Reborn As A Beastman With A System

"Don't overthink things, Jean," Logan said, casting a thoughtful glance at his companion. "I may not have the power to reshape the world, but I can still choose to act with kindness in my own dealings."

Jean hoped the woman would not dwell too much on the weight of those words.

This resolve stemmed from the education he had received in his previous world that vehemently opposed the very notion of slavery, a system that dehumanizes and oppresses.

While Logan felt powerless to effect change in distant lands, he harbored ambitions to extend his influence as his capabilities grew. However, one decree was absolute in his mind: slavery would find no refuge under his watch.

"Yes," Jean responded, her voice tinged with admiration. This man, whom she deeply loved, radiated a rare blend of ambition and compassion.

"By the way, have you considered scaling up the purchase of these so-called beastmen slaves... or should I say, beastmen? And when are you planning to purchase the surrounding properties?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"For now, that won't be necessary. I'll be heading back to the tribe in two days," Logan explained, shifting the topic to his recent acquisition of a slave.

"And when might you visit Canyon City again after you return to your tribe?" Jean asked, her tone even, as she was somewhat prepared for his departure.

Logan sighed, the weight of leadership evident in his demeanor. "It's uncertain. I have several tribal initiatives to implement upon my return," he admitted as he settled into a chair.

He was well aware of the food scarcity plaguing the Silver Mane Tribe, but this visit to the city had alleviated that crisis for the foreseeable future. Yet, prosperity for the Silver Mane did not imply stability for neighboring tribes, smaller groups in particular faced dire straits, presenting an opportunity for expansion.

With seven to eight thousand gold coins at his disposal and the potential to incorporate an additional five thousand werewolves, Logan was determined not to squander this chance to bolster his tribe to a formidable force of ten thousand.

"And what about your ventures here?" Jean's concern was palpable; Logan's extended absence meant he might not return to Canyon City anytime soon.

Would this mean that Jean wouldn't see Logan for a long stretch of time? The thought was unbearable to her.

"Tyton and Cardia will manage things here," Logan reassured her with a confident smile. "They're well-versed in the processes of brewing and sugar-making, so there's no need to worry."

His confidence stemmed from the strict rule against conflicts within Canyon City. With the safety of the city and the Casa Hotel assured, even the most curious eyes would hesitate to act openly. After all, weren't there numerous legends of formidable figures who met their ends in Canyon City?

Logan was not concerned; he trusted Tyton completely and saw in him the potential to become a cornerstone in the Silvermane tribe's business ventures.

"What should I do, then?" Jean asked, her gaze locked on Logan, searching for an answer.

Logan paused, momentarily caught off guard. He hadn't considered this.

"How about you come back to the Silver Mane Tribe with me?" he suggested tentatively.

His hesitation was understandable. Canyon City was akin to a bustling metropolis, whereas the Silver Mane Tribe resembled a secluded mountain village, remote and rustic.

"Really?" Jean's voice was tinged with hope and surprise.

"Are you really willing to take me back?" she pressed, her eyes wide with astonishment.

Logan chuckled at her reaction. "If you're willing to go, I'll gladly take you with me," he affirmed with a warm smile.

"Of course, I'm willing!" Jean replied, her excitement palpable. She had learned that Logan had loved his family dearly, his father had fallen in battle, but his mother remained at home.

For Jean, Logan's invitation to meet his mother was a true acceptance of her into his life, a significant gesture that filled her with joy.

Moreover, she was brimming with curiosity about the Silvermane tribe. What would it look like? How large was it? Was it beautiful? Exciting? These questions danced in her mind as she anticipated the journey ahead.

Jean's imagination was a vibrant tapestry of wonder and apprehension. Having never ventured beyond the borders of Canyon City, the outside world was a blur of unknowns to her, painted with tales of danger relayed by her family. They had often warned her that beyond the city's confines lay perils unimaginable to her.

Thus, while she brimmed with curiosity, she also harbored a natural wariness and timidity about stepping into these uncharted territories. However, Logan's offer to take her back to the Silvermane Tribe wasn't just an invitation to explore; it was an affirmation of her place in his life, sparking an exhilarating blend of recognition and anticipation within her.

Jean's visible excitement was something Logan couldn't fully grasp, but he respected her emotions and allowed her the space to revel in her thoughts. He had other tasks to attend to and proceeded to the kitchen to monitor the fermentation process of the rice and white wine.

Time seemed to accelerate, and five days passed in a flurry of activity. The initial three days were hectic, filled with the bustle of production as they transformed 12,000 kilograms of fermented rice into wine. This second batch was a more seasoned effort from Logan; he allowed the fermentation to extend an additional day, which boosted the wine yield significantly to over 89%.

After accounting for losses like the wasted batch oc wine, they were left with approximately 101,200 kilograms of finished wine. This time around, the heavy lifting was largely handled by his twenty-seven apprentices under his vigilant supervision.

Even after the brewing concluded, Logan didn't pause. With his departure to the tribe looming, he was busy prepping Tyton and the others to take over in his absence. He was currently in the midst of fermenting and sprouting another 12,000 kilograms of rice and wheat.

While instructing an apprentice on the nuances of nurturing wheat seedlings in the kitchen, Tyton burst in. "Master, Mr. Fisher is here!" he announced, slightly out of breath.

Logan raised an eyebrow, slightly amused but not surprised. "Already?" he murmured under his breath. His brother-in-law was indeed resolute, perhaps driven by a fear of missing out on his share of the lucrative wine business. Logan nodded at Tyton, signaling that he was ready to deal with Fisher's typical urgency.

The wine had been fermenting for two days now, the sediment settled at the bottom of the barrels, a crucial phase in the brewing process. Given the urgency of Logan's impending return to his tribe, it was time to distribute the yield among the eager wine merchants.

"We can't delay any longer," Logan thought as he paced through the hotel lobby. They had been away for twenty-two days, and without their return, the tribe might be forced into a mass exodus.

As he entered the lobby with Tyton by his side, Fisher approached him rapidly, his impatience barely contained. "The brewing's done, Logan. How much have we produced?"

Logan, spotting Fisher's eager demeanor, replied with a calm smile, "Let's wait for the rest to arrive before we discuss quantities."

"But aren't you in a hurry?" Fisher prodded, his frustration evident.

"You know, Logan, you're practically family. Why not give me a little preferential treatment? It seems you're more keen on courting other merchants than trusting your own brother-in-law," Fisher lamented, his tone tinged with disappointment.

Logan couldn't help but chuckle. "Brother Fish, you're overthinking this. I was already collaborating with other merchants before you decided to venture into the wine trade."

Truth be told, Logan hadn't expected Fisher's sudden ambition to dominate the wine market. But the strategy was clear: diversification was key. Depending solely on a handful of merchants, especially ones as ambitious and potentially greedy as Fisher, could backfire.

By spreading the distribution, he could prevent any single merchant from gaining too much control, which could lead to price gouging or worse, collusion against him.

"Therefore, we need to expand our network of wine merchants," Logan explained, seeing the bigger picture. "This ensures competition and balance, making it harder for any one or two to dictate terms."

Logan knew that not all merchants would accept future price changes or market conditions, but with a broader base, there would always be some who would. Keeping his distribution network wide and varied was not just smart, it was essential for sustaining his venture in the long run.

"Trust me, it's always wise to have a few cards up your sleeve," Logan concluded with a knowing look, reassuring Fisher that every decision was made with foresight and strategy.

Fisher cast a fleeting glance at Logan, his expression unreadable, as he silently acknowledged the new reality of their situation. The facts, it seemed, were now irrevocably settled.

Just then, a notable commotion heralded the arrival of additional guests: David the Lion, Gando the Fox, and a contingent of eleven beastmen merchants.