Chapter 39


    "But Dominic, do we really need to hold the auction in our vige?" Calron, who had just devoured a bowl of jjamppong, inquired.


    "Traders passing through the vige suggest that it would be better to auction our wyvern scales in the capital."


    "That''s a valid point. The capital is home to affluent individuals who wouldn''t hesitate to splurge on rare items."


    Lord Theodore also concurred with this perspective.


    Dominic, who had returned to Evergreen, had astounded everyone when he disyed the Centipede''s scales. They were exceptional materials; not a single scratch was visible despite enduring severe de attacks, and they were lighter than an iron shield.


    Even though they were fragments haphazardly shattered by wyverns, they were substantial enough to be fashioned into shields or smaller pieces that could serve as arm guards or shin guards. Their potential applications were limitless.


    "Even if we''re unsure, participating in a renowned auction in the capital could generate enough funds to spur development in a vige the size of Evergreen."


    "Why bother sending it to the capital? There won''t be much left aftermissions and taxes."


    Dominic appeared resolute in his intention to hold the auction in the vige.


    Following his business trip, he promptly sent out auction invitations to neighboring nobles and resort guests. He clearly possessed a strong determination to make it happen.


    "I understand you''re promoting it extensively, but it will still be challenging to realize its true value."


    "Don''t worry. We''ll earn at least double the profitpared to selling it in the capital."


    "Twice as much? Confidence is great, but don''t lose touch with reality, or the vige will suffer."


    Lord Theodore offered some advice with a gracious expression, but Dominic remained confident.


    "Do you know anyone as pragmatic as me, Lord?"


    "So you''re genuinely iming we can make more than twice as much?"


    "I mentioned that our profits would exceed twice as much, not that the final bid would be twice as much."


    "I must be getting old; young people''s wordy is bing hard to follow. Heh heh. Don''t beat around the bush with an old man."


    The robust gentleman, who appeared strong enough to wrestle a cow, chuckled as he stroked his beard.


    "But isn''t our vige quite distant from the major cities?"


    "Exactly. It''s too inconvenient to reach."


    "That''s why I''m nning to stay here long-term," Lord Theodore said with a sly grin.


    "What if we sell this rare Centipede scale, which even seasoned knights have never seen before, in our remote vige? If it were you, when would you arrive?"


    "Hmm-. Aha!"


    It seemed that Lord Theodore had finally grasped Dominic''s n.


    "People would n an extravagant journey, not knowing what might happen along the way. Naturally, not only the resort but also the buildings in the vige, as well as inns in nearby viges and cities, will be fully booked."


    ording to Dominic, Evergreen''s primary business from the outset was tourism.


    There was no intention of letting go of customers willing to spend generously.


    <em>''I should make a fortune!''</em>


    He couldn''t help but drool at the prospect.


    "Not just amodations. Consider the amount they would spend on food and other expenses. How many of them might decide to extend their stay?"


    "Heh heh. This is why Patrick wanted to appoint you as the administrative officer. What a waste of talent, truly a waste."


    "Come on, you don''t find it a waste at all."


    "You catch on quickly. For an old guy like me in the back room, a guy who can create a retirement haven is a hundred times better than apetent administrative officer."


    After passing on the title of lord to his son, the elderly count neatly resolved the situation andpletely refrained from meddling in the management of the territory.


    "Calron, the new shops in the vige are finally getting settled, aren''t they?" Dominic asked Calron.


    "Yes. The guestsing to the resort are surprisingly easygoing. So these days, everyone is having a good time."


    "That newly opened skewer grill is now my regr spot. The secret sauce is absolutely amazing. I''ll treat you next time."


    Lord Theodore, pretending to be knowledgeable, relished the taste. He had just finished a bowl of jjamppong and seemed quite satisfied.


    Ever since bing a Swordmaster, even his digestion appeared to be at a master level.


    Just the other day, there wasn''t a single restaurant or bakery. In the blink of an eye, small stalls started appearing, and now makeshift stores made of nks had almost filled the vige square.


    "So, Dominic, we keep receiving requests from outsiders who want to open a store in our vige. Should we continue to reject them, or can we start epting?"


    "Not yet. We run the risk of outsiders taking over local businesses, especially with the vige''s growth."


    Since the construction of the resort, Dominic had been consistently encouraging the vigers to start businesses.


    He emphasized that outsiders woulde to the vige and spend money, and opportunities woulde to those who acted first. Inspired by this, some quick-acting vigers rolled up their sleeves and got to work.


    [My wife''s cooking skills are decent. Maybe we should start a small snack stall. We don''t need much to start.]


    [How about I start brewing some alcohol? It won''t take much time if it''s liquor.]


    [I want to sell leather goods... Can I set up a spot in the vige square, sir? I can make small essories for now.]


    Anton Trade and Anton''s grandfather also obtained permission from Dominic to set up shops.


    Stores selling general goods and local products began popping up, infusing the vige with vitality.


    "It''s starting to feel like a tourist shopping district."


    Thanks to prior arrangements with the local fishermen and Wizard Perot, and Laki, who excelled as an all-weather assistant, the vige continued to run smoothly even when Dominic was away.


    [Should I buy something as a keepsake?]


    [Hey, kid. Are you drawing portraits? Then draw one of me with the beach in the background.]


    [Owner! One bottle of alcohol here! Ha ha, it''s been a while since I drank like this on the street.]


    Guests visiting the resort spent money day and night at the local stalls and stores.


    The excitement of travel loosened their purse strings.


    As money started to circte in the vige, the vigers became even more enthusiastic aboutmercial activities, creating a virtuous cycle.


    "Thank goodness. If the shopping district was empty during the festival, it would''ve been dull. What do the priests say?"


    "Heh heh, I''ve managed to calm them all down. Their excitement was through the roof just because the festival was named the ''Birth Festival.''"


    "I appreciate your efforts."


    Dominic had more in mind than just an auction.


    So, he thought of organizing a ''Birth Festival,'' inviting the temple!


    <em>''How great is it? After all, festivals are the pinnacle of faith. People should buy amulets for the health and future of their children. Ah, is it called ''amulet'' here? Well, it''s the same thing.''</em>


    The festival was also prepared to sell to tourists.


    <em>''I''ve got to make sure that these big spenders stay in the vige for at least one more day!''</em>


    That''s how Dominic meticulously prepared to tap into even the pocket change of the guests.


    ***


    "Is this Evergreen? I heard it was a small fishing vige."


    "Wow, it''s like a whole new world!"


    The small group of mercenaries, consisting of five members, couldn''t help but be amazed as they stood at the entrance of the vige.


    Even Wizard Perot was captivated by the beautiful beach and well-organized buildings that resembled a painting.


    "Adventurers? You must be hungry. How about some noodles? If you order five bowls, you get a free shot of clear liquor."


    As they entered the vige, enticing aromas from restaurants and street vendors greeted them.


    Meat sizzling over charcoal, a pot of mysterious soup simmering away, and a variety of unfamiliar foods were everywhere.


    <strong>Gurgle-</strong>


    "How about some meat and beer?"


    "I''d prefer noodles."


    "Those sandwiches with grilled meat look delicious!"


    "Hmm, okay! Let''s each have a meal with what we want, explore the vige a bit, and meet back here in an hour."


    An hourter, the five mercenaries reconvened, each holding various souvenirs and trinkets.


    "Hey, you too?"


    "Yeah, me too."


    Dominic, who had finallypleted the three-story tea house, watched them happily from a table with the best view.


    "Would you like to try this new tea?"


    "Aren''t you busy? Thendlord is around here, you know."


    "My grandfather taught me that when you open a new shop, you should stay at least a week."


    "You''ve learned well. I was worried we wouldn''t finish construction on time."


    "You have no idea how many magical tools we used to meet the deadline. But seeing the customers pouring in, I think we''ll quickly recover the construction cost."


    True to his words, there were only a few empty seats left in the three-story tea house.


    The teahouse was a joint investment made by Anton and Dominic.


    "We needed andmark."


    From now on, this teahouse would be the focal point for tourists visiting Evergreen.


    "Is tomorrow night the eve?"


    "Yes, I think the early merchants will start setting up their stalls in the square soon."


    "Are you going to oversee all of that?"


    "That''s the n for now."


    Even if all preparations wereplete, money moved in unpredictable ways, and unexpected setbacks often urred.


    It was okay if problems arose.


    As long as they were resolved quickly.


    "I hope nothing happens, though. Sir, I haven''t seen Lord Theodore today?"


    "I heard a guest ising. He must not have left the resort."


    Was it just his imagination, or did Ian seem much more rxed with his master and lord not around?


    Dominic also nned to enjoy some leisure for a while.


    The festival would start soon, and things would get busy again.


    "Ah, this is delicious!"


    The tea happened to suit his taste as well.


    He hadn''t found anything simr to coffee beans yet, but these days, he enjoyed tea because he could get a wide variety of tea leaves.


    "It''s rxing. I need to make money quickly and retire to live like this."


    Dominic spoke of his modest wish.


    "Who owns thend in the square? The early bird catches the worm! Hey,dy! Leave when I ask you nicely, okay? We don''t discriminate!"


    Then, an unusualmotion emanated from the vige square outside the teahouse.


    "Is that so? Good for you. We don''t discriminate either."


    Someone should have intervened.


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