Negotiation Settled
Marquis Eden thought for a moment, then turned back to me.
“And what’s the return on that?”
“What price are you thinking for Soba when exported?”
“Hmm… I was considering 500G per kilo.”
“Then I’d like to ask for 200G per kilo.”
“No, that’s simply impossible. How about 450G?”
“I have knowledge that reduces industrial waste. 250G.”
“But if it’s grown in the Reluta and Lampail Domains as well, wouldn’t that make selling it in the Exzaria Kingdom difficult? 400G.”
“However, the Foreign Minister of Elfa Kingdom would have access to trade routes to countries like Ania, right? 270G.”
“True, I do have them, but you don’t know if Ania would accept it, do you?”
“No, I think it would be fine. There are promotional points that attract interest in any country.”
“What? Really?”
“Yes. Among the nutrients in soba, some strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation, which is said to not only help skin but also prevent cerebral hemorrhages, arteriosclerosis, and high blood pressure. People in Ania tend to eat a lot of meat, so high blood pressure is common there. Plus, the fiber content helps with dieting.”
“Skin benefits!!”
“Diet!!”
I thought I was convincing Marquis Eden, but apparently, Countess Reluta and Mira got hooked too.
“Kukuku… well, with that explanation, it seems acceptable.”
“Yes. So, let’s trade at 300G per kilo.”
“Hm, alright! Agreed. 300G it is. It’s been a while since I’ve had such a meaningful negotiation. Count Lampail, I’d like to ask how one raises a talented girl like Joan.”
“No, no, I’m just as surprised. I didn’t expect Joan to be this skilled at negotiation… probably thanks to her mother’s education.”
Tap tap tap.
“““!!”””
Looking toward the sound, Meteor was tapping on the reception room window. Ed and the two stewards looked shocked. The others weren’t surprised—after all, they’d already met him at the General—but they were watching curiously.
“Hmm? Is that Joan’s contract familiar, the White Demon Owl?”
Ed said this and opened the window to let Meteor inside.
“Meteor, what is it?”
(From Madam.)
Meteor had a small tube strapped to his leg like a messenger pigeon. Inside was a document.
“Joan, what is it?”
My father asked as I giggled at the papers. Behind him, everyone else was staring in wonder.
“My apologies. This is a contract document from my mother.”
“““““““Contract document?”””””””
“Yes, it’s the contract regarding Soba imports with Marquis Eden.”
“““!!”””
While Marquis Eden examined the papers I handed over, Count Reluta asked in surprise,
“Joan… that’s… rather fast, or perhaps too well-prepared? When did you get ready for this?”
“I consulted my mother about negotiating yesterday. But since today’s outcome was uncertain, I sent the document as soon as I got permission for imports.”
“Yet the import price was only just decided, and it didn’t seem like you were sending documents, was it?”
Marquis Eden also looked up from the papers, curious.
“Umm… just speculation, but my mother probably assumed the import price would be 300G. She likely anticipated that I could negotiate this far, so the document matched her expectations. For me, that is a relief.”
“Kuk ku… ahhahaha. Indeed, Miss Joan, your negotiation skills are clearly inherited from your mother. Ahahaha… truly delightful.”
Laughing, Marquis Eden signed the contract.
I took the contract and stored it in the storage, then handed over the prepared documents.
“Ah. You had already compiled paperwork on Soba?”
“Yes. I summarized preparation methods and uses for Soba hulls.”
“Then shouldn’t you have presented this first? Maybe we could have lowered the export price from the start?”
“No, negotiation points are best revealed in increments. That way, it’s easier to gauge the other party’s reactions.”
“Impressive. After graduation, are you aiming to be a diplomat?”
“No, I intend to join the Monster Subjugation Corps.”
““Monster Subjugation Corps!?””
Ed and his brothers exclaimed in unison.
“Yes. While I gain knowledge from skills and books, my attribute is Null. A Null-attribute diplomat would be underestimated and wouldn’t achieve good negotiations for the kingdom. The Monster Subjugation Corps, however, is merit-based. No matter your attribute or social class, if you have ability, you are recognized.”
“I see… You’re thinking not only of yourself but also of the kingdom’s future. It’s a shame. If our family had a son suitable for you, we would certainly propose it… Alas, they’re all taken already. And Joan, you wouldn’t be the type for a concubine anyway.”
“Heh, heh, indeed. I have no comment on polygamy. I’m not interested in fickle men.”
“Ahahaha, I suppose not.”
And so, the negotiation with Marquis Eden over Soba concluded successfully. On the way out, Countess Reluta gave us the Soba Marquis Eden had brought, and when I handed her a mix of my special dried fruits, she was delighted. I also asked Countess Reluta to give some to Marquis Eden’s wife, then we left the Reluta estate.
Later, my mother received an order for dried fruits from Marquis Eden’s wife, and the Soba import price would be set at 250G—something neither my father nor I knew on that day…
What do you think about this chapter?
