How to Protect a Business

"But there's another thing we should do in order to protect our investments," Ernest shifted to another topic.

"Okay, what is it?" 

"Insurance," Ernest said.

Hollen blinked.

"Insurance?"

Actually, the concept wasn't entirely foreign.

Merchants occasionally pooled money together to compensate losses from shipwrecks and bandit attacks.

But it wasn't organized.

It wasn't systematic.

And it certainly wasn't available to ordinary businesses.

"Yes," Ernest said.

"Think about it."

He leaned forward slightly.

"We are about to invest over six million riels into three new factories."

Hollen nodded.

"That is correct."

"What happens if one burns down?"

The forge owner immediately frowned.

"Don't say things like that."

"I'm serious."

Ernest pointed toward the Northport report.

"A fire, a flood, or a warehouse collapse, anything. We could lose millions."