Reborn As A Beastman With A System

"Perhaps you might consider acquiring all the neighboring storefronts," Jean mused after a moment of contemplation. "You could either break through the connecting walls to create a larger space or strategically demolish a few to make room for future expansions."

As she observed Logan deep in discussion with her brother about potential business ventures, possibly in sugar processing or distillery, she recognized the ambition in his plans. The current backyard, though spacious, presented clear limitations for any significant or long-term industrial growth.

"Purchase all of them?" Logan echoed, his voice tinged with surprise.

"That sounds rather expensive, doesn't it?" he questioned, turning towards Jean with a puzzled look. He was unfamiliar with the local market rates, and he doubted that the proprietors of the adjacent shops would willingly part with their establishments.

Jean nodded, her expression earnest. "This area, on the fringes of the DC zone and away from the bustling main streets, sees little foot traffic. That's precisely why I'm selling my shop. I'm barely scraping by, and I suspect most of the other shopkeepers are in the same predicament. A decent offer, and I believe they'd be more than willing to sell."

Now deeply involved with Logan, Jean was committed to proving her worth and securing her position not just as his partner but as an indispensable ally. She knew too well that mere affection was fleeting; she needed to establish herself as someone of influence and necessity in his life.

"Really?" Logan pondered, realizing the truth in her words. The area was indeed lacking in commercial activity.

Yet, with the tribe's funds already stretched thin from their initial investments in the nascent sugar and distillery operations, the financial feasibility of such an expansive purchase seemed daunting. It would undoubtedly require a substantial sum.

"Don't worry, we can take our time to decide," Logan replied with a reassuring smile, appreciating the strategic insight.

Jean nodded, her fiery red hair fluttering in the gentle breeze, a silent agreement to his prudent approach.

"It's getting late, I should head home," she announced suddenly.

"Going home now?" Logan paused, surprised, as he supervised a group of beastmen setting up a new furnace.

"Why, would you rather I stayed?" Jean teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

Logan chuckled softly, gesturing for her to go ahead. He was momentarily taken aback by her early departure; Jean usually stayed out until nightfall.

"Hmph, you fool..." Jean scoffed playfully as she strode out of the yard, her departure marked by a blend of affection and mock frustration.

"The earth here is becoming richer!"

"And over here too!"

Logan surveyed the ten earthen stoves nearing completion with a nod of approval. The beastmen were quick learners, demonstrating considerable aptitude in many aspects. They were progressing to a point where he could trust them to manage tasks independently.

"Master, there is someone at the gate requesting to see you!" interrupted a wild boar beastman, approaching Logan with a respectful bow.

"Who is it?" Logan inquired, looking up from the stoves.

"They are wine merchants, Master, and they wish to speak with you," the wild boar guard reported.

Wine merchants?

Logan's interest was piqued. Could it be the cunning fox-man, Gando? Yet, would Gando be so bold in his approach?

Without hesitation, Logan strode through the backyard to the gate, and there, indeed, stood the familiar figure of Gando the fox-man.

Behind Gando were about ten other figures, dressed in the finery typical of affluent traders.

"Ah, if it isn't Boss Gando! Please, come in!" Logan greeted them warmly.

"And welcome to all of you!" he added, addressing the group.

Gando, with a gesture of humility, responded, "Oh, please, I dare not presume too much!" His respect for Logan, especially now that he was establishing himself as a winemaker, was evident.

Gando, though already a shop owner, had only recently aspired to expand his business upon learning of Logan's ventures. Recognizing an opportunity to elevate his own status in the wine industry, he seized the chance for collaboration.

Gando and his cohort of eleven including six fox-men with himself included, settled into their seats. The diversity among the merchants was striking, comprising two wolf beastmen, one catman, one bunnyman, and one lionman, just showing to the varied populace of Canyon City.

Logan, accustomed to the commonality of cat and bunny people in the city's bustling marketplaces, was nonetheless taken aback by the presence of a lionman, a first for him. This intriguing mix of characters filled him with both curiosity and a keen sense of opportunity.

Thousands of years ago, the Beastman Empire thrived, organized into tribes under the strong governance of an Emperor. The Beastman Emperor primarily ruled over two distinguished tribes, the Tiger Tribe and the Lion Tribe, which were collectively known as the royal families of the Empire. However, this recognition of royalty had waned among the other races.

Among the various beastmen, cats and fox-men were of similar stature, averaging around the same height, while rabbit-men stood at a diminutive 1.2 meters. Logan found the rabbit-men notably small compared to the other races.

In stark contrast, the lion man facing him towered nearly three meters tall, an imposing figure, though Logan, after a quick scan with his device, noted that he was only a sixth-level warrior. His strength didn't match up to the legendary prowess of Logan's brother-in-law, Fisher, a true anomaly in terms of power.

During a bustling gathering, Gando, a fox-man and wine shop owner, was quick to introduce Logan to the assembled group. "This is Mr. Logan, a distinguished winemaker!"

"Hello, Master Logan, my name is Fido…!" exclaimed one excitedly.

The introductions from the other beastmen merchants cascaded forth, each eager to make an impression. Once the flurry subsided, the lion named David Templeton gave a respectful nod to Logan and stated, "Master Logan, my name is David Templeton, and I am also in the wine trade. I've heard through Gando here that you have some new vintages to sample. May I try them?"

Gando shot a look between Logan and David, sensing the slightly challenging undertone in David's request.

Logan caught the nuance in David's tone but remained composed. The presence of these eleven beastman merchants, all but David being small-scale wine shop owners like Gando, highlighted David's unique position as a formidable player in the wine industry.

"Kirby, bring a bottle of our finest white and eleven tasting cups!" Logan commanded with an authoritative tone.

"Yes, sir!" responded a quilboar guard stationed at the gate, his voice sharp and prompt.

Shortly after, the guard returned, balancing a polished wooden wine bottle and a neatly stacked set of small cups on a tray. "Please prepare the servings," Logan instructed as the quilboar placed the cups on the dining table and filled each with precision.

"Enjoy," Logan gestured graciously with a slight raise of his hand, inviting his guests to sample the wine.

The room quickly filled with the rich, enticing aroma of the white wine. Gando, the fox-man, was the first to rise, eagerness etched on his face as he grasped a cup. Having indulged earlier at noon, he was particularly keen for another taste.

His actions spurred the others into motion; even David, the lion-man, didn't hesitate to pick up a cup. Murmurs of approval soon followed as the wine was tasted.

"This aroma is intoxicating!"

"The flavor is so rich, so exquisite, it lingers wonderfully!"

"Have I even been selling real wine before this?"

"I'm beginning to question the same!"

The exclamations filled the room, each merchant expressing newfound admiration for the quality they were experiencing.

Suddenly, aside from Gando, a palpable change in demeanor swept through the others. David, the lion-man, after a reflective pause, set his cup down and stood. "Master Logan, I must apologize for my earlier skepticism," he said with a respectful bow. "Moreover, I implore you to consider a partnership with me. I am ready to discuss any collaboration you envision with serious commitment."

He continued, somewhat ruefully, "I admit, I was doubtful when Gando mentioned meeting a winemaker of your caliber, especially in a place as remote as Canyon City. But tasting this, I realize how wrong I was to doubt. It's not every day one encounters such a unique vintage." His voice carried a mix of regret and awe, acknowledging his initial misjudgments and the impressive reality of Logan's craft.