Layered Corporation

"Shall we get straight to business? You mentioned an interest in rare metal transactions?"

"Yes, I've managed to acquire high-purity rare metals. I'm considering selling them somewhere."

With that, Shinnosuke gave a subtle nod to Marks, placing a fragment of the rare metal sample onto the table.

"Indeed... may I have a look?"

Layered stared at the fragment placed before him, his expression unchanged.

"Please, go ahead and examine it yourself."

Upon Shinosuke's approval, Layered donned a pair of white gloves from his pocket, gently picked up the rare metal with careful precision, and inspected its quality using a small device resembling a flashlight.

"This is an extremely high-purity rare metal. Where did you acquire it?"

I received it as a reward from the mining company when I was hired to provide security for them. It hasn't been shaped yet, as it's still in its raw, mined state, but I believe the quality is clearly evident.

Where was it mined?

"I cannot answer that question. Doing so would affect the work of those being protected. Likewise, I cannot disclose information about the mining company without their explicit consent. However, it is guaranteed by a certificate issued by the Sirius Stellar Province Merchant Ship Association that these rare metals are not involved in any criminal activities."

Layered nodded deeply in response to Shinosuke's explanation.

Of course, for miners, information about mining locations is a matter of life and death. But this is high-quality rare metal. How much would you like to sell?

"About 500 kilometers, for now."

We have a 5-ton stock, but since we can't afford to reveal our current inventory levels, we'll keep that information hidden.

"Five hundred kilometers! That's quite an appealing story, isn't it?"

Feigning surprise too obviously, this is a layered trap designed to lure Shinnosuke into a favorable deal.

What makes it particularly insidious is that it's clear the trap is specifically set to test Shinnosuke's ability to see through it.

Yet, this is still just basic negotiation tactics, so Shinnosuke won't fall for the layered scheme.

So far, both sides are merely sizing each other up—this opening move is perfectly acceptable.

"In the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, mineral resources are scarce, and we rely heavily on imports. That's why even small enterprises like ours have a market. Our company regularly purchases rare metals."

Layered speaks while returning the sample to Shinnosuke.

"By the way, do you know the going rate for rare metals in our country? It's publicly listed by the Merchant Ship Association as well."

Shinnosuke may not be an expert, but he's no fool.

He doesn't approach negotiations without verifying the market prices, and he anticipates that the publicly listed minimum purchase prices are somewhat manipulated by market forces.

"Yes, we do verify them."

"Differing from major companies that buy directly, we small and medium-sized traders are constantly competing with one another. Some level of competition is necessary, but uncontrolled competition leads to mutual collapse. That's why we publicly share reference market prices as a guide."

Layered, who doesn't even bother hiding that they're manipulating the market.

Moreover, they're subtly driving a wedge by refusing to comply with excessive demands.

"I see. So, just how much would Layered Trading Company offer for it?"

"Well, it is a very high-quality rare metal... How about this price?"

The buyout price Layered offered was 12 percent above the current market rate.

At first glance, the offer seems favorable to the seller, but considering the underlying market price has been deliberately set low, it's clear they're being heavily undercut.

Moreover, the figure of 12 percent is a cleverly chosen amount—just high enough to give the impression that an additional 3 percent could be negotiated if pushed further.

"How about it? This is the absolute best we could do."

Layered presses forward with a shallow, brazen smile, but the seasoned negotiator, having survived countless battles in business, would easily outmaneuver the current Shinnosuke, who is still green.

Shinnosuke decided to go all in.

"Understood. I'll take it at that amount."

An amateur like Shinnosuke couldn't possibly defeat a professional negotiator.

If he couldn't win the negotiation, then there was no point in negotiating at all.

Layered's smile vanished at Shinnosuke's immediate decision.

"Forgive me, but aren't you somewhat inexperienced in business, Mr. Kasimura?"

Shinnosuke shrugged, looking straight-faced at Layered's serious inquiry.

"Experienced or not, I've only just become a free merchant, and this is my first time dealing in rare metal trade."

Layered's expression grew even more stern at Shinnosuke's reply.

"Moreover, couldn't we try negotiating a slightly higher price?

It's laughable for the buyer to initiate a price increase when the seller has already agreed.

Yet this is also proof that Layered is serious.

"I must admit, I'm inexperienced in such matters. If it would only cause unnecessary hassle, I decided it was better to accept the offered amount."

"Would you not consider that we're deceiving Mr. Kashimura by buying at such a low price?"

"That's something I've considered, but if we're going to be deceived, then so be it. If I decide I can't trust the other party, then there simply won't be a next transaction. Even though I'm a free merchant, my main business is escort duties, so it doesn't affect me greatly."

Layared sighed deeply at Shinnosuke's words.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Kashimura. Let's return the transaction to its original state."

"What do you mean by that?"

Shinnosuke tilted his head in surprise at the sudden offer.

"Indeed, as Mr. Kashimura said, the amount I showed you earlier was set at a favorable rate for our side."

"That's only natural in business, isn't it? There's nothing to blame you for, and I have no intention of blaming you at all."

Yet Layared shook his head.

"I wanted to buy your trust, Mr. Kashimura."

"What do you mean by that?"

Mr. Kashimura said he wouldn't deal with someone untrustworthy again. So, this means there's room for another transaction? In other words, Mr. Kashimura still has stock of rare metals...

Yeah, I guess so.

Layered looked straight into Shinosuke's eyes.

Let's be candid. Depending on the quantity of inventory Mr. Kashimura holds, we're prepared to offer 30 percent above the market price for a substantial amount. While this is still a highly profitable sum for us, it also represents our absolute limit—we cannot go beyond this figure in negotiations.

Shin nosuke's strategy paid off, instantly shifting the tide of negotiations—but Layered had clearly stepped up their game, leaving no doubt they were now playing for real.

If the opponent was serious, Shin nosuke would respond in kind.

"I currently possess five tons of the rare metals I showed you earlier."

"Five tons!"

"Yes, and I'm willing to sell all five tons, as I wouldn't know what to do with them if I brought them back."

Layered immediately offered the purchase price for five tons of rare metals.

"This is a mutually beneficial deal for both Mr. Kasimura and ourselves—just barely within our limits."

With the stakes hanging in the balance, Layered urged Shinnosuke to make his decision.

Having come this far, Shinnosuke hesitated no longer.

"I understand. I'll sell the five tons of rare metals at your offered price."

Nodding in approval, Layered extended his hand.

Shinnosuke also shook Layered's hand.

"Negotiations are concluded. Let's finalize the contract right away."

Layered sent the contract-related data to Shinnosuke's terminal.

Shinnosuke glanced over the received data.

"Ah!"

Then, Shinnosuke froze.

The data displayed not only the transaction amount but also the imposed tax amount.

Shinnosuke had completely forgotten about the customs duties.

Layered smirks.

"Did you notice? Mr. Kasimura, your planning was a bit careless."

"I'm impressed. I'll need to study more carefully."

Layered nods approvingly at Shinnosuke, who shrugs sheepishly.

"Rest assured. In our country, the tax on rare metal imports is levied on the buyer. That means this tariff is our responsibility to pay."

Layered laughs, triumphant.

"Business is truly this complicated. That's precisely what makes it so fascinating—and impossible to stop. I hope we can continue our partnership with Mr. Kasimura for many years to come."

In the end, this transaction brought significant profits to Shinnosuke, but it was also undeniable that he had been thoroughly outmaneuvered throughout by Layered, who had clearly demonstrated a vast difference in experience.

It was Layered who taught Shinnosuke this lesson.

Although Shinnosuke suffered a complete defeat in negotiations, he achieved great success in the transaction.

Having finalized the contract with Layered Corporation, Shinnosuke delivered the rare metals to them, and immediately received payment. His first trade was now complete.

"Please don't hesitate to contact us again should the opportunity arise. We look forward to conducting mutually beneficial transactions with you."

As Shinnosuke returned to Salius after completing the transaction, Reard asked him something.

It marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between Shinnosuke and the Reard Company.