Chapter 191 - Outsourcing and Expedition Prep
Arriving at the hotel where our guests are staying, I see a woman in red waiting in the lobby.
She’s a tomboyish figure, the right-hand woman of the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps leader, Ingrid West. The corps is known for their red armor, but it’s not typical for their casual attire to be red as well. It’s probably just her favorite color.
I, on the other hand, am wearing a moon-white coat with a high collar and hidden buttons, which I’m particularly fond of today. As I stroll through the lobby, she immediately notices and stands up.
"It’s been a while, President Yukarinowe."
"Yeah, it has. What’s this about?"
"Please, follow me to the leader’s room."
We exchange greetings and head to her room, where the leader is waiting in a relaxed state in casual attire. Ingrid is wearing a thick black shirt and a denim-like long skirt, a casual look that surprises me. I always imagined her in a more formal outfit.
"I didn’t expect the president to come in person."
"Sometimes, you know. Let’s get to the point, though. I don’t like beating around the bush."
We’re on familiar terms, so we skip the formalities.
After being offered a seat and some tea, Ingrid begins to speak hesitantly.
"Actually, I’m taking a vacation."
"A vacation? That’s not a bad idea. You didn’t have to sound so serious about it."
It’s a curious thing to say. Our members take turns on vacation, even when things are busy.
"Personally, that’s true, but this time, the entire mercenary corps is on leave..."
"On leave?"
At first, I thought they were being fired, but it turns out that’s not the case.
The Rose Madder Mercenary Corps had been involved in defending the border province and later in transporting supplies for the Kikyo Society.
However, with the disappearance of the Retnark forces attacking the border and the new Brenark Kingdom’s increased efforts in securing the road, the transport mission has become less dangerous.
Many bandit groups have been destroyed, making travel much safer. While this is good for merchants and travelers, it has reduced the need for guards. Even with the occasional weaker magical beasts, a basic guard force is still necessary, but a full mercenary corps isn’t required.
Of course, the value of the transported goods varies, and a larger guard force can attract more attention. Since the border province prefers to keep their supply exchanges secret, the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps has been taken off the mission.
However, considering their past performance and the fluid global situation, the border province doesn’t want to let them go. Hence, they’re on leave.
"We’re taking an extended break. It’s a good time for a proper rest. We can send some members back home and maybe go on a trip."
So, they’ve been given a break. Some members might return home, while others might travel. It’s a well-deserved rest.
"I plan to return to transport duties after the break, but many members are dissatisfied with being idle. It’s a bit of a dilemma."
It seems she’s having a hard time balancing the interests of her employers and her members.
Hmm, but staying with the border province despite the leave suggests they don’t want to lose a good arrangement. Maintaining a mercenary corps requires a steady income.
After the break, they might take turns on transport duties in smaller groups while taking on other missions. However, even if they stay in Donditch, the opportunities for combat will be limited, and the idle situation won’t change much. It’s understandable that some members feel underutilized.
"I see, that’s a tough spot. How long is this leave?"
"We’re told to return before winter."
"It’s still spring, so it’s quite a long leave."
I was just asking casually, but it turns out to be an unexpectedly long break. In days, it’s more than six hundred.
"It’s a good opportunity for members who want to visit home, but it’s inevitable that their combat skills will decline. It’s a headache for me as the leader."
Indeed, prolonged inactivity can lead to a decline in skills. Some members might not return after visiting home, even with sufficient pay. Too much free time can be a problem.
But then, it means the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps has plenty of free time. Ingrid’s tone suggests that not everyone will return home. Yes, this could be useful.
"I might have a solution to your problem. Are you interested?"
"What do you mean?"
Ingrid leans forward.
"I know the situation in Exembra. You’re short on personnel. How about working for us until winter?"
"Tell me more."
It’s a timely offer for the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps. With a limited period, a high chance of combat, and a business relationship with us, the pay is secure. For a legitimate guild, this is a perfect job. I have connections with the guilds, so negotiations should be smooth. As a front company, it’s a legitimate reason to hire them for security. With more guild members and the potential for work, they should be happy with the offer.
I don’t plan to hire mercenaries on a whim. I have enough funds, and the potential earnings are substantial. The finance team won’t oppose it, especially the combat units who will welcome the help.
I’m familiar with the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps’ capabilities. They can handle patrols and even defend a base if needed.
"I’m not trying to cut corners. I can pay upfront, and I won’t treat you unfairly."
"I can visit tomorrow to discuss the terms."
She’s quick to take the bait. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, so it should go smoothly.
"I’ll inform everyone. See you tomorrow."
After finishing the business, we chat a bit. We talk about Donditch’s climate and current events, as well as the situation in Retnark, which we travel through.
While the new Brenark Kingdom’s increased patrols have made the road safer, it’s clear they intend to take over the area. There’s no military action yet, but it’s effectively an invasion.
Even casual conversation can build trust. I stay until one of Ingrid’s subordinates returns, then leave.
The spring breeze is pleasant as I walk back. The sunlight has grown stronger.
As I stroll, I think about the mercenary corps again. The Rose Madder Mercenary Corps has more members than one of our combat units. While their individual combat skills might be a bit lacking, they’re a capable group. If this works out, I can free up some of our members for the expedition to the western continent.
Our team is stretched thin. This is a good opportunity to outsource. There are organizations with their own forces and good reputations that would take on jobs if paid. The Adventurer Guild and Mercenary Guild are potential partners. We have connections with these guilds, making negotiations easier. As a front company, it’s a legitimate reason to hire them for security. The guild members will appreciate the work.
We have our own reasons, but the personnel shortage is a real issue. It’s better to set aside our concerns for now.
If we need help, we can ask. We have the funds, so let’s use them to solve the problem.
I don’t plan to hire them permanently. We’re the ones collecting fees, not paying them. This is a short-term arrangement. At least, it will give us some breathing room.
When I return to headquarters and discuss the temporary hiring of the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps and the security requests to the combat guilds, the response is mostly positive.
The main concern is the potential weakening of our control over newly acquired territories and the risk of troublemakers infiltrating. However, since it’s a short-term arrangement, the impact should be minimal.
Newly acquired territories need a firm grip, but our main stronghold, Lightning Street, is stable. We can rely on the guilds for patrols in less critical areas. For example, patrols on Sixth Avenue should be manageable.
The overwhelming support might also reflect a desire for a bit of a break.
While we’ve considered outsourcing before, there was resistance to involving outside parties in our underworld operations. However, since I’m leading the expedition and want to take some members with me, it’s unavoidable to bring in external forces due to the personnel shortage. The team is against sending me alone, so this is necessary.
With the winter, things will naturally slow down. At most, it will be from spring to early winter. While it’s a long period, it’s still considered short-term.
By next spring, the Kikyo Society should be a larger and stronger organization.
According to Instructor Fulaveneta, the number of apprentices has exceeded expectations this spring, and it’s expected to surge in the summer. While it’s unclear how many will complete the training, it’s hoped that the Kikyo Society will significantly increase its membership over the next year, with regular promotions to full members. This will gradually reduce everyone’s workload, though new challenges will always arise.
We have a lot to do, but it’s also exciting. I want to finish with the drug syndicate and the imperialists as soon as possible. Reinvigorated and determined, I set the plan in motion.
I delegated the negotiations with the Rose Madder Mercenary Corps and the guilds to the Secretariat and the selection of accompanying members to the combat units. Despite the busy Secretariat, they should handle the negotiations smoothly with familiar organizations.
For the expedition, the plan is to form a team centered around the wild elf Albert, a former adventurer and experienced traveler. His combat skills, especially in forest exploration and enemy territory, make him a suitable leader. With him, I’ll have all the necessary support.
There are many preparations to make. Maintenance of the large jeep, inspection and repair of equipment, purchasing supplies, and coordinating within and outside the organization.
Logistically, we can minimize what we carry, but some preparation is necessary. We won’t need water due to magic, but we can gather food from the forests. Seasonings are essential, and emergency rations are a good idea.
We might not need magic stones or spare weapons, but it’s better to be prepared. Recovery potions and magic potions are standard equipment, but it’s good to have extras. The places we’re going to aren’t small offices, so it’s best to be prepared.
I don’t want to carry unnecessary items, but I don’t need to be too strict. If it’s useful, I’ll bring it. Shopping can be a good way to change the mood.