Information is Valuable
"So, what is the information about?"
"Mm."
"Huh?"
Arze extended her hand before speaking.
"What’s this?"
"Payment, obviously. Don’t tell me you thought you could get information for free? This is why I can’t stand rich people. To an informant, information is as valuable as the goods sold in a store."
Ah, right.
I had just explained this myself earlier and already forgotten, but for informants like her, information is their most valuable commodity.
Though I’m a student now, my heart is already that of a merchant.
I need to reflect on my rash actions.
—In truth, I could extract the details I need for free from another person associated with the Gallard Company.
However, for the company, informants are good business partners.
In fact, even my father surrounds himself with several trustworthy informants.
So I’ve decided to consider her as a candidate for that role.
She’s likely a year or two older than Connie and me.
At that age, she probably doesn’t have strong connections yet.
That’s why she’s been hanging around here, waiting for us to arrive.
It’s far too coincidental otherwise. She must be scheming to establish ties with the Gallard Company.
I decided to turn this situation to my advantage.
While I don’t know much about her background, there’s no harm in testing her.
I also appreciate her boldness.
And... because she’s cute.
Yeah, that’s a significant factor too.
"Oh, by the way, trying to get the information from other branches won’t work either. —Even if it’s another Gallard Company affiliate."
"What?"
Arze suddenly dropped an intriguing piece of information.
Why would a store affiliated with us hide information from the son of the trading company’s head?
… Could they be engaging in some secretive, shady dealings without my father’s knowledge?
I’d like to know more, but asking would surely come with another fee.
For now, I’ll play along with her proposal.
"... No, my apologies. I simply forgot. So, how much is the fee?"
"Since it’s your first time, five copper coins will do."
Well, that’s about the standard rate.
As a merchant, I must also keep track of this kind of information.
The world isn’t full of good people.
Especially in business, everyone’s constantly looking for ways to profit by exploiting others’ weaknesses.
The less you know, the more you’ll be taken advantage of.
That’s something my father taught me early on, and I’ve been gathering and memorizing such knowledge since I was a child.
I took out five copper coins from my wallet and handed them to her.
"Thank youuu!"
Her mood improved instantly.
"So, what’s the information?"
"The empty property that the Gallard Company had secured was destroyed by some scary, rough-looking men. —That’s it."
"... That’s all?"
"That’s all."
"You’re charging money for something anyone could guess?!"
Connie was indignant.
I understand her feelings.
"This isn’t speculation, sweetheart; it’s a fact. It might only be two words when spoken, but the substance is entirely different."
"Then what’s your proof for claiming it as fact?"
"Because I watched with my own eyes as the shop was destroyed."
Arze spoke confidently, while Connie still seemed dissatisfied.
Beside them, Lucina remained quietly observant.
Was she waiting for my signal... or had she reached the same conclusion as me?
"Young Master Lake, please say something to her!"
"Calm down, Connie."
"But—!"
She’s pretty angry, huh?
"She gave us accurate information based on what she saw. That’s enough."
"But... anyone could guess that after seeing the state it’s in!"
"Just as she said, that would merely be speculation. It wouldn’t necessarily be true. False information leads to misjudging enemies and straying from the correct path."
"Ugh..."
It seemed my logic got through to her; Connie took a step back.
"She stated plainly that she saw it herself. For an informant, the most terrifying thing is losing credibility. If people think their information is unreliable, they won’t be able to do business in this industry. That’s why I believe her."
Not to mention, she’s dealing with the Gallard Company, the largest in the country.
She’s surely prepared to take on some risks.
"... Do people ever tell you you’re unusual?"
"I wouldn’t know. Sometimes I’m respected; sometimes I’m resented. Something like that."
"I respect you."
"Me too!"
"Hmm. Then I suppose I’m a hated man who’s more often respected."
"... You really are strange."
Arze let out a small laugh and continued.
"You’re generous and seem a bit different from other merchants, so here’s a little bonus—some good advice. —I wouldn’t recommend doing business in this town."
"What? What do you mean by that?"
"That’s paid information from here on."
With a grin, Arze extended her hand.
She certainly had the basics of exploiting situations down pat.
"And the fee?"
"Ten gold coins."
The price suddenly skyrocketed to an extortionate level!?
She called me generous, but even I can’t pay that—no, she must have intentionally set the price knowing I couldn’t.
… Could this be part of a negotiation tactic?
Fine by me.
This psychological game—let’s play.
What do you think about this chapter?
