Three days. That was what I told that mage. But actually, I didn't need that long to gather the amount of stones she needed. I could give what she needed that instant since the stone she desired was simply Bedo's debris. But that would raise suspicion. It was better to leave how I could supply them with their imagination.
Also, how could I tell her that Bedo would sometimes release small stones like how a goat pooped? That was the reason I called it his waste. When, in fact, it was just Bedo's way so he could strengthen his inner core. He was recovering to regain his strength, after all.
"Bedo, I will leave today to find a builder," I muttered as I carried my bag across my body, looking up at the unfinished ceiling. "You want me to have a room, right? Also, I needed some time to think about this business."
As usual, Bedo didn't respond. He was asleep during this time, but I knew he still heard me. So, I set off for Parkwind to buy some materials. On my way, I kicked a stone off my way while deep in thought.
'With the transaction tomorrow, I actually don't need to go to the Parkwind to give out flyers. That public auction gave my shop a boost; not to mention, I earned five thousand gold coins. If I count the money I will earn from the magic tower, I will have enough money to reinvest on things I can actually sell.' I rubbed my chin, treading carefully as it helped me think. 'But I want my shop to be known to have items that can't be usually seen in normal shops.'
That was right. If I was aiming to be a renowned merchant, I should stand out from the rest. I was lucky that the mages noticed the stone I sold thoughtlessly. But my current worry was, I needed more. I couldn't just rely on one client because, in business, conflict always marks the end of the business or its turning point.
This was the problem of a businessman. I needed to keep my clients hooked so they would come back.
I stopped in my steps, gazing at the forest track leading to Parkwind. I was determined to go to Parkwind to buy materials and listen to people to get some idea of what to sell. But, the more I thought about it, that wouldn't help. So, I pivoted on my heel and walked back to where I came from.
Bedo's Shop.
I stood meters away in front of my shop, narrowing my eyes as I gazed at it. I planted my hand on my hips, keeping my silence while brainstorming.
"Bedo, at first, our only aim is to get rich. But I can't keep relying on my luck." I nodded, having this one-sided conversation with the sleeping stone titan. "I was lucky that the mages noticed and knew the value of your debris, but people are naturally greedy."
I already planned to limit the number of stones to supply to those mages. Even though I was the only person who could supply those stones and could give a higher price. But I needed to think about my future endeavors and my life. The mages weren't as simple to deal with as that felon. They were powerful and they could crush me if they didn't need me anymore.
So, my plan for my life was to have more people to need me. So if a problem arose, there would be people who would come to my rescue.
"Hmm..." I raised a brow as I reviewed my thoughts. "... people come to my rescue, huh?"
The more I thought about it, the business was progressing well. It was growing faster than I expected. I didn't think that far since I was busy thinking about garnering customers. But now that I had money and some people coming to me, I had to consider my course of action.
This was a cruel part of my business. At first, I only wanted to be rich and be known as the man who sells anything. But I needed another brand. Something like those luxury malls and boutiques back on Earth.
I rubbed my chin. "That's right. Only rich people who can spend thousands of dollars on their luxury items would dare enter those places. And yet, even a middle-class person knows their brand." I nodded, closing my eyes to think.
I didn't want to be known and my items to be just luxury goods to display or flaunt. This wasn't Earth. Aslesia was more than just wealth, with different races and powerful individuals who exist across the land, the sky, and the deep ocean. Even if I had the money, what mattered in this world was reputation.
Only if I had a reputation, even a powerful individual wouldn't look down could I only say I was successful.
"Now... just what brand do I want to be known other than the guy who sells anything?" I murmured, raising my gaze to read the shop's store sign. "Bedo's Secret Shop... Bedo's Secret Shop... Secret Shop..."
My eyes lit up as an idea suddenly hovered in my head. The side of my lips stretched from ear to ear.
"Holy shit!" I chuckled, raising both my hands in excitement. "Bedo!! I just thought of a great idea where to use all our money! Haha!"
I was shaking with excitement. I could say I was a genius for having such a thought. Bedo wasn't responding, though. Well, not that he would share the same energy as I do, but I was certain he would wake up once I break the news to him.
I pointed at Bedo, still bearing the same excited grin. "Bedo, Ammon will be reinvesting. Not on items, but on skills. I will come back after looking for the perfect staff! Look after the shop, you!" this time, I ran my way towards Parkwind to find a staff that could make my plans work.
I had a thought. Bedo's Secret Shop.
In the beginning, I didn't think much about things other than gaining wealth. But I did think of transacting with shady, powerful people. And that would be my brand. All my clients would be equally powerful and ambitious. In other words, I planned to lure all MC candidates in Aslesia to my shop.
To do that, I needed items those people would need. But, instead of items, I would invest in people to create the items they would need. Items that only my shop could produce.
"Hah! I'm a genius!"