Chapter 20: Suitable Employees and Money Well Spent
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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Day 52.1: Morning Routine With Milo Stone
Dawn broke across the Fernando estate with its familiar golden hue, casting long shadows across the training grounds where August had already begun his morning routine. Sweat glistened on his brow as he moved through the practiced motions that had become second nature to him over the years. The rhythmic sound of wooden weapons clashing against training dummies filled the crisp morning air, accompanied by the steady breathing of his companions.
Joining him were the familiar faces of his growing retinue: Andy with his weathered hands gripping his practice mace, Marcus adjusting his stance as he worked through sword forms, and Sibus methodically practicing his defensive maneuvers. Michelle remained absent from their morning session, still deep in slumber after spending the previous evening putting the finishing touches on Maya's Traveling Mercantile banner—a symbol that would soon announce their presence to the world of commerce and trade.
The newest addition to their group was Milo Stone, a young man whose eagerness to learn was matched only by his determination to master the physical demands of their lifestyle. At thirteen, he was August's senior by a year, yet he deferred to the younger man's expertise with genuine respect. The recent loss of his family had left Milo searching for purpose, and he had found it in the rigorous training regimen that August provided.
Yesterday, while contemplating the expansion of their merchant enterprise, August had identified two promising candidates for recruitment—fresh minds that could be molded to serve their specific needs. Milo Stone (13) and Nina Simone (15), both young adults with potential, seemed perfectly suited for the diverse roles that their traveling merchant group would require. When August had extended the offer to Milo first, the young man had accepted without hesitation, grateful for the opportunity to channel his grief into something constructive.
Milo's fascination with their training bordered on obsession. He peppered Andy with questions at every opportunity, eager to understand the nuances of combat and strategy. The knowledge he gleaned from these conversations was immediately put to practical use, as he threw himself into the training with an intensity that impressed even August. Today marked his first formal participation in their combat drills, a milestone that represented his growing integration into their group.
Understanding the complexities and dangers that lay ahead in their travels, August had recently implemented a comprehensive combat training program for all members of their party. The harsh realities of merchant life demanded that they be prepared for situations where diplomacy might fail and aggressive action became necessary. More importantly, they needed to be capable of defending themselves and their wares when August was not present to protect them.
The following year, when the snows thawed and the forest paths became passable again, August planned to return to his hunting grounds and the village of Maya. During his absence, the merchant group would need to operate independently, which meant every member had to be capable of contributing to their collective defense. The valuable goods they transported would inevitably attract the attention of bandits and other unsavory characters who coveted easy wealth.
August's combat instruction drew from his extensive experience as a hunter of the most formidable beasts in the great forest. While his methods were unorthodox when applied to human opponents, they proved remarkably effective. The predatory instincts and tactical thinking that served him well against magical creatures translated surprisingly well to combat against human adversaries. He had also absorbed valuable techniques from Andy's mercenary background, Jonathan's military training, and Sandeval's experience as a professional guard, creating a unique hybrid fighting style that emphasized adaptability and efficiency.
The training regimen he had designed was deliberately challenging—what he considered the lightest possible program that would still produce meaningful results. Despite the physical demands, Milo approached each session with genuine enthusiasm. The impact of wooden practice swords against his body, the burning sensation in his muscles during stretching exercises, the exhaustion that followed intensive drilling—all of it seemed to energize him rather than discourage him. His apparent enjoyment of physical discomfort bordered on masochistic, but August recognized it as a healthy outlet for the young man's emotional turmoil.
For now, their training focused exclusively on physical conditioning and weapon techniques. Magic, with its arcane complexities and potential for catastrophic mishaps, would come later once they had mastered the fundamentals. Most common bandits possessed little to no magical abilities anyway, having neither the education nor the natural aptitude required to harness the mystical forces that flowed through all living beings.
Andy had already developed his own distinctive combat style during his mercenary days, favoring the brutal efficiency of a heavy mace paired with a sharp-edged hatchet. His approach emphasized overwhelming force and psychological intimidation, tactics that had served him well in the chaotic melees of his former profession. Milo, however, represented a blank slate—an opportunity for August to shape a fighter from the ground up according to their specific needs.
"So what do you think?" August asked, wiping sweat from his forehead as he concluded his demonstration of various weapon types. "What do you feel you could use proficiently?"
He had methodically explained the advantages and disadvantages of each weapon category: the versatility of swords, the reach advantage of spears, the armor-crushing capability of maces, the cleaving power of axes, the tactical flexibility of bows and arrows, and the subtle lethality of daggers and throwing knives. Each weapon demanded different physical attributes and tactical approaches, and choosing the right combination could mean the difference between life and death in a desperate situation.
Milo, standing at five feet ten inches with a lean but increasingly muscular build, considered the options carefully. His height and reach were respectable, though not exceptional, and his developing physique suggested he would be better suited to weapons that emphasized speed and precision rather than raw power.
"Well, sir," he began, his tone respectful but thoughtful, "I find myself drawn to the axe, similar to what Uncle Andy uses. The weight and balance feel natural in my hands. However, I'm also quite interested in archery—the idea of being able to engage enemies at range appeals to me. Perhaps I could develop proficiency with both, creating a versatile combat style that adapts to different situations."
The formal address of "sir" reflected Milo's genuine respect for August's expertise and leadership, despite their minimal age difference. August's combination of practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and demonstrated strength commanded respect from those around him, regardless of his youth.
"Very well," August nodded approvingly. "Tomorrow I shall provide you with your first weapons. I'll craft them personally, ensuring they're perfectly suited to your physique and fighting style."
The promise of personally crafted weapons caused a stir among the assembled group. While Andy had some knowledge of August's capabilities in this area, having received his current equipment from the young man, the actual process remained shrouded in mystery. Even the villagers of Maya had never witnessed August at work in a forge or workshop, leading to speculation about the methods behind his craftsmanship.
Andy's ears perked up at the mention of weapon crafting, his curiosity piqued by the opportunity to finally observe August's techniques. Perhaps he could find an excuse to spy on the process, gaining insights that he could later share with the others. The bragging rights alone would be worth the effort.
"You'll do that for me, sir?" Milo's gratitude was evident in his voice. "I must thank you now. I had no idea you were also a capable blacksmith."
His words echoed the thoughts of everyone present. August's versatility seemed to know no bounds—combat expertise, magical knowledge, tactical acumen, and now apparently master-level craftsmanship. The question that haunted them all was whether there was anything this remarkable young man couldn't accomplish.
Andy interjected with a knowing chuckle, "Isn't he amazing? The lad can do almost anything, and remember, he's only twelve years old. He provided me with my armor, clothing, and weapons as well, though the exact methods remain a complete mystery." He shot a meaningful glance at August, clearly fishing for information about the crafting process.
August smoothly deflected the implied question, redirecting the conversation toward practical matters. "Yes, Milo, since I'm hiring you to be part of our merchant group, you'll need more than just the ability to defend yourself. You must also master the ways of commerce—the silver tongues of successful merchants, their convincing rhetoric, and the brilliant minds full of cunning and tenacity required to sell wares in competitive markets. Isn't that right, Uncle Andy?"
The redirect was expertly executed, turning Andy's probing question back on him while emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Milo's upcoming education. August's quick wit and conversational agility were yet another demonstration of his multifaceted capabilities.
Andy laughed heartily, recognizing and appreciating August's verbal maneuvering. "Hahaha, that's absolutely right, lad! With me and Uncle Marcus as your teachers, you'll be swimming in profits in no time! We'll teach you every trick of the trade, from reading customers to negotiating favorable deals."
With their morning training session concluded and important discussions finished, the group prepared to return to the villa for breakfast. The day ahead promised to be both challenging and profitable, with plans to trade their accumulated merchandise and commission their new wagon. The successful completion of these tasks would mark another significant step in the evolution of Maya's Traveling Mercantile from ambitious concept to thriving reality.
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Day 52.2: Trading Their Merchandise in the Hungry Market of Gremory
Following a hearty breakfast that energized them for the day's activities, the men began their preparations for venturing into the bustling commercial heart of Gremory. August donned his carefully selected urban attire—a leather brigandine that provided protection without appearing overly militaristic, complemented by his short sword, a sturdy dagger, and three perfectly balanced throwing knives. Despite the seemingly cumbersome appearance of his gear, August's internal temperature regulation allowed him to remain comfortable while maintaining a fashionable yet practical appearance that commanded respect in commercial circles.
The others dressed in comfortable civilian clothing appropriate for their roles as merchants and traders. August's gear might have looked hot and restrictive to observers, but his unique physiological adaptations ensured that he remained cool and unrestricted in his movements, regardless of the equipment he carried.
Michelle had expressed interest in joining their expedition, having completed the first version of Maya's Traveling Mercantile banner—a masterpiece that would serve as their visual identity in markets across the region. August had compensated her generously for her artistic efforts, providing the agreed-upon ten local gold coins plus an additional five gold coins in appreciation of her exceptional work. The extra payment reflected not only the quality of her craftsmanship but also August's understanding of the importance of maintaining positive relationships with skilled contributors to their enterprise.
The day's expedition would be divided into two groups with distinct objectives. August and Sibus would visit Gremory's most renowned wagon-making facility to finalize the specifications for their custom-built transport vehicle. Meanwhile, Marcus, Andy, Milo, and Nina would handle the registration and trading activities at the merchant guild, accompanied by Michelle, who planned to explore the city's markets for personal purchases and professional supplies.
Back at the Fernando estate, Martha continued her duties caring for the thirteen children and the sole infant survivor of their villages massacre, all of whom had been graciously welcomed by Mrs. Susan Fernando, Marcus's mother. The elderly woman had found renewed purpose and joy in having young voices fill her home once again, and she had taken it upon herself to arrange temporary citizenship documentation for all the children. This generous gesture represented her gift to August, the remarkable young man who had saved her son and brought such positive change to their lives.
Mrs. Susan had also formally hired Martha Dulce, not as a servant but as a professional nanny with appropriate compensation for her vital role in caring for the children. This arrangement provided Martha with financial security while ensuring the children received the attention and care they deserved. Though none of them realized it at the time, these children would eventually play crucial roles in shaping the future of Maya village, their current circumstances serving as the foundation for destinies that would unfold in years to come.
Marcus bid an affectionate farewell to his mother before the group departed in their familiar Deluxe Type Medium Wagon. Today's journey would mark a significant transition, as the vehicle that had served them well would soon be used as other means as it will be replaced by a custom-designed transport more suited to their expanding commercial operations.
After an hour of travel through Gremory's well-maintained streets, they reached their first destination: Gremir's Customizable Wagon Shop, where August and Sibus separated from the main group. The remaining party members continued to the merchant guild, their arms full of documentation and samples that would facilitate their various registration and trading activities.
The merchant guild building impressed them with its scale and activity—a massive structure through which hundreds of merchants, traders, and commercial agents flowed daily. The constant bustle of commerce created an atmosphere of opportunity and prosperity that energized even experienced traders like Andy and Marcus. At the reception desk, they requested an accountant to review their meticulously maintained ledgers, a process that took only minutes due to August's insistence on proper record-keeping.
While Andy remained to handle the ledger review, Marcus took responsibility for their other administrative needs: registering their new employees (Marcus himself, Michelle, Milo, and Nina), redesigning their merchant plaque to match Michelle's banner artwork, and updating August's personal merchant registration. The comprehensive nature of these tasks reflected the professional approach that August insisted upon for all aspects of their business operations.
The entire registration process consumed approximately thirty minutes, culminating in the distribution of newly minted merchant plaques to each team member. These official documents would provide them with legitimacy and legal protection in markets throughout the region, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed to unregistered traders.
With their administrative duties completed, the group's focus shifted to their primary objective: converting their accumulated inventory into profit. Their cargo represented weeks of August's hunting efforts in the local forests they had come across, carefully processed and preserved to maintain maximum quality and value. The premium wild beast meat, rare medicinal herbs, and high-quality leather and hides they carried were commodities that commanded premium prices in urban markets like Gremory.
Meanwhile, Michelle and Nina embarked on their own mission, exploring the city's diverse markets with funds provided by August for both professional and personal purchases. Michelle's budget included resources for acquiring better tools and materials for her artistic work, while Nina received her first wages as a member of their organization—a generous amount that reflected August's commitment to treating his employees fairly.
The three remaining men—Andy, Marcus, and Milo—made their way to the markets most likely to appreciate their unique merchandise. Their cargo represented a significant investment in both time and resources: nine medium magical crates containing 13.5 tons of premium wild beast meat, six small magical crates holding 3,000 kilograms of expertly treated leather and hides (2,000 pieces of premium leather and 1,000 high-quality hides, precisely cut and efficiently packed), and three additional crates containing 1,500 kilograms of rare medicinal herbs that could only be harvested from the depths of untamed wilderness.
Their first stop targeted the city's high-end restaurants and exclusive taverns. Word of their premium meat had spread quickly through Gremory's culinary community, attracting influential chefs, tavern owners, and meat vendors who rarely had access to such exceptional products. The scarcity and quality of wild beast meat made it a coveted commodity, especially in the quantities that Maya's Traveling Mercantile could provide.
The merchants found themselves surrounded by eager buyers, each attempting to negotiate exclusive deals or secure priority access to their goods. The aggressive competition threatened to create chaos, so Andy took control of the situation with the seasoned authority of an experienced trader.
"Now, now, ladies and gentlemen," Andy announced, his voice carrying over the crowd, "to ensure fair treatment for everyone involved, we'll conduct this sale through a bidding process. We have substantial quantities of high-quality and premium meat available, but we want to establish a fair market price that satisfies all parties. We'll begin the bidding at nine local gold coins per kilogram—the price our most recent customer paid for similar goods."
The bidding commenced with conservative increments of one imperial copper coin, but as the competition intensified, the price climbed steadily. The final bid reached three imperial copper coins per kilogram (equivalent to thirty local gold coins), representing a significant premium that reflected both the quality of their products and the fierce demand among Gremory's culinary elite.
Andy's satisfaction was evident as he observed the bidding war. His background in mercenary work had taught him to recognize and exploit advantageous situations, and the current scenario clearly favored the sellers. The high prices would generate substantial profits while establishing Maya's Traveling Mercantile as a premium supplier in the regional market.
"Very well, is there no higher bid?" Andy called out, savoring the moment. "Going once... going twice... sold! At three imperial copper coins per kilogram. Now please form an orderly line, gentlemen and ladies—we have plenty of time to serve everyone."
Some potential buyers departed when the price exceeded their budgets, but those who remained represented the wealthiest and most successful establishments in Gremory. Among the crowd, Andy noticed a representative from Count Gremory's household, indicating that news of their exceptional merchandise had reached the highest levels of local society.
To ensure fair distribution among the remaining customers, they limited individual purchases to 500 kilograms per buyer. This restriction allowed everyone who had participated in the bidding to acquire some of their premium products while preventing any single customer from monopolizing their inventory. As restaurant staff and tavern workers arrived to collect their purchases, the final customer approached—Count Gremory's representative, who also acquired the maximum allowed quantity.
The meat sales generated impressive revenue: eight imperial gold coins and ten imperial silver coins, representing a substantial return on August's hunting investments. With their primary merchandise successfully sold, the group moved on to their next target: the armor and clothing districts where their leather goods would find appreciative customers.
The pattern repeated itself as word spread about the exceptional quality of their leather and hide products. High-end shops and specialized craftsmen gathered to examine their wares, leading to another competitive bidding situation. Starting at five imperial copper coins, the bidding escalated to ten imperial copper coins for each perfectly cut piece of premium leather and hide, measuring five feet on all sides.
The leather and hide sales added another six imperial gold coins to their current profits, bringing their total earnings to impressive levels. The consistent demand for their products validated August's strategy of focusing on quality over quantity, as premium goods commanded premium prices even in competitive markets.
Their final transaction of the day took them to Gremory Prime Alembic-Elixir, the region's premier pharmaceutical and potion-making facility. The establishment's reputation for producing high-quality potions made them the ideal customer for the rare medicinal herbs that August had gathered during his forest expeditions.
The pharmaceutical facility's expertise allowed them to maximize the value of raw plant materials through skilled processing. A single kilogram of their rare herbs could yield ten high-quality potions (worth five imperial gold coins each), fifty medium-quality potions (worth three imperial gold coins each), or two hundred low-quality potions (worth twenty-five imperial silver coins each). Even at their selling price of three local gold coins per kilogram, the facility would generate substantial profits while providing Maya's Traveling Mercantile with fair compensation for their rare materials.
The herb sales contributed an additional 4,500 imperial gold coins (equivalent to four imperial orichalcum coins and 500 imperial gold coins) to their current revenue, creating a total that staggered even experienced merchants like Andy and Marcus.
The day's complete sales figures were breathtaking: four imperial orichalcum coins, 514 imperial gold coins, and ten imperial silver coins. Such wealth represented a fortune that could attract dangerous attention from criminal elements who specialized in robbing successful merchants. Even Milo, despite his limited commercial experience, understood that carrying such amounts made them prime targets for robbery and violence.
Fortunately, August had anticipated this problem and provided them with a magical storage solution created through his mysterious system capabilities. The "Coin Purse" appeared ordinary but possessed extraordinary properties—it could safely store up to ten imperial orichalcum coins' worth of currency while remaining accessible only to authorized users through magical imprint recognition. The Class V - Novice designation indicated its position in August's expanding arsenal of practical magical items.
True to his word, August would later distribute their promised compensation: monthly salaries paid in advance plus a one percent commission divided equally between Andy and Marcus. Each man would receive 22 imperial gold coins and 50 imperial silver coins—wealth sufficient to support comfortable lifestyles for several lifetimes if managed prudently.
As the afternoon progressed, the group reunited to collect Michelle and Nina from their shopping expedition before seeking out August and Sibus at the wagon maker's facility. The successful completion of their trading activities had exceeded even their optimistic projections, establishing Maya's Traveling Mercantile as a formidable presence in Gremory's commercial landscape.
**[BANKING SYSTEM]**
**Imperial Currency:**
- 4 Imperial Orichalcum Coins (+4)
- 1,516 Imperial Gold Coins (+514)
- 563 Imperial Silver Coins (+10)
- 310 Imperial Copper Coins
**Local Currency:**
- 6,490 Local Gold Coins
- 557 Local Silver Coins
- 283 Local Copper Coins
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Day 52.3: Michelle and Nina Shopping Adventures and Finalizing the Wagons Details and Costs
While their male colleagues focused on generating revenue through strategic sales, Michelle and Nina embarked on their own mission through Gremory's diverse marketplace. Their shopping expedition served multiple purposes: acquiring professional supplies for Michelle's artistic work, purchasing personal items for both women, and familiarizing Nina with the commercial environments she would encounter as a member of their traveling merchant group.
Michelle's shopping list reflected her dual role as both artist and businesswoman. She sought high-quality threads and yarns in various colors and textures, specialized tools for textile work, and innovative materials that might inspire new creative directions. August's generous budget allocation—fifteen local gold coins for her banner commission plus two imperial gold coins for tools and personal needs—provided her with substantial purchasing power and the freedom to invest in professional development.
Nina's shopping experience served as an informal education in commerce and market dynamics. Her compensation of two local gold coins represented generous payment for an apprentice-level position, especially considering that average wages for merchant employees typically ranged from thirty to fifty local silver coins per month in most towns and cities. August's additional gift of five local gold coins for personal expenses demonstrated his commitment to treating employees fairly and ensuring their loyalty through genuine generosity.
The economic context of their shopping expedition reflected Gremory's prosperity and stability. While city prices typically exceeded rural costs by approximately twenty percent, the abundance of goods, services, and employment opportunities created a stable market environment. Food remained affordable due to efficient agricultural systems, housing options were plentiful for various income levels, and the five percent tax rate encouraged commercial activity without creating undue burden on residents.
Regional wage disparities highlighted the economic advantages of working for August's organization. Outside the empire, merchant employee wages could reach one to five imperial gold coins monthly, making Nina's and Milo's compensation comparable to positions in the Imperial Capital's most prestigious commercial establishments. August's understanding of these economic realities informed his generous compensation policies, ensuring that his employees felt valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts.
Meanwhile, August and Sibus engaged in detailed negotiations with the master craftsmen at Gremir's Customizable Wagon Shop. The design specifications they discussed reflected Sibus' contribution to their expanding operational requirements. The custom-built vehicle would need to accommodate larger cargo loads, provide better protection for valuable merchandise, and offer improved comfort for extended travel periods.
The financial terms they negotiated demonstrated the significant investment required for quality craftsmanship: twenty imperial gold coins for the wagon itself, plus twelve imperial gold coins for skilled labor costs. The total timeline of two to three months would see completion by winter, assuming no unexpected complications arose during construction. The inclusion of four beasts of burden in the twelve imperial gold coin labor cost represented excellent value, as these animals would provide the moving power necessary for their expanding commercial operations.
The handshake agreement with the shop's owner and master builder sealed a partnership that would produce a vehicle specifically designed for Maya's Traveling Mercantile's unique needs. The custom wagon would serve as both practical transportation and a visible symbol of their growing success in regional commerce.
Perfect timing brought their various groups together as Marcus, Andy, and Milo had already collected Michelle and Nina; now they just needed to get August and Sibus, who had just concluded their negotiations. The day's successful activities created an atmosphere of celebration and accomplishment that called for appropriate recognition.
The return journey to the Fernando estate was filled with excited discussion of the day's achievements and plans for the evening's celebration. August had decided to host a lavish dinner that would include not only their immediate group but also the orphaned children, villa staff, and Mrs. Susan Fernando—a gesture that reflected his appreciation for the support and hospitality they had received.
The dinner celebration took place at one of Gremory's finest establishments, where August spared no expense in ensuring everyone enjoyed exceptional food and service. The twenty-five imperial gold coins he invested in the meal represented more than monetary cost—it symbolized his commitment to sharing success with those who contributed to their achievements and his recognition of the importance of building strong relationships within their extended community.
The evening's festivities continued well into the night, with the city center maintaining its vibrant atmosphere long after most suburban areas had settled into quiet repose. The contrast between urban energy and rural tranquility became apparent as they traveled from the bustling commercial district to the peaceful outskirts where the Fernando estate provided sanctuary from the day's intense activities.
Upon returning to their accommodations, Andy and Marcus presented their earnings to August for secure storage in his advanced magical Banking System. The successful day's work had generated remarkable profits, validating their strategic approach to high-quality merchandise and premium market positioning.
August's final financial calculations for the day revealed significant investments in their future success: twenty-five imperial gold coins for celebratory dining, thirty-two imperial gold coins for the custom wagon, forty-five imperial gold coins in commission payments to Andy and Marcus, and nineteen local gold coins for wages and miscellaneous expenses. The total expenditure of 104 imperial gold coins and nineteen local gold coins represented money well-invested in employee satisfaction, operational capability, and long-term business development.
As the evening concluded and their group prepared for well-deserved rest, the day's achievements provided a solid foundation for their continuing evolution from ambitious startup to established commercial enterprise. The successful trading activities, completed registrations, commissioned wagon, and strengthened team relationships all contributed to Maya's Traveling Mercantile's growing reputation and operational capability.
The combination of substantial profits, strategic investments, and team development activities marked Day 52 as a pivotal moment in their organizational growth. With their enhanced resources, expanded capabilities, and proven market success, they were well-positioned for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in their merchant adventures.
**[BANKING SYSTEM]**
**Imperial Currency:**
- 4 Imperial Orichalcum Coins
- 1,412 Imperial Gold Coins (-104)
- 563 Imperial Silver Coins
- 310 Imperial Copper Coins
**Local Currency:**
- 6,466 Local Gold Coins (-24)
- 557 Local Silver Coins
- 283 Local Copper Coins