The next three days were exhausting.
Adrian spent most of his time improving the production arrangement.
He couldn’t continue manufacturing everything alone.
If he wanted to fulfil larger orders, he needed assistance.
He approached Thomas first.
“How would you feel about earning extra money?”
Thomas looked suspicious.
“Why?”
“I need someone to help with production.”
“Your soap?”
“Yes.”
Thomas scratched his head.
“How much?”
“Four copper coins daily.”
Thomas immediately became interested.
“Four?”
“Provided you follow instructions.”
The young apprentice considered the offer.
His current earnings were barely enough to cover his expenses.
Four additional copper coins would make a difference.
“When do I start?”
“Tomorrow.”
Adrian also approached another young worker named Peter.
Peter was slightly older than Thomas and had experience handling basic workshop equipment.
Unlike Thomas, he was cautious.
“What exactly will I be doing?”
“Preparing materials, arranging containers and assisting with production.”
“Will I be handling chemicals?”
“Under supervision. I’ll provide instructions and suitable protection.”
Peter nodded.
He accepted the offer.
With two additional workers, Adrian’s production capacity improved.
However, he quickly discovered that hiring people introduced new challenges.
Thomas was careless.
And both needed constant supervision.
Adrian decided to divide their responsibilities.
Thomas would handle packaging and inventory.
Peter would assist with preparation and equipment.
Adrian would supervise production and quality control.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was considerably better than doing everything himself.
By the end of the fourth day, they had produced fifty pieces.
Adrian inspected every batch.
He rejected several pieces that failed his quality requirements.
Thomas looked disappointed.
“Those aren’t bad.”
“They’re inconsistent.”
“Nobody will notice.”
“I will.”
Adrian placed the rejected pieces aside.
“Would you buy something that doesn’t meet the quality you were promised?”
Thomas shook his head.
“Then don’t expect customers to do so.”
The following morning, Adrian delivered the order to the Voss establishment.
Elena personally inspected the products.
She examined their appearance, fragrance and packaging.
“Fifty pieces?”
“Exactly.”
She called one of her assistants.
“Take these to the household section. I want them displayed separately.”
Adrian watched as the products were arranged.
“What happens now?”
“We wait.”
Adrian frowned.
“That’s it?”
Elena laughed.
“What did you expect? A royal announcement?”
“No. I expected you to tell me whether you liked them.”
She handed him a small pouch.
“Payment.”
Adrian counted the coins.
One hundred and fifty copper coins.
One silver coin and fifty copper coins.
He nodded.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. If customers don’t like them, I won’t order again.”
“Fair enough.”
Adrian returned to the workshop.
He had fulfilled the order, but his attention was already shifting towards expansion.
He needed better packaging.
He needed more reliable equipment.
And he needed to reduce production costs.
That evening, Thomas entered the storage room carrying a piece of paper.
“Adrian.”
“What?”
“Someone came asking about the soap.”
Adrian looked up.
“Who?”
“A merchant. He wanted to know who manufactures it and where we buy the materials.”
Adrian stopped writing.
“What did you tell him?”
“Nothing important.”
“Good.”
He took the paper from Thomas.
A name had been written on it.
Lucien Blackthorn.
Adrian had never heard of the man.
But something about the inquiry made him uncomfortable.
His business was beginning to attract attention.
And not all attention would be friendly