The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 89: Business

After sending off "Red Boots" Francka, Lumián, along with his two subordinates, Louis and Sakota, returned to the café. He sat down in the spot that Baron Braineur often occupied.

The manager of the Breeze Dance Hall, René, was already waiting there. He was in his forties, with a gaunt face. It wasn't clear whether it was due to overwork or his natural appearance, but his light blond hairline had receded significantly, similar to how Ruen people typically aged.

René was directly appointed by Gardner Martin, the boss of the Savoie Party, but despite that, he still showed great respect to Lumián, greeting him with a fawning smile, "Mr. Charles, would you like to get an overview of the dance hall's situation?"

"Sure!" Lumián reached out and took the stack of reports René handed over, carefully flipping through them. Louis and Sakota, standing behind him, once again felt unfamiliar with their leader. The young man who had come from a rural area could actually understand such complex financial statements. If it were them, they'd get dizzy and sleepy just looking at them. Louis withdrew his gaze from the "supernaturally complicated" reports.

René seized the opportunity to provide a briefing, helping his new boss better understand the operations of the Breeze Dance Hall. "On non-weekend days, our daily income ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 fergins. On weekends, this number can reach up to 5,000 fergins, with a usual income of around 4,000."

"Last year's total revenue was 645,425 fergins, 37 kopes. This year, judging by the current trend, there will be some growth, but not much. We have to support 12 enforcers, 4 bartenders, 6 waiters, 3 chefs, 6 kitchen assistants, 3 cleaners, 3 dishwashers, 4 janitors, 1 head waiter, 3 financial staff, 3 procurement agents for alcohol and ingredients, and 1 driver."

"Their average annual salary is about 100 fergins, and we also provide lunch and dinner, which costs an additional 5,300 fergins annually."

"As for me, as the manager, my annual salary, plus the year-end bonus, is around 7,000 fergins."

"According to the agreement with 'Red Boots,' we provide each dancer with a base salary of 1 fergin per day. We take a 3% cut from any transactions they make with clients. These transactions typically take place in the rooms on the second floor of the dance hall, but if they want to leave with a client, they need to pay the fee upfront to the enforcers or the head waiter at the entrance."

"The cost of alcohol—wine, champagne, beer, brandy, sweet wines, absinthe—and various soft drinks, ice, and ingredients amounts to about 120,000 fergins annually. We own this building, so there are no rental expenses. Adding in horse upkeep, maintenance, gas, water, singers, and band fees, our yearly costs come to around 230,000 fergins."

"Of the remaining 410,000 fergins, the boss takes 200,000. Maintaining good relations with the officers at the police headquarters also costs fergins. Mr. Charles, you'll have about 110,000 fergins to use freely. This includes personal expenses, replenishing arms and ammunition, rewarding your men, and compensation for casualties."

"Unfortunately, the people in the market district don't earn very much, or else we could make more profit from alcohol sales..."

Lumián also needed to reward his men occasionally and set aside funds for conflicts or casualties. However, he didn't need luxurious accommodations, servants, or banquets, which meant that, financially speaking, he was practically a minister—except ministers often had unofficial income as well.

A laborer earned around 700 fergins annually, a live-in maid about 480, a construction worker only 1,000. Skilled laborers made around 2,500, while senior engineers earned between 10,000 and 20,000 fergins annually.

It was clear—the quickest ways to make money were all written in the legal codes...

No wonder Baron Braineur didn't want to let go of this dance hall. Lumián recalled something his sister had said: as long as he was frugal and took care of his men, without sending them into too many dangerous situations, the leftover money each year would be enough to buy the formula and materials for a Sequence 6 potion.