The Merchants' Guild
The next day, I rode in a carriage with the four new recruits to make our rounds of guild introductions.
Today, Atre and Lucas were staying behind at home.
When I told them there wasn’t enough space in the carriage so they’d have to stay, they demanded matcha roll cakes—one with matcha sponge and regular cream, and the other with plain sponge and matcha cream.
I had no choice but to ask the head chef to make them.
We don’t have much matcha left, so it’s a rare treat these days.
Most of our stock was used up as offerings to the gods.
We’ll just have to wait until the new harvest comes in… but I’m sure Atre and Lucas knew that and asked on purpose.
The four newcomers probably would’ve preferred to ride in a separate carriage, but considering security, it’s better to travel together in one.
Besides, it gives us a chance to discuss any questions on the way.
Ah—looks like we’ve arrived at the Merchants' Guild.
The three men quickly stepped down from the carriage, but Rosetta, in her long skirt, seemed to be struggling to get out.
Meyer noticed and offered her his hand.
In this world, only women who ride horses or serve as knights wear trousers.
Still, if she’s going to be traveling around the Westland domain, she’ll need to consider more practical clothing.
After I was the last to step down, we entered the Merchants' Guild and were guided by the receptionist to the reception room.
As usual, inside were the elderly Guildmaster, the Vice-Guildmaster, and a woman dressed like a maid.
“Guildmaster, thank you for taking the time to meet us. I’d like to introduce the four people who’ll be serving as our new liaisons. After that, may we go over the exhibition applications?”
I introduced each of them in turn.
“You managed to recruit four of the top graduates from St. Arthur Academy? What kind of trick did you pull?” the old Guildmaster asked curiously.
“Oh, you hadn’t heard? They helped us last summer—staying on-site and assisting the trade company. Thanks to that connection, they decided to join our administrative office and trade company.”
The Guildmaster peered at the four standing behind me.
“It’s true,” Rosetta said on behalf of the group. “We worked half days, received three meals a day, private rooms, and even higher pay than usual for part-timers. We ate the same food as the employees, and though it was busy, it was fun.”
“Most places wouldn’t treat students that well. But that was clever—letting them experience the workplace before they joined. Of course they’d feel confident coming aboard after that,” the Guildmaster said, nodding approvingly.
“That’s not quite right,” I protested. “I just wanted to lighten the load on the company staff, so I suggested it. I wasn’t trying to recruit them.”
I didn’t want it to sound like I’d been scheming.
“But you also gave your employees long vacations, didn’t you? Word around the guild is that other companies might have to start offering breaks too, or no one will work for them anymore.”
“Well, the students from St. Arthur Academy were a huge help. I figured the regular staff deserved a proper rest. Some of them have families outside the domain, so it became a long break. But it actually improved efficiency and morale — work went more smoothly overall.”
“So, it ended up boosting productivity?”
“Seems so,” I replied, and the Guildmaster fell silent, deep in thought.
I quickly added, “It worked for us, but that doesn’t mean it’ll work for everyone. It depends on each employee’s attitude.”
I didn’t want anyone complaining later if their own attempts failed.
Then I asked about the current exhibition application status.
---
① Souvenir Division
1. Food Section – 12 entries
2. Crafts Section – 57 entries
② Culinary Division
1. Dining Section – 17 entries
2. Stall Section – 36 entries
---
“Guildmaster, these numbers include the applications submitted to the Adventurers’ Guild too, right?”
“No, these are just the ones that came to the Merchants' Guild. Applications are open until the end of March, so there might still be a last-minute rush.”
“But you said before there wouldn’t be a preliminary round.”
“That was back when I was asked. Lately, the number of applications has gone up. In the culinary division, if you place in the top eight, you might be able to open a shop even without much money. Vendors and craftsmen could save up funds, and if their work or cooking catches attention, they might even get sponsors. It’s an event where people can make a name for themselves, so everyone’s giving it their all,” the old Guildmaster said, her tone half-teasing, half-serious.
Good grief… now I’ll have to check with the Adventurers’ Guild too.
If there will be preliminaries, we’ll need to announce it immediately and start preparing.
Will we even have time?
For now, I asked to hold onto the application forms, and we all checked and confirmed the number of entries per division.
I made a note of the totals and left a copy with the Merchants' Guild.
It’d be a disaster to lose any of the applications when we return them later.
After safely storing the application forms in my Magic Bag, we left the Merchants' Guild behind.
What do you think about this chapter?
