Rus spoke clearly and methodically. "First, don't stop acquiring magic cores. Tell Fili that it's okay if he can't secure Tier-2 cores for now, but the supply of Tier-1 cores must be guaranteed—no less than 20 a month."
"Second, under my name, have Fili either hire or conscript five skilled leatherworkers within ten days. They must be capable of independently crafting leather armor. Offer them 30% above the market rate, but make sure each contract lasts at least five years."
"Third, continue importing live pigs—no fewer than 100 per month."
Old Gordon carefully noted each point, then looked up and reported, "Baron, based on your instructions—five skilled leatherworkers, each with three apprentices, makes twenty people in total. Their combined annual wages would come to around 4.8 gold coins—not a huge expense."
"For the 100 live pigs, we're looking at 18 to 23 gold coins a month, also within a manageable range."
