Chapter 328

Finding Workers for the Galette’s County
With the plan settled, I went to see Alizée again.
However, when I explained my idea, she made a troubled face.
Is there some kind of problem?

“Well, rather than a problem… You do know that Vardmoi is a major hub where many goods gather, right?”

“Yes. I’ve benefited from that myself.”

“That includes leather as well…”

Now that she mentioned it, that’s true.
Just like I can freely use fabric, leatherworkers can also easily procure various kinds of leather.
That includes monster hides, of course, not just those from the Vardmoi area but also from distant regions.
It would be difficult to suddenly move from that environment to a completely different one.

“There’s also the issue of timing. Leatherworkers usually start new workshops in the spring. Over the winter, apprentices receive thorough training from their masters, and spring is when they establish their own workshops.”

Hmm… That means I’d have to ask them to abandon their new workshops.
Finally getting their own place only to have it taken away would definitely be a problem.
Now, what should I do?

“Well, first, let’s investigate what kind of monsters inhabit the Count Galette’s territory and what types of leather can be obtained there, along with their prices. Some of them will undoubtedly be cheaper than in Vardmoi. Once we identify those, we can find armor craftsmen willing to relocate. As for their existing workshops and any debts incurred to acquire them, Lady Lily, you will have to purchase them. Are you okay with that?”

“That much is unavoidable. For now, let’s start by hiring three people.”

“Understood. Please give me a few days.”

With that, my discussion with Alizée came to an end.
Now, I just had to wait and see if any craftsmen would apply.

A few days later, the result was that about seven people volunteered.

“It seems that learning about the variety of leather available in Galette County encouraged more craftsmen to apply. However, some of them have issues with their skills or personalities.”

Apparently, Alizée conducted background checks on all the applicants during this time.
Among them were some with poor skills whose businesses were on the brink of collapse, and others with drinking problems who were constantly drunk during the day.
Yeah… I don’t need those people.

At this stage, three were eliminated, leaving four.
We had them create simple armor as a practical test.
The materials were provided by the Trade Guild, so the test purely evaluated their craftsmanship.

The results showed that there wasn’t much difference among the four.
They were just barely good enough to craft gear suitable for Green-ranked adventurers.
That might actually be perfect.

“Alizée, would it be a problem to hire all four of them?”

“I don’t see any issues. The background checks didn’t reveal any concerns, and none of them have debts from suspicious sources. We’ll arrange for these four to head Galette County as soon as the plans progress.”

“Alright. Please take care of it.”

For now, I’ve secured craftsmen for my shop.
The clerks can be hired locally, so I don’t need to worry about that.
Next, I need to get permission to establish a training school for craftsmen…
Ugh, that’s going to be a headache.

What do you think about this chapter?