Chapter 21 - Episode 21: Let's Have a Big Business Deal ②
Benedict Miles was thinking about how he should perceive the proposal from this young noble named Noein Arqvist.
A lapis lazuli vein said to have been found in his territory. A contract to exclusively wholesale the raw stones mined from there. It was certainly a very attractive offer. There was no doubt that simply accepting this contract could build a fortune.
That was precisely why he was suspicious. One must consider that there is some hidden catch to a story that is too good to be true.
The Miles Company had become reasonably close with Baronet Arqvist over the past few months. He understood that as a pioneering noble who had only recently been granted a title, the young man had no other connections and thus reached out to them this time.
But why go out of his way to sell them in a raw state? If he processed and sold them within his own territory, the profits would be greater... Did he lack the connections to gather craftsmen capable of handling raw stones? But was that the only reason?
"Baronet Arqvist-kakka... This is a most pleasing offer, but it seems I lack the intellect to understand your thinking. If you wouldn't mind, may I ask the reason why you wish to sell them as raw stones?"
Noein thought that asking with such slightly exaggerated humility was a manifestation of caution.
"I understand. First, as a noble, I am extremely inexperienced, and I have no leads on craftsmen who can process raw lapis lazuli. Furthermore, from our dealings thus far, I felt that the Miles Company was trustworthy. That is why I reached out to you."
"Yes."
Judging by Benedict's reaction, he seemed to understand this point as well.
"And next, as the primary reason... I believe that excessive wealth or business invites danger."
"Invites danger, you say?"
Benedict still seemed not to grasp the point.
"My territory currently has a population of about thirty people. It is a small territory on a scale that cannot even be called a village. I believe that conducting a lapis lazuli mining and processing business on a scale that reaches tens of millions, or perhaps even hundreds of millions of Rebro, in such a place would involve great danger."
Benedict's expression shifted as he began to vaguely intuit the reason.
"Even if I were to force myself to gather and employ a large number of craftsmen and form a business that generates vast wealth, I do not possess the power to appropriately maintain, manage, and protect it. A small territory like mine naturally possesses no decent military force. If I were to hold wealth in such a place that is difficult to handle, it might become a catalyst for inviting unwelcome guests from the outside."
"I see, I understand your circumstances."
By the time the explanation reached this point, Benedict fully understood the "danger" Noein was thinking of. In short, he feared that the lapis lazuli vein would become a spark for conflict with Viscount Koenitz.
As of now, he had not heard that Viscount Koenitz and Baronet Arqvist were on bad terms. To be precise, it should be said they were in a relationship where "there was no reason to cause discord." This was likely largely due to the fact that Baronet Arqvist's territory was an insignificant small territory to Viscount Koenitz.
In such a situation, what would happen if Baronet Arqvist suddenly tried to start a large business such as "processing and selling lapis lazuli"? There was a possibility that Viscount Koenitz would try to seize even a small portion of the profits, perhaps by slipping in craftsmen under his own influence or by applying pressure by imposing heavy tariffs on the sales channels.
If things went poorly, he might even apply military pressure.
If that happened, the Arqvist territory could be economically taken over, or in a worst-case scenario, the territory itself could vanish.
Even if things didn't turn that bad, it would likely be undesirable for him to be targeted by Viscount Koenitz or other neighboring nobles as "a brat who luckily stumbled upon a gold-bearing vein."
The current Viscount Koenitz that Benedict knew was not a noble cruel enough to seriously crush another territory, but he knew this because he was the head of one of the leading merchant companies within the Viscount's territory and had a long-standing connection with the Viscount. Baronet Arqvist, who had come to the northwestern part of the kingdom a few months ago, would have no way of knowing Viscount Koenitz's personality.
On the other hand, what if Baronet Arqvist did not try to expand the business himself to that extent and limited it to the "sale of raw lapis lazuli"?
That was simple. Baronet Arqvist would only need to cut the stones from the mountains in his own territory and transport them to the Miles Company here in Retovik. Even that alone would be a massive income enough to transform the lives of those in his territory.
Moreover, the processing of the raw stones and the sale of the ornaments and pigments created from that processing would take place within Viscount Koenitz's territory, and that is where the large sums of money would move. There was no doubt that Viscount Koenitz's tax revenue would increase and he would prosper.
As for Viscount Koenitz, by simply remaining silent, a new business of "lapis lazuli processing and sales" would be born within his territory, and he could make a huge profit through taxes. With this, both Viscount Koenitz and Baronet Arqvist could deepen their connection as a relationship where each party benefits.
In the gap of this balancing act between nobles, the Miles Company would luckily be able to make a huge profit.
"...If I accept this contract, I will be unable to hold my head high before Arqvist-kakka."
"Hahaha, I am glad you feel that way. Since my territory is still developing, I believe there will be occasions in the future where I will need to consult with you, Benedict-san. I would be happy if you could provide your active assistance at those times."
When Benedict spoke with a wry smile, Baronet Arqvist answered with a refreshing smile.
The profit the Miles Company would gain from this contract would be a staggering amount. As a valued customer who gave them that profit, they would be forced to remain kind to Baronet Arqvist in the future.
Avoiding danger and choosing a safe measure while reliably earning a substantial amount of funds. Simultaneously, selling a great favor to a large merchant company like the Miles Company. For that purpose, this youth had brought a raw stone purchase contract to him.
Even considering the favor being sold to him, the profit to be gained from this contract was immense. Furthermore, the way this youth handled things, ensuring the other party also received a solid benefit, was admirable. On top of that, he was a noble. In order to remain on intimate terms in the future, there was no way to let this contract slip away.
Once the hidden side of the blessed offer was revealed, there was nothing to fear, Benedict thought.
"Those are the circumstances... May I consult with you regarding the details of the contract?"
"Yes. I would very much like to hear them."
As the business discussion entered a concrete stage, both Noein and Benedict straightened their backs once more.