Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill

Chapter 39: 39: Voices Of Complain

Knock. Knock.

“Come in,” a heavy voice echoed.

Inside Duke Philip de Salvos said without raising his head.

The door opened and Julia stepped inside. She gave a small bow.”Good evening, Father.”

Philip looked up from the pile of documents in his hand and gave a faint smile. “Yes, Julia. Is there something you need?”

“No, Father,” Julia replied softly. “I only came to inform you that I will be overseeing some affairs today. On the way, I plan to visit Blank City.”

The Duke’s hand, which was holding a quill, froze midair. He placed it down slowly and looked at her with a questioning expression.

“Why are you going there?”

Julia clasped her hands in front of her. “Mother had ordered some designs from there. They pleased her greatly. She asked me to deliver the payment, along with a gift.”

“Hm?” Philip frowned and leaned back in his chair. “What is this about? I heard nothing of it.”

Seeing her father’s confusion, Julia explained in a calm voice, “Mother didn’t mention it because it was a personal order. She admired the work. You must have noticed her gown from last month?”

Philip’s eyes lit up with sudden memories. “Wait… Is that gown she wore,the one that caught everyone’s attention.Was it made by him?”

“Yes, Father,” Julia said with a nod.

“Marvelous… Marvelous!” Philip shouted with rare excitement, pushing his chair back as he stood.

His usual composed face softened with joy. “That day, when I saw your mother in such a piece of art, it was as though time had turned back. It brought warmth I thought long gone.”

Julia smiled faintly. She knew her father rarely spoke so openly about her mother, but that gown had clearly struck his heart.

Philip took a deep breath, regaining his calm.

He sat down again and tapped the desk. “It is fitting to reward such talent. But…” His tone shifted, heavier now. “There is also a grave matter. Many voices have raised complaints against Blank City.”

Julia’s brow furrowed. “Complaints?”

Philip beckoned her closer. “Sit.”

She moved to the chair across his desk and sat down. He handed her a sealed letter. Julia took it and unfolded the parchment. Her eyes scanned the lines, and after a moment she clicked her tongue in frustration.

“All these petty fights,” she said sharply. “I can’t believe they are still stirring trouble over something so small.”

Philip’s face grew stern. “For us, it may look small. But for them, it is their lifeline. What is minor in our eyes could mean survival for them.”

Julia looked thoughtful, then folded the letter back and placed it on the desk.

Philip leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Since you are going there, take this matter with you. Speak to them directly. Ask how they wish to resolve it. I was about to send people, but if you are present, it will carry more weight. Whatever happens, I need a decision within a month. If these complaints keep piling up, unrest will follow.”

Julia rose to her feet. She placed one hand over her chest and bowed respectfully. “As you wish, Father. I will take care of it.”

Philip gave a firm nod, his eyes steady on her. For a moment, silence filled the study, broken only by the crackle of the fireplace.

….

Ethan pressed both hands on the desk and gave the workers a steady look. The room went quiet, every man and woman waiting for his words.

“It’s been six months since we opened,” he said in a calm but firm tone. “From nothing, we’ve grown to twenty towns. I want you to give me a report on the sales and earnings.”

One of the senior workers cleared his throat and spoke first. “Sir, after deducting costs, the total earning stands at two hundred and fifty gold coins per month”

Another added quickly, “Out of this, popcorn alone brought in one hundred and fifty gold coins. Considering it is a low-cost item, the rush and sales were more than we imagined.”

Ethan leaned back slightly, listening. His eyes carried a hint of approval. “One hundred and fifty gold coins for popcorn… that is quite good. One can imagine how much demand there has been.”

He gave them a moment before asking, “Any problems you faced?”

A younger worker answered nervously, “There aren’t any major ones, sir, except for two things. Sometimes we run out of stock. And when customers take popcorn home, it becomes soggy and loses its crunchiness. They complain about it.”

Ethan’s brows drew together as he tapped his finger on the desk. “Hmm… that is a major problem.”

His voice dropped into thought. ’It seems I need to move towards packaged items.’

’But how can I make plastic packages with seals..As for paper,I remember people using them but does it do the job..I need to check..’

His mind drifted for a second.

“With the success from popcorn, I can build funds and later launch a fast food chain. But for that…’’

He turned his eyes back to them. “How are things going with the tomato paste?”

Oliver, the manager, raised his hand slightly before speaking. “Sir, we followed the procedure you gave us. But we are having trouble finding black pepper in large batches. The same goes for cloves and other spices. They are mostly found in the south. For that, we may need to work with an established merchant.”

“Pepper, huh…” Ethan tapped on the desk again, deep in thought. A memory flashed. Countess Rina has good connections.

’I can ask her for help. If not, the Duchess might be another option.’

“Is Countess Rina still refusing the meeting?”

“Yes My Lord!”Oliver nodded.”However,she replied that she is always eager to do the business.”

“Then ask her to procure things.We will pay what she demands without haggling after all she has helped us a lot.”

“I will immediately send the message,”Oliver replied.

“Alright,” he said finally. “About the stock problem, I will arrange for procurement. But I think we should set a limit for each customer. They can still buy as much as they want, but we need to make sure it doesn’t affect others.”

The workers nodded in agreement.

“As for the crunchiness lasting longer, I will think of a way myself,” Ethan said. His eyes scanned the room, then softened slightly. “Everyone has worked hard. Oliver, give fifty extra silver coins to each worker and one gold coin to the managers.”

The workers blinked in surprise. A murmur of happiness rose among them.

“Thank you, sir,” one said, his voice filled with relief.

Another whispered, “He always thinks of us. Truly generous.”

“Lord Ethan, you are fair and kind. We will keep giving our best.”

Several others joined in, trying to praise him.”We are lucky to work under you.” “We will not let you down.”

Ethan allowed a small smile to rise on his lips. He could see the spark of energy in their eyes, and the pride in their voices.

With this, Blank’s treasury has gathered quite a sum, he thought.

’Now we can begin the real expansion and start upgrading the infrastructure in Blank City.”