Chapter 475
The process was far from smooth, but I managed to create a path to recruit Hagets.
"Now then, I'll explain the working conditions you're all interested in. Listen carefully."
"Yes, boss!"
"Your pronunciation is excellent."
It was a strange sight: Verocchio and his men, all kneeling formally, backs straight, eyes intense, listening to me with desperate focus. Their resolve, standing at the threshold of their fetishes being fulfilled, was remarkable.
Their gazes were piercing, as if they wouldn't allow a single blink.
Even if their desires were satisfied, no one wants to work in a black company.
"Alright, here's the explanation."
Let me briefly describe the working conditions of Freihait's proud情报 organization, the Entertainers.
First, the job:情報 gathering and counter-intelligence. Sometimes, when we're short on combat power, they join in.
But broadly, they gather情報, and if there's trouble during counter-intelligence, they compile it into a report.
The leaders—Judeus, Shalia, and squad leaders—adjust work hours based on operational needs.
"So far, so good?"
"Yes, sir!"
Why am I explaining it like this? Because news of Verocchio's incredible job offer spread through Hagets instantly, and now I'm explaining the conditions to anyone free.
I won't mention Judeus or Shalia by name, and I'll keep secrets. But I'll honestly explain the work and the duty system.
"Boss, does this mean we're joining your organization?"
Verocchio had tried to fix "Master" as my title. I stopped writing on the blackboard and faced him.
"Not 'joining.' Your organization, Hagets, will integrate with the Entertainers. Your people might have concerns, but I expect them to adapt."
Hagets will be absorbed. There are more of them, but training will fix that.
"Verocchio and the executives will train, then be assigned as executive candidates. Others may also be promoted if they perform well."
Relegating experienced managers to the bottom would be inefficient. Some优待 is necessary.
"Executive candidates will have more responsibility, but also better pay. Do your best."
"How much pay, exactly?"
Of course, they care about money. It might be rude to ask, but they can't decide without knowing.
"Well, for regular field agents, with hazard and night pay, about 8,000 zenni a month."
"8,000 zenni!?"
"That's low? And it's monthly."
"Monthly!?"
"You harmonize well."
Some stories throw around ridiculous numbers like millions a month. Paying all my agents that would bankrupt me. Even so, it's over ten million yen a year—about 800,000 yen monthly. Net. No taxes or rent deducted.
That's high income in this world.
"That's not low at all. Just tell us what to do, boss!"
"You're really good at harmonizing long phrases."
情报 gathering is dangerous and tedious, so pay is high. But that alone isn't enough. I add benefits. Housing, food, utilities, equipment. Free medical care. Their pay is theirs to spend.
"Executives get about 50% more. Candidates get 20-30% more."
Promotion means more pay. Our income can handle it.
"Any questions about pay?"
"No, boss!"
Knowing this applied to them, their backs straightened even more.
"Good. Next, the port town you really want to hear about."
Pay alone won't hook these men. What they truly want is a port town's entertainment district. Fulfilling their desires.
"Kidnapping and human trafficking are forbidden. Lying about working conditions is also forbidden. The women there are residents and workers. Treat them as equals. This is absolute."
In this world, most women in entertainment districts enter because they're desperate. Or their parents were in the business.
Some likely enter for darker reasons.
"Boss, is buying a woman who sells herself allowed?"
"Yes. You're worried about human trafficking. Our town considers it this way: she incurs debt, but with fair pay, good working conditions, a healthy environment, and a plan to repay the debt, she can aim for freedom."
We don't ban selling oneself. It's a form of rescue. But no direct buying. No forcing debt.
"Interest rates for these women will be low. Those who want to leave the district will get job placement and support for independence."
This kind of work can't be done for long. Some long-lived races like elves or dwarves could, but most can't.
"Any objections?"
"Boss, question."
"What?"
"Does this support include our work?"
"Partly. Hygiene, work environment management, dealing with customers. Your main job. You're keeping women you like. Do your part."
"No problem there."
One of Verocchio's men raised his hand. Not a Named character.
"But that would make every shop high-class. The kind nobles go to."
"Good. Aim for that."
"Seriously?"
"Of course."
The entertainment district in their minds probably operates in terrible conditions. Women struggling, barely surviving. Only a few live glamorously.
"Spend as much as you want. Improve the women's environment. Their smiles will increase. Their charm will shine. Don't make women who are easy to reach. Create women who are hard to reach. Captivating."
Some say just let them live normally. But some women can only survive in that world.
"Then men will come naturally. And—"
Men are also healed by those women. Banning this outright often worsens治安. Demand doesn't disappear.
"Women are more attractive when they're radiant, aren't they?"
There's demand for it as a biological fact. Calling it vulgar and banning it emotionally has never worked.
"Yes, sir!"
"Don't worry about money. As long as you produce results, I'll manage. Operating at a loss? Fine. I'll generate enough profit elsewhere to cover it."
"Whoa!"
So I'll build a system to manage it healthily. Easier to control. Better for mental hygiene.
The problem is usually budget. But I won't have that issue anytime soon. Or I can fix it before it becomes one.
With my support, a district with complete medical care, top hygiene, full food/clothing/shelter, and beauty facilities will be born.
"Boss, when will this town be ready? We can't wait ten years."
"At most five. If there are multiple problems. If you gain strength and cooperate—"
They want to know the timeline. Reasonable. I grin at Verocchio, who doubts such a port town can be built. I raise a finger.
"One year. I promise to build the town and start recruiting women within a year. Not a verbal promise. A contract with the gods at the temple."
I raise my hand.
"So lend me your strength. I need you."
"Hahaha! Yes, boss! From this moment, I serve you. I'll give it my all! Right!?"
"OOOOOH!"
My promise seemed to ignite them. They stand. Raise their arms.
"Boss, what about this town?"
"Abandoning it for another organization is a pain. I'll train you all quickly. Keep this town running with minimal people. Your second base."
"How?"
"I'll explain in my town. Relax. You'll see things you've never seen."
The moment the情報 gathering group joins me. Contract. Leveling. They'll match the Entertainers. Maybe surpass them in some areas.
"Go easy on us, boss."
"What, Verocchio? Putting your mermaid dream on hold?"
"My mistake. Go all out, boss."
"Got it."
I offer my fist. He bumps it with his larger one.
"Now. Pick who's moving. Verocchio is confirmed. Choose enough to keep this town running smoothly."
"Got it. One hour. I'll arrange carriages."
"I have maps and tokens. Bring them to my town. I'll prepare a welcome."
"Understood."
This should ease Judeus and the others' burden. Stronger counter-intelligence means more possibilities.
"Now I need to convince the women. With Claudia's help."
But I know the cost. More work later.