for jewelry sales could be quite profitable. It was a tactic he'd often used as [Guild Master]. Luxury goods yielded high margins relative to weight.
Sure, buying grain in the west and selling in the value-spiked east could make a fortune, but Allen wasn't scaled up enough for that yet. Start small with luxuries and build up.
Having decided, Allen headed to Viola's house before leaving west, to keep his promise. She'd said she'd treat him to a meal anytime.
Allen and Kallisman walked along the riverbank, watching the ruddy sunset ripple on the water.
They soon arrived at the Viola House, perched in a scenic strategic spot. Standing boldly at the main gate, the guard asked who it was.
"Tell Leader Viola that Leader Allen has come to see her."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
The guard dashed inside, soon returning to open the gate. You're welcome inside, he said.
The two men entered the three-story building. Allen admired the spacious, ornate interior, nodding. No wonder mercenaries itch for success like this—.
A young steward soon appeared, guiding Allen to the parlor with a fine view. Quick-witted Kallisman excused himself to the adjacent waiting room.
As Allen sat drumming his fingers lightly, Leader Viola appeared. He stood promptly to greet her.
She was as beautiful as ever. The epitome of mature allure.
"Long time no see, Leader Viola."
"Indeed. I've been waiting for a meal with you."
"Ah, sorry. Been busy with this and that..."
"No need. Dinner's still being prepared, so sit and wait."
"Yes."
Allen sat after she did.
"You look tired."
"...Yeah, lots to handle. Always."
She'd been thinking of introducing him to a business anyway. Nothing too big—just his size. Profits split 80-20 in her favor, of course.
She was fronting all the capital; that was only fair. She wasn't running a charity.
"...I'm leaving soon."
Viola, gazing at the leisurely flowing river far off with a light sigh, suddenly took a punch out of nowhere.
"...Wh-What?"
Realizing her blunder, she cleared her throat and asked,
"Leaving? Suddenly why?"
"Got business in the west. ...Might take a few months."
"...Coming back?"
"Of course. With you here, Leader Viola."
Allen said with a soft smile.
......Huh......?
For a moment, Viola's mind spun trying to decipher his intent.
"...Good."
"Anyway, it'll be a while. Thanks for all your help."
"I haven't done much."
"You let the rumors slide."
Viola nodded lightly. Good, not completely oblivious, she thought.
"So, when do you leave?"
"Within three days at latest."
"I see. ...A shame. We could've built a closer partnership."
"...Aren't we already?"
Allen teased with a grin; Viola smiled faintly.
"True. Close partners."
She extended her hand.
"In that spirit, here."
He took her offered hand in his.
"Handle your business well. Next time, accept my business proposal without burden."
"...Understood."
Their clasped hands moved gently up and down.