Chapter 632

Products for Sale in Rural Areas (1)
As for the matter of improving the highways, I decided to consult with Marquis Vardmoi.
When it comes to matters of governance, it’s best to hear from a noble, and since Marquis Vardmoi governs a fairly large territory, he might have a good plan in mind.
Besides, I feel like that’s not really something a merchant should meddle in.
If he asks for financial assistance, I’ll prepare funds—but if not, I should probably just observe quietly.

Next on the agenda is deciding what goods to transport to rural areas.
This time, we’ll be able to handle a wider range of tools than before.
Until now, we’ve operated as “silver-rank merchants” from another domain—but from here on out, we’ll be “platinum-rank merchants.”

“My suggestion is that we start transporting simple magic tools. Until now, we’ve avoided dealing with them out of respect for other merchants, but from this point forward, we can sell them freely.”

“Hmm. Alba, isn’t that a bit sudden?”

“Do you think so? With the Saltas Company’s scale and logistics network, I see no problem.”

Well, he’s not wrong.
It’s just that… how should I put it…
I don’t really want to jump out ahead too suddenly.

“Alba, I agree with Lady Lily. Even inexpensive magic tools become costly when sold in rural or remote regions. More importantly, when they break, there are no craftsmen to repair them. You can’t just sell them and be done with it.”

“What if we have magic tool craftsmen relocate there?”

“That would face the same problem. Even magic tool craftsmen don’t make everything themselves. They rely on support from magic-stone processors, metalworkers, glassworkers, and others. Only with all of them together can a magic tool craftsman make a living.”

That makes sense.
If I were only selling the spider silk that Talat produces, I could’ve just traveled around gathering magic stones with her and made plenty of money.
But once I decided to make and sell clothing, I needed fabric. And to make fabric, you need raw materials.
Those materials come from various producers too.
It’s hard for any one part of the process to stand completely on its own.
Unless, of course, you have deep pockets and a wide network like I do.

“However, what Alba said about magic tools is something we should aim to expand into eventually. To prepare for that, I’d like the Saltas Company to establish its own magic tool production division.”

“Understood. Discuss it with Alizée and the others, and submit a proposal. I’ll review it before making a decision.”

“Thank you. As for short-term additions to our product lineup—what about the durable clothing you’ve made, Lady Lily?”

“My durable clothing?”

“Yes. Rather than emphasizing design, it focuses on functionality. For rural folk, clothing is quite expensive. While stylish garments have their uses, what they truly need are clothes that don’t tear easily, resist stains, and are easy to wash.”

I see, something like the apron I made at the very beginning.
That makes sense—if I make them the same way, they won’t tear or fray easily, and the magic sewing will even let them adjust slightly to fit different sizes.
If I use reasonably priced fabric, the cost should stay manageable.

Alright, we’ll go with that plan!

What do you think about this chapter?