Chapter 22 - Episode 22: Let's Have a Big Business Deal ③
"Then, first, regarding the purchase price of the raw stones, how much would you be willing to pay?"
In deciding the specific details of the contract, Noein first stepped straight into the main topic.
"Let's see, considering the quality of these raw stones and the current market rate... how about 800 Rebro per kilogram?"
"That is... I did study the price of lapis lazuli a bit before coming here, but based on that, I was thinking I would like to sell them at 1,400 Rebro per kilogram."
Given the scale of the business deal, Benedict muttered inwardly that he wouldn't let it go cheaply so easily.
"1,400 would be somewhat overpriced for the wholesale price of lapis lazuli raw stones... how about 1,000?"
Noein thought that although he had thrown out the amount based on intuition, seeing Benedict's reaction, it seemed he hadn't been far off. It was within his expectations that it wouldn't be accepted easily.
"Then, one more push—how about 1,200 Rebro per kilogram? Please take into account that I am asking the Miles Company to purchase these exclusively in their raw state..."
Noein proposed this with a slight, wry smile.
Benedict also thought that this was where the compromise lay.
"Understood. Then we shall purchase them at that price. How much of a quantity will you be bringing in? Since the transaction amount is what it is, we would like to establish a certain amount in advance."
"For the time being, for the next year, I would like to bring in about one ton per month. How does that sound?"
"I feel that is somewhat low, but may I ask the reason?"
If he hired a large number of laborers from outside the territory, he could likely mine a larger quantity in a shorter period. Was there a reason not to do so?
"As I mentioned before, mine is a small territory, so I want to avoid bringing in too many laborers from outside. If the number of outsiders exceeds the number of residents, I fear the public order will deteriorate, and my management will no longer reach the mining operations. I intend to hire only engineers for guidance and have the mining itself carried out solely by the residents."
"I see... I understand. Then, let us conclude a one-year contract to purchase one ton of lapis lazuli raw stones per month at 1,200 Rebro per kilogram. As for the following year, we shall consult again at this time next year while observing the state of the mineral vein and such?"
"Yes, I have no objections."
After that, they hammered out the finer details, and once the agreement was settled, they wrote the contract terms on two sheets of parchment. This was so that both parties could keep one copy of the contract.
Once both had signed both sheets and each took one, Noein and Benedict exchanged a handshake.
.....
After finishing the contract and seeing Noein off, Benedict returned to his own office and took a breather while sipping tea.
"He was quite a sharp one, wasn't he? I was nervous that the Company President might be talked into a corner."
The one cracking jokes was the subordinate who could be called Benedict's right hand, who had also been present as an assistant during the contract signing.
"No matter how it is, I won't be tripped up in a business deal by an amateur. That said... when we traded furs and magic stones before, I thought he was just a youth with a pleasant manner, but from the way he spoke today, he was spinning quite a unique line of thought."
A brat of that age would normally want to be reckless. Even anticipating conflict with Viscount Koenitz or some confusion within the territory, it wouldn't be strange if he tried to handle the processing and sale of the lapis lazuli by himself. If he could achieve that, the profits obtained would be several times—perhaps even ten times or more—than wholesaling the raw stones.
And yet, that young noble unhesitatingly cast aside those profits in order to obtain peace in his own territory, a good relationship with Viscount Koenitz, and furthermore, a strong connection with the Miles Company.
While securing enough profit for himself to develop the territory, he was ensuring that both Viscount Koenitz and the Miles Company got a taste of the sweetness.
"Should I see him as a soft-hearted person... no, it is likely behavior born from the fact that he does not trust others."
Drinking his tea to the end, Benedict muttered to himself.
The reason why Baron Arquis insisted so much on a "relationship where both parties profit" was likely not out of consideration for the other party. Rather, he probably viewed his trading partners as "hypothetical enemies who will bare their fangs if not fed profit as bait."
That was precisely why he had given sufficient profit to both Viscount Koenitz and the Miles Company. He didn't particularly like them, nor did he trust them in the true sense of the word.
On top of that, he even showed reluctance toward hiring laborers to engage in mining at the mine, citing that "public order might deteriorate" and "his management would no longer reach." It seemed he distrusted people from outside the territory immensely.
His outward actions appeared sincere and considerate of others, but in reality, it was all based on doubting others and protecting himself and his territory. Despite having the face of an innocent, fine young man, it seemed he had a considerably twisted personality.
"At the very least, we won't be made to lose out, but he doesn't seem like an opponent one can associate with lightheartedly."
"Considering the profit to be gained from this contract, a bit of mental fatigue for the Company President is a cheap price to pay."
"Haha, no doubt about that."
.....
"Ahaha! I managed to make a contract! I'm gonna make a killing!"
Having left the Miles Company, Noein walked with a beaming face. The location was a main street where taverns and restaurants gathered. Right now, he was heading to eat lunch at his own expense to celebrate.
He had successfully concluded the contract, and the nearly 50kg of raw stones he brought today were also sold, earning him nearly 60,000 Rebro in today alone. He hoped they would forgive him for not being able to stop laughing.
"That was splendid, Noein-sama."
"That discussion just now was very brilliant."
"Yeah, I thought it was impressive how you could maneuver like that against such a big merchant."
"Really? Am I amazing? Ehehe."
The three of them, including Matilda, who had watched the business deal, praised him one after another, and Noein's mood reached a state of ecstasy.
While talking, they arrived at their destination. It was a slightly expensive restaurant recommended by Company President Benedict.
"Is it really alright for us to join you?"
"It's fine, it's fine. Today is a celebration, and I'm in the best mood right now."
Replying to Edgar, who asked hesitantly, Noein led the three into the shop.
Following Noein's words that they could "eat as much of whatever they liked," Matilda, Radley, and Edgar savored dishes using ingredients like beef and fish that could not be eaten in their usual place of residence.
After that, they took a lodge to stay overnight in Retovik. Tomorrow, he had business where he had to meet and speak with Viscount Koenitz.
.....
After parting with Radley and Edgar and entering the lodge's double room, Noein threw his body onto the bed, partly due to the mental fatigue of the business deal. Beside him, Matilda also sat on the bed.
"Noein-sama, thank you truly for your hard work today."
"Thank you. As I thought, talking against a seasoned merchant is nerve-wracking. On top of that, I have to talk with Viscount Koenitz tomorrow."
Noein let out a sigh.
"...Come here, Matilda."
"Yes, Noein-sama."
As Noein spread his arms while remaining lying down, Matilda dove into his chest with a spoiled expression.
"Now I don't have to worry about money. I'll develop the territory more and make it so I can let Matilda eat great food like today's lunch every day."
"Thank you, Noein-sama. However, if I can just be kept by your side, I feel the supreme happiness in that alone."
"Ahaha, I see. Thank you... let's stay together from now on too, Matilda."
"Of course. No matter what happens, I shall remain by Noein-sama's side."
That night, of course, they used only one bed.
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