Some people refer to a comprehensive trading company as a modernized East India Company.

    Like the East India Companies that actually managed colonies, Japan''s mega trading companies have openly created economic development zones (effectively colonies) in countries like the Philippines.

    They engage in intermediary trading, selling cheaply produced goods from the locals to developed countries, or peddling advanced technological products embedded with high-end techniques from developed countries at inflated prices in other nations.

    In short, they are the embodiment of greed, doing anything that can make money.

    “I’ve never heard of that term. How does this comprehensive trading company operate?”

    “We delegate production to other guilds or regions and simply sell the products they create.”

    Even in the Toscana Empire, which blends aspects of the medieval, Renaissance, and early modern eras, the concept of outsourcing production and handling sales isn’t entirely foreign.

    However, most guilds that exceed a certain scale manage both production and sales themselves.

    This method maximizes profits in this era.

    ‘While it may be difficult for guilds in large cities like Florence, merchant-level companies can acquire small city guilds and use them like their own factories.’

    While guild masters and executives select their own members, those who make massive investments can impose unbreakable shackles on them.

    Seeing this concept emerge indicates that the lifespan of guilds in this era is nearing its end.

    Kris nodded as she listened to me.

    “Even if we invest all our current capital, we cannot create a smithy or factory that can meet the supply demands in two months. So, it would be wise to choose to fill the orders even if it means giving up some profit for now.”

    As more middlemen get involved, the profits for sellers invariably decrease, and consumers have no choice but to pay higher prices.

    Thus, whether it’s crops, machinery, or any other goods, buying directly from the producer is always cheaper.

    This law is a timeless truth.

    ‘Though in Korea, there are times when buying from a large corporation can be cheaper than purchasing directly from a farmer.’

    Just thinking logically, it makes sense.

    When sharing a pie, if it’s divided between two people, each gets a larger share than if it’s shared among three.

    “Still, in the future, I believe it would be good to save up money to establish facilities for producing the items for military supply, then increase profits.”

    This is the conventional thought among merchants of this era.

    While I don’t disagree with Kris’s statement, wielding the weapons unique to a comprehensive trading company would be the most beneficial for me right now.

    “Kris, why are you so fixated on the idea that we need to build a factory?”

    Upon hearing my words, Kris tilted her head.

    “Because handling everything from production to distribution and sales allows us to maximize profits.”

    “That’s true. But let’s change our way of thinking here.”

    I clenched my fist and raised my index finger.

    “Let’s say the total amount of our transactions is 100, and we increase the profit margin from 30% to 40%. Would that be more profitable?”

    “However, if we lower the selling price just because we buy cheaply, other trading companies, including the Benaldi Guild, will become dissatisfied. We need to maintain the current selling levels precisely.”

    By sticking to the basic formula of making money, we can avoid ruffling the feathers of other merchants; how great is that?

    “I want to save on transportation costs as much as possible, so it would be good to persuade the guilds in the small towns near the military bases. What do you think, Kris?”

    Upon hearing my words, Kris’s eyes sparkled.

    “Young Master, you are truly remarkable. Indeed, while it’s important to increase profit margins, if there’s an opportunity to expand the market, it’s best to do that first. With just a little organization of the details, we could implement this as our guild’s policy right away.”

    “Chloe told me to rest today, so I plan to have lunch and then take a good break. Do you think my absence will hinder the work?”

    “The remaining tasks involve practical adjustments—entertaining the guild masters of the small towns and finding suppliers. Aside from meetings with the guild masters, you won’t have any direct duties, so you can take a few days off. The butler and administrative staff can handle the rest.”

    Since Kris isn’t one to offer empty words, it seems I can genuinely afford to take a break now.

    “Thank you.”

    “Not at all, and Young Master...”

    She hesitated for a moment before speaking.

    “Actually, Antonio from Cafe Medici has released a new menu, and it’s designed for couples. If you have the time, would you accompany me?”

    ... I knew that the authority for developing new menus lay with Antonio, but I never thought they’d create a couple’s menu in our Empire.

    ‘But sales will soar.’

    Young nobles will come to eat intimately with their wives, and then come back with their favored maids for a cozy experience.

    With so many people likely to repeat that, it would sell like hotcakes.

    “I really like the parfait there. And aside from you, there’s no man I’m personally close to.”

    There’s no reason not to go with her.

    “Once I finalize the agreements with the guild masters and get things sorted out, I’ll accompany you.”

    At that, a smile blossomed on Kris’s face.

    “Yes, Young Master.”

    Then I promised to spend the afternoon and the following day resting with Chloe and headed to my room.

    Chloe looked at me and said in a slightly pouty voice,

    “It seems Kris is openly targeting you now. But the one who is most loved by you is me.”

    “Since today, or rather tomorrow, I cleared my schedule, I’ll love you to the point of making you sick of it.”

    Though Chloe is no longer a maiden, upon hearing my words, she lowered her head, perhaps out of embarrassment.

    With her face turning as red as a ripe apple, she whispered in a small voice.

    “Please love me as much as you want, Young Master...”

    After my break, my weight dropped by 1 kg.

    With that, I boarded the carriage heading towards the city that would become the base for production outsourcing.