Chapter 244: Starting a New Business (2)

'Fenris Arrow Delivery? What even is that?'

'Unbelievable. First, it was the weird name for the cosmetics, and now this.'

'Can't we do something about his naming sense?'

The vassals were already dizzy just from the name, without even knowing the details of the venture. As they gawked at Ghislain, mouths agape, he pushed forward with his argument.

"What? Why? What's wrong? Names need to be straightforward so people can understand them easily, don't you think? Last time, I compromised because the cosmetics were for nobles, right?"

Ghislain had spent much more of his life as a mercenary than as a noble. Naturally, he preferred quick and intuitive names over unnecessarily flowery expressions.

Even now, he felt a pang of regret for abandoning his ambitious name "Lovely Bling-Bling." He had yielded back then because of the overwhelmingly negative reactions and the fact that it was a luxury product meant for nobles. But this time, he wasn't going to back down.

Still looking dazed, Claude asked hesitantly.

"…So, what exactly is this Arrow Delivery? I have a vague idea, but could you explain your plan in detail?"

"It's simple. It's a business to deliver people's letters and goods."

"Oh…"

"We'll set up 'dispatch offices' in each city and village, where people can pay a small fee to have their letters and goods delivered safely. The ultimate goal is to establish dispatch offices in every city and village connected by the roads."

"Hmm…"

In this era, it wasn't easy for ordinary people to send letters or goods to distant relatives or acquaintances.

They couldn't send things whenever they wanted; they had to rely on travelers, merchants, or the army passing by to deliver their items. That was the limit of the times.

Of course, one could commission a merchant guild or hire someone to deliver for them, but such methods were out of reach for the impoverished populace.

It wasn't uncommon for a single letter to take months to reach its destination.

If the lord's territory itself handled the transport of such items, everyone could easily send letters and goods whenever they wanted.

But Ghislain wasn't done explaining.

"The roads need to be connected, so initially, the service will only operate within the territory. Even so, there will be plenty of users—soldiers separated from their families by their postings will definitely use it regularly."

The vassals nodded blankly in agreement.

"And honestly, even in areas not yet connected by roads, deliveries are still possible, though they might take longer. Once the basic system is established within the territory, knights, administrators, and immigrants from faraway regions will use it too. We'll just charge a higher fee for them."

"Oh…"

The vassals were visibly impressed. The plan clearly had business potential.

The Fenris territory wasn't solely inhabited by families that had lived there for generations.

Through various wars and territorial mergers, people from Perdium, Digald, and Cabaldi had mingled together. Additionally, thousands of immigrants had come from entirely different regions.

Many knights and administrators had also come to Fenris alone, responding to Ghislain's recruitment efforts, leaving their families and relatives behind.

In particular, soldiers stationed away from their families would frequently send letters to loved ones, boosting morale.

"That's not all. Once this system is fully established, it will make it easier for territory residents to obtain goods. Faster communication between cities and villages will also allow us to identify needed items and materials more quickly."

When Ghislain finished speaking, Claude broke into a cold sweat, lost in thought.

'What is this? How did he even come up with this idea? This is on a completely different level from his past business. If it succeeds, it will generate an enormous amount of money. Toll collection rights combined with a delivery business spanning half the kingdom—this is incredible!'

Ghislain smirked at the sight of the bewildered Claude.

'I used to handle deliveries a lot as a rookie mercenary.'

Even now, some nobles and merchants hired mercenaries to transport important items. Sometimes, they even entrusted mercenaries with escorting people.

If bandits or monsters attacked during transport, both the people and goods could be lost, so using mercenaries was a way to minimize risk.

The more skilled the mercenaries or the larger the merchant guild, the higher the delivery fees they could charge.

'In my past life, it was incredibly convenient.'

In his previous life, such a system had eventually emerged. Not for profit, but as a logistical necessity to respond to disasters.

The military used it to move troops and supply fortresses, repurposing these relay points into a delivery system.

Having experienced its convenience firsthand, Ghislain now aimed to establish it as a full-fledged, sustainable business for his territory.

'This will be invaluable during the civil war and future tribulations. It'll also make it easier to punish anyone who steps out of line.'

It wasn't just about earning money. The delivery business would function during peacetime but could also serve military purposes during wartime.

Since it was something he'd need to establish eventually, he figured he might as well make money from it in the meantime.

As Ghislain exuded confidence, Claude scrambled to assess the feasibility.

'This lord has pulled off outrageous schemes countless times. Somehow, I feel like this will work too.'

Building roads was simply a matter of pouring in money and manpower. Constructing stables and dispatch offices? Also achievable with enough workers.

All that was manageable. But there was one thing manpower alone couldn't solve.

"We're short on people who can ride horses! Even if all the roads are connected, what's the point if there's no one to make deliveries? Don't tell me you're planning to borrow riders from other lords? Cavalry is a high-tier military unit, and no other lord will lend theirs."

"That's why I'm planning to train professional riders. In emergencies, they'll serve as cavalry, and during peacetime, they'll work as couriers. We've already had plans to train cavalry, after all."

As he spoke, Ghislain couldn't help but admire his own idea.

Through their delivery work, riders would naturally improve their equestrian skills. Training soldiers while making money? It was too good to pass up.

No matter how he looked at it, it was an excellent plan. It was precisely why he had gone out of his way to acquire an excess of horses.

"…"

The vassals were left speechless by his audacious declaration.

'He's really set on working people to the bone. Soldiers doubling as couriers while also performing military duties?'

'We have to build roads and train cavalry simultaneously. People are going to drop like flies.'

'Why is nothing he does ever ordinary? Our territory is wealthy now. Can't we just live comfortably for once?'

Of course, not everyone had negative thoughts. The sheer scale of the project left most of them stunned, but there were those who viewed it positively.

'To be able to send letters and goods safely, anytime? If that becomes possible, we could make an incredible amount of money.'

'As expected of a lord who never holds back. Couriers? Delivery soldiers? He's even creating an entirely new profession.'

'If this succeeds, it'll be a monumental achievement. If we, as a territory, guarantee its operation, everyone in the kingdom will have no choice but to use it, especially since the pro-royalist faction is backing us.'

There wasn't a single territory or organization in the kingdom that had established a proper transport business.

No one had even thought of connecting roads over such vast distances.

In the past, they wouldn't have dared tell Ghislain such an idea was impossible. But now, with plenty of horses and residents in the territory, there was a growing sense of hope that it might actually work.

Claude, too, acknowledged the potential business value of Ghislain's plan. While it would undoubtedly mean more work, with the territory's growing resources, connections, and power, success seemed within reach.

And, ultimately… it wasn't like the lord would listen even if they objected.

With a heavy sigh, he spoke.

"Understood. I'll send representatives to each territory and the capital to relay the business proposal. We'll need to start road construction first and secure the toll collection rights. Training cavalry will inevitably take time, so we'll have to endure some losses in the meantime…"

Before Claude could finish, Ghislain waved his hand dismissively.

"What are you talking about? Why would we take losses? We can train cavalry in just a month or two. I already have a plan for that, too."

"What? How can you train cavalry that quickly? That doesn't make sense."

At this, Ghislain grinned.

"It makes perfect sense. It's time to put the elves to use."

***

The elves had been undergoing physical training for several months now. Ghislain figured that should have been enough time to significantly improve their basic fitness.

While he hadn't been able to check in on them during his expedition to the North, he trusted that Gordon had been zealously overseeing their training, even if he was a bit over the top.

Now ready to move on to the next phase of his plan, Ghislain set out to check on the elves, accompanied by several vassals.

"One! Two! Three! Four! Five…"

From afar, Gordon's booming voice echoed. Ghislain smiled with satisfaction as he approached.

But when they arrived at the training ground and saw the elves, everyone froze in shock.

'Are those… elves?'

'What's with their bodies…?'

'Even with constant training… what have they been eating to end up like this?'

It was hard to tell who was Gordon and who were the elves. Their bodies were so muscular it looked difficult for them to even move properly.

It didn't matter whether they were tall or short, male or female—every single one of them had become an absolute wall of muscle. Their trapezius muscles bulged so much it seemed like they could barely turn their heads.

However, their lower bodies appeared underdeveloped in comparison. They had clearly focused only on their upper bodies, resulting in an inverted triangular physique.

"…"

Ghislain blinked, speechless at the sight of the elves. What on earth had Gordon done to turn them into this?

As Gordon, who had been training alongside the elves, noticed Ghislain, he greeted him enthusiastically.

"My lord! When did you return? I've been thoroughly overseeing their physical training! Next, I'm planning to work on their lower bodies!"

The elves, too, turned to Ghislain and struck proud poses, as if eager to show off their muscles.

"This turned out to be pretty fun! Hahaha!"

"Now that we've bulked up, I feel much more confident!"

"At first, it was a bit gross, but after a while, it started to look cool! Heehee!"

"…"

Watching the elves flaunt their muscles, Ghislain turned to his vassals and asked, "Why… did no one stop this before it got to this point?"

While Ghislain, Gillian, and Claude had been away on the expedition, others could have checked on the elves if they had wanted to.

The vassals avoided his gaze and muttered excuses.

"We were too busy…"

"We thought they'd manage on their own…"

"You said there wasn't much need to pay attention to them…"

The elves' training grounds were tucked away in a corner of the lord's castle. Without deliberately making the effort to visit, it would've been difficult to notice the state of the elves.

With their own work keeping them busy, the vassals had no reason to visit. They merely fulfilled Gordon's requests for supplies as needed.

Sighing deeply, Gillian bowed his head to Ghislain.

"…I'm sorry."

It was he who had recommended Gordon. He had asked him to oversee fitness training, only for him to focus on physique instead. There was no room for excuses.

"I'll make sure they reduce their muscle mass."

"…Alright."

The plan had been to develop a specialized unit for the elves, tailored to their natural abilities. Excessive muscle growth was counterproductive, especially since they weren't meant to be shield bearers or shock troops.

Too much muscle reduced agility and stamina, which were essential for elves. Such a physique might suit those with towering frames and a combat style focused on brute force, but it was entirely unsuited for the slender and nimble elves.

Gordon, blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation, ran up with a bright smile.

"My lord! What do you think? To prevent muscle loss, I've been feeding them only chicken breast every day… Gah!"

Before he could finish, Gillian began striking Gordon in silence.

'There's never anyone reliable around here.'

Seeing Gordon being disciplined, the elves stopped showing off their muscles and began nervously glancing around.

Ironically, the foul-mouthed Ascon had the most balanced physique. His body remained lean and agile, with just the right amount of toned muscle.

It turned out his refusal to properly follow training instructions had been a blessing in disguise.

"See? You should've followed my lead and taken it easy. Everyone else looks ridiculous but me," Ascon said smugly, brushing his hair back with exaggerated pride.

Shaking his head, Ghislain immediately called the elves together.

"Alright, the physique training… no, the fitness training ends here. It's time to move on to the next phase."

"Rah!"

"…"

Even their responses sounded strange. The elves, who had already grown eccentric while adapting to human society, seemed to have become even stranger during the brief time he hadn't seen them.

"...In the mornings, you'll rebuild your bodies with Gillian, and then begin basic training."

"Rah!"

"...Change the way you speak, too."

"Rah!"

"...Ascon."

At Ghislain's call, Ascon slinked over, cautiously gauging the situation.

"Yes?"

"From now on, the elves have a new task. After your morning training, you'll dedicate your afternoons exclusively to this."

"What... is it?"

"Starting now, all elves will become horse trainers. Your job is to tame the horses so that others can ride them as quickly as possible."

Ascon's eyes widened in shock at the sudden announcement. He had never done anything like that before. Having always traveled comfortably by carriage, he didn't even know how to ride a horse, let alone tame one.

"What the hell… how are we supposed to do that? I've never even raised a damn dog properly, let alone a horse!"

Ghislain placed a firm hand on Ascon's shoulder and gave him a wide grin.

"No, you can do it. Only elves can. You'll need to use that special 'communication' ability unique to your race."

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