Chapter 13

Over the following few weeks, I worked tirelessly to establish the bank. Securing the building, acquiring equipment... there was still a mountain of tasks to be done. And the day of the promised meeting finally arrived. The designated location was the headquarters of the Commercial Guild of the Armenian Duchy. Just as when I met Moneda, I was once again intimidated by the imposing interior.

"......Well, everyone. Thank you very much for gathering here despite your busy schedules."

First, I gave my greeting. The members here had schedules packed to the second, so I was truly grateful that they had gathered here today.

"Oh, no. We have been looking forward to meeting the head of the recently talked-about guild."

His sharp eyes gleamed. Indeed... he was impressive.

"I am here today not as the head of the Azuta Guild, but as the acting lord of the Armenian Duchy."

"Hmm... as the acting lord, then?"

"Yes. Otherwise, I couldn't have gathered all of you. Our guild is still a newcomer, after all."

"Please, don't be modest. We have heard much about your achievements."

"Well... I will take that as a compliment. Now, about today's agenda..."

The air froze for a moment.

"First, we have established a bank in our territory. I would like to invite all of you to use it."

"......A bank, you say?"

"Yes."

"Pardon me, but what exactly is that?"

"Simply put, it's an advanced version of the financial department in the current Commercial Guild. The main services include deposit services, exchange services, and lending services."

"Deposit services...? Lending services...? I've never heard of such things... What's the point of them?"

"First, deposit services. In the past, the financial department of the Commercial Guild allowed both guilds and individuals to deposit funds. We will continue this service at the bank. Just the fact that the Commercial Guild won't need to maintain guards for the financial department is a significant advantage. Additionally, the bank will allow for fund transfers between accounts. For example, if both parties have deposits at the bank, they can transfer funds between accounts without carrying cash."

For deposit services, I thought about making it similar to Japan's system, with passbooks and seals. However, the downside is that transactions can only be made at the branch where the account was opened. Considering this, it would be good to have current accounts for guilds. Frequent travel to different regions is common, so using checks or drafts could be a solution. Alternatively, since I plan to create a household register, it might be good to issue IDs as well. The back of the ID could have a personal seal to verify identity. It doesn't have to be exactly like Japan's system... but since this is just an idea, I'll need to work out the details later. Creating a household register will take time, so it might be better to introduce this system after the bank is established.

For exchange services, I plan to handle them only at the branch where the account was opened. Without machines, the method would be for the bank to keep separate ledgers for each customer and use them for transactions.

By the way, I intend to hire the current guards. The bank will need guards, and even more so if we start a transportation business... of course, after training them to a uniform standard. That will be an initial investment.

"......I see. But, is it really safe? We are entrusting valuable funds to you. There must be no risk."

"Of course, it will be under the protection of my family. I will ensure that the quality of the security personnel is high. Conversely, if there is any misconduct, the punishment will be severe."

"Hmm. And what about lending services?"

"Lending services involve using the collected funds to lend money. Of course, there will be strict conditions, but if you meet them, you can borrow funds when needed, such as for starting a new business."

"That sounds interesting."

"You can deposit money at any time and withdraw what you need. Fund transfers will be more convenient. Additionally, you can borrow funds when needed. With the protection of my family, as long as 'my family' doesn't go bankrupt, our ample funds will guarantee your safety. ...What do you think? I intend to return profits to you as the lord, especially since I am encroaching on your territory."

However, as the lord, I can only guarantee the bank's credit. I can't directly invest in your guilds, as that would involve using tax money from the citizens. Of course, if my guild fails, the tax money would have been used to maintain the duchal family, so it's not entirely wrong to say that my guild is returning profits.

"What do you require from us in exchange?"

"Regarding the establishment of the bank, I don't require anything. The better the money circulates in my territory, the better. However, can we headhunt the people who have been working in the financial department of the Commercial Guild? They will need to learn a lot, but it's better to have a solid foundation. Also, we will prepare the main branch, but it would be helpful if we could use the branches of the Commercial Guild for other locations."

"Well, that's reasonable. You are covering the initial costs and taking over a department that has been a loss for our guild... we would be happy to cooperate."

Good, the bank's establishment is on track.

"......Then, let's move on to the main topic for the guilds."

The relaxed atmosphere once again became tense. I didn't bring these people, whose schedules are packed to the second, here just for this... I wouldn't waste such an opportunity.

"As I mentioned earlier, the bank will invest the collected taxes in road improvements in our territory. Additionally, we will establish a 'school.'"

"A school... like the one in the capital?"

"There's no point in using tax money to create a school that doesn't produce results. We are planning to establish an elementary department for basic reading and writing, and a higher department for more advanced specialized fields. The elementary department will be mandatory for all citizens and will be funded by our territory's taxes. I would like the guilds to invest in the higher department."

"How exactly do you want us to invest?"

"To be frank, I would like you to invest. Whether it's funds, equipment, or materials, it would be appreciated."

"Can't you just have the bank lend the money?"

"The bank's credit is backed by the duchal family's funds and taxes. Excessive lending would disrupt the balance and quickly put the bank's operations in jeopardy."

"That makes sense. Then, can we wait for the school to be established?"

"Ideally, I want to open the school as soon as possible. People are also a valuable resource in our territory. It would be a waste to leave them untrained."

"......Hmm. What are the specific plans for the school?"

"Please review the materials I will distribute now."

Sebastian, who had accompanied me, distributed the materials to everyone. These were the materials I had prepared over the past few weeks... I hadn't even had time to sleep recently.

"First, the highlight is the establishment of a medical department. We are also considering administrative and accounting departments."

"A medical department...?"

The heads of the guilds looked surprised. It was understandable. In this world, doctors are employed by nobles, and their knowledge is not widely disseminated. The value of this knowledge is clear to anyone in the guilds. Normally, they wouldn't leave high-paying jobs to spread their knowledge... but this is not "normal." I often wonder how I managed to hire them. I had thought about bringing two or three doctors from my family, but my mother introduced me to them after hearing about my plans. She has a wide network of contacts. They apparently wanted a quiet life in the countryside and were eager to train the next generation, so they agreed immediately. I hope they will not only serve as doctors but also use my mother's negotiation skills for the guild.

By the way, the instructors for the agricultural department will be scholars and farmers. It will be a combination of theoretical and practical training. The scholars are people my parents have gathered through their extensive networks. I also plan to have Reame serve as an instructor.