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119. Airids

119. Airids

Initially, Armad had never considered establishing companies to produce these remedies. It was the judge who came up with the idea. Armad paid little attention to it until he started seeing a significant influx of Airids. Then he realized the value of the judge his father had appointed. Traditionally, judges are not seen on battlefields. This led some younger members of the Wilberforce tribe to question the cultivation power of the judges. Some believed that judges lacked any cultivation power, while others thought that even if they possessed such power, it would only be enough to extend their lifespan. However, judges were primarily known for managing the internal affairs of the Wilberforce tribe. These responsibilities included overseeing business operations, paying employees, and handling various other tasks. Judges were even responsible for the clothing and food for the tribe’s children and managing the cultivation artifacts they used.

On this day, Armad saw firsthand the importance of the judges. It wasn’t just the influx of money that made him happy, but also the reports he received from the devas he had posted to secretly observe the town’s activities. The devas reported a noticeable increase in the happiness of the townspeople. Everywhere Armad looked, he saw people celebrating and enjoying themselves.

Remarkably, overnight, the young women of the town seemed more beautiful. It was an inexplicable transformation. Every young woman passing by appeared more radiant than the day before. When these women bought a single bottle of the remedy, experienced its effectiveness, and then bought and drank more, it was as if they were savoring a fine drink. This phenomenon was reminiscent of the saying, “God created a white man in a single night,” but for the people of this town, it felt more like “God transformed them into Arabs in a single night.”

However, while the deva was reporting to Armad, Armad began to frown. He sensed that the situation was about to escalate in a way he had long feared. The deva’s words confirmed his worst suspicions, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that the transformation of his townspeople was imminent. He feared that one day, all the people of his town would change their forms beyond recognition. This idea gnawed at him, filling him with a sense of dread.

After a moment of contemplation, Armad sighed deeply. He reached for a piece of parchment, his mind racing with the implications of what needed to be done. With a determined hand, he wrote a message, his pen scratching decisively across the paper. He gave the note to the deva with strict instructions to deliver it to the judge immediately.

In the message, Armad ordered the judge to halt the sale of the remedy to the young women. The remedy, while a significant source of income for the town, had unintended consequences. Armad believed that increasing one’s beauty should be a measured and moderate act, not an obsession. He didn’t want his people to lose their natural forms and identities. Though he knew that there was no law prohibiting people from altering their appearances, he felt a deep moral responsibility to intervene.

Armad’s thoughts were conflicted. On one hand, he recognized that everyone had the right to do as they pleased with their bodies. On the other hand, he feared the potential for abuse. He worried that if the young women continued using the remedy without restraint, it would lead to unforeseen and possibly dire consequences. The town could become a place where natural beauty was lost, replaced by an artificial and superficial standard.

Upon receiving the message, the judge pondered Armad’s concerns. He understood the gravity of the situation and the potential impact on the community. With a sense of urgency, the judge revised the existing guidelines for the sale of the remedy. He issued a new directive that aimed to address Armad’s fears and maintain the town’s sense of identity.

The first new guideline was strict: if an individual did not have a visible disease, the remedy would not be sold to them more than once, regardless of how often they returned. This was a significant change from the previous policy, which allowed the remedy to be sold once a day to anyone who could prove they used it personally and did not resell it. The new directive was clear: without a visible ailment, the remedy could only be purchased once. This was to prevent overuse and potential addiction to the transformative effects of the remedy.

Signs of anger began to arise in the town due to the new guidelines, especially among the young women. They were frustrated that their access to the remedy, which they believed enhanced their beauty and well-being, was being restricted. Many felt that the new rules were unfair and limiting their freedom.

However, over time, the young women understand the rationale behind the guidelines. Slowly, they managed to control their anger and accepted that even with these restrictions, they had much to be thankful for. They realized that the remedy, though now limited, was still a significant blessing.

Despite the initial discontent, happiness gradually returned to the town. The people began to appreciate the balance that the new guideline brought. The streets, once filled with tension, were again bustling with daily life, laughter, and the simple joys of community.

Due to the interconnected nature of the neighboring towns and the fact that they were all under the rule of one king, news about the remedy quickly reached Kalidu and the other kings appointed by Armad in the surrounding towns. The remedy’s reputation spread rapidly, not just through official channels, but also through the stories and testimonies of those who had benefited from it. People suffering from long-term ailments like leprosy and common rashes, who had previously sought cures in vain, began to speak of the miraculous remedy that had finally brought them relief.

This word-of-mouth spread faster than any formal decree. The common people, excited and grateful for their newfound health, shared their experiences with friends and family in neighboring towns. They talked about how the remedy had changed their lives, providing relief and hope where there had been none. These stories reached the ears of Kalidu and the other regional leaders even before any official communication from Armad. The leaders were intrigued and curious about the remedy’s potential.

Meanwhile, businesspeople in the town quickly identified a lucrative opportunity. They realized that while they might not be allowed to buy and sell the remedy within Tiriba, they could still transport it to other towns and profit from the demand. The idea of adding a transportation fee to the cost of the remedy seemed like a straightforward way to capitalize on its popularity. They saw this as a way to boost their incomes and expand their business reach.

Determined not to let businesspeople from other towns seize this opportunity, about 30 local entrepreneurs gathered early one morning in front of the judge’s house. They wanted to be the first to secure permission to start trading the remedy. They believed that by acting quickly, they could establish themselves as the primary suppliers to the neighboring towns. They planned to present their case to the judge, emphasizing the potential economic benefits and the goodwill it would generate for Tiriba.

However, their plans were thwarted when they discovered that the judge had spent the night at the palace and was not available to meet them. Disappointed but undeterred, some of the businesspeople left to attend to their daily tasks. Yet, more than 20 of them decided to wait, determined to speak with the judge and secure their trading rights. They waited patiently as the day progressed.

After the sun had completely set, the group saw the judge returning from the palace. Instantly, their weariness and tiredness vanished, replaced by a sense of anticipation and relief. They bowed deeply and greeted him with respect.

The judge frowned, recognizing some of their faces, though he did not know their names. It was clear they had spent a considerable amount of time waiting for him. He wondered what could be so urgent to warrant such patience. “What is happening?” he asked, his voice carrying a mixture of curiosity and authority.

The leader of the group, a middle-aged man with a weathered face, nervously scratched the back of his head. “Your Majesty, we have come to ask for permission because we do not want to do anything that would go against the decree,” he began, his voice trembling slightly.

As the judge listened, he began to understand what they had come to discuss. It was something he had anticipated. “What brought you here? Tell me quickly without wasting my time,” he said, though he did not let on that he already had an idea of what they wanted to say. He needed to hear their exact words to confirm his suspicions.

The leader took a deep breath and continued. “Your Majesty, we have come to ask for permission to start trading and supporting the remedy to our neighboring towns, which are under this town’s rule. We will not add a lot of profit to the initial price of the remedy. We will only add the money we spend on transporting the remedy, the money we pay the caravans, and then a single Airid as our profit on each bottle of the remedy. Your Highness, we will divide the profit into two: we will keep one half and give you the other half.”

The judge paused for a moment, recalling his recent discussion with Prince Armad. They had talked about increasing the production of the remedy for the 99 skin diseases they treated each day. They had considered reducing the amount of insect repellent they were producing, as it was not currently in season. They could cut insect repellent production by two-thirds and allocate the resources to produce more of the remedy for skin diseases.

In the end, Armad decided to significantly increase the distribution of the skin whitening pills. Previously, he had been supplying 200 pills daily, but he now resolved to provide 1,000 pills each day. This substantial increase meant that the profit margins for the business would multiply fivefold. Given this major shift, the timing of the local businesspeople's visit to the judge was fortuitous. However, the judge had no intention of revealing to them that he was preparing to make such a significant change in the distribution plan.

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After contemplating the situation for a moment, the judge finally spoke. “You may leave for now and allow me some time to consider your request. Return in two days at 5 a.m., and we will discuss the matter further.”

The judge had a strategic plan in mind. Over the next two days, he aimed to hire additional workers to handle the increased remedy they produced. With the number of pills rising from 200 to 1,000 daily, there would be a corresponding need to expand production capacity. The influx of workers would ensure that the increased supply could be efficiently processed and converted into a substantial number of remedy bottles.

Based on his calculations, the judge estimated that the production could be scaled up to more than a million bottles of the remedy. In Tiriba, the local demand would not exceed 20,000 to 50,000 bottles. Consequently, this would leave a surplus of more than 900,000 bottles available for export. The judge’s vision extended beyond simply supplying neighboring towns under Armad’s rule; he planned to reach markets even further afield.

The idea was to tap into towns outside of Armad’s control, believing that this broader distribution would attract a larger number of visitors to Tiriba. This influx would be advantageous, as it would increase the customer base for local goods and services. By opening up new markets, the judge anticipated a rise in trade and commerce, which would lead to the town’s economic growth and prosperity.

The expansion of the market was expected to have a cascading effect. As more people came into town, the demand for local products would increase, benefiting various businesses and industries within Tiriba. This influx of customers would help stimulate the local economy, creating more jobs and generating additional revenue for the town.

The judge was confident that this approach would not only meet the growing demand for the remedy but also position Tiriba as a key trading hub. The strategic plan would encourage economic development and ensure that Tiriba became a prominent center for trade and commerce.

As planned, the judge completed all necessary preparations within two days and convened with the businesspeople, granting them the approval they had eagerly awaited. However, in a twist from their initial proposal of a single Airid profit per bottle of remedy, the judge informed them of a new stipulation. Each bottle of remedy exported would now incur a tax of three Airids. While he did not seek a share of their profits beyond this tax, he made it clear that the tax was mandatory. This meant that each bottle sold to them at 50 Airids would have an additional three Airid tax, effectively limiting their ability to increase the price by more than 10 Airids per bottle.

Upon hearing this announcement, the businesspeople were initially taken aback but soon realized the magnitude of the opportunity before them. The revised terms were still highly favorable given the enormous potential profits. Overcome with enthusiasm, many of them began liquidating their assets to invest more heavily in the remedy business. Some sold their farms, while others put their large hotels on the market, redirecting the proceeds into this lucrative venture.

As the remedy trade expanded, a cascade of economic activities followed. The increased demand for remedy transportation led to a surge in the market for carriages and the hiring of guards to escort the caravans. Cultivators, who were crucial for protecting the caravans during their journey, became highly sought after. This rise in demand extended to horses, which were necessary to pull the carriages. Consequently, there was a notable increase in the market for horse sellers. The need to maintain the horses’ stamina for their demanding roles created a booming market for horse stamina boosters, driving up sales for these products as well.

Recognizing the broader impact of this burgeoning industry, the judge realized that additional resources were required to keep pace with the growing demand. He returned to Armad with an urgent request to increase the number of pills allocated for producing horse stamina boosters. This was crucial for sustaining the high performance of horses used in remedy transportation. The company that manufactured these boosters was already generating substantial revenue, earning at least 200,000 Airids per week.

On the other hand, the remedy for the 99 skin diseases proved to be even more profitable. Its success led to earnings surpassing 30 million Airids each week, with peak earnings reaching an impressive eight million Airids in one particularly successful week.

The judge’s strategic decisions had far-reaching effects. The remedy business catalyzed a series of economic activities, leading to a vibrant economic environment in Tiriba. The influx of business opportunities not only boosted the local economy but also attracted attention from neighboring regions and beyond. The town became a bustling hub of trade and commerce, with the increased demand for various products and services driving further growth.

Despite the initial efforts to keep the name of the remedy by some people, its miraculous effects quickly became well-known. The remedy’s ability to resolve a variety of skin conditions and rejuvenate users was so remarkable that it couldn’t remain hidden for long. Word spread rapidly, reaching all nine towns and one village under Armad’s rule. As news of the remedy’s efficacy traveled, the joy and relief experienced in Tiriba began to echo throughout these neighboring towns.

The remedy proved to be a game-changer for people of all ages and backgrounds. It offered relief for those suffering from long-standing rashes, chronic skin conditions, and other persistent issues. Remarkably, even elderly individuals—those who had been enduring visible signs of aging and skin damage for decades—found their conditions dramatically improved. For someone around the age of 60, the remedy could erase old wounds and restore a youthful, vibrant appearance. Users felt rejuvenated, as though they had regained the vitality and beauty of their twenties.

In just a single month, Tiriba underwent an extraordinary transformation. Once a modest seaside town with a limited scope, it rapidly evolved into a thriving commercial hub. The town’s growth was so swift and substantial that its daily income surpassed the combined revenues of all the other towns in the region. The markets bustled with activity, and the streets were filled with the vibrant energy of commerce and trade. Tiriba’s newfound prosperity was visible in every corner, from the expanding infrastructure to the flourishing businesses.

Armad, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of revenue flowing into Tiriba, found it challenging to keep up with the financial details. Consequently, he decided to entrust the judge with the management of these funds. Armad instructed the judge to handle the income without requiring detailed reports, expressing full confidence in the judge’s ability to manage the finances effectively. He also authorized the judge to make any necessary expenditures directly from the treasury. This approach streamlined financial management, allowing Tiriba to function smoothly without being encumbered by constant financial oversight.

Understanding that simply accumulating wealth would not be beneficial in the long term, the judge took decisive action to reinvest the town’s newfound riches. He recognized that to sustain Tiriba’s growth and capitalize on its prosperity, strategic investments were essential. Therefore, he began purchasing farms in the surrounding areas and initiated the construction of new hotels. These investments were intended to accommodate the increasing number of visitors and enhance the town’s capacity to handle the growing economic activity.

Commercial activity was bustling throughout Tiriba, exactly as the judge had predicted. The remedy’s astonishing success led many individuals from neighboring towns to travel directly to Tiriba to purchase it. These common people preferred to buy the remedy themselves rather than waiting for businesspeople to transport it to their towns, believing they could secure a better price by purchasing it directly. As a result, Tiriba saw an influx of visitors eager to acquire the remedy firsthand.

However, the arrival of so many people created a need for accommodations and facilities to sell their goods. Farmers and other vendors, who often lacked the immediate funds to buy the remedy in their towns, carried their agricultural products to Tiriba. They sold these products in Tiriba’s bustling markets to generate cash, which they then used to purchase the remedy. After acquiring the remedy, they transported it back to their towns, where they could sell it for a profit. They were required to pay taxes on their transactions, contributing further to Tiriba’s economic growth.

The surge in visitors to Tiriba led to a significant increase in the demand for hotel rooms. Many locals saw this as an opportunity and began converting their homes into temporary lodgings for guests. The once-quiet town was now a hive of activity, with people looking for places to stay and do business. This created a booming market for temporary accommodations and provided new income streams for residents.

Recognizing the potential for further economic expansion, the judge made a strategic decision to invest 30 million Airids into the construction of new hotels outside the town. Since available land within Tiriba was already fully occupied, the focus shifted to developing large hotels on the outskirts. These new establishments were designed to provide comfortable accommodations for the increasing number of visitors. Guests could stay overnight in these hotels and resume their business activities the next day, contributing to Tiriba’s vibrant economy.

In addition to the new hotels, the town implemented an entrance fee policy, which was set at half an Airid. This modest fee was introduced to manage the flow of visitors and help fund the town’s infrastructure improvements.

As the town’s commercial activity expanded, the value of land in Tiriba rose sharply. Every square foot of land became more valuable as businesses thrived and the town’s reputation as a premier commercial hub spread. The increased land value reflected the growing economic prosperity and the influx of visitors from neighboring towns under Armad’s rule.

When you assess the dynamic growth in Tiriba, you see that its population of over 200,000 residents is complemented by the daily influx of hundreds of thousands from neighboring towns. This results in a staggering total of over one million people in Tiriba each day. This enormous crowd is a testament to the town’s growing influence and role as a major commercial hub.

The surge in commercial activities has created a vibrant economic landscape, with money circulating in and out of Tiriba at unprecedented rates. Businesses are thriving, and the local economy is bustling. Yet, the judge is not content with merely maintaining this success within the confines of their region. He is determined to extend the remedy’s trade beyond their immediate area, aiming to penetrate neighboring regions with even larger populations.

The judge is acutely aware of the potential market in these neighboring areas. For example, the town of Montaj in the neighboring region alone has a population exceeding 7 million people. This figure is significantly larger than the combined population of all the towns in Tiriba’s region. Recognizing this vast market potential, the judge sees tremendous opportunity for expansion. He believes that the income currently generated is only a fraction of what could be achieved by tapping into these larger markets.

Expanding into these neighboring regions is not merely about increasing sales but also about strategically enhancing Tiriba’s economic value and prestige. As the success of Tiriba’s remedy spreads, word will reach new regions, generating anticipation and curiosity. The evaluators that the emperor will send will hear about Tiriba’s remarkable growth, and when they arrive, they will be greeted by an impressive array of developments—towering buildings, bustling markets, and thriving businesses.

Previously, the judge had expressed concern about the six-month development deadline for Tiriba. The rapid transformation of the town had seemed daunting. However, the success of the remedy has instilled a new sense of confidence and optimism.