“There’s no need for you to feel bad about this. Our request is only for [Six Scars] to provide the manpower.”
“…..But, Jin Russel. Hearing from your words, it would seem that you do not understand the value of this ore. Be it Gold, Silver or Precious Stones, selling it raw and unprocessed will cause its price to be suppressed. Hence in trade, trust and accomplishments are necessary as a brand name. The current connections that we have today would be sure to guarantee a huge profit margin. Maybe we could also ask the up and coming next [Floor Master], the [Draco Greif] Alliance for a contract……”
“No, We aren’t planning to sell the raw materials…. Ah, I apologize for allowing such a misunderstanding to occur, since I should have explained earlier.” Saying that, Jin took a letter out from his leather bag.
Recognizing the symbol on the wax sealing, Porol’s expression froze in place.
“That’s…That’s [Will-O’-Wisp]’s emblem….!”
“Yes it is. They have already signed an Alliance contract with us [No Name]. This particular Community has quite an impressive smelting skill amongst the lower levels. Have you seen the silver candlestick rack that they put up for display during the [Rise of the Fire Dragon] festival?”
“N…No…. But I heard that they won the best craftsmanship award.”
“Yes, that is indeed a remarkable achievement. Having acknowledged their skill, we had decided to entrust them with the task of refining the [Diamond Iron Ore], and smelting them into equipment before sending it into the market. After all, [Will-O’-Wisp] has already made themselves a brand name.”
(I already knew that!) Porol complained in his heart.
Word was that the youngest [Floor Master] Sandra Doltrake, who was quite a topic for many, had much praise for [Will-O’-Wisp] and had ordered many household necessities from them.
By mentioning that the equipments were crafted by the rising star Community [Will-O’-Wisp], orders would immediately flood in.
Though grudgingly, he had to admit that it was indeed much better a brand name than [Six Scars].
“……”
Even if Porol decided to offer more economic support, there would not be any benefits in return. Since the other party had already placed all that they can offer on the scales for negotiation----the lives of their comrades.
It is precisely because of that, that Porol had offered “free financial support in regards to Gifts and daily necessities”. If he changed his condition to “We will provide you with economic support for a share in the profits”, that would be a blatant disrespect to the people who were willing to place their lives on the scales and result in an unbridgeable rift in their negotiations.
That youth wouldn’t be that gullible to accept an Alliance that devalued the lives of his comrades.
Porol gave it more thought for three minutes-----Before he let out a long sigh that seemed to flag his defeat.
“….AH~! Damn it! I’ve lost! Jin Russel! I will accept all the conditions that you’ve proposed, so just let me have a small portion to call dibs, you bastard”
“Po…Porol….!”
“I’m sorry, Carol onee-san, our opponent has played one too many good cards and most likely come prepared, having taken control of the situation very well. I really am out of tricks……my only regret is not having heard news about the [Diamond Iron Ore], which I would have offered more in return. However, if the situation is left like what it is currently, I’m afraid the juiciest meat will be in the mouths of others.”
As though his strength was drained, Porol slid back into his seat and rested on its back.
Jin also relaxed his shoulders. “Though you say that, this information is such a confidential matter that only two other trusted members know of it. Even those two behind me are totally in the dark about it……To tell the truth, their gazes have been piercing me this whole time.”
Turning his head back gingerly, Jin faced the two behind him who had their mouths left half open while observing the situation’s progress. They must have been unable to foresee that Jin---No, that the Community they belonged to had such a hidden talent. Lifting the sides of her lips, Percher managed to force a smile.
“No wonder that Freak of a boy decided to leave this all to you. After all, the basic haggling in negotiations isn’t even necessary. Just from the success of keeping the information a secret, Jin had already gotten an assured victory.”
“Nn. Whatever others might say, it was quite entertaining, leader-sama.” Shirayuki-hime seemed to have the burden off her shoulders as she sighed in relief and relaxed.
Hearing their praises, Jin gave a wry smile as he felt comforted by their words.