After spending a few minutes trying out Vicente's firearms, all three merchants and their partners could feel the immense power of having such weapons in their hands.
The sensation of holding a gun in your hand was something that imbued you with a sense of power, courage, and a feeling that was hard to describe.
This feeling was stronger on Earth, where there were no 'superhumans,' no magic. But even in this realm where magic existed, firearms could make a difference in people's lives and still hold their unique shine.
These men experienced an enhanced sense of empowerment when wielding it!
This wasn't the same as having potent pentagrams or harnessing the unique power of a Magic Gem or even a high-level artifact. Nevertheless, with these firearms, they would have to spend less of their energy while still inflicting substantial damage on their unarmed opponents.
For now, it would make the most significant difference in the hands of young Apprentices. However, if Vice really succeeded in developing these weapons for Acolytes, the impact on them would become significant.
All these businessmen knew the importance of investing in opportunities for the future. After returning these weapons to Vicente, they were even much more confident in his strategic vision.
Even the merchant who had the guns pointed at his head had seemingly forgotten what had happened just a few moments ago.
"What do we do next?" One of the three merchants asked Vice.
Rory noticed Vicente looking at him and explained on behalf of his friend, "Now we will divide our men among your groups. From now on, whenever you travel, hire fewer mercenaries and take our men with you during the trip.
They will be equipped with our weapons and will guard you. In addition to that, we will provide each of you with a revolver."
As Rory spoke, a young man opened a briefcase, revealing several identical silver revolvers.
Vicente then added. "We will offer each of you a revolver as a gift for partnering with us. However, to acquire more and also get the ammunition, we will have to make deals on that."
Those men gladly accepted the revolvers and picked them up, agreeing that they would have to pay for these little beauties.
"How much does a gun like that cost?" One of the three inquired.
"The most affordable model costs 4 gold coins for the gun and 2 bronze coins per unit of ammunition," Vicente explained before pointing towards a rifle. "That one over here is the most expensive one we have, and each costs 25 gold coins and 10 bronze coins for each bullet."
Upon hearing his words, the three merchants naturally found the figures to be exorbitant.
They made 50 to 100 gold coins a year, rarely exceeding that figure.
A single weapon like that could potentially consume a significant portion of their funds!
However, this was a price Vicente believed was quite reasonable.
He was not operating this business for charity. Instead, he intended to secure a significant profit margin through it.
He had no intention of arming the ones who were not a part of his group. And since he would sell few of these weapons, he intended to get the majority of his profit from his allies.
"It's a bit salty..." The merchant who had asked the price muttered in a low voice, putting the idea of arming his whole family with these weapons aside.
Vicente smiled, "Very well, let's part ways for now. From now on, you should go about your business and avoid directly contacting us.
We will convene once every three months, but not simultaneously. Each month I will only meet with one of you. In the interim, make it seem that my men now work for you, no longer for me."
All three merchants readily agreed, and they soon departed back for Martell Village, each having gained two new members for their respective groups.
After the departing merchants disappeared from their sight, Vicente, Rory, and their four remaining men stayed behind in this forest for a while longer.
"Will they be alright?" Rory asked, well aware that the dangers of this world were too many for low-level young men like them.
Vicente then responded, "Perhaps. I have taught them how to use these weapons and behave. So their chances are not low, but it's no longer within my control.
In any case, they will still have support from mercenaries, so I believe our business with these merchants will not be harmed."
"And now, what will we do?" Rory inquired further as their men stored their weapons in boxes.
Vicente's eyes narrowed as he replied, "We will snatch the business of those fools who chose to stay out of our society."
...
After returning to the village hours later, Vicente and his group parted ways, and Vice headed to his family's home.
He immediately met with a striking young woman upon arriving there.
Standing 1.6 meters tall, she had a slender body and sensual curves from the perspective of young men in the prime of life, as was the case with Vicente.
She was dressed in an elegant black and white maid's outfit while she gracefully cleaned the living room furniture.
As soon as she heard Vicente's approach, she wasn't startled but rather turned toward him with a warm smile.
"Vicente, have you finished your work today?" Inquired the blue-eyed, beautiful blonde woman in her soft, sweet voice.
This was Eve Ostell, a 16-year-old woman whom Vicente fortunately met a few months ago.
This woman was introduced to Vice by his friend, Rory, as her sister worked in his mother's brothel. Eve was set to join Rory's mother's business. Still, before this could happen, young Fuller had presented her with the opportunity to work for him instead. Since then, she had been employed as a maid in the Fuller residence, looking after Nina and handling the meals of the two siblings.
Vicente admired Eve's demeanor and had been watching her for the past few weeks, slowly letting her take care of more Nina-related responsibilities.
He understood that, despite being Nina's brother, the girl needed a woman figure not only as an example but also to take care of some issues that a man could not.
At the same time, Vice had many weighty matters on his mind, dangerous plans that would one day require him to stay away.
While contemplating this moment, he had been testing Eve to see if she could be trustworthy enough.
"Hmm, for the moment, yes... But problems can arise anytime," Vicente remarked as he sat on one of the couches in his living room.
Eve looked at him more seriously, realizing the incredible burdens he had to carry while just being a 12-year-old. At that moment, the front door of the house swung open, and Nina rushed in, screaming.
"Big brother! Aunt Eve!" Nina exclaimed, rushing into the living room, appearing much happier now that she had been attending the Academy of Stars and had been learning various things.
Although other children would normally exclude Nina because of her hearing impairment, she was becoming more confident and content. After learning sign language, she started to learn lip reading from a teacher hired by her brother.
As she mastered new communication skills, this girl became more confident and happier with her time at the academy.
She also liked Eve and no longer thought about her and Vice's terrible past daily.
Seeing his sister's bright smile, Vicente responded with a sincere smile of his own. His sister's well-being was one of the few things besides the progress of his plans that genuinely brought him happiness.
That way, they soon had dinner and talked a little about their day with Nina.