Chapter 21

Benedict Miles was considering how to interpret the proposal from this young noble, Noein Alquvist.

The lapis lazuli vein discovered in his territory. A contract to exclusively supply the raw stones mined from it. It was indeed a very tempting offer. There was no doubt that he could make a fortune just by accepting this contract.

That was why he was suspicious. He had to consider that there might be something hidden behind such a favorable deal.

The Miles Trading Company had become somewhat friendly with Sir Alquvist over the past few months. As a newly ennobled frontier noble, it made sense that he approached them due to a lack of other connections.

But why sell the raw stones specifically? He could increase his profits by processing them within his territory... Did he lack the means to gather craftsmen who could handle raw stones? But was that the only reason?

"Sir Alquvist... It is a very generous offer, but I seem to lack the understanding to grasp your intentions. May I ask why you wish to sell the raw stones as they are?"

Noein thought that Benedict's somewhat exaggerated humility was a sign of caution.

"Understood. First, as a young noble, I have no connections to craftsmen who can process lapis lazuli. Additionally, I felt that the Miles Trading Company was trustworthy from our previous transactions, so I approached you."

"Yes."

From Benedict's reaction, it seemed he understood this point.

"Secondly, and most importantly... I believe that excessive wealth and business can invite danger."

"Invite danger, you say."

Benedict still seemed to be missing the point.

"My territory has a population of only about thirty people. It's a small fief that can hardly be called a village. I believe that starting a lapis lazuli mining and processing business on a scale of tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions of rebo, would be a significant risk in such a place."

Benedict's expression began to show that he was starting to understand the reasoning.

"Even if I were to gather a large number of craftsmen and form a business that generates enormous wealth, I don't have the ability to properly maintain, manage, and protect it. A small fief like mine naturally lacks any significant military force. Holding such overwhelming wealth would likely attract unwelcome guests from outside."

"I see, I understand your situation."

By this point, Benedict had fully grasped the "danger" Noein was concerned about. Essentially, he was worried that the lapis lazuli vein could become a source of conflict with Baron Koenitz.

He had not heard of any animosity between Baron Koenitz and Sir Alquvist. More accurately, they had no reason to be at odds. This was largely because the Alquvist fief was insignificant to Baron Koenitz.

If Sir Alquvist were to suddenly start a major business like lapis lazuli processing and sales, Baron Koenitz might try to infiltrate his own craftsmen, impose heavy tariffs on trade routes, or even apply military pressure to claim a share of the profits.

In the worst case, this could lead to the economic takeover or even the disappearance of the Alquvist fief.

Even if it didn't come to that, being seen as a young man who had fortuitously acquired a gold mine would be undesirable for him, as it could draw the attention of Baron Koenitz and other neighboring nobles.

The current Baron Koenitz, as Benedict knew him, was not a cruel noble who would seriously try to destroy other fiefs, but this was because he had a long-standing relationship with the baron as the head of one of the largest trading companies in the barony. Sir Alquvist, who had only arrived in the northwest of the kingdom a few months ago, would have no way of knowing Baron Koenitz's character.

On the other hand, what if Sir Alquvist did not expand his business himself and limited it to selling raw lapis lazuli?

This would be simple. Sir Alquvist would only need to quarry the stones from the mountains in his fief and transport them to the Miles Trading Company in Letovik. This alone would bring a vast income that could transform the lives of the people in his fief.

Additionally, the processing of the raw stones and the sale of the resulting jewelry and pigments would take place within the Koenitz barony, generating significant economic activity there. There was no doubt that Baron Koenitz's tax revenue would increase.

For Baron Koenitz, a new lapis lazuli processing and sales business would be born in his barony, and he would make a fortune from taxes without doing anything. This could deepen the relationship between Baron Koenitz and Sir Alquvist, benefiting both parties.

In this balancing act between nobles, the Miles Trading Company would be fortunate enough to make a huge profit.

"…If I accept this contract, I will be in your debt, Sir Alquvist."

"Hehe, it's a relief to hear that. Our fief is still developing, so I expect to consult you on various matters in the future. I would be grateful for your active support."

Benedict said with a wry smile, and Sir Alquvist responded with a bright smile.

The profit the Miles Trading Company would make from this contract would be enormous. As a valued customer who provided such profit, he would have to be kind to Sir Alquvist in the future.

By avoiding danger and choosing a safe path, he could earn a substantial amount of money. Additionally, he would be doing a great favor to the Miles Trading Company, a large trading company. This young man had approached him with a raw stone purchase contract for this very reason.

Even considering the favor he would be selling, the profit from this contract would be enormous. Moreover, his approach, which ensured that the other party also benefited, was commendable. He was also a noble, and it would be beneficial to maintain a good relationship with him in the future. There was no reason to let this contract slip away.

Now that the hidden aspects of the favorable deal had been revealed, there was no need to fear, Benedict thought.

"Given the above circumstances… May I consult you on the details of the contract?"

"Yes, I would be delighted to hear them."

The negotiations entered a more concrete phase, and both Noein and Benedict straightened their backs.