Chapter 98: The World and Reality... (1)
Chapter 98: The World and Reality... (1)
Matthew was genuinely surprised.
He had long known that his friend was absurdly strong, ridiculously eccentric, and unbelievably foul-mouthed, petty, and cheap.
However, he hadn't imagined Petrick possessed the caliber to hold his own in a business negotiation with his father.
This was Aaron.
The leader of the Elvador Merchant Group.
The man who had transformed a mediocre, mid-sized merchant group into the greatest in the kingdom.
That was Matthew’s father.
And yet, that very father was discussing business with Petrick—who was younger than his own son—as if they were equals.
“So, we can’t exactly set a unit price when the production volume is still unknown, can we? One must be able to gauge the level of supply and demand to determine a price.”
“In that case, let’s set the price later and finalize the profit-sharing first. I won’t budge an inch below a 9-to-1 split.”
“Ho ho ho. Do you think I dig money out of the ground? Even if I’m being generous, a 6-to-4 split is more reasonable.”
“Wow, you’re trying to swallow 40 percent for doing nothing? Seriously? Is your profession ‘merchant’ or ‘thief’?”
“And what about you? Why is a young master of a noble house so obsessed with money? Shouldn't you care about dignity?”
“Does dignity put food on the table?”
Listening to the exchange, the conversation was almost equal.
No, if anything, Petrick held a slight upper hand as the party in power.
In truth, while Petrick held a monopoly on the production of silk, distribution was possible through others, even if it wasn't the Elvador Merchant Group.
It was simply that Elvador was the most capable firm in the country, so he was entrusting it to them; it didn't have to be them.
Actually, this was a stroke of luck for Petrick.
Originally, since he thought silk didn't exist in this world, he had been looking for a merchant group that could handle distribution, promotion, and sales. In the Atronia Kingdom, only the Elvador Merchant Group was capable of that.
But now that he knew silk already existed and was valued extremely highly, the situation had changed.
It was still true that Elvador was the best partner. However, the desperation of needing it to be Elvador had vanished.
As a result…
“Well, I suppose it can’t be helped. I wanted to trust you and leave it in your hands since you’re my friend’s father, but if you’re going to be like this, I suppose I could contact some foreign merchant groups…”
“Now, now, what kind of reckless talk is that? A noble of the great Atronia Kingdom dealing with foreign merchants? That simply won't do!”
“I’m just a backwater noble from the countryside, so I don’t really care about things like that.”
“Still, one shouldn't do such things.”
“Well, what am I supposed to do when the value of my goods isn't being recognized? I can't exactly afford to take a loss, can I?”
“……”
He was truly exasperating.
He made one want to punch him.
Even with Petrick standing before him, provoking such thoughts, Aaron spoke with seasoned composure.
“Fine. I get it. We’ll do the profit-sharing as you wish. In exchange, give us the exclusive rights to the product.”
“Hmm… They say you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket…”
When Petrick seemed to hesitate, Aaron snapped irritably.
“It’s 9-to-1! 9-to-1! I’m terrified that rumors will spread about me accepting such a deal.”
“Mmm… I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll take the loss just this once and accept.”
As Petrick granted his approval as if he were making a great sacrifice, a smile finally appeared on Aaron’s face.
“Hahaha. You certainly have a bold spirit.”
“Mwahahaha. I’ve been told that quite often.”
“Hahahaha!”
“Mwahahahaha!”
Finally, the two men shook hands.
The two of them, looking at each other while laughing boisterously, were…
‘You highway robber. 9-to-1? Really?’
‘Who are you trying to play for a fool? Do you think I haven't dealt with people like you before?’
…a very heartwarming sight.
At least on the surface.
* * *
The business was concluded.
With that, Aaron shed his persona as a merchant leader and welcomed Petrick as a friend brought home by his son.
He hosted a meal, and a grand banquet was prepared for the son who had returned home after a long time and his guest.
“Oh, this is delicious. Where did you get this?”
“It’s seafood caught in the Harbor Kingdom. It’s dried first and then rehydrated for use.”
“Mmm… That explains the flavor. It’s been a while since I’ve had this.”
“Have you tried it before?”
“Well, a long time ago.”
Drying seafood for storage and then rehydrating it was a method frequently used in the Central Plains. Petrick was satisfied with the taste, which reminded him of his past life.
In addition, many rare ingredients gathered from all over the continent were served, and Petrick enjoyed the meal with great satisfaction.
After the meal.
“Ace Orabeoni, would you like to take a walk in the garden with me? The tulips I grew myself are blooming beautifully.”
“I must remain by the Young Master’s side.”
April flatly rejected Jaila’s suggestion, but…
“It’s fine, go ahead.”
At Petrick’s word, Jaila beamed with a bright smile, while April wore an expression that said, ‘How could the Young Master do this to me…?’
After April was dragged away by Jaila, only Petrick and the father and son, Aaron and Matthew, remained in the reception room.
Aaron brought out a suitable liquor and poured it for his son and the guest himself.
“This is a Sabrona 30-Year.”
“Ooh…”
“Do you know this liquor?”
“No. It just sounds like it would be expensive.”
Aaron laughed heartily at that.
“Hahaha. It is one of those fine spirits that is worth every penny.”
It was the highest praise a merchant could give. Petrick gladly accepted the drink and downed it. Then…
“This is incredible.”
“Hahaha. Isn't that a bit of a cheap review? Nobles usually say things like it has the ‘scent of fallen leaves’ or that they can ‘feel the bounty of the earth,’ don’t they?”
“The scent of fallen leaves? The bounty of the earth? If they want to feel that, they should chew on some dirt. Why are they drinking alcohol?”
“Hahahahaha!”
Aaron roared with laughter at Petrick’s remark. He felt like he had more reasons to laugh today than usual.
After a few more drinks, Aaron spoke with a slightly bittersweet smile.
“I heard that my son’s good results in the midterm evaluation were also thanks to you.”
“Well, it just turned out that way.”
“I suppose it’s only right that I start by saying thank you.”
Though he said he was thankful, his face was clouded with worry. Petrick spoke to him.
“You don’t seem very pleased.”
“How could I be?”
Aaron toyed with his glass, looked at his son sitting beside him, and gave a short, dry laugh.
“There isn't a parent in the world who enjoys seeing their child overextend themselves.”
Matthew spoke up, sounding offended.
“Father, I am not overextending myself.”
Aaron smiled bitterly.
“You’re not?”
“No. Becoming a knight is the long-cherished dream of our family, and it is also my choice.”
“The family’s dream…”
If one went back several generations, Matthew’s family had been a knightly house holding the title of Count. However, they lost their title during a purge of factions caught in the political tides of the time.
Afterward, Matthew’s ancestor spent the rest of his life in despair, and it wasn't until his grandfather’s time that they jumped into commerce to rebuild the family.
And now.
Though they hadn't returned to knighthood, Matthew’s father had achieved great success as a merchant. Even as a commoner, he was a great merchant whom even most nobles couldn't treat lightly.
However, Matthew had grown up listening to his grandfather talk about the family’s aspirations. He had grown up sitting on his grandfather’s lap, hearing stories of the feats his ancestors had achieved on the battlefield as knights.
That was why Matthew had chosen to walk the path of a knight, unlike his father.
However, that was Matthew’s choice.
As his father, Aaron was not at all pleased with his son’s decision. Aaron spoke to his son in a calm tone.
“My son. I am a man who prides himself on his eye for people.”
“I know.”
How could the eye of a man who built the kingdom’s greatest merchant group be poor? Aaron was second to none when it came to appraising the value of people and goods.
And it was with that cold, objective voice that Aaron spoke to his son.
“I allowed you to enter the Academy because you wanted it so badly, but I saw no talent for knighthood in you.”
“Then why did you give me permission?”
“Partly because you wanted it so much, but also because I thought experiencing failure at a young age would be a valuable asset.”
“……”
In other words, he never expected his son to succeed as a knight from the beginning. Matthew bit his lower lip and remained silent at his father’s words.
Aaron continued.
“I made a large donation to the Academy to get you into the Knight Department. As you know, I am not the type of person to spend money like that.”
“…I know.”
Matthew answered in a dejected voice.
How could he not know? Aaron had touched upon the part for which his son felt most guilty. Using the power of money to enroll a son who lacked the skill.
As far as Matthew knew, his father, Aaron, was never one to use money that way. It was likely the first time he had ever used the power of wealth to bypass the rules.
“You can try once, fail, and start over. Because you are young.”
“……”
“But I never imagined you would actually pass the midterm evaluation. To be honest, it was unexpected.”
“Father, I…”
“But how long do you think that will last?”
His father’s sharp interruption cut him off, and Matthew’s mouth, which had been forced open, clamped shut again.
Aaron spoke.
“Gold plating eventually peels off. As time passes, those with talent will distinguish themselves. Conversely, you, who lacks talent, will hit a wall.”
“……”
“An average success is worse than a failure. You have the talent to succeed as a merchant or a bureaucrat. Why do you insist on wasting your life in a place that doesn't suit your talents?”
“Is it not the family’s dream? It was my late grandfather’s dying wish to reclaim our family name and return to being a knightly house.”
At the mention of the family’s dream, Aaron paused for a moment. But he spoke with a bittersweet smile.
“That is something that can be done even if it isn't you.”
“…What?”
“Cast aside your impatience and look at the long term. Neither you nor I have the talent for knighthood. But what about your son, or your grandson’s generation?”
“……”
“There is also the way of you or me building a solid foundation and then entrusting the future to a child who actually has the talent. It doesn't have to be you.”
“That’s…”
“It is right for a person to do what they are capable of. That is the most natural and happy way to live.”
“……”
“I have no intention of pushing my son’s life into hardship and adversity for the sake of a family dream. I absolutely cannot do that.”
“……”
Matthew couldn't say a word.
Theoretically, everything his father said was correct. And because he knew his father was saying this out of love, he couldn't find the words to argue.
When his son remained silent, Aaron spoke again.
“If you wish, it’s possible to change your major even now. This time, with your own abilities, with dignity…”
“Good grief, I’ve heard just about enough of this.”
The one who cut Aaron off was Petrick, who had been sitting to the side, repeatedly filling and emptying his glass alone.
Petrick set his glass down on the table with a sharp clack, looking displeased. He looked at Aaron and spoke.
“I was trying not to meddle in someone else’s family business, but from what I’m hearing, you’re talking way too much nonsense.”
“As you said, this is a private family matter.”
“So what? I’m going to meddle anyway.”
“……”
Aaron was momentarily taken aback by Petrick’s bold declaration of his intent to interfere. Petrick said to him:
“So, the gist of what you’re saying, Mr. Merchant Leader, is that Matthew has no talent, so he should quit being a knight and live his life holding a pen as a merchant or a bureaucrat. Isn't that it?”
“That’s right.”
“There is a major flaw in that statement.”
“What flaw are you talking about?”
“Matthew does have the talent to succeed as a knight.”
“Talent? My son?”
“Yes. So why should he quit the knight training he’s good at to go pick up a pen?”
Aaron looked at him as if he were hearing something absurd.
As far as he knew, Petrick was a swordsman who had reached a level high enough to surpass the Academy professors. When such a person claimed Matthew had talent, Aaron felt a flicker of hope in his heart, despite the absurdity.
Perhaps his son possessed a talent that a merchant’s eye couldn't see?
“When he was young and said he wanted to learn swordsmanship, I hired a tutor to teach him. That man was a powerhouse who had reached the 5-Star realm, but even he never said my son had talent.”
“Tsk, tsk. You’re judging your son based on the insight of some 5-Star bottom-feeder?”
A 5-Star was a level of ability that would never be ignored anywhere, but to Petrick, they were treated as a ‘bottom-feeder.’
Petrick filled his glass again, downed it, and spoke.
“There are many different kinds of talent. Things like having a good affinity for Aura or being born with a robust body? Those aren't the only kinds of talent.”
“Then what is my son’s talent?”
At Aaron’s question, Matthew, who was listening from the side, also felt his heart race in anticipation of Petrick’s next words.
And Petrick said:
“Matthew’s talent is the ‘talent for effort.’”
“I see. Is that so?”
Hearing Petrick’s words, Aaron let out a hollow laugh. And Matthew, listening beside him, also wore a face that said, ‘I should have known.’
Seeing their reactions, Petrick was the one who got annoyed.
“Hey, you people… I just said something great, so why the long faces?”
“The talent for effort. It’s a nice sentiment. But can that really be called a talent?”
“Why not?”
“In any field, putting in effort is a given. Anyone who doesn't give their best to their work is rotten to the core to begin with.”
“Well, that’s true.”
It was a perfectly valid point. Petrick conceded that much.
Aaron continued.
“The world isn't so easy that everyone who puts in effort succeeds. Those far more talented than Matthew will also put in the same effort. In the end, as time passes, only the ‘real’ ones born with talent will stand out. That is the world, and that is reality.”
Aaron was right. He was speaking the cold, hard truth.
But Petrick gave a short laugh.
“The world and reality, you say…”