The Eclipsed Order

Chapter 16: Chapter 16: A Business Built in the Shadows

2 years ago

The discussion concerning the strange demonic energy eventually came to an end.

There were still other matters that needed to be settled, however, and Octavia turned her attention toward the documents that had been prepared for the meeting.

"Let’s move on to the plans for the capital."

Aurora stepped forward first.

"The land Shiyen purchased is ready. Its location is suitable for both commercial activity and transportation, and there is enough space for the main establishment as well as several additional buildings if we decide to expand later."

She placed the plans on the table.

"We’ve also finished the preparations for the restaurant. It won’t be limited to sweets. The main menu will include a variety of dishes, while the premium section will specialize in high-quality monster meat."

She turned to another document.

"Wyvern meat, high-ranking serpent meat, and the meat of other powerful monsters we’ve collected will be used for the highest-grade dishes. We’ve already studied their properties, preparation methods, preservation, and the differences in quality between species."

Aurora’s expression remained calm as she continued.

"The objective isn’t simply to sell expensive food. We want the restaurant to become known as a place where people can eat things they cannot find anywhere else."

"Which means the nobles will come," one of the Seven Crowns remarked.

Aurora nodded.

"Exactly. Wealthy merchants and noble families will be our primary customers, but adventurers and other wealthy travelers should also become regular customers once the restaurant establishes its reputation."

The Crown who had spoken earlier looked over the documents.

"And if the food is as good as the research suggests, word of mouth should handle much of the advertising."

"That is what we’re expecting."

Aurora stepped back, allowing the others to present their respective plans.

Leonora was the next to approach the table.

"My department has been working on the fashion line."

She placed several sketches across the table.

The designs were considerably different from ordinary clothing found in the kingdom.

Bags made from beautifully processed monster hides, elegant coats, gloves, shoes, belts, and various accessories were arranged across the drawings.

"Some high-ranking monsters possess hides that are not only extremely durable but also naturally beautiful. With proper treatment, they can be turned into luxury materials."

Leonora pointed toward several of the designs.

"These will be aimed primarily at noblewomen and wealthy families. Rather than producing large quantities, I intend to create limited designs using particularly rare materials. The smaller the supply, the more desirable the finished products will become."

One of the Crowns examined the drawings.

"They’re certainly different from the usual leather goods."

"That’s the point," Leonora replied. "If we’re entering the capital, there’s no reason to sell things people can already purchase anywhere else."

She gathered the sketches together.

"The first collection will be small. Once we understand which designs attract the most attention, we’ll expand production accordingly."

Octavia gave a small nod.

"Proceed with it."

Leonora smiled.

"Of course."

Herrera then stepped forward.

"Then I’ll handle the equipment."

Unlike Leonora’s elegant designs, Herrera’s documents contained drawings of armor, weapons, shields, gloves, boots, and other pieces of equipment.

"High-ranking monsters provide materials that ordinary craftsmen cannot easily obtain. Some hides possess excellent resistance, while bones, claws, fangs, and other materials can be processed into weapons and protective equipment."

Herrera tapped one of the drawings.

"These won’t be sold as ordinary equipment. The strongest materials will be reserved for high-ranking adventurers, swordsmen, warriors, and wealthy clients who can afford them."

Another page was placed on the table.

"Some of the equipment can also be customized. A warrior who wants armor made from the hide of a particular monster can pay according to the material and craftsmanship."

One of the Seven Crowns smiled.

"So we’re targeting both nobles and warriors."

"Correct," Herrera replied. "The nobles will want the prestige. The warriors will want the performance."

A faint smile appeared on Octavia’s face.

"Then there should be no shortage of customers."

The fourth Black Rose finally stepped forward.

"I’ll oversee the supply and processing of the monster materials."

She placed several records beside Herrera’s documents.

"We have enough materials for the initial production, but if the businesses grow as expected, we’ll need a stable supply. I’ve already begun organizing the collection, classification, storage, and transportation of materials so that the restaurant, fashion division, and equipment division don’t interfere with one another."

She looked toward Herrera and Leonora.

"Each division will receive materials according to its requirements. Rare materials will be recorded individually, and nothing valuable will be wasted."

Herrera nodded.

"That will make production considerably easier."

Leonora agreed.

"Especially for the hides. Some of them require specific treatment immediately after acquisition."

The discussion had now taken a more organized shape.

They had already divided the work among themselves long before this meeting.

The Six of the Seven Crowns then began discussing their own areas of responsibility.

One was responsible for finance and would oversee the movement of funds between the organization and its new businesses.

Another would handle trade and negotiations with merchants in the capital.

A third would oversee transportation and storage.

The fourth would manage the recruitment and training of workers.

The fifth would handle intelligence surrounding the capital, keeping track of noble families, merchants, adventurers, and other influential groups.

The sixth would supervise security and ensure that the businesses remained protected without exposing the organization’s true identity.

Each report was brief.

There was no need for lengthy explanations when everyone involved had already spent months preparing their respective plans.

By the time the reports were finished, the structure of the operation had become clear.

The restaurant would bring in wealthy customers.

The fashion division would target noblewomen and rich families.

The equipment division would attract warriors, swordsmen, and adventurers.

The monster materials would provide the foundation for all three.

And behind the businesses would be an organization capable of controlling the entire operation from the shadows.

Octavia looked over everyone gathered around the table.

"Then everything is settled."

She paused briefly before continuing.

"The capital operation will proceed according to the original plan. Begin construction as soon as possible, prepare the first products, and continue recruiting suitable candidates."

Her gaze moved toward the Six Crowns.

"And don’t neglect the recruitment of orphans and slaves with useful talents. Anyone who shows potential can be given a place within the organization, provided they meet our standards."

The Crown responsible for recruitment nodded.

"We’ve already begun compiling candidates."

"Good."

Octavia leaned back.

For months, they had been preparing for this.

Now they finally had the land, the money, the materials, and the people necessary to begin.

Their organization was about to establish its presence in the capital.

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