Chapter 67: Potential Sons-in-law? [1]
I sensed something unusual in the Carriers Duchy, but there was nothing I could do about it right away.
Even if I ran like crazy, it would take a month to go back and forth. There was so much work to do in the Deliat Autonomous Region; how could I possibly go there?
'The butlers will take care of it. They've already set up the system well.'
The textile factories, pottery, and tool workshops were all well-organized.
I was able to get a rough idea of the indicators, although not as detailed as I was.
The answer to who worked and when was very clear. When something goes wrong, it's not easy to determine who's responsible.
But when I looked at the employee management window, there didn't seem to be any major problems.
'It seems like it's an external factor, but let's just trust it and leave it to them for now.'
Didn't I give my butlers a lot of authority to do that?
After I closed the hologram, I focused on the single-ring factory.
Two days after assigning the task to Elector, a prototype was finally produced.
Even though it was just starting to take shape, the storage unit seemed to be in pretty good shape.
"It came out better than I expected. Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Electra."
"Go, thank you."
"Can you tell me how to make it?"
"Yes, of course."
The elector explained in detail the order and method of cutting the tree. The overall picture wasn't much different from what I had envisioned. But the details were extraordinary.
"If you don't cut it like this, it won't work."
"Does it really have to be like that?"
"Yes. Because it can get twisted later or break when cut."
"I saw them making wooden boards at a nearby construction site. Other carpenters didn't do that."
"It's because the materials are different. The papata tree used for storage is very hard."
"Instead, it means that there is a lack of elasticity."
"That's correct. But when it comes to making small boxes, nothing beats this."
It was indeed a remark that only a carpenter who had experience working with local wood could make. I looked around the storage box that Elector had made.
'It's perfect for division of labor.'
I quickly broke the process down to the second. Workers lined up along a single-row workbench.
The first thing to do after cutting down the wood in front is to sand it down. Next came applying the finishing material, assembling, and finally filling the interior with velvet.
Four rows of workbenches were installed inside the factory. When he worked like that, he was able to produce four finished products every 25 minutes on average.
'Production will increase soon. As they become more skilled, each process will become a little faster.'
Of course, that wasn't all.
I was also planning to create a quality control team to inspect defective products. It was a storage box for expensive items, so even the slightest flaw could not be tolerated.
Isn't this a product that has my name on it?
"Let's proceed with the rest little by little, and let's start working on this side slowly."
The production system was gradually taking shape.
So, what's left is promotion. No matter how good an item is, what good is it?
People have to know about it to become popular.
In the Middle Ages, when news traveled painfully slowly, public relations activities were a truly difficult task. One advantage I had that others didn't.
'High status, enormous wealth, and… a network of connections that will get me there.'
I went straight to Princess Justia with the finished product.
She was touring the Governor's Residence, which was undergoing reconstruction. It seemed like she couldn't stand it any longer and was going to build it herself.
This could lead to problems with building ownership later, but I didn't really care. Since I'm going to be staying there anyway, I'll just have to make a separate place.
The Governor's Residence isn't some kind of symbolic place.
"Hello, my lady."
"Ah, Your Highness the Duke of Carriers. What brings you here? I thought you were busy with the factory work."
"It's almost finished. By the way, could you take a look at this?"
I took out a box of the hot finished product.
Although I haven't put the dry ring in yet, the storage box itself is heavy. She touched its shiny surface with interest.
"It's quite luxurious. It has a heavy feel to it, so I think it would be a perfect gift for a man."
"The reviews are quite generous."
"It's rare to find something this elaborate. And the inside is nice too. Is that where you put the medicine?"
"Yes, I plan to do that."
"That's a good idea. I think it will sell well."
Even for someone as picky as Princess Justia, this was a very good start. Now it's time to get to the main point. I opened my mouth carefully.
"Now that the finished product is out, I'd like to give it as a gift."
"Huh? For me? Didn't you say it's a good medicine for men?"
"Ah, of course. Then, how about sending it to the King…?"
"If that's the case, I totally agree. I think he'll be satisfied."
After his first wife died, Duke Crawford took dozens of concubines.
But as he get older, it's time to start putting in the effort.
'As expected, it sells well.'
I smiled with a sense of conversion and immediately thought of the next plan.
I should also spread the word to the nobles of the Duchy of Crawford. Furthermore, the plan was to further spread it throughout the Western Union.
Since I can take care of the Empire anyway, she just needs to take care of the West.
But Princess Justia opened her mouth with a meaningful expression.
"There is one condition."
"Huh? What is that?"
"You're not planning on sending me alone, are you?"
"Ah, that's…"
"And you say it's a good medicine for men? It would be more credible if someone who has seen the effects explained it."
"Are you saying I should go with you?"
"Haha! Of course."
Oh, I got caught.
I knew it would turn out like this. If I decline here, I'll lose a perfect promotional item.
I guess I'll have to start from the bottom and work my way up.
But even that won't be easy. Princess Justia, whose judgment is twisted, may exert an uncomfortable influence.
'Still, it's not that far from the Empire, so it might be worth a visit.'
A week would probably be enough.
I was willing to spend that much. If only the dried persimmons would sell like hotcakes.
Moreover, by joining the Western Nations Alliance, there was also personal benefit to be gained.
There are many noble ladies there who have received help from me, like Princess Justia.
While I'm at it, I might as well get something in return. I nodded with a big smile.
"Okay. Okay then."