"That's true. I've just accomplished one of my life-long goals, after all." Linkin responded casually.
'If we're only counting the time since I came to this world, it's technically true.'
"You said you'd be more than happy to answer a few questions, right?" Linkin brought up.
"Yes, please feel free to ask whatever is on your mind," Sini reassured.
"You mentioned that I was a Class 5 Merchant. Since Class 5 exists, I assume there must be other classes. What are they? Also, are there any benefits to being a higher-class merchant outside of the obvious?" Linkin inquired.
Linkin knew that there were obvious benefits, such as gaining a greater status and making people more willing to undertake business dealings with you. But there had to be less nuanced and more upfront benefits than that, right?
"You are correct. There are a total of ten classifications one can obtain at the Merchant's Guild, starting with Vendor, which is the lowest of the classifications. After Vendor, you have the Class 5 through Class 1 Merchant Groups—Class 5 being the lowest and Class 1 being the highest. Each Class requires that you obtain a certain level of wealth. However, once you become a Class 1 Merchant, wealth alone is no longer enough to advance." Sini explained.
She then continued, "Not only must you accumulate enough wealth as a Class 1 Merchant, but you also have to build a good reputation for yourself. When those requirements are met, you will become eligible to advance to a Junior Merchant Group. Following the Junior Merchant Group is Merchant Group, Senior Merchant Group, and finally, a Consortium. The advancement requirements between each rank are similar to the one that exists for Class 1 to Junior Merchant Group. But, as I'm sure you can imagine, the conditions to rise in rank become increasingly difficult the further you progress. It is also possible to be demoted a rank if your yearly profits fall below the minimum requirement or your reputation becomes excessively bad."
'I see. So even if someone has a lot of money, if their reputation is too poor, they won't be able to advance any further in the Merchant's Guild. Losing profit is also pretty dangerous since you can be knocked down a rank. It may not seem like a big, but dropping a rank can also directly affect your reputation. If you can't get anyone to work with or for you due to your declining reputation, then you'll only continue to spiral downward on a dangerous slope.'
"It is also important to keep in mind that since Vendors can only sell specific products or services that are in line with their specialized trader's license, while they are technically a part of the Merchant's Guild, they are not considered actual merchants. Because of this, most people regard the Class 5 group as the true lowest rank among merchants. Ah, but please do not feel discouraged. As long as your total yearly profits reach 3 tousai or higher, you will be eligible to become a Class 4 Merchant. Just simply visit the nearest Merchant's Guild and report your earnings along with verifiable proof. I suggest doing this whenever the requirements are met. The higher your rank, the more tax breaks your Merchant Group will receive." Sini stated.
Ding.
Suddenly, a brief ringing sound came from the device situated on the countertop behind Sini.
"Ah, excuse me. It seems like your plate is ready." Sini said politely as she turned around and grabbed something that emerged from the device.
After Sini carefully took the object into her hands, she faced Linkin and bowed her head as she held the palm of her hands out. There, in the center of her palms, was a thin copper plate roughly fifteen centimeters in length and six centimeters wide with the words "Class 5" carved onto its surface. Near the top center area of the plate was a twine looped through a small hole.
Linkin accepted the copper plate and held it up by its twine as he took a moment to examine it.
'It's a lot sturdier than it looks.'
Linkin turned the object around. When he viewed the inscribed text on the other side, it caused him to grin.
While one's classification was carved into one side of the plate, the other side contained the name of their Merchant Group. For Linkin, engraved on that side of the plate were the words "Cheshire Cat Company".
"Once again, please allow me to extend my congratulations to the newly established Merchant Group, the Cheshire Cat Company," Sini said respectfully.
"Try not to say that name too much, Miss Sini. Soon enough, you're going to be sick of hearing it everywhere you go." Linkin stated as he clenched the plate in his hand.
There were many names that came to mind when Linkin reached the "Merchant Group Name" section on the form. However, there was only one name in particular that stuck.
'The Cheshire Cat Company... I suppose I'm still just a tad bit sentimental.'
"Hah..." Linkin released a faint sigh as he lightly smiled.
'With this, I've officially become a merchant. Now, at the very least, I won't have to worry about being apprehended or pursued when conducting business.'