Raising the Northern Grand Duchy as a Max-Level All-Master

The Mirror Therapy Project (2)

In this otherworld, wages were usually paid on a daily basis or per task.

Officials, knights, and soldiers received monthly salaries since they were part of reputable government organizations. However, in the private sector, payments were made as needed.

This was because overall social trust and credit were low.

On top of that, there were too many people living hand-to-mouth.

“With tomorrow being uncertain, you expect them to wait a month? It’s a wonder they don’t start fights with knives.”

The current weekly pay system had only been established after offering free meals to employees and their families for a while. It was barely settled after much effort.

“Once the company builds more credibility and the employees are well-off, we’ll switch to a monthly salary system.”

“Ah….”

“Why the regret? It’s actually better this way. We’ll reduce the effort of doing this every week to just once a month.”

As I said that, I placed my hand on the warehouse door, which had its barrier deactivated.

Goo-goo-goo-goo-goong!

The moment my hand touched it, the security magic on the large, solid iron door was released.

After passing through the iron door, I went through several more doors.

At last, I arrived at the innermost room, where a small hill made of silver and copper glistened.

“No matter how many times I see it, it’s always stunning, isn’t it?”

“Indeed, it is.”

There were some gold coins mixed in, but the majority were silver coins and copper coins.

‘I really wish the era of paper money would come already.’

Even while marveling at the endless trove of gold and silver, I longed for paper currency.

This was especially true when I considered the costs associated with storing and managing all this wealth.

In the North, there was essentially no such thing as a “bank.”

‘Should I take this chance to start a bank and a lending business?’

For a moment, I was tempted by the idea.

‘No, not now. I’ll save that for later, when I’ve gathered more capital and have the chance to recruit financial talents from the Empire or the Kingdom.’

I quickly put the thought aside.

For now, my top priority was expanding the company.

Above all, there was no one in the North with the talent to take on that responsibility.

‘It’s a shame this body doesn’t have any knowledge or skills related to banking.’

Even though I was a max-level all-master in production and manufacturing — good at everything except combat — I wasn’t omniscient.

Back in the game Era of Silver 1, I’d managed a trading company, but I’d never run a bank.

Returning to the present…

While I was scanning the room filled with silver coins…

“Is this silver coin from the United Kingdoms?”

I spotted a silver coin with a unique design and picked it up.

Unlike the Empire’s silver coins, which had the face of Emperor Soled, this one had the profile of a different person.

“It appears to be a silver coin issued by the Kingdom of Scania,” said Teo, recalling a book he had recently read.

“Scania, huh? That’s the island nation at the southernmost edge of the continent, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct. It’s astonishing and fascinating to think that a silver coin from there made its way to the northernmost part of the continent.”

“Well, money knows no borders.”

For a moment, I gazed idly at the silver coin from the faraway land.

Its size was the same as other silver coins.

It was twice as large as a 500-won coin from Earth and about 1.5 times as thick.

For reference, the gold and copper coins were about the same size as these silver coins.

On both sides of the coin was the face of a monarch. Naturally, the face varied depending on the issuing country, but their value was nearly identical.

Even within the United Kingdoms and the Empire — which were at each other’s throats — coins bearing the faces of other nations’ monarchs circulated without issue.

At most, there was a slight premium or discount, but they were widely accepted.

After all, if you melted them down, it was all the same metal.

It was even said that these gold and silver coins circulated as currency in the distant eastern continent.

For the North, the most commonly used coins were those issued by the Empire, featuring the face of the Emperor.

‘This reminds me of North Korea. They were so anti-American, but they still used U.S. dollars.’

I was lost in such musings when I suddenly felt someone’s presence behind me.

It was likely Mary, coming to report that the employees had gathered outside the warehouse.

“One day, I hope the face of our Her Highness will be stamped on these gold, silver, and copper coins.”

I threw the comment out casually, making sure Mary could hear.

This was because there was a chance that Mary was a spy sent by Grand Duchess Arina.

Arad Company was growing rapidly every day.

If I didn’t make statements like this to showcase my loyalty, I never knew when I might be targeted.

“The face of Her Highness on gold, silver, and copper coins…! I hope that day comes soon!”

“Your loyalty, President, moves even a former knight like me!”

It was practically an ad-lib, but the effect was extraordinary.

Both Mary and Teo, who were nearby, trembled with excitement, as if merely imagining it thrilled them.

“Until then, we have no choice but to use coins bearing the faces of foreign monarchs.”

Continuing with the performance, I asked,

“We’re supposed to take out 178 silver coins and 964 copper coins, right?”

“Yes, I’ll prepare the exact amounts.”

Although the warehouse was filled with hills of silver and copper coins, they weren’t stored haphazardly.

They were stacked in organized bundles.

Each bundle consisted of 20 coins.

This time, we took out bundles that matched the amount to be paid, placing them in the prepared chests.

Once everything was packed, the weight was considerable.

With me, Teo, and Mary each carrying a share, we stepped out of the warehouse.

Outside, all of the company’s employees were waiting eagerly.

Arad Company now has nearly 300 employees. They bowed their heads or removed their hats to greet me as I emerged.

“If you run off to the pub, gambling den, or red-light district as soon as you get your pay, you’ll get a wage cut! Go straight home and give it to your wife!”

Half-jokingly, I made this announcement, causing the employees to burst into laughter.

“Hand it out.”

“Yes, sir.”