“Now then, regarding the purchase price for the raw stones, how much would you be willing to offer?”
Noein jumped straight to the point as they began determining the specifics of the contract.
“Let’s see, considering the quality of the raw stone and the current market price… How about 800 Rebro per kilogram?”
“Well… I did study the price of lapis lazuli before coming here, and based on that, I was hoping to sell it at 1,400 Rebro per kilogram.”
Given the scale of the negotiations, Benedict murmured to himself that it wouldn’t be easy to lower the price.
“1,400 is somewhat on the high side for raw lapis lazuli… How about 1,000?”
Noein, sensing from Benedict’s reaction that this wasn’t too far off, thought to himself that this figure wasn’t unexpected. It was within the range he anticipated they wouldn’t accept immediately.
“Then, how about 1,200 Rebro per kilogram? Considering the fact that we are offering exclusive rights to Miles Trading Company to purchase the raw stones in this state…”
Noein proposed this with a slight smile.
Benedict, thinking this might be a reasonable compromise, responded, “Understood, we will purchase it at that price. How much do you plan to bring in? Given the size of the transaction, we would like to set some prior terms.”
“Initially, I’d like to bring in about a ton per month for the next year. How does that sound?”
“It feels a little low. May I ask why?”
Hiring a large number of laborers from outside the territory would allow for faster and larger-scale mining. Was there a reason not to?
“As I mentioned before, we are a small territory, so I want to avoid bringing in too many outside workers. If the number of outsiders exceeds that of the local population, there is a risk of deteriorating security, and it would be difficult to manage the mining operations properly. We plan to hire only technicians for guidance and have the mining done solely by the locals.”
“I see… I understand. In that case, we will purchase one ton of raw lapis lazuli per month at 1,200 Rebro per kilogram under a one-year contract. As for the following year, we will review the state of the veins and discuss further around the same time next year?”
“Yes, I have no objections.”
After finalizing the smaller details, they wrote the terms of the contract on two sheets of parchment—one for each party to keep.
Once both had signed and exchanged the documents, Noein and Benedict shook hands.
…
After seeing Noein off, Benedict returned to his office, sipping tea and taking a breath.
“He’s quite a sharp fellow. I was worried you might get outmaneuvered, Master,” remarked Benedict’s assistant, who had also been present during the contract discussions.
“There’s no way I’d let myself be outplayed by an amateur in negotiations. Still… When we traded furs and magic stones before, I thought he was just a pleasant young man, but today he showed a rather unique thought process.”
A youth that age would typically be eager to take risks. Even if it meant clashing with Viscount Keinitz or stirring up a bit of turmoil in his territory, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he’d attempted to handle the lapis lazuli processing and sales himself. After all, the profits from such ventures would be several times higher, perhaps even more than ten times, than selling raw stones wholesale.
Yet, that young noble, without hesitation, chose to sacrifice those potential profits to ensure the peace of his domain, maintain good relations with Viscount Keinitz, and establish a strong connection with Miles Trading Company.
While securing enough profit to develop his territory, he also ensured that both Viscount Keinitz and Miles Trading Company would benefit handsomely.
“Is he just being kind-hearted? …No, it’s more likely that his behavior stems from distrust.”
Benedict muttered as he finished his tea.
Earlkvist’s fixation on mutually beneficial relationships likely wasn’t out of consideration for others. He probably viewed his trading partners as ‘potential enemies that would turn on him if not given a share of the profits.’
That’s why he ensured both Viscount Keinitz and Miles Trading Company received adequate gains. It’s not that he trusted or even liked them in any genuine sense.
He even hesitated to hire laborers for the mine, citing ‘a risk of deteriorating security’ and ‘the difficulty in managing the workers.’ He clearly didn’t trust outsiders.
On the surface, his actions appeared sincere and considerate, but deep down, they were all driven by distrust of others and the desire to protect himself and his territory. Despite his youthful and friendly demeanor, his personality seemed quite twisted.
“At least we won’t suffer any losses from him, but he doesn’t seem like someone to engage with lightly.”
“Considering the profits we’ll make from this deal, a bit of mental fatigue on your part is a small price to pay, Master.”
“Haha, you’re not wrong.”
…
“Haha! I did it! I made the deal and scored a profit!”
Noein walked down the street with a cheerful expression after leaving Miles Trading Company. The street was lined with taverns and restaurants, and they were heading to lunch, courtesy of Noein, in celebration of their success.
With the successful contract and nearly 50 kilograms of raw stones sold, Noein had made close to 60,000 Rebro just today. It was no wonder he couldn’t stop smiling.
“Well done, Lord Noein.”
“That was quite the masterful negotiation.”
“Yeah, I didn’t think you’d manage so well against such a major merchant.”
“Really? I’m amazing? Hehe.”
With praise from Mathilda and the others who had witnessed the negotiations, Noein was in high spirits.
They soon arrived at their destination, a somewhat upscale restaurant that Benedict had recommended.
“Are you sure it’s alright for us to join you?”
“Of course! It’s a celebration, and I’m in the best mood right now.”
Noein reassured Edgar as they entered the restaurant. Following Noein’s offer to “eat whatever you want,” Mathilda, Radley, and Edgar indulged in beef, fish, and other delicacies not found in their usual diet.
Afterward, they booked a place to stay for the night in Retvik, as Noein had business with Viscount Keinitz the following day.
…
Once they parted ways with Radley and Edgar, Noein entered their two-person room at the inn and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted from the negotiations. Mathilda sat beside him.
“Lord Noein, you did an excellent job today.”
“Thanks. Negotiating with skilled merchants is nerve-wracking. And tomorrow, I have to talk with Viscount Keinitz as well,” Noein sighed.
“…Come here, Mathilda.”
“Yes, Lord Noein.”
As Noein lay down and spread his arms, Mathilda smiled sweetly and snuggled into his chest.
“Now that money isn’t an issue anymore, I’ll be able to develop the territory even more, and I’ll make sure you can enjoy good meals like today every day.”
“Thank you, Lord Noein. But just being by your side is already the greatest happiness I could ask for.”
“Haha, I see. Thank you… Let’s stay together from now on, Mathilda.”
“Of course. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side.”
That night, they only needed one bed.
