The Company Begins Operations
One month later, a letter arrived from Brother Chris in the royal capital.
It seemed that he had initially struggled with academy life, but he had now grown accustomed to it and made some like-minded friends. He wrote that he was currently busy preparing for an upcoming one-day orientation event in a forest near the royal capital, meant to deepen friendships.
However, he also mentioned that his friends had taken a liking to the book band I had sent him and wanted some for themselves. He asked me to send an estimate.
Was this… business? A commercial matter?
When I went to consult with my mother, I found that she had received the same letter from my brother. She told me that someone would be coming tomorrow to take charge of the newly established business company, so we should discuss it together then.
The next day, a man introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you, Young master Reinhardt. My name is Raziel McNaggan. I will be serving as the president of the new company. Please feel free to call me Raziel."
He bowed his head respectfully.
"McNaggan… are you related to Henry?"
"Yes, he is my father. I am the third son. Unlike my brothers, I have always been more interested in business than in serving as a butler. I was working at the Arilan Company, but I had been considering going independent when I was approached with this opportunity."
"Raziel is highly capable. Despite being in his twenties, he was entrusted with managing the royal capital branch of the Arilan Company," my mother added.
"Arilan Trading Company is one of the kingdom's largest trading firms, but its headquarters are in Nostrand, right? Mother, won’t this expose the things our family wants to keep hidden?"
"Most of the major trading companies in this country have their headquarters in Nostrand. Besides, I figured it would get out eventually, so I decided to stop trying to hide it," she said matter-of-factly.
"Hardt, that’s why we should focus on developing new products. You handle the development, and Raziel will take care of management and sales. But you must consult with us first."
Mother… after all that intimidation, she just gives up?
I don't want to leave Westland. I just want a slow life. If I were married off as an adopted son-in-law, I would be worked to the bone. I need to find someone to serve as my shield.
"Raziel, you wanted to go independent, right? Are you okay with being a hired president?"
"I have seen the patented 'Charm' product, and it looks like it will be popular. And I hear you have other ideas as well. Getting exclusive rights to such unique products without having to struggle for them? There’s no better business opportunity."
"Then I’m fine with it. Looking forward to working with you. By the way, do you know any magic tool makers who enjoy development? There’s something I want to have made."
"… I do know someone. Would a woman be acceptable?"
"I don’t care about gender. Since we’re creating something that doesn’t exist yet, I need someone who enjoys development. If they’re willing to listen, could you bring them to meet me?"
"Hardt, don’t just push things forward on your own. I just told you to consult with us first."
"If we also sell new magic tools, it’ll help conceal my involvement. I have ideas, but I need to know if they can be developed and if someone is willing to make them."
"And if they say they can make them, what will you do with the magic tool maker?"
"If possible, I’d like to hire them as the business association’s dedicated magic tool developer. Consider it an initial investment, Mother."
"Honestly… Raziel, could you approach this woman about it? If Hardt takes a liking to her work, we’ll officially hire her as the business association’s exclusive magic tool maker. Raziel, things are about to get busy… no, you’re in for a lot of trouble, but I’ll be counting on you."
After that, we discussed various matters, including Raziel looking for a glass workshop that could produce the charms, the magic tool maker, and the book band estimate request from Brother Chris.
For now, until we hired more employees or started selling products in a storefront, the business office would be set up in a section of the estate’s detached building.
That was fine by me. If I needed to discuss things, it would be safer to have the office inside the estate.
What do you think about this chapter?
