How To Suck Honey With Extras [EN]: Chapter 207

230. Preparing for a New Business (1)

After that, we immediately looked for a place to stay.

We ended up at the branch managed by Lowell, a merchant I trade with.

As the saying goes, it’s best to owe favors to people you know, so I went there without hesitation.

Moreover, for them, who had recently expanded their merchant guild, accommodating a group of about 150 people of different races would be manageable.

Fortunately, Lowell was a bit surprised by my request, but he agreed.

Of course, he wanted to hear the details, so I told him as much as I could.

Even so, he allowed it.

‘If it doesn’t work out, we can always find another place,’ I thought.

Considering our situation, it would be easier to owe favors to merchants who move with self-interest rather than nobles.

‘But it’s a different story if we stay for a long time.’

Surprisingly, there were no dissatisfied opinions.

Perhaps because Dires and the other races had no intention of simply staying as guests, they seemed to be trying to earn their keep by helping with work.

Thanks to their enthusiasm, they didn’t get glared at by the other merchants.

Indeed, it seems that people should be diligent.

Thanks to this, I was able to consider future plans without worrying about being watched.

“First of all, I need to check this first.”

There was something I needed to check.

I checked my stats and abilities and found something new.

“I don’t remember getting this?”

Moreover, it’s not something I obtained by consuming points, but a unique ability.

A trait belonging to effort or innate talent has been added.

What I can guess is…

‘Could it be thanks to returning that spirit?’

The ice spirit that the executive Pemalt summoned and overworked to fight me.

Is this the reward for returning it?

If so, it’s worth it.

The value of spirit power increased, and I felt that the activation of spirit magic became smoother.

“And the ‘Grace of the Spirit’ trait is… Ah, that’s it!”

Spirit magic summoning correction.

In the future, when summoning spirits, there is also a trait that increases the probability of summoning a more suitable spirit.

In other words, it will be a success rate correction during summoning.

“Summoning, huh.”

The spirit magic industry is so petty.

Blatantly encouraging summoning.

It’s a scary sales tactic.

Let’s keep it in mind and use it later.

What’s important is not that trait.

In fact, the real bonus is separate.

They’re really giving it away.

It was my first time getting it like this without using points, so I was a bit dumbfounded.

I know that the Spirit’s Favor trait is probably a spirit affinity amplification trait.

The most important thing is Advanced Spirit Magic!

Advanced!

Yes, it’s advanced!

231. Preparing for a New Business (2)

Until recently, my spirit magic was intermediate.

Even though the firepower had far surpassed the intermediate stage, it had not reached the advanced level.

Advanced and intermediate are different.

It’s not about discussing power, but the depth is different.

But I have reached that advanced level.

“Saving a spirit and overcoming the wall of spirit magic……”

Is this a reward for my contribution?

I know that the setting is that the highest-level spirits have mysterious powers, though not as much as the Spirit King, but I didn’t know it would be this much.

Maybe it was also influenced by the spirit power emitted while dealing with that ice spirit.

“They’re really generous.”

It’s really a spirit that repays kindness.

In this aspect, our spirits are more transparent than humans.

First, I checked all the acquired traits and lay down with satisfaction.

I also acquired the magic tome as planned and further improved my spirit magic, and above all…

‘I can finally live a little more comfortably.’

Because I unintentionally obtained something important.

The different races who followed me.

Now I need to make a full-fledged plan on what to do with them.

Fortunately, I have some ideas.

* * *

I should have a discussion to sort out my position.

I immediately gathered everyone in one place.

First, me.

And Dires, the representative of the different races.

The alchemist Elmerot.

And the merchant Lowell, who had been taking care of us for the past few days.

The four of us sat around the table and started discussing.

The three of them waited silently without saying a word.

They were waiting for me, who gathered them, to speak first.

“I’ll get straight to the point. I want to go into business with the different races.”

“Business… I see… You’ve thought that far.”

Somehow, Elmerot seemed to be convinced, as if he knew it would happen.

Lowell also seemed to have expected it, and he didn’t show any agitation and was holding back his words.

On the other hand, Dires widened his eyes as if he was surprised.

“Business… is it?”

“I’ve been doing various transactions here with Lowell’s mediation, and I’m earning enough not to starve.”

At my explanation, I heard a voice muttering, “No, it’s not just enough not to starve…” as if he couldn’t stop himself.

It’s Lowell.

Yes! I earn a lot! Hmph!

“Recently, I’ve been so short-handed that it’s hard for me to handle it alone. That’s why Lowell suggested that I hire someone to take on the work.”

I had put it on hold at that time.

Because there was so much to do, and it was hard to find someone trustworthy to entrust the work to in this harsh world.

But my mind has changed.

Specifically, since I met Dires and the other races.

“I want to propose that Dires and you do that work together.”

“To us… you mean?”

He widened his eyes and was surprised.

In fact, it was a necessary task.

It was time for me to put people under me and reduce the burden.

In that respect, they had ideal conditions for me.

‘First of all, there are a lot of them… and elves and beastmen aren’t bad either.’

The fact that their physical abilities are superior to ordinary humans is something I would greatly welcome as someone who hires them, and there is no reason to dislike it.

‘And extras.’

I looked at Dires’ head.

In fact, ‘no role in the original work’ is important.

If I hire a mere supporting character, I become anxious because I don’t know what original elements that person is involved in.

But they are different.

They are the ones who should have been sacrificed according to the original development.

At least they will not be greatly related to the elements that will occur in the future.

It is ideal to hire a person with an extra-level importance.

Because they are safe.

‘I’m going to hire extras, have them do the work, and grow the business under my leadership!’

Don’t underestimate extras!

Extras are the best! Extras are the future!

In short, I’m thinking of hiring them.

And let’s create my own store in earnest!

I’m going to make potions, make products, make all sorts of things, and sell them in earnest!

“So, I hope you guys will learn the job and make a fortune with me.”

“…Hmm, I never thought you’d make such a proposal.”

Dires couldn’t continue his words, perhaps because he thought it was such an unexpected proposal.

Elmerot gave his opinion first, perhaps understanding his psychology to some extent.

“Dires, think about it. I don’t think that brat’s words are a bad proposal. You guys can’t keep wandering around.”

“T, that’s true, but……”

“Above all, can’t you trust Ailen, that brat?”

I didn’t help them for nothing.

To build trust, you have to show that much sincerity and reason.

“Elder Elmerot’s words are a bit exaggerated, but at least I can ensure that you get as much results as you work for.”

I know the position of workers well.

I was like that too.

Perpetual non-regular worker Ailen! I know your hearts!

At least I don’t cheat on wages.

I won’t make you sleep in a basement without windows either.

Whether my intention was conveyed, or whether my proposal was attractive to them, Dires seemed to be seriously considering it before giving an answer.

“…I understand. After discussing with the others, those who agree will follow Ailen’s proposal.”

“Now that that’s settled. Lowell, to you……”

“I know. You’re talking about the procedure for them to join, right?”

The reason I had Lowell attend this discussion was not for anything else, but because I needed a way to guarantee their identity.

It’s difficult to get citizenship normally.

It would be possible with the guarantee of a noble, but there is no one trustworthy in the Selvas Kingdom.

‘There is also a way to go to Sylvester and borrow his connections……’

That’s a means for when it’s really impossible.

Above all, it’s best not to rely too much on the abilities of the protagonist and his friends.

So I chose the method of establishing identity as a merchant.

On the condition that they promote the membership, they will give priority to these people when expanding the business in the future.

That’s the business condition to help each other.

“Is it possible?”

“…It won’t be difficult.”

Lowell seriously put his chin on his hand and pretended to be thinking.

“If there is Ailen’s guarantee… at least there is no reason to refuse at the point where it benefits us.”

“That’s really great.”

From the point when I heard the confirmation that there would be no problem with joining the merchant guild, there is nothing to hesitate about.

“Then. Let’s talk on the premise that you will be working with me.”

I started to bring up the next story with ease.

There are many things to discuss.

But there is no need to rush.

Unlike saving the world, this won’t be a matter of seconds.

* * *

After the discussion was over.

Dires hurried down to have a discussion with the different races to ask about their future intentions.

Lowell also got up immediately because he had other work to do.

And what remained was me and the alchemist Elmerot.

“…With this, I don’t have to worry about those friends’ work.”

Elmerot also tried to get up from his seat, but he noticed it right away and sat back down.

“It seems you have something to say.”

“That’s right. Until a while ago, it was a proposal for Dires and his friends. And this time.”

“You have something to propose to this old man?”

Yes.

When you think about it, it’s an opportunity you can’t miss.

Ignoring the connection with him, who is known as one of the best alchemists in the original work, is a foolish act.

I have to seize this opportunity.

“It seems you want to hold on to me.”

“That’s exactly right. I want to work with them, and also with Elder Elmerot.”

“You’re really greedy. It’s a natural attitude for your age, though.”

However, he just clicked his tongue lightly, as if he didn’t dislike it.

“If you work with me, there will be nothing to worry about for their settlement as well.”

Teaching Elmerot’s skills to them and solidifying the foundation of my store more firmly based on that.

It’s a great plan.

And even though Elmerot is a leading alchemist, I know his basic situation through the original work.

So I judged that there would be no problem even if I brought him in.

But unlike me, he wouldn’t think that way.

“Do you know about me?”

“I know. You’re wanted by the Alchemist Guild and are being chased by the Spirit Master Guild, aren’t you?”

He is being targeted by those who dislike him, and he is also being chased due to his own fault.

He is subtly bad at handling himself.

“Of course, I remember. It’s a proposal considering that.”

“…Hmm.”

“The Alchemist Guild issue can be resolved at my level anyway.”

That was in the plan from the beginning.

Whether Elmerot is involved or not, it’s an element that needs to be resolved anyway.

And the Spirit Master Guild issue is…….

“Isn’t that something Elder Elmerot can clear up at any time?”

“…You, how do you know that?”

His complexion hardened.

“Among high-ranking spirit masters, the story of a certain alchemist is quite famous. To be exact, it’s the anecdote related to the elixir of youth that Elder Elmerot took.”

“…Is that all you know?”

“Even if human mouths are heavy, spirit mouths are not so heavy.”

Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to suspect anything else.

It’s because he misunderstands me as a high-ranking spirit master thanks to my firepower and abilities.

“First of all, let’s put aside the Alchemist Guild issue, and I’ll step in to mediate the Spirit Master Guild issue right now……”

“N, no! Hmm! That, that’s right! As you said, it doesn’t seem to be a big problem!”

He is flustered and unable to calm down.

Putting aside everything else, the Spirit Master Guild story seems to have hit him properly.

Knowing his story, I just watched with a grin.

“Anyway, you can’t just live as a wanted person forever, can you?”

“Ahem… so you’re going to step in?”

“It’s a deal. We help each other.”

It’s a problem that they will clash with sooner or later.

Then, wouldn’t it be constructive to use that to bring them in?

Originally, the matter regarding Elmerot was a problem that Sylvester would handle in the original work, but it wouldn’t matter much if I achieved it.

Above all, unlike Sylvester, if I intervene, I have something to gain that is different from him.

There is something that is possible because it is me.

There is such a shallow calculation.

“How is it?”

“…Can you really solve it? I don’t care about the Alchemist Guild guys, but the spirit masters… that thing there……”

“I promise. It will never harm Elder Elmerot.”

Since I guaranteed it to this extent, he seemed to be quite troubled.

Good. To be troubled means that he has already crossed over.

And as I was sure, Elmerot coughed repeatedly.

“Since you say that much, I’ll trust you once. Anyway, I didn’t have any other plans, so being in a place like this wouldn’t be bad… Ahem.”

He should have honestly said that he was tempted by the fact that I would solve the problem with the Spirit Master Guild.

Well, it won’t be long before he realizes the truth about what he promised.