第1525堀:ちゃんと商売の話はする (Part2)
"Regarding distribution, Weed has already established the Weemall—a large-scale complex housing multiple shops—as well as open-air markets for general merchants. I believe that as these expand, the monopoly will naturally dissolve. What are your thoughts on that?"
"I certainly agree with that assessment. However, I must ask for the sake of clarity: is it correct to assume that Baron Jama intends to secure profits by trading with the Rogari Continent?"
"Yes. Well, I wish to avoid the jealousy that comes with overreaching, so I intend to limit the initial items sold exclusively by Baron Jama. Should there be further inquiries, I plan to refer them to you, Bamai-dono."
"I see. That would indeed mitigate the risk of envy from your peers. But does the Kingdom of Haiden approve of the Baron handling this trade? Wouldn't it be safer, in that sense, for someone like Duke Kamishiro to take the lead?"
Bamai-san seems surprisingly earnest; he appears genuinely concerned that Baron Jama might face danger from the jealousy of others.
Well, he’s not wrong. Baron Jama is just one of many small-time nobles, and there is no shortage of people looking to trip him up. Thinking about it, the logic that a high-ranking house like a Duke’s would be safer is perfectly sound.
"Ah, please do not worry about that. Baron Jama is a vassal under my house, the Kamishiro."
"I see. That is why you chose the Baron..."
"Precisely. The Baron’s lands are inherently fertile, and they have even succeeded in cultivating strawberries—a fruit brought over from Weed. That is another reason why this arrangement is being made with the Baron."
"Oh? You’ve succeeded in cultivating those strawberries? That is truly impressive."
"Of course, it was only possible with Weed’s support. Simply being handed the seedlings would not have sufficed. But thanks to that, the Baron’s territory now possesses the necessary know-how for such cultivation."
Kagura’s words are accurate enough. Though, the reason he received the strawberries in the first place had more to do with the construction of the airport and similar ventures. Naturally, it was all done because Yuki-sensei holds Baron Jama in high regard.
"I understand. So, you intend to provide various crops to the Danademi Trading Company?"
"Yes, that is correct. While the negotiations are being conducted through Baron Jama, this also serves as an experiment to see how well crops from the Rogari Continent will fare in the Haiden region. Such things cannot be accomplished overnight."
"Indeed, there is merit in being the first to attempt it. If production becomes viable in Haiden, that would be remarkable. However, that alone would hardly be profitable for the Danademi Trading Company."
"We have considered that as well. If this production succeeds, the Danademi Trading Company’s involvement will be heavily promoted by both Baron Jama and Duke Kamishiro. In that event, inquiries to Weed will undoubtedly increase. Furthermore, we are considering trade not only in crops but also in jewelry, clothing, and even weaponry."
"I see. So the crops are a means to build the necessary trust?"
"If I may be blunt, if we were to suddenly approach the King to request dealings with the Danademi Trading Company, we would lack the necessary credit and trust."
"True enough. To be granted such an opportunity is a pleasure. I look forward to working with you."
And just like that, with Baron Jama barely saying a word, the deal was struck.
From there, the conversation shifted primarily to the Baron’s territory—what crops they wished to grow and the nature of the soil. To my surprise, Bamai-san seemed to possess a wealth of agricultural knowledge, even appearing capable of calculating projected yields.
Then again, if you asked Yuki-sensei or Ratz, they would likely say that such knowledge is an absolute requirement for the business.
With the foundational business matters settled, the real conversation began.
"It’s wonderful that everything has been settled~. Now then~, I have a question I’d like to ask you, Bamai-san. Would that be alright~?"
The words of the Goddess, spoken with a smile as she observed the contract, carried a weight that Baron Jama could clearly feel.
For Bamai-san, this was an incredibly lucrative position, securing a trade route to a different continent. Of course, it would certainly be a headache for his stomach in the days to come.