Shop 45.3

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Chapter 45.3. Dinner Reservation In The Wilderness

"What if a country only regulated essential things and allowed merchants to freely use all other rights?"

Perhaps the interest arose.

"Well, first of all, since anyone can freely do business, people around here can take the initiative and start a business. If it doesn't require special permission, you can sell anything. At such times, people would likely be divided into two major categories."

"How so?"

"One is businesses that are generally widespread. For example, a cafeteria. There's a guild for that too, right?"

"Of course, unless you join the guild and purchase a master share, you can't open a cafeteria."

"There's no such restriction; it's possible to gather funds and open a cafeteria."

"But if you're not part of the guild, you wouldn't know what kind of food would be served. There's even a possibility of serving poisonous dishes..."

"That's where licenses come in. Like a cooking license. Without it, you can't open a cafeteria in the country."

"Then wouldn't a guild system suffice?"

"With the guild, you still can't freely conduct business? Will a newcomer who just brings money and buys a master share be treated favorably?"

"...No, they won't."

"With a permit system, everything depends on your discretion. Whether you succeed or not. So let's say you start a business like a cafeteria that is generally widespread."

"Yes."

"But, with businesses that are generally widespread, there are naturally many rivals."

"Indeed."

"So, how would you increase sales?"

"...Well, improving the taste, increasing the quantity..."

"Right. You could also lower prices or improve services. Conversely, there's also the method of making it an exclusive high-end store, and catering only to the wealthy."

"I see. It's quite enlightening."

"I'm not smart enough to teach you everything... but that's how you make efforts and innovations. Also, considering the location of the store, among other things."

"That's true."

"Meaning, if you work hard, there are chances to make profits. That's important."

"But it's not guaranteed to always succeed, right?"

"Of course not. It's unfortunate, but sometimes you'll go bankrupt."

"If the guild manages it, only the necessary number of cafeterias will be established, so at least the probability of going bankrupt decreases."

"But then customers wouldn't have a choice in selecting a store, right?"

"That's true, but..."

"Guaranteed stores by the guild might become complacent like they own the place. 'There's no other shop around here except ours,' you know? And do you know what would happen if you made an enemy of the guild?"

"..."

That might strike a chord with them.

"Wouldn't that be no different from the current situation in this country?"

"??!"

"If you oppose me, there'll be no freedom for you guys."

"T-That's..."

Well, it's just casual conversation, so let's move on.

"Now, back to it, what would you do if a competing store emerged?"

"Huh? Oh, yes. If a new store innovated and increased its sales, then the only option would be to innovate similarly or lower prices."

"Exactly. It'd be great if you could come up with a new menu that others couldn't imitate."

"Certainly, if it becomes a price competition with the same menu, prices would keep dropping indefinitely. That's why the guild exists, to prevent that..."

"That's the seller's theory. But buyers would naturally prefer the cheaper option if the product is the same."

"That's true, but..."

Chelina has a point, but let's keep the conversation moving.

"So, by pushing each other like that, new prices, better quality, new menus, and new stores will continue to emerge. If it becomes affordable, citizens will increasingly use them. Right, Chelina? Isn't it crucial to have lots of customers?"

"That's... one aspect of it, I suppose."

"Yeah, just one aspect. Now, let's move on to the other pattern I mentioned."

"Okay."

"The first one was about businesses generally widespread, so naturally, the second one would be about businesses not widespread."

"For example?"

"Um, let's see... a public bath might be a good example."

"A public bath?"

"Simply put, it's a paid bathhouse. Regardless of whether it succeeds or not, think of it as one example."

"Got it."

I wonder why a public bath came to mind so quickly; maybe I want to take a bath myself.

"Assuming there's no need for special permission, let's say you want to open that store somewhere in the city."

"Okay."

"First, you'll need to secure land, staff, and resources like water and firewood."

"It seems like there's a considerable initial cost involved. Although it's breaking the premise, I don't think it's likely to succeed..."

"Yeah, most people would probably think it'll fail. But at least initially, money will definitely be circulating. That's also beneficial for the country, and it means more job opportunities for people without work."

"That's true."

"Hey, what if you tried to open a public bath normally in this country?"

Chelina ponders for a moment.

"I think... First, you'd probably get denied land acquisition, and I imagine they'd find reasons to prohibit water usage as well."

"Why's that?"

"Because... I don't think they'd allow unnecessary facilities to be built within the city walls..."

"That's about right. They won't accept what they can't understand. But, think of it as the public bath succeeding."

"I see."