Chapter 32: Being to Greedy?
While Mr Thomas was conducting new training with the others, the barn enjoyed a sleepy atmosphere.
Not all the residents were relaxing in this usual time of hardship. In the upper floor behind a large desk, a small boy was mumbling to himself.
He fidgeted on the wooden chair, jumped up and walked around the desk browsing through the stacks of scattered documents. Chu then flopped down on the chair only to repeat the cycle after remembering something else.
He pulled a thick quilt tightly around his shoulders as he sank deep in thought.
At his back was a chimney made of mud and stone rising from the kitchen to the second floor before exiting out on one side of the barn. Two more structures like this placed on opposite ends warmed up the barn.
Open fires like before was a thing of the past now that the barn was more enclosed.
Chu did not want to become the first reincarnator to die by excessive smoke inhalation.
Right now he had a serious headache.
On the table were plans and inventions that if implemented in this backward civilization would propel him into the proverbial river of wealth. On close scrutiny of these parchments could one find the cause for concern.
'To vague'
"Well screw me!"
He muttered, berating himself.
To usher in the modern age he at least needed the main foundation of electricity. His superior intellect of the typical modern-day man brought him shame. All he knew of this phenomenon was that it needed wire, magnets and complex formulas to be brought to life.
He jumped back to the age of industrialization. Here the use of the steam engine as a driver was prevalent in generating the wealth of this era. Unfortunately, the steam engine faded out from both the world and his mind.
Thus whatever thoughts of shocking this world quickly dissipated.
What added to his troubles was another key factor.
Skilled workers.
In the fringes of the Empire, all he had to work with was a self-trained blacksmith from the village. Skilled labor could only be found in major cities. There the Guilds kept their precious geniuses
to milk the rich nobles, Military, and Adventurers.
Talent usually followed the Money. Otherwise which talented person would want to remain poor?
The stories fed by game developers were all lies. There was no hidden grandmaster out in the boondocks. The inhabitants here were to busy fighting to survive to learn a trade.
If he went to the Guilds they might think him mad. How could he ask them to make a turbine with those scribbled sketches? It was like returning to the caveman days and telling the chief to build him a cell.
Oh, they might just build him a cell alright!
Skilled workers meant moving to the city to interact with them. This was a big move that he was unwilling to take.
Mainly because he was too greedy.
Out in the fringes of civilization, he had caught the adventuring bug.
As a modern-day man, the thrill of encountering and battling fictional creatures became too enticing. Before it was him risking his life to survive. Now it was different.
He was learning through experience and being tutored using a sword.
'A sword, in a fantasy world no less.'
Better yet, he was not alone and was his own boss. His protection was so good that he had a Military teacher, and a souped-up OP companion. Sure they were all young but that was the allure.
The injuries were painful but the experience of scouting, tracking, and fighting made up for the pain.
Maybe he was taking too much risk after securing himself a comfortable place in this world.
'But there was so much to see!'
'So much to do!'
'So much to experience!'
Was he going to settle himself in some city and have to work hard to please others?
Or even worse have to put on a smiling face while fighting for power in the shadows. Just the same as a past world civilization, these guys were brutal when it came to gathering wealth.
'Heck no!'
He left all that behind when he arrived at this backward world.
"Stupid Ming rubbed off on me."
This was the predicament he now found himself in. He leaned on the chair and closed his eyes in heavy thinking.
The adventuring life was good, but to enjoy it he needed money. Money for the best equipment, medicines and the works. To get that money he could continue his current plan. Milk the forest while gaining experience until he was ready to travel.
Problem was, such a plan might take to long.
The main downside of inventions was the time and cost of failures. His ideas might be good but it had to be built by trial and error.
He decided on a common business practice.
Outsourcing.
Chu grabbed a quilt and began writing.
God, he missed electricity!
***
A small wolf pack prowled around the farm one night. The only reason they dared to approach this area was because of the enticing bait willingly set out.
Unlike before, the high fence kept them away from the barn. This time the trap was set to corral the wolves in a large cage near the south entrance.
That night four wolves were caught comfortably.
Mr Thomas released them one by one into the enclosure for close combat training.
The barn fighters fought first as a complete unit. Chu, Ming and Rose assumed the position as vanguards. Miki kept her distance, serving as the ranged attacker. Lucy flitted in and out with her daggers acting as a mid-range fighter.
As for the 'little boss-lady', well the Elder did not bother himself with her. She followed the path of a scout. If she joined then training would turn into a needless slaughter.
The daily practice had them make short work of their adversaries. Although Chu felt Lucy was the best at calling out the commands, he still assumed the role. It would be better for him to gain experience in the position now.
He gave her second in command, while he used this time to gain valuable experience. With an old hand like the Elder present, he could avoid making heavy mistakes.
This time Doug and his group participated, while armed with cheap iron swords and two bows. They had to fight against the last wolf. They succeeded while only receiving a few minor injuries.
When the training was over the weapons were collected as they completed the task of handling the wolves. Mr Thomas had promised Doug to recommend them as guards for traveling merchants.
***
Unlike the previous year, this winter saw the village return to its normal state.
Chu and Mr Thomas made a trip to the village early one morning. This time Mrs Thomas accompanied them. On one of her trips during the year to the village, she had met the wife of Farmer Hoyle. The Holyes was once a prosperous merchant family who had ended up falling from grace.
Because of an incident with a rival merchant they fled to the border village and used the remaining wealth to establish a farm and a small inn. For the past ten or so years, they toiled and lived a contented life.
Mrs Thomas bonded very well with the woman of the house. Both had experienced the lifestyle of a city and had much in common to talk about. She was making this trip to deliver some of the quality sausages and pickled vegetables she and Sue made under Chu's guidance.
Most importantly was a well-made doll designed by Chu and some knitted clothes. The daughter of the family had married last year and was expecting her first child.
Chu and Mr Thomas spent some time with Farmer Hoyle and his son-in-law trying to drown out the chatter from the excited women in the next room. He thanked the Heavens when they finally left.
Chu delivered the pelts to John after checking on the progress of the group residing in the village home.
"Master Griz replied to your letter."
John said as he handed over a sealed scroll.
Chu sat down in his corner of the store to read the reply.
Griz letters had a specific format. The first part spoke about his family, the second contained thoughts on how Chu was still taking advantage of him. The last part was the reply to any demands and its associated cost.
His family had settled down and were doing well, Griz demanded a slice of the company the trio had opened and rebuked him on the idea and plans he sent in the last letter.
'Firstly no skilled blacksmith is going to come running out in the boonies just because you sent some doodles on a page. Heaven alone knows what you scribbled on that page. I would be shamed to high heaven if I approached the Blacksmith Guild with that.
The next thing, are you an idiot? Who the heck would buy a tool like you described when they had free labor. Where do you think the majority of slaves end up? Tut, tut, so naive. As expected of a brat who never traveled.
Concerning your idea for seeking a skilled blacksmith, are you senile? How do you expect me to convince such a person? Do you know the cost of setting up a Smithy?
The best I can do is get an apprentice without his own forge to visit you. John will make arrangements for the lad to use the small Smithy in the village, that should be good enough for you. The materials you need will be sent along with him.
Karst controls the allocation of the lands around the villages near it. I have no idea why you insist on claiming more fields but the Mayor has given me the deeds to the plots you wanted. The grasslands to the south are considered frontier lands, it is free but the village chief will levy the taxes on it before harvesting.
If you want to live a life of danger near that forest, it's your business. Don't know why you stinky brat refuses to come and live in the Town. It's up to you however this time you owe me big. I want equal share just like Kim in your business or you can kiss your plans goodbye.'
"Damn Kim and his loose mouth!"
Chu muttered under his breath.
How else would Griz know about that company he started up. Chu shot a glance at John sitting nearby browsing through his large ledger.
"Damn you, John! You blabbed to Griz about our venture didn't you?"
John nearly toppled over the stool he was sitting on, dropping his quill pen.
"No, I didn't. I went through him for the Guild certificate, that's all...wait I might have mentioned..."
"You ass! You better hope Kim loosened his mouth when he traveled through there, otherwise Griz's cut is going to be coming out of your share alone!"
John wiped the beads of sweat pouring down his face. He knew how miserly this boy was when it came to money.
Chu informed John about the arrival of the new help. The Smithy in the village was on standby. This meant that he had the place all to himself to tinker with his plans. By spring he would be the owner of the abandoned fields adjacent to his farm.
He could only imagine the look on Clods face when he dropped that bomb.
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ForestRage
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Chapter 33: The Road of an Artisan.
Two months into Winter, a small convoy arrived for the Trading Post. The village had reverted to its silent and dreary winter ways. The Trading Post tavern was no more. It returned to its original use as a receiving station for trappers, while the once lively surroundings turned deserted.
The two wagon convoy brought supplies for the Lodge. No longer loaded with liquor and supplies for the Military, its main goods consisted of low-grade flour and other foodstuffs. In fact, only one wagon had a load for the stores.
This obviously provided a stark comparison from the last winter's five wagon convoy which regularly made trips out to Karst. The loads in the other wagon in this small procession belonged to a little commoner called Chu. Included in this cargo was a young man.
Master John was quick to get the accompanying man settled. The now silent forge in the village had long been requisitioned. The blacksmith owner had graciously cleaned and prepared everything of use. But before this new visitor could begin work, he had to first meet his new employer.
Mr Thomas and Chu came alone for this weekend trip. The others were too busy using the winter as an excuse to snuggled within their warm blankets. He tried to coax Lucy to come with them, but ever since she returned from the cave she always ventured out on her own.
When he asked she always answered that it was for special training. He did not pick her further since he trusted her judgment. It was more than he could say for another certain someone. That guy had returned to dabbling in pellet making. He shuddered as he cleared his mind to the present.
He reminded Mr Thomas they needed to purchase some healing powder from the Trading Post. Recently he had been putting together different medicines and bandages to make a simple first aid kit. He planned to make some bags and backpacks to carry these essentials. Their wagon already had a large storage box outfitted for this very purpose.
When he moved to the village on earth for his last job, he had spent a few days hiking in the surrounding hills with the locals. By feeding on this limited but slightly fresher memory and combining it with Mr Thomas adventuring experiences, he planned to create a backpack containing survival supplies. This would be for their use exclusively.
The young Dareck met his new employer in one of the Lodge rooms. The old man leaked out an aura of dominance. Such was to be expected from a person the patron spoke highly about.
"Where are you from young man?"
"I am from a small town outside of Haven. Master Griz is my Smithy's Patron. I am an apprentice under Master Borak and moved along with him to Karst."
Dareck answered.
He was humble when facing this old man.
"An apprentice?! What level?"
"I am Master Borak's junior apprentice sir."
The young man turned red as a forge as he continued. He had heard the sharpness and slight disappointment in Mr Thomas's voice.
"Please do not hold my Master responsible for this. Even if my Seniors did not want to move to this place, my Master would have sent them once the Patron demanded. It was the Patron himself who selected me to be sent here."
At this point, Chu tugged on Mr Thomas sleeve.
To an observer, it looked akin to a boy begging for candy from his old man.
"What's this thing about apprentices? What's the deal here?"
Mr Thomas gave a glance at Dareck and offered an explanation.
The blacksmiths, weapon-makers, and even tailors were all registered under one Guild named the Artisan Guild. This was the place that helped promote skilled workers and helped them earn valuable aid.
Blacksmiths were either self-sufficient or supported under a Patron. Those under a Patron worked exclusively for them, allowing the Patron to promote and sell their products.
Large Merchant families all had their own blacksmiths to lower cost and bring in additional wealth. Because of the high cost of startup, this arrangement was usually reserved for the richer families in the cities.
Blacksmiths tended to pass on their skills to the next generation, but they usually took in as many apprentices that they could. In the event, they found a skilled apprentice the trade was passed on to them instead.
Senior apprentices were the ones most destined to carry on the legacy and were undoubtedly the most skilled. No blacksmith would part with their cream of the crop. Junior apprentices conversely were a blacksmith in name only.
For the price of learning the basic trade, their job was mostly to clean and take care of the menial everyday task. The legacy or certain ways of making that Smithy's main product was not divulged to them.
"So they are treated essentially as servants then?"
Chu asked.
Mr Thomas glanced at the young man before replying.
"You really need to get out of this little hole. A junior apprentice is always nothing more than a servant and treated a little better than a slave.
Most junior apprentices either live out their lives like that or make their way to the villages like this one to etch out a living. I can bet you all the gold coins I ever made that the guy who owns the Smithy here was once some junior apprentice."
"Then what about the other Senior apprentices? Don't they clash for leadership?"
Mr Thomas snorted.
"If a Smithy is prospering there is no reason to have more than one Master Blacksmith, especially if they are working for a Patron. If a Senior apprentice leaves a Smithy, it is either to work for himself in the city or work under a new Patron. These guys tend to be gobbled up and worked to death under the Artisan Guild also."
While the two were carrying on their conversation, Junior apprentice Dareck was turning more and more red. Mr Thomas turned to him an asked.
"So how did we end up with you then?"
One look at Chu and Mr Thomas knew the boy was pissed. He was expecting a skilled craftsman and ended up with a rookie assistant.
Dareck fumbled inside his patched shirt and produced a crumpled letter. He could see the look of disappointment on the man's face. What he did not observe was where the source of unhappiness originated. The last thing he wanted was to be forced to return to the town.
Something like that would only be a mark of shame to both the Patron and the Master of the Smithy he worked near his whole life. He was trying to think of some way to convince the man when he suddenly remembered something important.
"Patron Griz sent this letter over. He said it was for the brat...I mean Master Chu."
Dareck handed the letter over with respect to Mr Thomas. He could not believe he nearly insulted his new boss. Such words should only be used among friends of the same level of standing. The old man however simply took the letter and handed it over to the little boy at his side.
The kid promptly scanned it and then broke the seal. Four gold coins dropped out from the opened document. After a moment he handed the letter to Mr Thomas. He shamefully pocketed the money in front of Dareck's googling eyes.
The letter was short and obviously meant for it's intended reader...
'The young man is not skilled but has been with the Smithy for ten years. He knows his way around a forge and most important he is very honest, has no family and is a sucker for following instructions from his superiors. Master smith Borak has even sworn to this by your favorite medium: gold.
You are well aware of how far a man can live on four gold coins. This person is slow-witted but is also an honest, hard worker. I know you will be happy so I cannot live with myself in good conscience if I don't burst that swelling head of yours.
P.S. You owe me four gold coins but keep it. What's a little money between friends. By the way, all the deeds to the lands acquired have been changed to double ownership. I will not demand anything, but at least half of what you are planning should be mine. Take note there has been some new bandit activity around the villages to the south-east of you. Tell John to give the merchants using that route a heads up.'
Mr Thomas laughed when he finished.
"Hahaha...Even though Griz might have made a small fortune, there is no reason for a man like that to shed a piece of copper to a kid from the slums. Brat, take it from me, Merchants don't go sharing money willy-nilly. That guy is going to make sure he milks you like a cow."
"Damn man is even more greedy than me."
Chu grumbled as he decided to vent on the young man sitting before them.
"Get your belongings, you are going to stay in the village home. Heaven alone knows if Griz has John keeping a tab on us using the Lodge to bunk."
Dareck was stunned as the small kid begun to rant and then dropped an order. He turned to Mr Thomas while glancing at the boy. Kids should at least show respect to their elders. He was even more peeved when the boy casually insulted his Patron.
"Beg your pardon sir, but the Patron specifically instructed me to only take orders from you Master Chu."
Mr Thomas gave him the look as he was staring at an idiot. He then remembered that they did not really introduce themselves in the beginning. He scowled as he saw the brat beside him give that signature wry smile.
"Kid, My name is Mr Thomas and like you, I work for the same person you called Master Chu."
Dareck could only stare at the man.
"Then when will I meet the new master?"
The door suddenly slammed open as a panting John stumbled in.
"Boss Chu we got it, both the ore and the ship guide box. Four gold, the cost is four gold towards the Trading Post winter accounts. Hahaha!... I am going to be the most profitable Master in the surrounding villages for the Company. When Master Griz eventually moves to the city, I will be a shoo-in for the position in Karst!"
"Oh, so I finally got the compass? I mean the guide box? Here take these four gold pieces, make sure to tell Griz that it was spent on this purchase for our shared business and that I did not personally receive any gifts of money. He thus owes me four gold on a compound interest of five coppers per week. It works both ways you know, he can't promise money without the accompanying interest."
It was at the middle of Spring when Chu had ordered for this crude compass. Only now did he finally come to possess it. Perfect timing no less because he also had a cave to explore.
"Brat what's this compound interest, I have a feeling the last Money lender I dealt with scammed me."
Mr Thomas asked as he saw John still shuddering and then grabbing the door-frame for support. The young man's wobbling legs nearly giving way from the previously shocking words.
This 'compound interest' seemed to cause a mighty reaction from the known miser.
"Not much its..."
"Wait who are you?"
Dareck spoke up suddenly as his slow brain picked up something of major importance.
"What do you mean who is he? That's your new Boss, Master Chu."
John answered.
"Eh?"
Dareck mouth dropped as he registered the information.
"Eh?"
John muttered as he gave Chu a weird look before continuing
"What's with this guy you ordered, he defective?"
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
ForestRage
ForestRage
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