[Matthew's POV]
Honestly, the S&B Company was just a way for me to get close to sugar mommies, but yesterday proved that if I didn't pay proper attention to the business, things could start to fall apart.
Yesterday had been a success. I made almost three gold coins in profit.
That might not seem like much compared to what I can earn with the system, but among all the companies in this caravan, few likely made as much as we did selling meals.
However, despite our financial success, our operation was amateurish. I have to admit that.
If Luna hadn't taken charge and organized everything, I probably wouldn't have managed on my own.
Lilian wasn't officially my employee, and Tomas was just the coachman—I couldn't just assign him other tasks, at least not without amending his contract.
Not that he could sue me or anything like that, but I didn't want to exploit anyone, especially unnecessarily.
So, that morning before the caravan departed, I called a meeting to bring some order to the house.
"I hereby declare open the first official team meeting of the S&B Company." I felt ridiculous saying those words.
Clearly, I had no idea what I was doing.
"I'd like to start by thanking you all for your hard work yesterday. We had a very profitable day."
Everyone looked sleepy, clearly uninterested in what I had to say.
Man, I used to hate these kinds of meetings when I was an employee—why the hell am I doing this now that I'm the boss?
"I'd like to inform you that yesterday's profits will be divided, in the form of bonuses, according to each person's contribution."
Look at that—just mention money and suddenly everyone's wide awake.
"However, despite our success yesterday, we need to formalize a few things."
And I lost their attention again. Seriously, people only care about money.
"First, Tomas, I'll be drafting an addendum to your contract, stipulating the extra amount I'll pay you whenever you perform tasks for the S&B Company."
For the first time that day, I got a response.
"You're gonna pay me extra to do work you're already paying me for? I'm not complaining, but are you sure that's the smartest thing to do?"
Is this what all those business coaches meant when they said you need a boss mindset to get rich?
Am I being too generous with Tomas?
"It's the fair thing to do. Whether it's smart or not doesn't matter."
He just shrugged.
"Moving on, I'd like Luna to continue working as the company's manager, now officially."
She looked surprised at first, then smiled, but in the end, she seemed worried about something.
"I'd love for you to work for me full-time, but if you still want to continue as an adventurer, I'll understand."
Before she could respond, I went on.
"But I'd like you to take the manager role, at least until the end of our journey."
I finally gave her a chance to speak, but before she could, Felicia answered for her.
"Of course she'll accept. But we'll need someone to cover for her during night patrols."
Felicia said it, and for some reason, Luna's worried look disappeared—she now looked clearly satisfied.
"We can hire more adventurers in the next town. We'll get there in four days," Leona commented.
"Perfect," I said. "I'll also need help in the kitchen. Do any of you have experience?"
"Me!" Rose practically jumped from her seat. "I mean... I'm not a professional, but if you can teach me, Mr. Matthew, I'd love to help out."
"If Miss Lilian doesn't mind riding up front with Tomas to stay on alert and support us with her magic, then Rose can stay inside the wagon helping Mr. Matthew in the kitchen. In four days, we can hire two more adventurers to replace Rose and Luna." Leona added.
The meeting was going much better than I'd expected.
"You managed fine on your own yesterday. Why do you need help now?" Lilian asked, giving me that look that said, lazy as always, huh?
"I agreed to teach that merchant's cook yesterday. To keep up my noble image, I can't be seen doing manual labor. So someone else will have to cook in front of her while I give the instructions."
Everyone seemed to understand. Only Rose now had an anxious expression.
"Lastly, I'd like to formalize your role in the company, Lilian," I said, approaching the final item on the agenda.
"Aren't I already the owner's mistress?" Lilian teased.
"Yes, but you deserve more. I drew up this contract to officially make you my partner."
She gave me a mischievous smile.
"You don't need this kind of gesture to get me in bed, Matthy."
She joked, but I could see in her eyes that it meant as much to her as it did to me.
Why hadn't I done this before?
Our meeting was quick, as the caravan was about to depart.
***
[Felicia's POV]
We left shortly after that meeting. The consequences of the arrangements made there scared me.
The commander had already given herself over completely—she was one of his women now.
I didn't blame her. After being stuck for so long, unable to advance, latching onto a chance to become stronger was understandable.
But now Rose and Luna might end up falling into his clutches too.
Well, I don't know if they'll become his women exactly, but they were one step away from becoming his full-time employees.
I was caught between a rock and a hard place.
If I stayed close to him, eventually his pheromones would become irresistible.
Even now, with the horse's movements making the saddle constantly rubbing against my crotch and the memories of what Luna had done to me last night still fresh, I was having trouble keeping myself in check.
I couldn't stop thinking about Luna, and he kept intruding into those thoughts. Even in my fantasies, the bastard was invasive.
I didn't want to abandon my friends, but I'd already left my family to escape living under an Alpha's influence.
Leaving my family had been much easier—I didn't think twice. Are the girls really that important to me?
Or is this Alpha different?
The one who made me abandon my family was repulsive. Just thinking of sleeping with him made me sick.
But Matthew… as annoying as it was to have him constantly invading my thoughts of Luna...
His intrusion was exciting.
If just imagining it was that good, what would the real thing be like?
"You're going to wear out your saddle like that," the commander teased.
When I was about to answer, something caught my attention. Leona's interruption had been providential.
While I was lost in my fantasies, I'd forgotten to sharpen my senses. When I did—automatically, after the commander brought me back to reality—I could sense the approaching threat.
"Commander, they're still far off, but an ambush is being prepared. The caravan is going to be attacked," I warned Leona.
"Luna, stay and protect the wagon. Felicia, go gather as much information as you can about the enemy. I'll warn the guard captain. Meet me there when you return with intel."
As always, the commander didn't hesitate for a second.
I didn't want to be forced to abandon all this, but I didn't have much time to think right now.
Eliminating the enemy was the priority.