Chapter 41

"Sora, the plan is very simple: the export of white birch from the Belze Marquisate to the Kleinserd Countship, the import of durability-enhanced white birch, and mutual trade of food. We will conduct this through the Wooddora Guild. Do you have any questions?"

Sora opened the negotiations.

Zendo, the head of the Wooddora Guild, could not believe that the young boy in front of him was the representative of the Kleinserd territory and looked puzzled. He had assumed that the negotiation would be handled by the brown-haired maid, Lazette, standing behind the boy.

"…It seems the mastermind is really Sora Kleinserd."

Minan whispered to Zendo.

"Lord Belze, Lord Sora Kleinserd, thank you for considering our Wooddora Guild for this matter. I do not doubt your judgment, but—"

"Formal language is unnecessary; neither Sora nor I are particular about trivialities."

"Agreed, let's get to the point."

Sora, affirming the Marquis's words, directed the conversation to Zendo.

"Then I will take you up on that. Why did you bring this proposal to our guild?"

The answer to Zendo's question was known to everyone in the room. He brought it up to reaffirm that "there is no alternative to the Wooddora Guild" and to gain a slight advantage in the negotiations.

"Because your guild is not aligned with the Church and is not part of the mage faction."

The Marquis of Belze succinctly stated the reason.

For this trade, a guild that can operate between the mage-aligned Belze Marquisate and the Church-aligned Kleinserd Countship is necessary.

The Church does not favor goods manufactured using magic. While few believers are so particular, avoiding mage-aligned guilds is necessary to prevent interference from the Church.

On the other hand, guilds backed by the Church should also be avoided, as they could give the Church a foothold in the Belze Marquisate.

"I see, then our guild is the right choice."

Zendo, feigning understanding, was about to start the negotiations but was preempted by the Marquis of Belze.

"Sora, your proposal assumes that the white birch can be treated to improve its durability. Is that really possible?"

White birch is notoriously low in durability. Knowing this, the Marquis of Belze had not actively used it.

He had noticed the white birch that survived a forest fire, but the craftsmen, aware of its low durability, had ignored it.

"Of course, it is possible. However, I cannot disclose the method here. Since you, Lord Belze, would not be convinced, I will personally purchase the white birch. I would like you to re-import it."

Sora's confidence was evident in his words about purchasing it himself.

"Lord Sora, please wait a moment."

Zendo interjected.

"About the purchase, isn't it difficult for the Kleinserd family to provide the funds?"

The Kleinserd family is aligned with the Church. Considering the risk of being targeted by the Church, they would not want to be publicly involved in trade with mage-aligned nobles.

"I will use my personal funds and pay in advance. Lazette, show them."

Without turning around, Sora ordered Lazette to open an inlaid wooden box and show it to the Marquis of Belze and Zendo.

They were taken aback by the pearls inside.

Not only the quantity but also the size, shape, and variety of colors were truly remarkable.

"How did you obtain these pearls?"

Zendo asked hesitantly. Sora responded with a mischievous smile.

"Do you think they were stolen?"

"O-Of course not."

Sora laughed heartily at Zendo's flustered response, lightening the mood.

"Just a joke. These pearls were collected by my subordinates and are my hidden wealth."

While Sora spoke casually, the Marquis of Belze and Zendo did not fully understand. They believed Sora's subordinates had made great efforts to gather the pearls, never considering that they were cultivated.

Sora had been careful with his wording to keep the cultivation of pearls a secret.

"With this, I can purchase white birch for a year. In a year, even the hesitant craftsmen will be willing to work with it."

The white birch in this world is large and thick. It grows quickly, so there are many uses for it as timber, even if its durability is low. The craftsmen know this.

Sora was confident that profits would be made within the first year.

The Marquis of Belze grunted but eventually nodded.

"In any case, it's wood that couldn't be used. If you can buy it, that's better than nothing."

"It's settled, then."

Sora looked around to ensure there were no more questions.

"Then let's formalize the contract."

After setting the price and other details, Sora, the Marquis of Belze, and Zendo signed the contract.

Four sheets of parchment were prepared, and each representative's name was written on them. The Marquis of Belze and Sora had their trusted servants sign to keep their involvement hidden. On Sora's side, it was naturally Lazette.

Thus, the issues of the three parties were resolved.

After seeing Sora and Zendo off, the Marquis of Belze, holding a cup of tea, diagrammed the mutual relationships on a piece of paper.

He thought it might be useful to apply this plan in the future and decided to keep it as a record. He filed it away in his desk.

"Truly, everyone benefits."

Through this negotiation, the Marquis of Belze was able to export the white birch that had no use. By having idle forestry workers tend to the white birch, he could secure employment, a lifeline.

The Wooddora Guild, by handling the Marquisate's lifeline, the white birch, would receive the Marquis's protection.

According to the contract, the forestry workers of the Belze Marquisate would directly supply the Wooddora Guild.

This serves as the Marquis's excuse for trading with the Church-aligned noble territories. He can claim it is a private economic activity.

Similarly, the Wooddora Guild would sell the white birch to the villages in the Kleinserd Countship. Using rivers for transportation would reduce costs.

The white birch sold to the Kleinserd Countship would be treated and then re-imported to the Belze Marquisate via the river.

The payment for the treatment would improve the financial situation of the villages in the Kleinserd Countship. Additionally, the exchange of food would alleviate the food shortage.

The re-imported white birch to the Belze Marquisate would be processed in the city, and with the availability of materials, the forestry city would continue to thrive.

"Indeed, a well-sewn gap."

The Marquis of Belze smiled wryly at Sora's approach. He felt a great deal of gratitude and wanted to applaud.

As long as this trade continues, the Marquisate of Belze, the Countship of Kleinserd, and the Wooddora Guild will be inextricably linked. In other words, if any of the three weakens, they must be helped.

Currently, the weakest is the Kleinserd Countship.

Both the Marquis of Belze and the Wooddora Guild would have to help Sora if needed.

They had been subtly made into protective pawns.

However, it was a fact that this plan had saved them. Betrayal would be ungrateful.

"Owing a favor to that boy isn't bad."

The Marquis of Belze savored his tea leisurely, something he hadn't done in a long time.