Chat-Error/slightly-more-clean-ln · Datasets at Hugging Face

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First things first, on to the next step. I need to finish this!
She took the pot off the stove, straining the boiled petals from the liquid, letting them cool down as she readied another pot. Once the petals were no longer scalding hot, she wrapped them in a cloth and wrung them out.
Next, she picked up the glass bottle on the table. Inside was a clear, viscous liquid from the sap of a common tree. She mixed it together with the flower dye, taking care not to form bubbles. Once it was a uniform color, she poured the liquid back into the bottle, rocking it from side to side to settle it. That gave her a small vial of deep pink.
Rishe opened another glass bottle, dipping a small prepared brush inside. The contents were a milky color, made by mixing the sap of various herbs. Carefully, she smoothed the mixture over her nails. On top of that, she painted on the pink color, making sure there were no bumps.
Ten seconds later, the liquid began to feel hot. She waited several minutes, being careful not to do anything with her fingers. When she finally touched her nails, she found the lacquer glossy and hard. It set just as she was hoping.
Perfect. Rishe gazed at her rose-colored nails with satisfaction. The hardened sap shone like gems on her fingertips.
This was a substance Rishe had invented during her life as an apothecary. Shed used this concoction to strengthen the cracked nails of the injured. It was made of the sap of the common collini trees, mixed with three kinds of crushed herbs. The lacquer solidified in just a few minutes.
I need to experiment with other flowers to make sure the colors come out and how well they harden, she was thinking to herself when Elsie appeared.
My lady, I thought I told you to take a break. She had been checking on Rishe all day and was thoroughly displeased to find her still in the kitchen. Ill make you some tea, then you should sit down
She stopped, apparently having noticed Rishes nails. Her eyes lit up like stars. Theyre so shiny!
Rishe couldnt help but chuckle at her adorable squeal of excitement. Youve come at a good time. Shed had a feeling Elsie would like this.
She instructed Elsie to wash her hands thoroughly and sit down across the table from her. After making sure that Elsie didnt have any open cuts or wounds, Rishe went to work. She dipped the brush into the milky-white liquid, explaining how it worked as she painted Elsies nails.
In a country far to the east, they have a culture of dyeing their nails with flowers. If we use this strengthening ointment for your nails below the pigment, the dye should last for a while, even with your cleaning duties.
Curious, Elsie asked, Do you mean it makes your nails stronger? Mine break so easily.
This should help with that. But the best remedy for brittle nails is to eat balanced meals rich in plenty of meat, fish, and legumes. Nails are a part of your skin. Whats good for your skin is good for your nails.
Meat, fish, and legumes, Elsie muttered. Ill remember that. My family is poor, but I have my wages now!
You mentioned your family has fallen on hard times.
Elsie nodded. Even when we do buy meat and vegetables, its only enough to feed my younger brother and sister.
Rishe had learned about Elsies family back before Elsie was her maid, when shed mentioned why she needed this job so badly. It was all for their sake.
I know the capital city contains slumsone of the knights from our journey mentioned it after the bandit attack. He told me he was from a poor district. Rishe painted more base coat onto Elsies nails. Doubtless Arnolds measures arent enough to save everyone. His policies have been so unpopular, some people have tried to block them.
Having finished the base coat, Rishe brought out the dyed sap polish. Elsie was transfixed, letting out a little coo of admiration as she watched. Its so beautiful. Ive never seen anything so glossy and pretty.
Elsie liked dressing up. She seemed to enjoy choosing Rishes gowns and doing her hair. She was so deft with her hands that shed likely be excellent at applying polish on her own.
Rishe said, I only have pink right now, but tell me what your favorite color is. Ill give you the bottle when its finished.
Oh, no, I couldnt possibly accept something so lovely.
On the contrary, Rishe said. You should most certainly accept. For my sake too. Seeing all of you wear my creation will make me happy.
My lady, I
Rishe let out a breath of relief as she finished with Elsies right hand. Mistakes with the polish were hard to fix. What color would you like? We could do the pale blue of forget-me-nots or yellow of sunflowers. Theres also red, orange, pink, or purple. Your skin is so pale, Im sure any color would look good on you.
Elsie gazed at Rishe in wonder. Oh. Tears welled in her eyes.
Elsie? Whats wrong? Are you hurt? Rishe panicked a little. Did she have a cut that Rishe had missed? It wouldnt be good for the liquid to seep in.
Elsie shook her head. No, its just She blinked away her tears, stemming the drip of the pearl-like droplets. Ive never worn something so pretty before. She couldnt seem to hold herself back. My siblings always came first. Whatever money we got a hold of was spent on essentials. Her quiet voice was strangled down to a whisper. Ive never had anything to dress my hair, and my clothes have always been worn hand-me-downs from the boys. This maids uniform is the first thing Ive had thats mine.
Rishe remembered just how upset Elsie had been over her dress getting stained at their first meeting.
I was overjoyed to officially receive this uniform when you took me into your employ. I never thought Id actually be allowed something so beautiful of my own.
Elsie wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. Im happy, my lady. I promise. I dont even know how to tell you how happy.
Oh, Elsie. Rishe gently patted the girls head.
Im so happy! Elsie sobbed louder.
Right then, Rishe understood what it meant that all her maids were working for their families sakes. No doubt they were like Elsie, pushing aside their dreams and aspirations.
Thanks to the insights from my current life, I now know what this business deal with Aria has been lacking.
***
On the day of Rishes deadline, Tully and four other managers assembled in the main palaces parlor. All of them were people she remembered fondly from her previous lives. She sat across from them, outlining her business idea.
Women use this product to decorate their nails. Rishe gestured to the seven maids arrayed behind her. They each wore different colors of polishfrom pink to bright blue to light green, all glossy and vibrant. I have written down a brief summary of Galkheins economic situation. Many common families have money to spend, but beauty products are very dear. Gowns and jewels are out of their reach, but my polish wont be.
She presented the document to Tully. The names of the ingredients were redacted, but shed included their individual costs and the retail price for the finished products. Pulling out another document, she said, This is a transcript of visitors to the city. As you can see, many are men in the prime of their lives.
Tully squinted down at the paper. Right you are. And I presume these fellows have homes and families to return to.
My product will make the perfect gift, Rishe assured him. The bottles are small and compact.
That meant they would be easy to distribute abroad as well. Perfect for a company like Aria, which made most of its sales in storefronts.
So, what do you think, Mr. Tully?
Tully didnt take his eyes off Rishe as he spoke to his managers. Chester, Melvin, Neal, Russel. What are your thoughts?
In turn, each offered his opinion.
I think its sound. I dont know if I trust her cost analysis, but I foresee no problems with mass production.
A bottle would sell for about two thousand gold? Thatd be quite the profit.
She must be using flowers for the dyes. If theyre rare or regional, then well need to add an import tax for other countries.
Tch. Uncouth, the lot of you. Tully pressed his brow and shrugged in exasperation. Is it only about cost and profits to you?
Th-then what do you think, sir?
Do I have to spell it out? We need to go to the consumer. Tully turned his customer-service smile on the girls arrayed behind Rishe. My dears, what are your opinions on your nails?
Oh, um
Tully had a devilish smile, and as he turned it on her maids, Rishe solemnly prayed that all of them could see through itand every other good-for-nothing man whod try the same, for that matter.
The girls hesitated, a bit flushed, then spoke cautiously. We have to look at our hands a lot while we work. It helps my morale, being able to look down and see such pretty nails.
I feel like theyre helping me do a better job. Another maid giggled. I know thats silly, but
Its hard to paint both hands on our own, so we help each other. Its fun! We were even talking about how wed like to try our hand at doing little designs when we get a bit better at it.
Elsie, ever shy, added her opinion last. I love it. It makes me so happy. Her nails were a coral-red from the gerberas. When Rishe had asked which shade she wanted, Elsie didnt even hesitate in answering, The same as your hair, my lady.
See, what did I tell you? Tully leaned back in his chair. The looks on their faces alone tell me this product will be a hit, production costs be damned.
Does that mean Lady Rishe passes your test, Boss?
Tullys eyes took on a dangerous glint. Now thats a completely different question.
The maids murmured among one another, confused at the sudden change in his demeanor.
Tully picked up the documents Rishe had laid on the table, glancing back over them. Production cost involves an array of factors, not just the price of ingredients or whether it can be mass-produced.
Yeah, thats true, one of his men agreed.
The demand for this product will be high. Its unique. If Id invented this, I would have jacked up the price and sold it to aristocrats. Tully watched Rishe with an openly searching gaze. Im sure the thought occurred to you, my lady. So my question iswhat are your motives?
Rishe smiled demurely. Hed seen through her again. Mr. Tully, since you find my product so pleasing, could we get down to business?
Down to business? asked one of Tullys men. Werent we already doing that?
Rishe and Tully ignored the confused staff members, squaring off across the table. Shall we open the negotiations? she pressed.
The maids took their leave. The only people remaining were Rishe, the trading company representatives, and Rishes guards. The air was tense. Tullys staff exchanged uncomfortable looks.
With your permission, Ill start off with some advice. Tully raised a hand with a self-deprecating grin, perhaps to keep Rishe from taking it personally. Do you really want to discuss this further? This is a marvelous product. If you agree to my proposed strategy of putting this on the market as a luxury product for the rich, Id pass you in an instant.
I really do. Rishe leveled her gaze at him. The discussion will continue, Mr. Tully.
Then please, say your piece.
Rishe passed another document to Tully. This is a copy of a recently instated policy. Three years ago, Galkhein established a nationwide minimum wage.
Interesting. Tully glanced over the document. I see now. Employers must pay their employees at least this stated amount, no matter who they are. Lest they break the law.
Ever since this policy was passed, Rishe went on, deaths by overwork have gone downas has poverty. Its easier to make a steady income. Quite frankly, this is the policy that has jump-started Galkheins economy.
However, the only people benefiting from this are people with jobs, Tully said, catching on.
Arnolds law increased workers income. But because of that, the burden of the higher wages was placed on their employers. So, while overall income had increased, and some people had comfortable hours and food on the table, employment was down. The ones who couldnt find jobs were still starving.
Next, I would like you to direct your attention to this document. Rishe showed him the next sheet of paper. Supplies for the ingredients and manufacturing workshops. This is all the information you need for mass production, including channels of distribution. Your manufacturing costs will be low. But this does not include the cost of labor.
Oh dear. Tully bent forward and propped his elbow on his knee. I think I know where youre heading, but let me ask anyway: What do you want me to do?
Employ from poor areas who are at their wits end, the ones hit worst by deprivation. Rishe straightened up. I will give you the recipe ifand only ifyou agree to this condition.
The gleam in Tullys eye was snuffed out in an instant. What a noble request. He gave a deep sigh. Im disappointed in you, missy.
Kaine Tully! snapped one of the guards. Watch your tongue! You will address the crown princess by her title.
No, its all right. Rishe called off the loyal knights and kept her eyes on Tully. I believe that even with this proposal, this product will bring in sufficient profits. It is, admittedly, less than youd make selling it as a luxury good.
Now, now. Sufficient isnt enough for greedy merchants like me. If you want to run a charity, go talk to a priest.
Rishe had been expecting this reaction. Tully wasnt a cruel man, but he appreciated the aesthetics of a good deal. Im not asking you to run a charityIm asking you to strike a bargain.
What? Tully frowned. His other staff gave her confused looks too.
A long time ago, a man told me that the very best merchants choose their own customers.
The man who had told her that in the past had given her a very shrewd look. He was doing that now.
Rishe didnt let it trip her up. A few days ago, I learned of a recent allocation of funds to the poora large stimulus, postwar.
I know about that, yes, Tully said. I believe it was a policy introduced by the crown prince. Even us cutthroats can appreciate a decree meant to save people and help a country flourish.
Exactly. The citizens would have starved without those measures. And they will again, if the royal family and nobility think only of lining their own pockets.
During her life as a merchant, Rishe had traveled to many different places. Galkheins allies in the war had emerged victorious as well, but not nearly as well-off. Some of them were even worse off than countries on the losing side.
When spending goes down, the economy stagnates. When that happens, workers have nowhere to work and grow poor again. If the cycle continues, even the wealthiest families would be destined for collapse. They live off the taxes their citizens provide, after all.
Tully gave a dry laugh. Youre trying to tell me that a country cant become rich if they hoard all their wealth in one place. That wealth should be redistributed.
No, I prefer to think of it in a different way, Rishe said, and then she smiled. I daresay youd agree. Let us not choose our customers but rather create our customers with our very own hands.
Tully sucked in a breath, his eyes widening. She had him now.
Most merchants dont see those in poverty as potential customers, right? They cant afford anything besides basic necessities, after all. Elsie had told Rishe exactly that the other day. But Id like you to imagine for a momentwhat would the market look like if all those people found jobs tomorrow, and they no longer had to scrape by?
Hmm
All of those people would become potential customers. By increasing your customer base, youll sell even more than before. That kind of cycle is self-sustaining. Rishe drew a circle in the air with her index finger, and her smile grew. That, in turn, would mean great things for the products that the Aria Trading Company has to offer, would it not? By expanding your customer base, your company will be raking in the highest profits possible.

First things first, on to the next step. I need to finish this!

She took the pot off the stove, straining the boiled petals from the liquid, letting them cool down as she readied another pot. Once the petals were no longer scalding hot, she wrapped them in a cloth and wrung them out.

Next, she picked up the glass bottle on the table. Inside was a clear, viscous liquid from the sap of a common tree. She mixed it together with the flower dye, taking care not to form bubbles. Once it was a uniform color, she poured the liquid back into the bottle, rocking it from side to side to settle it. That gave her a small vial of deep pink.

Rishe opened another glass bottle, dipping a small prepared brush inside. The contents were a milky color, made by mixing the sap of various herbs. Carefully, she smoothed the mixture over her nails. On top of that, she painted on the pink color, making sure there were no bumps.

Ten seconds later, the liquid began to feel hot. She waited several minutes, being careful not to do anything with her fingers. When she finally touched her nails, she found the lacquer glossy and hard. It set just as she was hoping.

Perfect. Rishe gazed at her rose-colored nails with satisfaction. The hardened sap shone like gems on her fingertips.

This was a substance Rishe had invented during her life as an apothecary. Shed used this concoction to strengthen the cracked nails of the injured. It was made of the sap of the common collini trees, mixed with three kinds of crushed herbs. The lacquer solidified in just a few minutes.

I need to experiment with other flowers to make sure the colors come out and how well they harden, she was thinking to herself when Elsie appeared.

My lady, I thought I told you to take a break. She had been checking on Rishe all day and was thoroughly displeased to find her still in the kitchen. Ill make you some tea, then you should sit down

She stopped, apparently having noticed Rishes nails. Her eyes lit up like stars. Theyre so shiny!

Rishe couldnt help but chuckle at her adorable squeal of excitement. Youve come at a good time. Shed had a feeling Elsie would like this.

She instructed Elsie to wash her hands thoroughly and sit down across the table from her. After making sure that Elsie didnt have any open cuts or wounds, Rishe went to work. She dipped the brush into the milky-white liquid, explaining how it worked as she painted Elsies nails.

In a country far to the east, they have a culture of dyeing their nails with flowers. If we use this strengthening ointment for your nails below the pigment, the dye should last for a while, even with your cleaning duties.

Curious, Elsie asked, Do you mean it makes your nails stronger? Mine break so easily.

This should help with that. But the best remedy for brittle nails is to eat balanced meals rich in plenty of meat, fish, and legumes. Nails are a part of your skin. Whats good for your skin is good for your nails.

Meat, fish, and legumes, Elsie muttered. Ill remember that. My family is poor, but I have my wages now!

You mentioned your family has fallen on hard times.

Elsie nodded. Even when we do buy meat and vegetables, its only enough to feed my younger brother and sister.

Rishe had learned about Elsies family back before Elsie was her maid, when shed mentioned why she needed this job so badly. It was all for their sake.

I know the capital city contains slumsone of the knights from our journey mentioned it after the bandit attack. He told me he was from a poor district. Rishe painted more base coat onto Elsies nails. Doubtless Arnolds measures arent enough to save everyone. His policies have been so unpopular, some people have tried to block them.

Having finished the base coat, Rishe brought out the dyed sap polish. Elsie was transfixed, letting out a little coo of admiration as she watched. Its so beautiful. Ive never seen anything so glossy and pretty.

Elsie liked dressing up. She seemed to enjoy choosing Rishes gowns and doing her hair. She was so deft with her hands that shed likely be excellent at applying polish on her own.

Rishe said, I only have pink right now, but tell me what your favorite color is. Ill give you the bottle when its finished.

Oh, no, I couldnt possibly accept something so lovely.

On the contrary, Rishe said. You should most certainly accept. For my sake too. Seeing all of you wear my creation will make me happy.

My lady, I

Rishe let out a breath of relief as she finished with Elsies right hand. Mistakes with the polish were hard to fix. What color would you like? We could do the pale blue of forget-me-nots or yellow of sunflowers. Theres also red, orange, pink, or purple. Your skin is so pale, Im sure any color would look good on you.

Elsie gazed at Rishe in wonder. Oh. Tears welled in her eyes.

Elsie? Whats wrong? Are you hurt? Rishe panicked a little. Did she have a cut that Rishe had missed? It wouldnt be good for the liquid to seep in.

Elsie shook her head. No, its just She blinked away her tears, stemming the drip of the pearl-like droplets. Ive never worn something so pretty before. She couldnt seem to hold herself back. My siblings always came first. Whatever money we got a hold of was spent on essentials. Her quiet voice was strangled down to a whisper. Ive never had anything to dress my hair, and my clothes have always been worn hand-me-downs from the boys. This maids uniform is the first thing Ive had thats mine.

Rishe remembered just how upset Elsie had been over her dress getting stained at their first meeting.

I was overjoyed to officially receive this uniform when you took me into your employ. I never thought Id actually be allowed something so beautiful of my own.

Elsie wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. Im happy, my lady. I promise. I dont even know how to tell you how happy.

Oh, Elsie. Rishe gently patted the girls head.

Im so happy! Elsie sobbed louder.

Right then, Rishe understood what it meant that all her maids were working for their families sakes. No doubt they were like Elsie, pushing aside their dreams and aspirations.

Thanks to the insights from my current life, I now know what this business deal with Aria has been lacking.

***

On the day of Rishes deadline, Tully and four other managers assembled in the main palaces parlor. All of them were people she remembered fondly from her previous lives. She sat across from them, outlining her business idea.

Women use this product to decorate their nails. Rishe gestured to the seven maids arrayed behind her. They each wore different colors of polishfrom pink to bright blue to light green, all glossy and vibrant. I have written down a brief summary of Galkheins economic situation. Many common families have money to spend, but beauty products are very dear. Gowns and jewels are out of their reach, but my polish wont be.

She presented the document to Tully. The names of the ingredients were redacted, but shed included their individual costs and the retail price for the finished products. Pulling out another document, she said, This is a transcript of visitors to the city. As you can see, many are men in the prime of their lives.

Tully squinted down at the paper. Right you are. And I presume these fellows have homes and families to return to.

My product will make the perfect gift, Rishe assured him. The bottles are small and compact.

That meant they would be easy to distribute abroad as well. Perfect for a company like Aria, which made most of its sales in storefronts.

So, what do you think, Mr. Tully?

Tully didnt take his eyes off Rishe as he spoke to his managers. Chester, Melvin, Neal, Russel. What are your thoughts?

In turn, each offered his opinion.

I think its sound. I dont know if I trust her cost analysis, but I foresee no problems with mass production.

A bottle would sell for about two thousand gold? Thatd be quite the profit.

She must be using flowers for the dyes. If theyre rare or regional, then well need to add an import tax for other countries.

Tch. Uncouth, the lot of you. Tully pressed his brow and shrugged in exasperation. Is it only about cost and profits to you?

Th-then what do you think, sir?

Do I have to spell it out? We need to go to the consumer. Tully turned his customer-service smile on the girls arrayed behind Rishe. My dears, what are your opinions on your nails?

Oh, um

Tully had a devilish smile, and as he turned it on her maids, Rishe solemnly prayed that all of them could see through itand every other good-for-nothing man whod try the same, for that matter.

The girls hesitated, a bit flushed, then spoke cautiously. We have to look at our hands a lot while we work. It helps my morale, being able to look down and see such pretty nails.

I feel like theyre helping me do a better job. Another maid giggled. I know thats silly, but

Its hard to paint both hands on our own, so we help each other. Its fun! We were even talking about how wed like to try our hand at doing little designs when we get a bit better at it.

Elsie, ever shy, added her opinion last. I love it. It makes me so happy. Her nails were a coral-red from the gerberas. When Rishe had asked which shade she wanted, Elsie didnt even hesitate in answering, The same as your hair, my lady.

See, what did I tell you? Tully leaned back in his chair. The looks on their faces alone tell me this product will be a hit, production costs be damned.

Does that mean Lady Rishe passes your test, Boss?

Tullys eyes took on a dangerous glint. Now thats a completely different question.

The maids murmured among one another, confused at the sudden change in his demeanor.

Tully picked up the documents Rishe had laid on the table, glancing back over them. Production cost involves an array of factors, not just the price of ingredients or whether it can be mass-produced.

Yeah, thats true, one of his men agreed.

The demand for this product will be high. Its unique. If Id invented this, I would have jacked up the price and sold it to aristocrats. Tully watched Rishe with an openly searching gaze. Im sure the thought occurred to you, my lady. So my question iswhat are your motives?

Rishe smiled demurely. Hed seen through her again. Mr. Tully, since you find my product so pleasing, could we get down to business?

Down to business? asked one of Tullys men. Werent we already doing that?

Rishe and Tully ignored the confused staff members, squaring off across the table. Shall we open the negotiations? she pressed.

The maids took their leave. The only people remaining were Rishe, the trading company representatives, and Rishes guards. The air was tense. Tullys staff exchanged uncomfortable looks.

With your permission, Ill start off with some advice. Tully raised a hand with a self-deprecating grin, perhaps to keep Rishe from taking it personally. Do you really want to discuss this further? This is a marvelous product. If you agree to my proposed strategy of putting this on the market as a luxury product for the rich, Id pass you in an instant.

I really do. Rishe leveled her gaze at him. The discussion will continue, Mr. Tully.

Then please, say your piece.

Rishe passed another document to Tully. This is a copy of a recently instated policy. Three years ago, Galkhein established a nationwide minimum wage.

Interesting. Tully glanced over the document. I see now. Employers must pay their employees at least this stated amount, no matter who they are. Lest they break the law.

Ever since this policy was passed, Rishe went on, deaths by overwork have gone downas has poverty. Its easier to make a steady income. Quite frankly, this is the policy that has jump-started Galkheins economy.

However, the only people benefiting from this are people with jobs, Tully said, catching on.

Arnolds law increased workers income. But because of that, the burden of the higher wages was placed on their employers. So, while overall income had increased, and some people had comfortable hours and food on the table, employment was down. The ones who couldnt find jobs were still starving.

Next, I would like you to direct your attention to this document. Rishe showed him the next sheet of paper. Supplies for the ingredients and manufacturing workshops. This is all the information you need for mass production, including channels of distribution. Your manufacturing costs will be low. But this does not include the cost of labor.

Oh dear. Tully bent forward and propped his elbow on his knee. I think I know where youre heading, but let me ask anyway: What do you want me to do?

Employ from poor areas who are at their wits end, the ones hit worst by deprivation. Rishe straightened up. I will give you the recipe ifand only ifyou agree to this condition.

The gleam in Tullys eye was snuffed out in an instant. What a noble request. He gave a deep sigh. Im disappointed in you, missy.

Kaine Tully! snapped one of the guards. Watch your tongue! You will address the crown princess by her title.

No, its all right. Rishe called off the loyal knights and kept her eyes on Tully. I believe that even with this proposal, this product will bring in sufficient profits. It is, admittedly, less than youd make selling it as a luxury good.

Now, now. Sufficient isnt enough for greedy merchants like me. If you want to run a charity, go talk to a priest.

Rishe had been expecting this reaction. Tully wasnt a cruel man, but he appreciated the aesthetics of a good deal. Im not asking you to run a charityIm asking you to strike a bargain.

What? Tully frowned. His other staff gave her confused looks too.

A long time ago, a man told me that the very best merchants choose their own customers.

The man who had told her that in the past had given her a very shrewd look. He was doing that now.

Rishe didnt let it trip her up. A few days ago, I learned of a recent allocation of funds to the poora large stimulus, postwar.

I know about that, yes, Tully said. I believe it was a policy introduced by the crown prince. Even us cutthroats can appreciate a decree meant to save people and help a country flourish.

Exactly. The citizens would have starved without those measures. And they will again, if the royal family and nobility think only of lining their own pockets.

During her life as a merchant, Rishe had traveled to many different places. Galkheins allies in the war had emerged victorious as well, but not nearly as well-off. Some of them were even worse off than countries on the losing side.

When spending goes down, the economy stagnates. When that happens, workers have nowhere to work and grow poor again. If the cycle continues, even the wealthiest families would be destined for collapse. They live off the taxes their citizens provide, after all.

Tully gave a dry laugh. Youre trying to tell me that a country cant become rich if they hoard all their wealth in one place. That wealth should be redistributed.

No, I prefer to think of it in a different way, Rishe said, and then she smiled. I daresay youd agree. Let us not choose our customers but rather create our customers with our very own hands.

Tully sucked in a breath, his eyes widening. She had him now.

Most merchants dont see those in poverty as potential customers, right? They cant afford anything besides basic necessities, after all. Elsie had told Rishe exactly that the other day. But Id like you to imagine for a momentwhat would the market look like if all those people found jobs tomorrow, and they no longer had to scrape by?

Hmm

All of those people would become potential customers. By increasing your customer base, youll sell even more than before. That kind of cycle is self-sustaining. Rishe drew a circle in the air with her index finger, and her smile grew. That, in turn, would mean great things for the products that the Aria Trading Company has to offer, would it not? By expanding your customer base, your company will be raking in the highest profits possible.