"Very well, I understand. Then how is the recruitment of 'that kind of people' progressing?"
Glancing at the crystal ball on the desk, Anvis nodded slightly before turning his gaze back to Gaffman.
"Following your instructions, the guild has been taking in many people suspected of having the necessary aptitude every day, including ordinary people and Low-Rank Professionals. However, no candidates sufficiently outstanding have appeared yet.
Due to their sheer numbers, the monthly wages paid to them have already reached nearly two hundred thousand Gold Coins, placing considerable financial pressure on the guild's operations."
As he spoke, the middle-aged Vice President instinctively stroked one end of his mustache, his tone somewhat hesitant.
"At present, the guild is already somewhat overstaffed. The value they create for the guild does not seem worth that amount."
"Then simply continue expanding the guild's scale."
Hearing Gaffman's complaint, Anvis shook his head indifferently.
"There is no need to focus only on powerful kingdoms and major cities. The many medium-sized cities of the Kingdom Federation also need Black Ring Merchant Guild branches. That will create a large number of positions, and those people can all be assigned there.
"Furthermore, branches can also be stationed in kingdoms currently at war. Just recruit qualified people from the local area."
"But... this would bring extremely high operational risks to the guild. If a city is breached during the war, we would suffer devastating losses. It could also very easily provoke backlash and suppression from local forces. Please reconsider carefully!"
Hearing Anvis's almost fantastical arrangement, Gaffman was alarmed and hurriedly tried to dissuade him.
"It is fine. High risks also bring sufficient returns. It is settled, then. You may now discuss the details with the other management personnel.
"If any local forces try to obstruct us during the expansion, directly