Chapter 209
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 209
Following the meetings with the various merchant guilds, I sat down for a meal with those who had signed on.
As a result of the negotiations, a total of three merchant guilds agreed to cooperate on the launch of the carbonated water brand.
The Golden Elephant Merchant Guild, which boasted one of the largest distribution networks on the continent; the Lombard Merchant Guild, which owned a massive fleet of merchant ships thanks to its spice trade; and the Kane Merchant Guild, a giant in the steel industry that processed and distributed tin—the main component of cans—had all decided to join the venture.
The terms were a fifty-fifty split.
This was contingent on me supplying the product without transferring the technology or revealing the secret formula for the raw ingredients.
I raised a champagne glass to those remaining in the private room.
“A toast, everyone.”
Clink—.
The glasses chimed, the wine within them trembling.
Afterward, we began our meal, each of us slicing into the steaks set before us. With the contract finalized on such favorable terms, Trish spoke excitedly.
“You’re a master negotiator, Lord Roen.”
“It’s not so much that as it was a game I couldn’t lose.”
Garfield and Sheika had been on my side from the start. Their role was to act as shills, proposing terms that were right on the edge of the acceptable line I had drawn. The other merchant guilds, unable to match those terms, had all backed out, leaving only the Kane Merchant Guild.
Since I ended up signing a contract with them, you could say the Kane Merchant Guild had been reeled in by my little ploy.
Noticing that everyone else seemed to be in on the secret except for him, Malon, the head of the Kane Merchant Guild, mopped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.
“Well, I’ll be… It seems I walked right into a setup. I was careless.”
“Not at all, Guild Head. You will not regret today’s decision.”
Although he was caught in my scheme, it didn't mean the contract would be a loss for Malon. Unlike the other guilds that sent subordinates, the Kane Merchant Guild had sent its head to the negotiating table. For that level of sincerity and enthusiasm, it was only right to respond in kind.
Furthermore, because he was the guild head, he had the authority to meet the conditions I demanded. Mere employees, who aren't decision-makers, can't alter the terms of a negotiation without approval from their superiors.
“I’m glad to hear that. How do you plan to distribute the carbonated water from here on?”
“…The first step will be to establish stores in every major city.”
My plan was to first set up shops in the capitals and major hubs of each kingdom. Each store would be equipped with several carbonated water makers manufactured at Union.
While manufacturing at Union and distributing through the guilds would be better for keeping the production method a secret, it was far too inefficient.
‘Of course, placing the makers in each store means someone trying to steal the technology could make off with one.’
There was certainly a risk that they could dismantle and analyze the machine to figure out its principles. However, the technology inside the maker was a lost art once used by the ancient dwarves. It would be incredibly difficult to replicate without the proper blueprints.
Even if they managed to replicate the hardware, they would struggle to create the next-generation core required to operate the machine. Considering the research funds and manpower that would require, the cure would be worse than the disease.
“I plan to place carbonated water makers in each store. However, the concentrate will be produced at Union and supplied from there.”
Unlike the maker, the concentrate could be easily copied by anyone who figured out the mixing ratio. Therefore, the concentrate had to be made at Union and distributed to each store.
At this, Malon expressed his concern.
“That would be best for maintaining secrecy. But if Union is distributing the concentrate, will you be able to meet the demand? I know the Lombard Merchant Guild has a sizable fleet, but this product is explosively popular.”
Indeed, the carbonated drinks our Alchemy Club made had received an incredible response. Once the hundreds of thousands of people currently staying at Union returned to the continent, word would spread like wildfire.
Just as Malon said, we might run into problems supplying the concentrate. Even using the Lombard Merchant Guild’s ships, there was a limit to the number of barrels we could transport.
However...
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
Once I raised my Alchemy level further, I’d be able to process the concentrate into a powder for distribution. That would not only increase the cargo capacity but also make transportation much easier. There was nothing to worry about.
Next, Sheika asked a question.
“Lord Roen. Seeing as you’ve signed with the Kane Merchant Guild, I doubt you’ll be satisfied with just expanding your stores. Do you have other plans?”
“You’re as sharp as ever. As you know, the glass bottles we’re currently using have their limits when it comes to continent-wide distribution.”
This was where the Kane Merchant Guild’s tin processing technology was needed. Glass bottles were fragile and inconvenient to transport in large quantities. If I developed canning technology and produced the drinks in cans, it would be far more efficient.
The advancement of food preservation technology using cans would be an added bonus. That technology would later revolutionize food distribution during the war with the demons. It was one of the reasons I was cooperating with the Kane Merchant Guild.
“Well then, let’s work out the details as we go. For now, let’s enjoy the banquet.”
Talking about work while you're trying to eat is a sure way to get indigestion. It was time to celebrate today’s successful contract and enjoy our meal.
*
That evening.
I headed to the fountain square on Traum Street for my date with Freya.
The Traum Fountain Square was radiant, adorned with beautiful marble statues and a magnificent fountain. The festival was in full swing, and the square was bustling with tourists.
But even among the massive crowd, one girl stood out.
Freya was waiting for me near the square, standing beneath a streetlight in a quiet corner. Instead of her usual uniform or light armor, she was wearing a dress. It was a dark blue gown, shimmering with brilliant jewels that sparkled like the Milky Way.
I had seen her in a dress before, at the party on the airship, but I liked today’s look even more. She had clearly put effort into her hair, too, which was swept up into an elegant braided bun. It beautifully exposed the pale nape of her neck and the line of her shoulders.
Freya, however, seemed awkward in the attire, tapping the ground restlessly with the heel of her shoe.
Ahem.
I cleared my throat and approached Freya, who was fidgeting with her hands.
“You were here first.”
“Ah, yes.”
She must have been a little nervous, as she hadn't even noticed me approaching and jumped in surprise. I looked at Freya’s attire and spoke.
“That dress looks especially good on you today. Did you do something new with your hair?”
“My father told me to make an effort… so I had no choice.”
“Is that so? Duke Wodanaz has a good eye, then.”
I offered her my arm as an escort and gestured toward the restaurant with my chin.
“I’ve reserved a table at a nice restaurant. Let’s head over.”
*
Pierre Gagnaire—an incredibly popular, high-end establishment.
It was dinnertime, so many couples were already seated at their tables, lost in conversation. As we entered the restaurant, a few students caught sight of us and began whispering, exchanging glances.
“Look, over there.”
“Is that Roen? And Lady Freya is with him?”
“They must be dating.”
“……”
Freya bit her lip slightly, annoyed, and ignored their stares. A waiter guided us to a table overlooking the fountain square's night view. The table was slightly secluded from the others, away from prying eyes.
Freya let out a sigh, seeming to relax a little now that we were settled.
She seems especially nervous today.
In times like these, it's a gentleman's duty to step up. I started with some light conversation. I began by asking if she was enjoying the academy festival, easing her tension with small talk about the booths she had visited and the Super Bowl match.
I had no interest in the Super Bowl myself, but Freya seemed interested in the match featuring the Winter Knights of Gunhild. Knowing the other person’s interests is an essential skill in conversation.
As we continued to talk, Freya seemed to relax considerably. Taking the opportunity, I playfully brought up an old topic.
“Freya, are you still sulking about what happened back then?”
Freya had been furious when she found out that Ciel and I were "living together." Things had been a bit awkward between us since then, but I had proven my innocence by taking her to the workshop, showing her the spacious, mansion-like interior, and having Ciel corroborate my story.
Besides, Freya knew Ciel’s rigid personality well, so she must have concluded there was no chance we would have done anything improper.
“Sulking? I’m not. I don’t care about it anymore.”
We've been doing our morning exercises together since then, but she's been a little colder than before. I should use today as a chance to help her let go of it.
“If it really bothers you, I can give you a room. You’re welcome to come stay at the workshop sometimes. You can keep Ciel company. Spar with her, too.”
“I told you, I don’t care anymore.”
As if her throat was dry, Freya gulped down her carbonated water and set the glass back on the table with a thud. Judging by her reaction, she still cared, but I didn't press the issue.
“…Good to hear, then.”
If I put myself in her shoes, I'd be upset too, so her reaction was only natural. As we chatted for a while, our food began to arrive.
“Here is your appetizer: a smoked salmon salad. It features salmon from the Bering Sea, accompanied by organic cabbage from Mount Dolere…”
The waiter explained every detail, from the origin of the ingredients to the cooking method. I waved my hand as if to say the explanation wasn't necessary, dismissing him.
Then, I got to the main point.
“Freya, did you hear from Duke Wodanaz?”
A while ago, I had met with Freya’s father, the Duke. And in front of him, I had boldly declared my intention to move forward with our engagement. I didn't know what kind of repercussions this would have, but I had arranged this dinner with Freya to deal with the aftermath.
She must have heard about my declaration, as she let out a small sigh.
“Yes. You said you wish to continue the engagement?”
“I did. But that’s just my personal opinion.”
After all, the original Roen’s debauchery was the reason the engagement was broken off in the first place. In a complex sense, it was also related to the death of the previous family head, Kaiser, but on the surface, Roen had provided the cause.
Not only had he been the one to break the engagement, but now he was unilaterally declaring his intent to resume it. It was the height of shamelessness. Although I had received Wodanaz’s permission first, I still needed to hear the opinion of the person directly involved.
I took a sip of wine and said, “I’m asking for your opinion. If you’re against it, I have no intention of proceeding.”
Political marriages were common among high-ranking families, but I had no intention of forcing one on Freya. From my modern perspective, the opinions of the individuals involved were the most important thing in a marriage.
“What do you think? You don’t have to give me an answer right now.”
Freya fell silent at my words.
“……”
She quietly placed the fork she was holding down on her plate. I grew tense for some reason and swallowed hard.
After a moment of thought, Freya spoke.
“I agree to it as well. However, I have a few conditions.”