The two ate and talked, and since there hadn't been any meetings in the territory recently, there was still a lot to discuss.
"How's the situation with ironware lately? Is the Everything Sold Department Store still able to sell any farm tools?"
" My Lord, there aren't many people buying farm tools at the Everything Sold Department Store anymore. Most people already have the small tools, and only the newly established Windmill Village still has a demand for them. Large, heavy farm tools aren't selling much either, since they're quite expensive. Farm tool manufacturing at Red Iron Village is also decreasing. Weapons have become the main use of Iron Mine Stones, but I've heard that we already have a lot of weapons. Shouldn't we manufacture something else? Otherwise, we might not have enough space for Iron Mine Stones."
Ed has never paid attention to the use of iron. There wasn't enough iron before, but now he digs it every day, and there are only two or three uses for it. It seems that there are more and more Iron Mine stones.
We need to find a way to use some up first. " Marcus, do you remember that iron kettle from Adelaide? Have Smith start making those. Big ones, small ones, all sorts of them, make a lot and sell them at the Everything Sold Department Store."
"Okay, that iron kettle is really useful, so much better than the earthenware pot. I'm sure it will be very popular." Marcus quickly took out a piece of paper and wrote it down; it was indeed a very good idea.
Ed finished the last sip of milk with satisfaction, then looked at Marcus who was still diligently taking notes and continued:
" Marcus, is the 'Real Everything Sold Department Store ' at Market ready?"
Yes, Ed plans to open another branch there, mainly for trading bulk goods with others. That way, they won't have to come to the territory to buy items.
Marcus quickly put down his pen and replied:
" My Lord, it's all done. We're moving the goods in now, as you requested, the things sold in the real Everything Sold Department Store over there. Mainly rabbit-brand gloves from the leather and textile workshop, boots, hats. New clothes, old-fashioned linen clothes. Various farm tools from Red Iron Village, and other ordinary things."
"Well, that's good enough. We can sell these things now. We can also put some of the iron kettles over there to sell later when they're finished."
Ed certainly wouldn't take everything from the Everything Sold Department Store. After all, paper, soap, mirrors, and food are all high-end items, and he doesn't have the energy or manpower to manufacture them right now. He'll deal with those things later, depending on the situation.
"What about Windmill Village? How's the farming there?" Windmill Village is still very important as it will be the main food production area for the territory in the future.
"The farming situation there is very good, so you don't need to worry at all. All the newly reclaimed land has been cultivated, and the water troughs have been repaired. The main problem now is that most of the houses in Windmill Village are simple work sheds, which will be a bit troublesome when the weather gets cold."
Ed had already thought about this problem before. There was no good solution; they could only rely on themselves. He had already provided very good conditions.
"Okay, Marcus, they should be on their own now. We've stopped collecting taxes and are offering free farm tools."
"Yes, my Lord, I will speak to them. Now that the territory is growing larger, may you allow horseback riding?"
Ed smiled at the butler's request. " Marcus, riding a horse on the territory is not allowed, but don't worry, Roderick is making something brand new. It's a little inferior to a horse, but it should be quite good to ride on the territory."
"Really? I've never heard him mention it." Old Butler Marcus was somewhat surprised.