Could You Sell Red Rank Equipment?
The day after updating everyone’s equipment in the Wildcat Claws, I came to the Trade Guild to unload the Spider Silk.
After concluding the usual negotiations with Alizée, we were having tea when the topic turned to everyone’s equipment.
I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.
“Well, it is a big deal, you know? Using Wonder Deer leather for the armor’s lining is quite expensive, and it’s difficult to sew. It’s a real challenge to make it. Moreover, creating armor with the carapace of the Gaya Tortoise in a clean manner is not something ordinary.”
“Can’t magic tailor at my level do it?”
“You have become quite an advanced magic tailor, Lady Lily. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be possible to create linings with Mana Spider Silk.”
Is that so? If Alizée says so, then it must be true.
It seems my skills have improved considerably without me realizing it.
With that, the conversation shifted to whether I should sell armor for Red Rank adventurers.
Red Rank adventurers, huh… I’m not too enthusiastic about it.
“Oh? The profit margin for Red Rank adventurer equipment should be higher, shouldn’t it? Many Red-rankers visit Vardmoi, especially women.”
“That’s exactly why. If I become too conspicuous, I might incur the resentment of the fellow merchants.”
“Merchants are always in competition with each other. If you’re concerned about that, you won’t be able to expand your business.”
“Well, there are also issues with sourcing materials…”
“When it comes to magic tailoring, as long as the pattern is the same, you can make the same thing with different materials, right? Just adjust the price based on the content of the materials.”
“Ugh…”
Alizée was unusually persistent.
It turns out there was a request from Melanie at the Adventurers’ Guild, which might have been the reason for her persistence.
“You are selling equipment for lower ranked adventurers, right? However, Melanie was questioned why there was no female armor for advanced adventurers beyond Red Rank.”
“Who did you hear that from?”
“I heard it directly from Melanie. Since we become acquainted thanks to you, we occasionally go out for meals together. During those times, she confides or consults with me…”
“Oh, I see.”
Because Melanie couldn’t directly ask me, it seems she had to go through Alizée.
Despite our reconciliation, I did have a loud disagreement with the Adventurers’ Guild, so it might be difficult for her to make a direct request.
“I get it. If that’s the case, I’ll prepare armor for Red-rankers as well. However, I’m not sure what kind of materials would be suitable, so I’ll leave that to you, Alizée.”
“Understood. Since there’s a wide range of Red-rankers, let’s provide a variety, catering from those who have just become Red Rank adventurers to those who have been around for a few years and have some flexibility.”
With that, the conversation was settled.
My task now was to create new patterns for cases where existing patterns are challenging to use.
Fortunately, the image for the armor undergarment is already solidified: trousers up to the abdomen, worn with a one-piece dress that covers the thighs.
The dress is secured with a belt around the waist.
This way, I can create an undergarment that focuses on protecting the abdomen.
For the armor itself, I will have variations, ranging from chest protection only to full coverage of the chest and torso.
I will let the consideration of mounting shoulder and skirt armor to protect the waist to the customers.
That means the shoulder armor and skirt armor will be essentially sold separately, but that’s how it goes.
Can’t forget the gauntlets and greaves.
I’ve also prepared armor for the thighs.
Fully covering the thighs can make movement a bit restricted, so it’s entirely a matter of personal preference.
Now, the patterns were prepared.
I discussed with Alizée, and we decided to only create actual products after receiving orders.
For Red Rank equipment, material costs are not negligible, and since orders vary significantly from person to person, most normal shops also primarily focus on made-to-order.
It seems that my inclination to prepare in advance is unusual.
Anyway, the preparations were complete.
Now it’s just a matter of whether customers will come or not.
Even if they don’t, the only loss would be the initial cost of purchasing leather.