Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 496 Market Prospects
As for perfume glass and similar items, they have long existed in Faerûn and are indeed valuable, with exorbitant profits to be made.

These items can all be considered byproducts of the development of alchemy. Just like how alchemists in the past discovered gunpowder through alchemy, once their value was discovered, they were naturally not ignored and were extracted by alchemists as expensive luxury items to make a profit.

Of course, the alchemists' workshop-style production might be impeccable in terms of quality, and they might even be able to create some things that were impossible in their previous lives, such as subtle and alluring perfumes. But in terms of production scale and efficiency...

That's it.

To be honest, once the industrial production lines are set up and running at full capacity, not to mention the entire Ferren, at least the perfume and glass industry in the North Coast would be utterly crushed.

However, Master Zhang had no such intention.

The existence of this industry chain is so ancient that its exact origins are difficult to ascertain. If I were to rashly intervene, especially in such a disruptive manner…

The consequences were unpredictable, and besides, Mr. Zhang had no intention of anticipating them.

Of course, if he is willing to keep production at an extremely low level, or simply adopt traditional alchemy production, then it will not have any impact.

It's just a matter of having one more pair of chopsticks on the table. Anyway, the production gap is there, and a group of noble merchants are waving their money bags and waiting eagerly. It's definitely a seller's market.

The main reasons for choosing soap are twofold.

Firstly, the market is untapped, a blue ocean;
Secondly, the impact will be minimal and will not disrupt the existing order.

The latter goes without saying. A small bar of soap can at most improve the personal hygiene of the general public. Even the plague goddess Thanatos wouldn't be that sensitive, would she?

As for the former...

The hygiene habits of the people of Faerûn are a topic worthy of discussion and extensive writing.

Having been in this world for several years, Zhang Yuan started as a mercenary and worked his way up to become a powerful mage lord. His experience spans from the Cloud Mist Mountains in the south to Luskan in the north, almost traversing the entire Sword Coast. His vision and experience are truly remarkable, and he has his own judgment on this matter.

First of all, we must pay high tribute to the nobles and wealthy gentlemen of Faerûn. Unlike the equally "noble" gentlemen of the Middle Ages in our previous life, they did not fight to the death against bathing in order to maintain their vitality and purity.

Of course, most of the gods of Faerûn probably wouldn't want their sanctuaries to be filled with worshippers who smell bad and are covered in sweat and grime. They are not filthy beings.

When it comes to cleaning methods, everyone has their own unique approach.

The most convenient option is undoubtedly for spellcasters. A simple magical trick is enough to cleanse them of all dirt and grime. Spellcasters who don't want to spend time enjoying life don't even need to touch water.

Secondly, there are the wealthy and powerful nobles who either serve as advisors to sorcerers or purchase magical items. In short, they can easily enjoy the convenience brought by these spells. However, simply casting a cleansing spell would be too straightforward and does not suit their lifestyle.

Various cleaning agents have emerged, with all sorts of gimmicks, similar functions, and uniformly high prices! However, high price is not a drawback; rather, it is the confidence of wealthy ladies in their competitive tea parties. Amidst radiant smiles and a harmonious atmosphere, they casually or feigned complaints about which workshop's perfume they recently used or which cleaning agent, made by some alchemy master, they added to their baths.

However, Zhang Yuan plans to differentiate himself by offering high-end skincare products and ordinary soaps, so he doesn't need to worry about a backlash.

Then there are the refined nobles and merchants who desperately need "respectability." Cleansing agents are not out of reach for them, but they cannot afford to consume them as daily necessities. They add some herbal petals to the bath as a substitute for a medicinal bath.

Finally, there are the so-called middle class, including small merchants, artisans, and free people with businesses. They would never consider alchemical potions unless absolutely necessary and in dire need of saving their lives. A warm bath and wiping themselves with the branches, leaves, or stems of certain plants are the most refined things they can do.

These two groups of people are the anticipated potential customers for soap.

As for those ordinary people and farmers you mentioned?

Exhausted from daily struggles to make ends meet, where would they find the energy and money to indulge in such things?
The personal hygiene of the working class depends mainly on three factors: timing, location, and people.

If it rains and the weather is suitable, they don't mind taking a cold shower while working; this is called the right time.
If one lives along a river, or if there is a stream flowing by the edge of the field, it is a good thing to dive in and swim in one's spare time. This is the advantage of the location.

Whenever there are weddings, funerals, or other important occasions, even ordinary people who have been worn down by life will still struggle to maintain a semblance of humanity; this is what is meant by harmony among people.

The monk did not intend to target the lower classes as his customers; it was not out of contempt or disdain, but rather because the heavy burdens they carried did not allow them to have more aspirations or refined tastes.

The monks were unwilling to exploit their already meager earnings.

At the meeting, Zhang Yuan laid out his market analysis and user research in detail. The attendees listened with a mixture of understanding and confusion, some staring blankly with lifeless eyes, others with their mouths agape like hippos yawning.

“Well, Chanem, after all you’ve said, I think I understand what you’re trying to do with those red-rumped crows.”

Nancy is one of the few who can keep up with the mage's pace, while the Red-rumped Crow is a bird unique to the North, a variant of the raven. This bird is not particularly special in other aspects, but one thing is that the Red-rumped Crow's feathers are somewhat similar to the skin of a chameleon, and it has a certain ability to change color.

Although it cannot achieve perfect camouflage, the red-rumped crows have developed another use for this feature.

As a subspecies of raven, the original color of the red-rumped raven's plumage is dark purple to almost black, which is not particularly beautiful, but it can't compete with the skill of Photoshop!
The cunning and vain red-billed crows love to rub against other brightly colored birds, such as parrots, peacocks, and golden pheasants, to make their own feathers the same color. Then they return to their flock to proudly show off and attract mates.

However, as the saying goes, when a peacock displays its tail feathers, you should just admire it from the front and never look from behind, otherwise you will find that the bright feathers cover the bare chicken's tail.

The red-rumped jay gets its name from this, and the implication is self-evident: no matter how much they change their plumage, the result...
They can never hide their conspicuous red bottoms.

Thank you Sugatoo for the monthly pass!

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(End of this chapter)