第１５２５堀：ちゃんと商売の話はする (Part1)
Chapter 1525: Properly Discussing Business
Properly Discussing Business
Side: Mikos
I really do think that nations are such troublesome things.
Or perhaps that’s not quite right.
If you look at it through the lens of an ordinary household, it’s no different from a wealthy family choosing not to spend their money to bail out a destitute one.
You have to manage on your own.
If you don’t, the head of the poor household loses their standing.
Well, it’s only natural since they can’t even feed their family properly to begin with, but that doesn’t mean it’s a situation where one can simply reach out and help.
If someone like me were to just step in and fix it, it wouldn’t be a fundamental solution, and it would be a slap in the face to Hinsua. The same logic applies to Litea.
"Sigh..."
I let out a melancholy sigh, and Kagura, sitting beside me, reacts immediately.
"What are you sighing for? We’re about to enter negotiations with Lord Bamai, aren’t we? Don’t go showing such a gloomy face."
"I know, I know. It’s just... it really hits home how complicated things get when you travel to other countries. Until now, Yuki-sensei and the others always handled things so naturally that I never really felt the weight of it."
"That’s because, until now, the situations were always centered around Weed or our own country. But this matter with Litea? It’s truly centered on Litea. By nature, this isn't a situation we should be involved in, which is precisely why we’re bringing this to Lord Bamai—and Litea—to get everything prepared."
"Thinking about that, does it mean Weed and Haiden have become a bit more peaceful?"
"Eh?"
Kagura looks surprised, as if caught off guard by my question. Rurua, who is also present, smiles gently.
"Indeed. While it’s a bit complicated for me to say, it is only natural to consider that the dangers have receded when looking at Weed and Haiden. You are quite right, Mikos, that things have become more peaceful."
"Ahaha, sorry, Rurua."
I realized, a bit too late, that it wasn't the right thing to say in front of Rurua, whose homeland of Litea is currently embroiled in trouble. I really need to be more considerate.
"It is quite alright. I imagine you and Kagura felt the same way about Weed back when you were in Haiden."
"Ah, yeah. I get that. Though Kagura was way worse than me."
"Ahaha... In my case, I kidnapped Yuki along with the Princess, after all. I had truly prepared myself for death."
Yeah, yeah. Thinking about it from my current position, trying to kidnap Yuki-sensei and force him to work would be an immediate death sentence. I still wonder how Kagura and the Princess managed to survive that.
"Alright, for Rurua’s sake, let’s pull ourselves together and give this our all."
"You should have been doing that from the start."
"Thank you."
Rather than letting things get complicated, I decide to fire myself up for Rurua’s sake. Kagura is as cold as ever, and Rurua responds with a gentle, warm smile.
Yep, just like always.
As I’m thinking this, the door to the room opens.
"Please, come this way."
Lilishe-sama enters, followed by Bamai-san, who served as the moderator at the auction the other day.
Kagura and I stand up to greet them.
"Excuse us."
My movements are far more refined and dignified than those of the small-time nobles—or even my own father and his peers. Even though he’s a merchant, it’s clear his connections are closer to the nobility than most. Then again, the fact that he’s going head-to-head with the Dark Guild is impressive enough on its own.
As I’m pondering this, Lilishe-sama stands before us and formally introduces Bamai-san once more.
"Allow me to introduce him again. This is Lord Bamai, who presided over the auction."
"I am truly honored to be chosen by your Danademi Trading Company. I, Bamai, will give my all to meet the expectations of everyone from Haiden."
He bows elegantly. Once he finishes, Kagura and I return the bow in the Haiden style.
"Lord Bamai, it is a joy to have the cooperation of the Danademi Trading Company, one of the finest in the Rogari Continent. We look forward to working with you. And allow me to introduce myself properly as well. I am Kagura, second daughter of the Kamishiro Ducal House of the Haiden Kingdom. I am here as an escort for Mikos, the eldest daughter of Baron Jarna."
"As introduced, I am Mikos, eldest daughter of the Baron Jarna family. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to sit at the negotiating table with your territory."
I conduct myself with the grace of a proper noble lady.
"Yes. Lady Kagura, Lady Mikos. I look forward to working with you."
"Now, if both parties would please take your seats. I, Lilishe, a priestess of Weed dispatched by the Litea Church, will be facilitating these negotiations, keeping records, ensuring fairness, and assisting with communication to prevent any misunderstandings due to cultural differences."
Lilishe-sama says this, using a pseudonym that isn't really a pseudonym, and sits in the chair between us to oversee the discussion. In truth, she’s in on it with us.
" " "We look forward to your guidance." " "
Still, all three of us greet Lilishe-sama properly. A mediator is important, after all.
"Now, I would like to confirm the purpose of this meeting. Is it correct that Baron Jarna of the Haiden Kingdom wishes to negotiate trade with the Danademi Trading Company?"
"Yes, that is correct. Also, I, of the Kamishiro Ducal House, will remain silent for the most part and focus on recording the contents of the negotiations."
That’s right. For these negotiations, I am officially acting as the proxy for Baron Jarna. Therefore, Kagura won’t be helping me out.
That leaves the question of what exactly we are negotiating.
Since the Baron Jarna territory, thanks to Weed—or rather, thanks to Yuki-sensei—is never short on specialty goods.
We’ve been focusing heavily on the production of strawberries, and the quality is exceptional. It’s become a staple for the Royal Household, after all.
What else could we possibly need?
Well, we’ve already discussed that beforehand.
"Then, without further ado, I would like you to introduce any food products unique to the Rogari Continent. If we can establish a distribution route for them in Haiden, we could likely monopolize the market for some time."
"Hmm. And do you believe that will eventually come to an end?"