Kays Translations

Chapter 24: Departure

Once the agreement with Mauve was complete, Tauro began creating several distinct versions of the product.

He made everything from a simple, inexpensive board for ordinary buyers to an elaborately decorated model for the wealthy. Above those was a luxurious, limited-edition board with legs like a shogi board.

At last, the previously unremarkable [Precision] ability proved extremely useful.

The limited-edition board was crafted with a degree of precision that no ordinary woodworking shop could reproduce.

“Tauro, this is a work of art…”

That was Nei’s verdict after examining it with [Appraisal].

They submitted the three models to the Commercial Guild and registered them under Mauve’s name.

The registration proceeded smoothly.

The Commercial Guild still didn’t know whether Reversi had much commercial potential, but the artistry of the limited-edition board clearly took their breath away.

—A few days later—

“A good product doesn’t automatically sell. Advertising is essential.”

Tauro was speaking inside Yasuragi-tei, the restaurant operated by the guild.

“Fortunately, this restaurant is the most popular attraction in the city. All you have to do is mingle with the customers, play the game, and occasionally mention how much fun it is.”

Tauro’s plan was to use shills.

Some would play among the customers, while others would gather around them and create a crowd that advertised the product.

Tauro had also negotiated with the restaurant to reserve several seats for that purpose.

He hadn’t forgotten to set up a sales corner beside the register so interested customers could purchase a set immediately.

Merchants who did business with the Adventurers’ Guild were also granted the right to sell Reversi and arranged to display it in their shops.

Branch Manager Leo had already sent the lord one of the limited-edition boards as a gift.

Leo had advised Tauro that it would be better not to let the game become popular behind the lord’s back and give him something to complain about later.

Entertainment was scarce in Saisi, so young people immediately flocked to a game they heard was popular at the city’s favorite gathering place.

The rules were also easy to understand, allowing everyone from children to the elderly to play.

Before long, people were playing Reversi all over the city.

Whenever players gathered around a table beneath the eaves of a house, spectators soon joined them. Some cheered and groaned at every move, while others began offering commentary on the match.

Once people learned that the ordinary version was affordable, lines formed outside the shops that carried it.

“Mauve, they’re selling like crazy! The cheap boards are moving fast, but even the expensive ones are flying off the shelves!”

A merchant who regularly visited the Adventurers’ Guild called out to Mauve, who happened to be checking the available quests.

“O-oh, really? That’s good to hear. But I’ve left the business side to the guild, so you’ll need to discuss it with them.”

“Ha ha! Of course. In any case, Reversi is certain to sell beyond this city too! I’m going to talk to them about increasing production.”

The delighted merchant headed upstairs to the branch manager’s office.

“You heard him, Tauro.”

Mauve turned to Tauro, who was seated beside him searching for an F-rank quest.

“I’ve already discussed expanding our production sites with the branch manager.”

“I see. At this rate, my companions and I can test ourselves in a major city. Thank you.”

Mauve lightly extended his fist, and Tauro tapped it with his much smaller one.

Half a month later, after completing all the high-ranking quests available around Saisi, Silver Sword was promoted to B- rank. Carrying a letter of introduction from Branch Manager Leo, the team departed for a major city.

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