I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house.
Even if the Golden Sheep Trading Company handles both distribution and sales, skilled technicians are indispensable when it comes to production.
The head of the workshop… probably isn’t an option. I’ve asked him to improve guns and work on catapults—too many tasks. He likely won’t have the capacity to continually refine prosthetic arms and legs.
Which means… I’ll have to ask him, the designer.
“I’m thinking of entrusting you with the improvements to prosthetic arms and legs.”
When I told him that, the man—who had designed the hot spring facility—bowed his head politely.
“Thank you very much.”
“But I do have a favor to ask.”
“What would that be?”
“I’d like you to deliver a regular supply of prosthetics for commoners.”
He’d be in charge of production, but we still need them ourselves.
Once winter ends, war will be inevitable, and when that happens, there will surely be more people who need prosthetics.
“Understood.”
“If you decide to build a workshop, I’ll promise financial support.”
“…Are you sure?”
The designer seemed surprised—he clearly hadn’t expected support.
I nodded, meaning “of course.”
“Naturally, we at the Golden Sheep will also offer our support.”
Jakob interjected. Well, if they’re handling both distribution and sales, it makes sense that they’d want to maintain a certain level of influence.
But for me, it’s not about influence—I have another goal.
“If you’re building the workshop, it’ll probably be in the domain capital of House Weiwahl, right?”
“…Yes, that’s correct.”
He was originally a technician from House Weiwahl, and it’s common to keep such skilled people close.
“When you hire people for the workshop, could you prioritize those from the slums?”
Back when I was there, I did manage to help a few people, but many others from the slums are still struggling.
That’s precisely my goal. I can’t help them directly now due to the distance, but this way, I can help them.
“I’m not too confident it’ll help much… but feel free to use my name when hiring.”
I don’t know how effective it’ll be, but if the people from the slums feel even a little indebted to me, maybe they’ll work diligently.
“…You truly are just as I heard.”
“Huh?”
I feel like it’s the first time I’ve seen the designer—whom I thought was just a professional—actually smile.
“I used to live in the domain capital of the Count’s household, so I’d heard rumors about the former official.”
Ah… I see. That makes sense. If he lived in the same domain capital, it wouldn’t be strange for him to know what kind of person I am.
“Of course. I’d be happy to cooperate.”
It seems he took those rumors about me in a positive light. I didn’t expect the discussion to go this smoothly… I guess the saying is true: “Kindness begets kindness.”
I stood up and extended my right hand.
“I’m counting on you.”
“Yes, likewise.”