Chapter 67: Contract Concluded
Sign, or not sign.
Xilutiya hesitated slightly, then nodded in agreement, picked up the special feather pen, and wrote ‘Anluo’er’.
Next, Albayou took out the Merchant Guild’s seal, first signed his own name, then stamped the seal.
Soon, a faint firelight spread across the entire paper page, then the contract paper changed color, new patterns covered the writing, and everything on it was fixed.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Anluo’er.” Albayou stood up and carefully stored the contract paper.
Since the cooperation had already been reached, regretting it now would have little meaning, and the three began to negotiate other things.
“Mister Albayou, have you heard of ‘Cornflower’?” Xilutiya suddenly remembered something.
“Cornflower? This is the first time I have heard this term.” It seemed he had never seen it before.
Actually, not long after arriving in Jiaoshi City, Xilutiya had also inquired about this type of flower name, but neither the Gardener Guild nor Madam Fran had heard of it.
Could it be that the names differ by region? Perhaps it has another name locally, Xilutiya thought to herself.
“However, I can help Miss Anluo’er inquire about related information. Fengqiao City is close to the border, and the news there is quite well-informed.”
“Thank you.” The maiden set this issue aside for now.
Soon, Cali asked Albayou about the border preparations for war.
“I remember two years ago, Regas Kingdom had just signed a contract with the northern Anti Kingdom, announcing a ceasefire. Are they going to war again now?”
“That’s right. After the ‘Battle of the Windmill’ two years ago, we announced a ceasefire with the Anti Kingdom, ceded some territory, and compensated for considerable losses. This matter greatly angered His Majesty, and even Viscount Karen was imprisoned because of it,” Albayou answered.
“Originally, we all thought the war would come to an end, and at least there wouldn’t be major conflicts within ten years.”
“But now the situation has changed. According to reports from our informants in the Anti Kingdom at the border, there are undercurrents surging within the Anti Kingdom. Many nobles desire to restart the war. In this situation, even if the Anti Kingdom’s royal family doesn’t want to go to war, it’s hard to suppress the voices from below.”
“Why are those nobles so eager for war?” The maiden tilted her head in confusion.
“Because they won too easily last time, and only some nobles reaped the benefits. The quick ceasefire ended it before many great nobles in the Anti Kingdom could even react.”
“Those who didn’t get a share, and the nobles who consider themselves strong, are envious and believe we can be easily manipulated. They’re unwilling to let it end like this. And coinciding with this period, several main heirs of the Anti Kingdom’s royal family are each vying for power. They all hope to become the next king, and the factions around them won’t easily stop building momentum.”
The struggle for the throne is spreading… Xilutiya roughly understood the reasons.
The throne in this world comes with real power. In other words, at the very least, it allows one to gain a substantial enhancement in life through the high-level nature brought by the throne, along with a healthier body and lifespan. Therefore, those qualified to inherit will seize every possible opportunity to compete.
“In that case, you must have made quite a profit.” Cali was probing the other party. Given this situation, the military wouldn’t press the price too hard, meaning the Bronze Halberd Merchant Guild’s profits wouldn’t be low.
“Yes, thank you for your kindness, Miss Anluo’er. If you have any particular things you need, we can also pay attention for you and deliver them during the next procurement.” The other’s attitude was candid. After all, the contract was already signed, so there was no need to conceal it.
“Well…” Xilutiya thought about what she still lacked.
“If you have extraordinary accessories that can conceal identity, please pay attention for me. I occasionally need them to mask my overly conspicuous identity for easier movement.” She spoke directly.
“That’s easy. I will ask the local cooperating guild to have their experts craft one for you. Do you have a preferred style of accessory?” Since she was already a good cooperation partner, this merchant was also generous, intending to build a good relationship with the maiden.
“A ring, and I need a specific pattern shape.” She planned to engrave the appearance of the cornflower from her memory onto the ring, making it easier to inquire with others.
After saying that, she had Lining bring paper, and she hand-drew the cornflower pattern herself.
“So ‘Cornflower’ looks like this? No problem, I will specially instruct the craftsmen to make it carefully for you.” Albayou took the drawn diagram.
Afterward, the three sat briefly again until Albayou took leave.
“Tomorrow I will bring retainers to pick up the goods. Please prepare them, Miss Anluo’er.” After speaking, he bowed and bid farewell to the maiden.
Once this Merchant Guild representative left, Cali stood by Xilutiya’s side, lightly placing her hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
“It’s been a while, and Anluo’er has become much more generous.” She was quite surprised that this maiden could make decisions on her own and agree to the deal.
According to her original estimate, Anluo’er might have declined and waited for Madam Fran to return before deciding. No one expected Madam Fran to grant Xilutiya such great authority, and it was also unclear how much ‘Sunflower Seed Oil’ Madam Fran had stored. Various information asymmetries led to the misunderstanding.
“Actually, I was a bit nervous just now, afraid of mishandling it and selling too cheaply.” Xilutiya didn’t conceal it.
“But after you arrived and didn’t object much to the price, I had a rough idea.” She answered honestly.
“Hehe, that was a clever move.” Cali responded with a smile.
“This price is indeed quite high under normal circumstances, but since war might resume, the profit margin is larger. It’s just a bit less earnings.”
“Sometimes in cooperation, there’s no need to be too rigid. Leaving some leeway for each other makes for a more pleasant relationship, like just now. Since the other party already got a good deal, you could make further requests, and considering long-term cooperation, they would likely agree.”
“Especially in certain situations, maintaining the relationship is even more important than making money.” Cali raised a finger.
“You’ll gradually understand this saying in the future.”
“Alright, since the matters are settled, I won’t disturb you.”
“Won’t you stay for dinner? Also, I prepared a gift for you.” Xilutiya thought that since she had asked Madam Cali to come this time, she should at least express thanks.
“No need to spend on me, Anluo’er. Hehe, you’re still too young, don’t worry about this.”
“Next time Madam Fran returns, she will prepare a gift for me as a return for helping you negotiate this time.” Toward Xilutiya, Cali patted her head again, then bid farewell and left.
The next day, Madam Cali and Albayou visited again. Under Madam Cali’s assistance and supervision, 306 bottles of ‘Sunflower Seed Oil’ were smoothly delivered. Albayou also signed the receipt confirmation, left it for Anluo’er, and handed over 1200 gold coins to Xilutiya for confirmation.
These gold coins were neatly placed in three iron chests, refracting a golden brilliance under the sunlight.
