[28] Building the Constantine Company

Months had passed since the collaboration between Ash and Philip began, and the results were highly promising. Ash had now established a strong foothold in the capital, thanks to a flourishing business. The name Constantine Group had spread rapidly, especially among the high society women who experienced the remarkable benefits of the offered cosmetic products. Their reputation grew swiftly, with more people seeking out their products.

During this time, Ash had taken full control of the company's management. He meticulously oversaw every aspect from production to raw material supply. Despite the heavy workload, his extraordinary abilities made all tasks easier and more efficient. However, Ash realised he could not continue managing the company alone.

Therefore, he decided to train a young girl named Aurelia. From simple tasks to more complex matters, Ash taught Aurelia with great care. Aurelia's progress was impressive; she demonstrated rapid development and a deep understanding of the business. Thanks to her skills and dedication, Ash was able to focus on other matters, including training Zephyr.

Since their arrival in the capital of Ars, Zephyr's abilities had shown remarkable improvement. The once slender boy Ash had met had now developed into a figure with a gentle yet courageous gaze, with eyes as sharp as an eagle's. Ash began teaching him techniques from the Wind God, a fighting style he had developed with Ciel's assistance. This technique combined modern Kenjutsu skills with the fighting style of this world, creating five deadly forms.

Each sword technique had a different purpose and philosophy. The Sword God Technique, for instance, aimed to defeat the opponent in a single deadly strike, without adding aesthetic elements to the technique. In contrast, the Water God Technique was designed for defence and countering attacks, focusing on strong protection. The North God Technique was more about killing, relying not only on the sword but also on various tools such as poisons or daggers, and deceptive movements intended to defeat the enemy effectively.

However, the Wind God Technique had a different goal. It emphasised honour, with high aesthetics and chivalric codes. Users of this technique strived to achieve the highest honour through every movement, with the determination to perfect the technique and attain true honour.

By teaching these techniques, Ash hoped Zephyr could become a formidable and undefeated warrior. Intensive training was conducted daily, honing Zephyr's skills and strengthening his physique to reach his utmost potential.

As his business grew, Ash realised the need to expand his staff at Constantine Group. He needed people he could trust to maintain and run the company in his absence. Instead of hiring local staff who might not be entirely reliable, Ash chose to purchase slaves and then free them. By providing them with jobs and new opportunities, Ash not only granted them freedom but also involved them in mutually beneficial contracts. He trained them to understand the workings of the company and manage it efficiently.

Ash's actions, which were considered revolutionary and unconventional, further strengthened his reputation. His name began to be heard in the palace, even reaching the ears of the notorious and ambitious Prime Minister. Ash started to hear rumours of people attempting to exploit or take over his business.

However, Ash was not easily swayed by these threats. He had anticipated this possibility and forged a close relationship with Philip Boreas Greyrat, a powerful regional ruler. Philip had significant political power, and Ash believed that this alliance would provide protection against political intrigues and the ambitions of competitors.

Philip introduced Ash to his parents, Sauros Boreas Greyrat, the current head of the Boreas family. Sauros, who appeared to be around 50 years old with dark brown hair beginning to grey, was known for his firm and outspoken nature. He was not shy about expressing his displeasure or anger loudly.

When Sauros learned that the profit share from the business collaboration in the capital was only 20%, he was furious. Ash had to explain in detail why this percentage was fair, given that all production and raw materials came from Ash himself. Philip, although visibly strained by his father's reaction, supported Ash and helped clarify the situation. After detailed explanations and strong arguments, Sauros eventually understood and accepted the agreement.

Philip also introduced Ash to his wife, Hilda, who was highly impressed with the Constantine Group's cosmetic products. Hilda requested that the latest products always be sent to her first. With great enthusiasm, she said, "These products are incredible, Ash. They make my skin look younger and more radiant. I want to always be the first to try the latest innovations from Constantine Group."

Ash smiled and promised to fulfil Hilda's request. "Of course, Lady Hilda. We will ensure that you always receive the latest and best products from us."

With the support and approval of the head of the family and the Boreas family, the collaboration between Constantine Group and the Boreas family grew even stronger. This provided Ash with a more solid foundation in the capital and ensured that his business would continue to thrive with support from one of the most influential families in the Asura Kingdom.

In a relatively short time, Constantine Group had grown rapidly. The company now held significant influence in the capital, even taking over about 10% of the kingdom's economy. Ash's dedication to his work began to attract the attention of other major nobles, not only from the Boreas family but also from neighbouring kingdoms and beyond. Offers to establish bases in new regions started pouring in, all eager to benefit from the innovation and quality of Constantine Group's products.