With the departure of Dahlia’s group, half of the seats at the round table were vacant; Ivano felt as though the conference room had grown even larger.
“Let us coordinate our next steps. Ivano, come sit with us.”
Here, the commoner Ivano sat at a table with Viscount Jedda, guildmaster of the Merchants’; Viscount Augusto, vice-guildmaster of the Adventurers’; Viscount Forto, guildmaster of the Tailors’; and soon-to-be-marquis Guido. Up until half a year ago, this situation would have been nothing but a daydream. How dare someone like me join these people here, he thought to himself as he corrected his posture on the luxurious leather chair.
“Now, then, I would like to have everyone’s candor regarding the new product.”
Augusto was the first to answer Guido’s request. “Frankly, this is unfathomably terrific. I see it sharply enhancing the performance of protective gear. The Adventurers’ Guild would love to get their hands on it, assuming that the price and timing are right.”
“After seeing how it absorbs impacts, I can say this is a versatile material, although we still lack empirical data. It can undoubtedly be used for armor and furniture at the minimum. The Merchants’ Guild wishes to have rights to it.”
“I must say I was quite surprised by it at first, but the Tailors’ Guild would like this as well—not only would it be great as padding, but I believe it also has potential for use as bedding.” Each of the men, on behalf of his guild, spoke so positively about the new product. The fabric and cushions made with yellow slime were sure to become a big hit; Ivano was feeling very pleased when he heard Guido call his name.
“Ivano, does the Rossetti Trading Company have a preference about whom to prioritize?”
“The chairwoman would like to deliver to the Order of Beast Hunters first.”
“I have no objections to that. Everyone?”
“Not at all, though—if I may be frank again—we would like to have this as soon and as affordable as possible for our adventurers’ sake.” It was natural that Augusto wanted to protect his guild members.
Ivano would like to hasten production and delivery too, and he would like for the people present here to assist in that process. “In that case, may we task Lord Augusto with increasing yellow slime breeding and securing other monster materials, Lord Forto with securing the supply of fabric and warehousing, and Lord Leone with securing various other necessary materials and outsourcing to magical toolmakers?”
They all agreed and took responsibility for their respective domains, save for one person—Guido fixed his gaze upon Ivano. “Do I not have a role to play, Ivano?”
“Lord Guido, we would very much appreciate it if you could liaise with the castle and the nobility, who may be too eager to get their own share.”
“Certainly, there is a possibility that some may fight for the new product. Even if it is just the carriage seat cushions, they may assist in greasing palms. If I could have the prototypes, I shall focus on quieting anxious voices.”
“Very good. I will see to it appropriately.” Ivano’s response elicited a smile from the man with blue eyes. It appeared that the Cushion Mark I would become an accomplice to bribery.
“Sir Guido, know that those are sure to cause a ruckus among the civil servants.”
“Yes, indeed. They are at their desks all night filling and filing papers—they would definitely appreciate something comfortable for their seats. That material would do well for cushions too...” Augusto stared blankly into the distance, perhaps bracing himself for another round of exhausting himself around the clock—in the past, the staff of the Adventurers’ had gone pale from dealing with blue slimes, and even now, with Idaea and the nursery’s backing, the forecast looked like more of the same.
“The Merchants’ shall recruit woodworkers as well.”
“Erm, Lord Leone, I believe the woodworkers are up to their necks in heated low tables...” Dahlia had preoccupied yet another occupation with one of her inventions; the tables were being sold the second they were made, and the warehouses that had been prepared for them were sitting empty—an extravagance that many couldn’t entertain the thought of.
“Why, there are always more people looking for work. Those who were in a slump now sell ten times their previous output—they even revere her as ‘Dame Chairwoman Rossetti.’”
In fact, they had called her that the other day, and Dahlia had panicked; now that the capital-D Dame was set in stone, she’d likely be on the verge of tears. Then Ivano heard his name again.
“Going forward, Ivano will preside over this matter, and we shall execute his orders.”
“I couldn’t, Lord Guido! Someone like me—” The suggestion was so matter of fact, but oh, no...
“What’s the matter, Ivano?”
“I would be overstepping my rank. I could serve in an advisory role, sure, but I would cause trouble in a directory role.” This business was entangled with the aristocracy, and for a commoner like himself to be in charge of it all would be less than ideal. At most, he ought to only suggest, not command the people in this room; surely it wouldn’t do for them to be bossed around by someone of his status.
For whatever reason, however, Forto frowned. “What do you mean, Ivano? The director of business within the Rossetti Trading Company is none other than you. I would be delighted to follow your directions.”
Augusto followed up on that remark. “Certainly, we would not be here if not for you bringing this product to us. You have proved to be a skilled planner, and if anything, I would like to request that you take charge of this project.”
But the other day, Ivano had fallen for Guido’s trick question—in spite of the high praise he’d received, was this yet another trap he was about to step into? Never mind his own skin, he did not want for the company to incur any damages as a result of a lapse on his part. That said, could one really learn to deal with tricksy nobles without first failing? Ivano wanted to become capable of dealing with them as he served at Dahlia’s side. Should he ask to be an advisor? Should he refrain from taking formal responsibilities so he could work out the details, letting the Merchants’ Guild’s Leone preside? He was racking his brains when he heard his name again.
“Ivano.” Leone’s black eyes were waiting for him; the guildmaster nodded, and his usual stiff expression softened to a tender smile—a smile in which Ivano saw that of his own father, although the two men looked nothing alike. “You needn’t be reserved—you are already one of us.”
Following Jonas’s guidance, the production team came to a room in the back of the manor with a splendid view of the blossoms in the garden. “This is the Scalfarottos’ magical toolmaking workshop, used for making both weapons and magical tools.”