The development of the mine was a much larger endeavor compared to any of the other projects Noein had previously undertaken in his territory. Even after securing an agreement with Victor, a mining engineer, to work in his domain, there were still many tasks to be completed.
After his meeting with Victor, Noein’s next stop was the Miles Trading Company.
“It’s been a while, Lord Earlkvist. I’m glad to see you in good health.”
“And it’s wonderful to see you looking well too, Mr. Benedict. I apologize for not being able to visit more often despite how much you’ve been assisting me.”
In the reception room, Noein exchanged greetings with Benedict, the head of the trading company.
Beyond their regular purchase of raw lapis lazuli, Benedict had recently been lending his distribution network to deliver crossbows and potatoes to various noble territories in the northwest of the kingdom. To Noein, Benedict was someone he genuinely wanted to express his gratitude toward.
“I’m honored, my lord. Word of your remarkable efforts to shape the future of the northwest has even reached a modest merchant like myself. I’m proud to lend even a small part to your success.”
As the head of the prominent Miles Trading Company, which did frequent business with nobility, Benedict seemed well aware that Noein was beginning to make his mark within the northwest faction. For a merchant, being approached by a rising lord like Noein likely added a touch of prestige.
“I’m glad to hear that… Actually, I came to discuss something with you. It’s going to be a fairly substantial deal, so I’ve come here personally as the lord of the domain.”
Once Noein brought up the main topic, Benedict maintained his smile but shifted his demeanor to a more businesslike tone.
“If it’s a request from Lord Earlkvist himself, I’d be delighted to listen.”
“Thank you… To be straightforward, I’d like to end our current wholesale contract for raw lapis lazuli and establish a new trade agreement.”
Upon hearing Noein’s proposal, Benedict remained expressionless, seemingly weighing the significance of the request.
“…So, may I understand that you are finally moving forward with full-scale mine development?”
“As expected, you’re exactly right.”
“I’m honored by your praise.”
Noein intended to fully commit to the mine development, not only seeking out raw lapis lazuli but also other resources, with plans to process them within his own domain.
For this reason, he wanted to end the wholesale agreement for lapis lazuli and establish a new contract with Miles Trading to sell the mined and processed resources from the Earlkvist domain.
Benedict, as the head of a major trading company, grasped the full scope of Noein’s intentions just from his initial proposal.
“A merchant group has also recently settled in Earlkvist territory, establishing the Skinner Trading Company. They are now the official supplier for the Earlkvist family.”
Skinner Trading was the name of the new trading company Philip had established within the Earlkvist domain.
“The resources we export outside the domain from the mine development will be wholesaled to Skinner Trading. I’d like for Miles Trading to work with them on this. I’ll handle introductions myself, and I think it could be a fairly profitable venture. What do you think?”
The trading of mining resources would be conducted between Skinner and Miles Trading, with Noein vouching for Skinner and offering various conveniences.
With this setup, he could provide large contracts to Skinner, his official supplier, nurturing it, while also utilizing the reliable sales network of the established Miles Trading to export the resources beyond his domain.
Miles Trading would also benefit by gaining exclusive rights to distribute the resources produced in the Earlkvist domain, making it a mutually advantageous deal.
“I’m delighted by such a proposal. I would be honored to accept.”
“That’s great. Let’s continue to build a long-term relationship where both of us can profit.”
With a smile, Noein extended his hand for a handshake, which Benedict, with a warm smile, readily accepted.
…
There were still preparations to be made for the mine development. After finishing his discussions in Retvik, Noein would now be rushing around his domain’s capital, Noeina.
“Philip, do you have a moment? I’d like to discuss something with you.”
“Lord Noein… Of course, please feel free to come to the reception room.”
Visiting the Skinner Trading storefront, Noein was led through the bustling store, filled with employees and slaves owned by Philip, to a meeting room.
Seated across from Philip at a table, Noein got straight to the point.
“Philip, I want to entrust you with a major deal. As the official merchant.”
“A major deal… I understand. Please, tell me more.”
Upon hearing Noein’s words, Philip straightened up with a slightly nervous expression.
Noein then explained his plan: the resources from the mine development would be sold to Miles Trading via Skinner Trading.
“That… that’s quite a substantial transaction.”
Currently, Skinner Trading primarily earned income by retailing essential goods to the Earlkvist domain’s residents. Moving forward, they would also be handling the cash conversion of crops collected as taxes from residents.
Managing mine resources on top of that would be overwhelming for a trading company of its current scale.
The Earlkvist barony, granted an entire portion of the vast Bezel Forest, was extensive in size, and if the mine development progressed smoothly, the scale of operations would be significant. Trading such resources would require a considerable amount of effort.
However, this was a tremendous opportunity for Skinner Trading. By accepting Noein’s offer, they could establish a strong connection with Miles Trading, which held a vast network across the northwest of the kingdom.
“It’s certainly an attractive offer… but I wonder if I’m capable of handling it.”
“As the official merchant for a noble lord’s domain, connections with major external trading companies are essential. This is a big step for you too. Besides, I’ve already spoken with Miles Trading, actually.”
“Y-You did!?”
With a small laugh, Noein answered, causing Philip to widen his eyes in surprise.
“Of course, I could always go back and say, ‘The head of Skinner Trading got cold feet, so let’s forget the deal’… But what do you think? While full-scale mine development is still a little way off, there’s time to prepare, and if you accept, I’d be happy to help with recruiting additional staff or expanding storage for the company.”
As Noein made this offer, he looked at Philip with an expression that seemed to be testing him.
“…Understood. I will do my utmost to demonstrate my capabilities as Noein-sama’s designated merchant. Please leave it to me.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I’m counting on you. If you run into any issues or need advice, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Noein smiled at Philip, who spoke with a newfound resolve.
With this, the local merchant guild of the Earlkvist territory would grow, and they could secure a distribution route for the resources obtained from the mining developments.
…
“Building a village at the foot of the Restio Mountains, huh… That’s quite the sizable request.”
Noein’s final visit was to Dmitri, the master carpenter and head of the construction guild in the Earlkvist territory.
If they were to house mining engineers, laborers, and craftsmen for resource processing at the Restio Mountains, it would be far beyond a simple mining camp. They would need workspaces and lodgings for at least dozens of people, warehouses to store mined resources, and lodging for transport personnel. In time, amenities like a tavern, entertainment venues, and perhaps even farming to support food self-sufficiency would be required.
This was no less than a full-scale village-building project.
“The road to the current mining camp has been somewhat maintained, and with the Bezel Forest reaching the base of the Restio Mountains, I doubt there’ll be any shortage of timber on-site… Do you think you can manage it?”
“Of course, it’s technically feasible, but we’re drastically short on manpower as it stands. Not to mention, it’ll take years to complete.”
Dmitri’s construction guild handled all housing in Noeina, the territory’s capital. Building homes for the growing number of immigrants while also developing a village at the Restio foothills would indeed stretch their workforce thin.
“I’ll assist on that front. I can put in a word to recruit more workers or even acquire additional slaves, if necessary, and I can provide advance funding as well. With that in mind, what do you say?”
“Since Noein-sama is willing to go that far, I’d be delighted to take on the job. This will certainly help expand our guild.”
“That’s great to hear… Thank you. I’m hoping you and your team will continue to prosper.”
“Ha-ha-ha! That’s music to my ears. I’ll work hard to keep us worthy of your trust, so count on me!”
After finalizing details regarding project scope, start dates, and additional manpower needs, Noein left Dmitri’s construction guild office.
“That should wrap up all the preparations… Busy times.”
“Thank you for your hard work, Noein-sama. With this, the mining development project should proceed smoothly.”
With such a large-scale mining development, the preparations required were indeed extensive.
Still, with stakeholders onboard, and motivation spurred by both profit and purpose, the project would proceed without major disruptions. The first results would likely emerge within a few months. Now, Noein could place his trust in the skilled workers and merchants, assist if needed, and patiently wait for progress.
