[Hanako] Chapter 10: Work Plans

Throndir · January 23, 2019, 02:45:09 PM

"They aren't brought with them all the time... They only bring ones they think Klein would make use of immediately in his home... The ones he uses for... pleasure."

She shook her head.

"Sometimes they do bring them though... That's when Klein would go out and see the slaves themselves... Not every slave owner can afford the extravagant magical collars Klein uses... So many times... slaves are kept in barred carriages or wagons. Many times... Klein would simply buy slaves from the merchants he trusts more that will give him hard-working ones for the mines... For soldiers... he looks at them himself... to prevent fraud... Especially if it's from the small-time slave dealers who can disappear after a bad trade..."

"Just with Klein's own current assets... He had enough to buy at least another 300 workers if he chose to, to fill his third mine. And to fill his lumberyard, he would have still enough to purchase another 300 for that... If we used up everything Klein had in his bank... Perhaps 1,000 slaves are achievable to buy... Though... that would leave nothing for operational costs... or emergency funds... or any other purchases... like equipment or land... along with no leveraging power for deals with other companies..."

"Many of these slaves... have been captured or taken from the surrounding villages... Foreigners like the Isikawans too at times. We can't save everyone... But if we were to buy them... Sending them to the lumberyard... Or even purchasing land near the port where the ships are held?"

"But... If any slaves are brought here to the estate though... I think... We should purchase them... It's all just numbers and head count... whether we buy them here or if the slaver has them off-site... But... I don't like letting my people go, if they could be saved and protected here in the estate easily..."

Asta · January 23, 2019, 02:53:00 PM

"Yeah, it would leave a bad taste in my mouth not to free them. Let's halve the amount of visits we get from slavers, and we can just buy everyone being offered from the meetings we do end up having. We can keep them here for the time being, then shuffle them around to the new lumber mill. More or less my goal was to supply 'workers' from the existing businesses to the mill, and then move everyone to the boats in waves before we leave."

Hanako scratched her chin in thought. "I should probably find out who runs that port. I'll probably have to go convince them to ignore whats going on... I still want to check out the mine that was marked on that map too. We can probably go there on a day without a meeting once we stop having some of the slavers visit."

Throndir · January 23, 2019, 09:22:07 PM

"Some of the slave traders that Klein works with travel to that new port town as well at times. One of them could know... Unfortunately... We don't have anyone there..."

"Hanako... Can I ask when we plan to move everyone to the lumber mill? After it's created? I have an idea... potentially we can have Klein's slave to make their way to the lumberyard to help with its construction...? We... don't really need to build the actual lumber mill, correct? As long as it... looks like something is being built over there..?"

Asta · January 23, 2019, 09:50:49 PM

"That's a good idea, I was thinking something along those lines as well. We could probably start building longhouses or something that would look like lodgings for workers when the mill is completed, which unless Sofia does something with the property it never will be. Once we get the land purchased and all of that taken care of we could start moving people from the other businesses to help with construction."

Hanako crossed her arms and thought a bit. "They would probably have to stay collared... and for security reasons we would have to keep the true motivations behind the construction a secret from them. This could work though, and we might be able to get out of here sooner. When I speak with Aldric later I'll make sure he knows to ask about who's running that port."

She reached out and ruffled Minette's hair affectionately. "Great work!"

Throndir · January 23, 2019, 10:07:21 PM

Minette blushed a bit. Surprising considering it took more usually to bring a flush to her face.

"Thanks..." Minette said timidly. "I always want to be of service to you..."

Asta · January 23, 2019, 10:17:18 PM

"I'm thankful for it. I think of you as more than someone that keeps the numbers straight though, you're a precious friend. Even though this is a dangerous world, I'm glad I ended up here because I got to meet someone like you."

Hanako decided to push away the little thought that sprung up in the back of her mind: I wonder if we would still be this close if I wasn't a 'hero'...?

Throndir · January 23, 2019, 10:21:10 PM

"I... have a request, Hanako..." Minette said as she took your hand back into hers.

"Will you... kiss Trudy soon...?"

Asta · January 23, 2019, 10:45:12 PM

Hanako blushed again. She was doing that a lot lately, especially due to the actions of her companions. "Y-yeah I can try." she said, stuttering a bit. "You think... I should set the mood or something first...?"

She turned her head to the side and looked wistfully off into the middle distance, her eyes almost sparkling like in a shoujo manga. "It... would be my first time..."

My maiden heart!

Throndir · January 24, 2019, 12:05:52 AM

"I... would offer to practice..." Minette suggested as she smiled. "But... First Trudy... I would... feel like I'm taking something I shouldn't..."

"Yes... Set the mood first... Do something for her... Take her somewhere you can be together alone..."

Asta · January 24, 2019, 01:13:06 PM

"Mmmmm... do you have any recommendations...? I haven't really left the estate much so I don't know any good spots." Hanako said, cocking her head to the side and tapping her lip.

Throndir · January 24, 2019, 04:05:44 PM

"Outside..? It's dangerous... even in the cities where people are taken off the streets..." Minette shook her head. "I lived in the capital when we were sent here into this new world... I don't know much of Elstergen... But... Before the war, and before the metallic walls were placed around the city, this used to be a beautiful town... Not a lot of garden keeping exist anymore... except for the noble's estates and villas. There used to be a large park at the center of the city, but... sadly... it's overrun by weeds, with no care-takers for the last few years."

"If I were to recommend something... The gardens around the estate... At the center of Klein's small hedge maze is a place to sit... The soldiers continue to maintain the gardens..."

Asta · January 24, 2019, 04:21:06 PM

"That's a good point. The gardens here sound good, so I guess I'll take her out there. The hedge maze will be fun anyway."

Hanako smiled at Minette. "Alright, operation 'Blushing Maiden' is a go! I'll get that kiss before the end of the week!" she declared.

Throndir · January 24, 2019, 04:34:33 PM

"Okay...!" Minette said happily. "Then... me." She smiled gently at you, then let go of your hand.

QuoteMention what else you want to do for the rest of the day!

Asta · January 24, 2019, 05:51:33 PM

"Of course!" Hanako replied with a grin. "I better go meet with Aldric and talk to him about tomorrow, I'll see you later tonight!"

Hanako left the room with a little spring in her step, thinking about taking a little private walk with Trudy made her heart skip a beat.

I guess it's kind of like a date. she thought, then stopped in her tracks in the empty hallway. Oh god it's a date.

Once Hanako composes herself, she's going to go find Aldric to talk about tomorrow's meeting.

Throndir · January 24, 2019, 11:14:12 PM

You find Aldric hard at work practicing Klein's signature.

"Hanako! Thought you might swing by..." Aldric said as he stopped his practicing.

"I know we have slavers coming... And the first one is tomorrow! Any guidance? Not sure if you'd like to purchase the lot of them, or if you are actually looking for anything specific..."