Business Negotiations at the Darshe Embassy
That same day, I sent an envoy to the Darshe Embassy to confirm an appointment.
They said the afternoon of the day after tomorrow would be best, so I spent the following day preparing a list of the products I wanted.
When I arrived at the embassy, I was greeted not just by Lord Sazaby, but also by Elder Bastaraf and Lady Aliulus—all three of them together.
That’s... quite the formidable lineup.
“Regarding your request to import Darshe’s specialty goods, we are prepared to grant permission depending on the item.”
“Eh? We don’t need to go over any detailed conditions first, Lord Sazaby?”
“The finer terms can be decided later by our civil officials. Frankly, our nation has little to gain from dealing with the now-unstable McFarlane Dukedom. However, trading directly with you, Lily—someone who has become a world-renowned merchant—will help enhance the prestige of our products.”
Hmm.
So, because a Platinum-ranked merchant like me will be handling them directly, that alone adds value to Darshe’s goods.
In other words, if someone at my level is personally requesting their import, it proves their worth and raises their reputation even further.
Wow… I really have come a long way.
“Thank you very much. So, what exactly will I be allowed to import?”
“Let’s see… First off, magi-tech is prohibited. Magic tools as well—we’d rather not risk hindering your nation’s own development. The main categories we can approve are tableware, furnishings, artworks, and food products.”
Pretty much as Alizée and Alba had predicted.
It’s only natural that magi-tech and magic tools are off-limits—they probably involve national secrets anyway.
What I really wanted were those furnishings and tableware items for the upper-class clientele.
And if I can get some affordable foodstuffs too, that’d be wonderful—those could be offered to the general public.
The details will come later through further negotiations, but things are already looking promising.
“On that note, there are also some items we wish to import from your side.”
“Oh? What kind of items? The Trade Guild can prepare almost anything you’d like.”
“No, we don’t plan to go through the guild. What we desire are the dresses you make—specifically, the furisode.”
“The… furisode?”
“Indeed. We don’t intend to copy or mass-produce them. However, their brilliance makes them worth studying. I would like to acquire some for the sake of developing the Aliulus domain.”
Furisode, huh?
Even within the McFarlane Dukedom, they’re among the highest-priced garments—and there’s still a waiting list of orders.
Since I’m currently the only one who can make them, production’s a bit backed up.
“What shall we do, Lady Lily?”
“Hmm… It’ll take a little time, but I don’t see a problem. In fact, I could even create a basic instruction manual on how to make them and sell that as well.”
“You would? Isn’t that a vital trade secret for you?”
“It is, in the sense that only I can make them right now. But at the same time, I’d like to see how others interpret and craft their own furisode. My own designs are bound by habit and preconceptions—it’s hard to be truly innovative that way.”
“I see. So you’re curious as a craftswoman to see others’ work as well.”
“Yes. If we can agree on the conditions, I’ll seriously consider creating a guidebook.”
“Good. Then let’s proceed under that premise. Since Aliulus girl is here, she can decide the exact terms.”
“Understood. With that level of craftsmanship, you deserve a fair and proper valuation.”
So Lady Aliulus appreciated my work too—makes me kind of happy, hearing that from a fellow clothing expert.
“Well then, that concludes the formal business. For tonight, we’ve arranged a dinner featuring Darshe’s finest ingredients and one of our top chefs. Please, stay and enjoy.”
Wait—really?!
No one told me that!
All of us came dressed for business meetings, not a formal banquet!
What do you think about this chapter?
