This Beast-Tamer is a Little Strange

Kain's specialty was research, not business, therefore he called Collin—the current operations manager for his beer business—over to discuss the sale of these pills.

Kain had been incredibly impressed by Collin's business acumen with getting the brewery up and started, and even making its name well known throughout the empire.

The fact that many establishments in the capital and Southern Region were selling Kain's beer when he'd visited, definitely filled him with pride—except when he saw it in the seedy clubs owned by that deposed heir Roman Silverhart.

And nothing better reflected the success of the business than the balance reflected in his bank account.

The large figure in the millions even grew as he slept, providing him an excellent source of passive income.

However, after experiencing that auction in his first Black Mission, he is still not content. Unless he can smash others with billions, or even trillions, of Celestial Dollars, then he isn't a true bigshot.

And now that the beer business was more stable, aside from the odd competitor trying to make trouble, Kain thought that he could leave this next venture to Collin.

Moreover, Collin just so happened to be someone with a water-type affinity. When he'd first met Kain, he'd been stuck at the level of a 3-star beast-tamer for years.

However, after the business took off, he used much of his funds to exchange for rare materials that would help him break through to 4-stars and now should still have an open contract position—perhaps he could convince him to contract a River Pup to test the effects for himself…

That way he wouldn't only be the manager for this business, but also like a spokesperson who could speak personally about the 'magical pill's' effects.

Deciding to put his thoughts into action, Kain immediately arranged a meeting with Collin to come visit him at his laboratory and it wasn't long before. He arrived.

Collin entered Kain's laboratory, his expression a mix of curiosity and anticipation. His sharp eyes scanned the room, taking in the odd assortment of equipment and the sterile atmosphere before landing on a child lounging in a chair near Kain.

"Uh… morning, boss," Collin greeted, his tone laced with confusion as his gaze darted between Kain and the child. He quickly masked his bewilderment, though, and gave a polite nod toward Gabriel, deciding it was best not to question his boss's unusual company. After all, that can't possibly be his boss's kid, and the future young master of their company, right?

"I heard you've got a new venture in the works?"

Kain smirked at Collin's thinly veiled curiosity. "Indeed. Come in. I've been working on something that could have quite the impact, not just for business, but potentially for the empire as a whole."

Collin's brows arched as he stepped further into the room, his focus now fully on Kain. "That sounds promising."

Kain gestured toward a small glass case containing a bottle of neatly labelled capsules. "This is the result of my latest research—a pill designed to drastically reduce the cost and difficulty of raising River Wolf Pups, as well as speed up their evolution into the Clear Spring Wolf."

Collin leaned in, his interest clearly piqued. "River Wolf Pups, huh? Not a bad choice for marketing. They're common enough to be accessible but so expensive that most families can't afford to raise them properly."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Exactly," Kain said, his voice slightly raising due to his enthusiasm. "The Clear Spring Wolf is gold-quality and can heal. It has massive potential for families, mercenary groups, and even lower-level military units. These pills could make the River Pup's evolution accessible to a much broader range of people, which could elevate the lower-level strength of the entire empire."

Collin nodded slowly, the wheels of his mind already turning. "If it's as effective as you say, I could see this being a massive hit. And since the Clear Spring Wolf has healing properties, we might—unlike with the beer business—even gain support from the government."

"Excellent! But I'll need your expertise to push it forward. What do you think the prospects in terms of profit are?"

Collin grinned. "Boss, I think you've got another winner here. With the right marketing, we could position this as a revolutionary product, something that could change lives. Most middle and lower-middle class parents that are surprised and grateful for their child even developing an affinity, will want to invest in their child's potential as a beast-tamer. Therefore, they would jump at the chance to give their kids a spiritual creature that can heal and protect the life of their child after it evolves. And if we can get even a hint of official backing, it'll sell itself."

Kain's smile widened, pleased with Collin's analysis. "That's what I wanted to hear. Now, I was also thinking about a spokesperson…"

He reached into a nearby enclosure and carefully retrieved a squirming, grey-furred River Wolf Pup. The small creature yipped and wriggled in his grasp before settling down, its large blue eyes peering curiously at Collin.

"I remember you recently broke through to 4-stars and have a water affinity. This pup could be your next contract—on the house, of course," Kain offered, holding out the pup.

Collin blinked, his surprise quickly shifting to misty-eyed gratefulness. His long period of hard work and accomplishments must have touched the boss. "Seriously? You're giving me one of these guys for free?"

Kain nodded, handing him the pup and then the bottle of pills. "Think of it as a business investment. You'll not only help manage this venture but also act as its spokesperson. You'll have firsthand experience with the pill's effects, which will make your marketing all the more convincing."

Collin cradled the pup carefully, already bonding with the little creature. "I'll do my best to live up to the expectations, Boss! I won't let you down!"

As Collin happily tucked the pup into his jacket with a bottle of pills and turned to leave, Gabriel, who had been quiet until now, opened his mouth as if to say something. But a warning glance from Kain stopped him in his tracks.

Once Collin was out of earshot, Gabriel finally burst out. "You're really going to let him take and sell those pills without telling him they're made from poop?"

Kain rolled his eyes. "Does it matter? The pills are sterilized and effective. Besides, some truths are best left unsaid."

Gabriel crossed his arms with a huff, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. "You're a piece of work, Kain."

Kain smirked. "I try."