Circle of Inevitability Chapter 176 - 176 Property

176 Property

After bidding farewell to Franca, Lumian led Louis and Sarkota back to the cafe and settled himself into Baron Brignaiss usual spot.

Already awaiting him was Rene, the manager of Salle de Bal Brise.

In his forties, Rene had a gaunt face, leaving one to wonder if he was overworked or simply born that way. His light-yellow hairline was receding in a manner similar to the people from Loen.

Despite being an executive directly appointed by Gardner Martin, the boss of the Savoie Mob, Rene treated Lumian with utmost respect and wore an ingratiating smile.

Monsieur Ciel, would you care to learn more about the dance hall?

Very well. Lumian reached out to take the stack of reports from Rene and perused them with unwavering focus.

Standing behind him, Louis and Sarkota couldnt help but feel like they hardly knew their leader at all once more.

Lumian, a young man hailing from the countryside, possessed an understanding of complex financial statements that was far beyond their comprehension.

They would have been left feeling dizzy and yearning for sleep had they been tasked with such a feat.

Can this man both fight and possess a cultured mind? Louis diverted his gaze from the reports, which seemed to possess some kind of supernatural effect.

Rene seized the opportunity to acquaint Lumian with the workings of Salle de Bal Brise.

On weekdays, we earn a daily income ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 verl dor. On weekends, that figure can reach as high as 5,000 verl dor. Typically, it hovers around 4,000...

Last year, our total income amounted to 645,425 verl dor and 37 coppet. This year, there has been a slight increase based on current trends, but nothing significant...

We require 12 bouncers, 4 bartenders, 6 waiters, 3 chefs, 6 kitchen helpers, 3 handymen, 3 dishwashers, 4 cleaners, 1 waiter supervisor, 3 finance staff, 3 alcohol and food procurers, and a carriage driver... Their average annual salary is 1,000 verl dor. We also provide them with complimentary lunch and dinner, which costs us a total of 53,000 verl dor.

As the manager, my annual salary, along with the year-end dividend, amounts to about 7,000 verl dor.

As per our agreement with Red Boots, each dancer receives a base salary of 1 verl dor per day... When they strike a deal with a guest, we take 30%... Transactions usually occur in the rooms on the upper two floors of the dance hall. If they wish to leave, they must settle the fee with the bouncer or the waiter supervisor at the door in advance...

Wine, champagne, beer, brandy, sugar alcohol, absinthe, and various flavors of soda, along with ice and other ingredients, cost us approximately 120,000 verl dor per year...

Weve already purchased this establishment, so theres no additional rent to be paid...

When coupled with expenses for horse care, venue maintenance, gas, tap water, singers, and the band, our annual costs sum up to around 230,000 verl dor...

Out of the remaining 310,000 verl dor, the Boss will claim 100,000 verl dor. Well also need 100,000 verl dor to establish a favorable relationship with the officers at the police headquarters. Monsieur Ciel, youre left with approximately 110,000 verl dor. This needs to cover your personal expenses, firearm and ammunition supplies, rewards for your subordinates, as well as compensation for the victims and the injured...

Sadly, the income of the people in the market district isnt particularly high; otherwise, we could generate more revenue from alcohol and beverages...

Inwardly, he couldnt help but let out a sigh.

A mob leader with a profitable enterprise certainly rakes in substantial wealth!

According to newspapers, magazines, and the information collected by his sister Aurore, the annual salary of a minister in Intis amounted to a mere 100,000 verl dor. Although the government provided free housing, basic household items, silverware, and two private carriages, expenses for personal servants and banquets fell on their own pockets.

Of course, Lumian had to reward his subordinates on occasion and allocate funds for compensations and ammunition in case of conflicts. However, there was no need for extravagant living, hiring servants, or hosting lavish banquets.

All in all, he earned a sum similar to that of a minister.

The only difference was that ministers didnt rely solely on their public salaries for income.

On the other hand, laborers received an annual salary of around 700 verl dor, while maids earned approximately 480 verl dor. Construction workers fared only slightly better, with an annual salary of 1,000 verl dor. Skilled workers brought in a meager 2,500 verl dor per year, while senior engineers ranged between 10,000 and 20,000 verl dor annually.

Indeed, the shortcut to wealth is written within the laws themselves... No wonder Brignais couldnt bear to let go of this dance hall... Lumian recollected a comment his sister had made.

By saving money and taking care of his subordinates, preventing them from recklessly rushing into battles, he had enough left over each year to purchase a Sequence 6 potion formula and even the corresponding primary ingredients!

Once Rene finished speaking, Lumian nodded and posed a question, Why provide the dancers with a base salary?

It wasnt that he was reluctant to part with the funds, but rather out of curiosity.

The dancers under our Savoie Mob are under the control of Red Boots. She insists on a base salary, allowing the dancers to opt-out of additional jobs. If they wish to earn less, they earn less. If they choose to starve, they starve, Rene explained. Apart from Red Bootss dancers, there are also women who are controlled by figures from the usury business. In the past, Baron Brignais had authority over them all, so there wasnt any conflict. How should we coordinate matters now?

Thoughts raced through Lumians mind, leading him to notice the resemblances between Franca and his sister Aurore.

Could it be because they are part of the same secret organization? However, if it were Aurore, she would have approached it differently. She would have organized protests among the dancers, established an underground school to educate them, and sought alternative paths... If it were me, what would I do? After pondering for a moment, Lumian raised his gaze and addressed Rene, Louis, and the others.

For now, let us maintain the current state of affairs. Rene, assist me in dealing with the police officers during this period. Once I acquaint myself better with our surroundings, I shall engage in fruitful discussions with them.

After altering the passwords of the two mechanical safes and informing Manager Rene of one as per the established protocol, Lumian made his way back to Auberge du Coq Dore before lunchtime.

He proceeded directly to the fifth floor and rapped on Charlies door.

Charlie, who was enjoying a light beer with a nibble of baguette, caught sight of Ciel as soon as he opened the door.

He exclaimed happily, Where have you been these past couple of days? You didnt even show up at the bar for a drink.

Lumian inquired, Theres a job opportunity. Would you be interested?

What kind of job? Charlie worriedly contemplated his diminishing savings and the bleak prospects of finding new employment.

With a smile, Lumian responded, How about working as a waiter at Salle de Bal Brise? You dont have to join the Savoie Mob. Youll earn 70 verl dor per month. You can keep the tips, but be aware that folks in the market district arent inclined to tip unless you become a woman and are willing to engage with them intimately. Yes, there are also female patrons who seek out waiters for such purposes. Youre experienced in that domain, so theres no need for further elaboration.

Salle de Bal Brise? Charlies eyes widened. Have you already gained Baron Brignaiss trust?

To be able to arrange for someone to work as a waiter at Salle de Bal Brise without joining the Savoie Mob!

Lumian simply maintained his smile.

I dont need Baron Brignaiss approval. Salle de Bal Brise is now under me.

Huh? Charlie questioned his own hearing.

Lumian clarified, still smiling, After I eliminated Hammer Ait, the Savoie Mobs leader handed over Salle de Bal Brise to me.

Is that so? Charlie had an epiphany before blurting out in astonishment, You took down Hammer Ait as well?

Lumian nodded. Dont disclose this to anyone. I fear the police might come knocking.

... Charlie was at a loss for words.

After a few seconds, he mumbled, Perhaps those Poison Spur Mob fellows should pay a visit to the nearby cathedral and pray, see if their luck can change. Ever since you arrived in the market district, their leaders have been dropping like flies. I cant fathom how they must be feeling now.

Great idea, Lumian commended.

If the leaders of the Poison Spur Mob had the audacity to pray in the Eternal Blazing Sun or the cathedral of the God of Steam and Machinery, the mob would cease to exist.

Of course, Lumian didnt want them to act so foolishly before Louis Lund visited again.

Charlie pondered for a moment and responded, Alright, Ill head over to Salle de Bal Brise in the afternoon. Who should I ask for? Haha, I rarely get to visit the dance hall because Im always short on cash. Now I can go there every day.

Just find Manager Rene and let him know youre a tenant at Auberge du Coq Dore, Lumian replied simply, his gaze shifting to the side.

There were two cleaning ladies nearby. One of them appeared to be in her early fifties, but upon closer inspection, one would think she was only in her forties. She had originally possessed flaxen-colored hair, but she now wore a vibrant blond wig and had applied eye shadow and makeup. This concealed her fine wrinkles to some extent, but couldnt entirely hide her weariness.

Who are they? Lumian inquired of Charlie.

Charlie clicked his tongue and explained, Dont you know? Our penny-pinching landlord has changed his ways. He no longer hires someone to clean just once a week. Now hes opted to have two cleaning ladies work every morning.

Tell me, tell me, isnt this a miraculous turn of events? Its only slightly less fortunate than my own stroke of luck back then!

Lumian, having just finished perusing Salle de Bal Brises financial statements, immediately considered the salary of a cleaning lady.

Around 70 to 80 verl dor per month.

However, that was for full-time work. This kind of half-day job would cost at most 45 verl dor.

Two cleaning ladies working half a day wouldnt exceed 100 verl dor per month. Hiring someone for regular cleaning once a week costs 18 verl dor each time. And Monsieur Ive promised to increase it to twice a week. In other words, itll cost 150 verl dor per month.

How is this generous? Its simply meticulous budgeting! Lumian scoffed.

He suspected that if it werent for the fact that a cleaning lady couldnt finish the entire motel in half a day, no one would take on such a job. Monsieur Ive definitely wouldnt hire two.

Is that so? Charlie scratched his head.

His computational abilities couldnt keep up with Lumians rapid deductions.

As the two cleaning ladies entered a vacant room to rid it of bedbugs, Lumian subtly gestured in their direction with his chin.

Why is one of them wearing a wig and eye shadow?

What kind of cleaning lady does that?

Charlie lowered his voice and said, I asked about that. Her name is Elodie. She claims to have been a theater actress and says shes used to dollying herself up like that. And she continues to do so to this day.

No one knows if shes telling the truth. When I worked as an attendant at Hotel du Cygne Blanc, I heard from the kitchen staff that when aging prostitutes are scorned, their only option is to take on tasks like dishwashing and cleaning...

Lumian recollected Elodies appearance and surmised that she must have been quite a beauty in her youth. Whether she had been a theater actress or a woman of the streets had no bearing on her current role as a cleaning lady.

After bidding farewell to Charlie, Lumian made his way to the restaurant on the first floor for a quick meal before taking a public carriage to Avenue du Boulevard.

He intended to inform Mr. K that the mission had been successfully accomplished!