As the moment of revelation and reconciliation came to a positive end, I brought up the topic that had sparked this entire conversation in the first place.

"Now that's settled," I said, leaning on my cane as I drew closer to the table. "Shall we move on to discussing how we plan to repay this 500 million?"

“And speaking of that, I have two pieces of news,” Harwyn said, sitting up straight, his fingers intertwined. “One good and one bad,” he continued, his voice unwavering. “Which one would you like to hear first?”

Eduart seemed about to respond, but I spoke up unintentionally before him. "Let's start with the bad news," I said, thinking that most people would prefer to get the unpleasant information out of the way first.

However, no one agreed with me. Instead, a heavy silence fell over the room. When I followed their gaze and saw Eduart clicking his tongue, I realized my mistake. It was too late to take back my words though. Still, no allegation came my way, and Eduart just gave a slow, affirming nod, prompting Harwyn to share the news.

"The bad news then," Harwyn announced, his expression turning solemn. "We have lost access to half of the Duskmere mines. As of today, they are leased to Duke Thornebrooke of Thorneshire, Marquess Aelfric of Aelwood, and Viscount Oswin of Osford. They now have complete control over that area, and we are not allowed to interfere in any way, not until their decade-long contract expires."

The gravity of the situation was evident in the nods and expressions around the room, except for mine. Truthfully, I wasn't familiar with the significance of these mines or how their loss would impact the Willards. As much as I wanted to ask for more information, I held back, not wanting to reveal my lack of knowledge and potentially appear foolish, again.

I can always ask Finnan. I resolved, shifting my attention back to Harwyn's discussion.

“And in exchange, we've acquired two million Nirils,” he declared with a smile. “I intend to allocate these funds to rebuild our fleet and resume trading… while reinforcing our eastern borders. This will help put an end to the conflicts in that region, allowing business to flourish in Seiren once again as the new goods arrive.”

What conflicts? I wondered, but well Finnan had my answers anyway. I could ask him later, when we had less company.

“That’s the plan and the good news,” Harwyn leaned back, a smile on his face. “It's a gradual process, but we will turn a profit and steadily pay back what we owe.”

In response to his statement, I raised my hand, and he chuckled. “Yes, brother, what would you like me to clarify?”

“Roland!” I shifted my attention to the manager instead of addressing Harwyn directly. “How much funding does our new idea require?”

“Well…” The man paused, mentally calculating the numbers. “… I believe I could make it work with three hundred thousand (300,000) Nirils.”

“What idea are you two discussing?” Harwyn inquired, curiosity piqued, mirroring the curiosity of the others present in the room.

“It's a very familiar one,” I stated, leaning slightly on the table with a small but confident grin. “One that can accelerate our progress and generate significantly more profits than you might ever imagine.”

Harwyn raised a brow, and after exchanging glances with Roland and Eduart, he motioned for me to continue. Clearing my throat and gathering my thoughts, I began explaining my idea.

"It's about launching a brand aimed at people who couldn't afford products from Seiren Textiles," I elaborated. But before I could go further, Eduart interjected.

"Isn't that…" He was the first to respond, and soon the man beside him picked up the conversation.

"It seems to be the same proposal, my lord," the older man said in a deep voice. "If my memory serves me correctly, Roland had suggested this not long ago."

"Yes, that's correct," Roland nodded in agreement.

"And it was denied," the same man replied sternly. "For a reason that you failed to convey to Lord Arwan."

"He did explain it," I added, addressing the older man. "He educated me on his plan and your decision to reject it. But I've taken his idea, improved upon it, and want to propose..."

"But the process and outcome are still the same, aren't they?" The old man interrupted; his eyes condescending.

"Yes."

"Then there's no value in wasting our time by listening to the same thing," he scoffed. "We should move forward with Lord Harwyn's proposal and put his plans into action starting tomorrow..."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Are you perhaps Count Eduart?" I asked, my tone tinged with annoyance.

"No, I am not."

"Did he lend you his tongue?" I continued my questioning.

"What's your point?" the man replied, now glaring at me.

"I believe I asked a question first," I said, resting the cane on the table and leaning forward. "Didn't your aging brain comprehend that?"

"It did. And the answer is no," the old man firmly denied.

"Then kindly refrain from interrupting me," I gritted my teeth, my anger becoming evident. "You are in no position to dictate what is right or wrong with my proposal. Unlike you, we possess the ability to think for ourselves, old man!"

"Don't overstep..." the man began to retort loudly, but Eduart raised his hand to silence him.

"I've warned you many times, Conrad. Do not make decisions for me." the Count cautioned. "You would do well to break that bad habit of yours."

“Yes, lord,” Conrad, the old man, lowered his head and his tone.

“Good,” Eduart acknowledged before turning his attention back to me. “Please continue, Arwan. Explain this improved idea of yours.”

"Certainly, sir," I replied, taking a deep breath before proceeding and pushing aside the lingering frustration. However, before I could begin, Finnan managed to find a chair and urged me to sit. So, now comfortably seated, I began to explain my plan.

“I propose we establish a separate entity that will have no apparent connection to Seiren Textiles, though all its manufacturing will be carried out by the same plant, albeit at a lower quality,” I explained calmly. “We will market it aggressively towards the lower classes, even distributing some items for free to establish a reputation for quality at a cheap rate.

Then we follow it up by launching our products, at even lower prices than people expect. Now we would have their undivided attention. As people become accustomed to it, we gradually raise the prices. They will be left with little choice but to continue buying. That's how the market works, and we use that to our advantage.”

As I spoke, Roland's nods of agreement were matched by the growing interest in the eyes of both Harwyn and Eduart.

“That’s a bold strategy, son,” the Count commented, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “However, the fundamental concern remains. What if the scheme is discovered by someone unwelcome, and the public becomes aware of the collusion? Such a revelation could destroy both brands simultaneously, tarnishing our reputation for delivering exclusively to the high class. I could never proudly declare that my family owns Seiren Textiles. It would become a source of shame.”

“That’s a minor issue, one that I've already accounted for,” I reassured with a sly smile. “We simply need to create a false impression that this new brand and Seiren Textiles are at odds or even despise each other to death. We'll make them appear as fierce competitors, with wins and losses on both sides. However, beneath the surface, they are one and the same. Once people accept that notion, there will be little cause for concern.”

“But will it actually be profitable? Especially in the long run?” Harwyn raised a valid concern. “You'll have to sell a significant quantity for much lower prices, while Seiren Textiles could potentially make the same amount from just one customer. The sustainability of this plan seems questionable.”

“I appreciate your perspective, Sir,” I responded, speaking of his concerns directly. “However, allow me to address that. Roland, give me an estimate of the profit you typically make from a single sale to a noble or whoever you sell to?”

“It varies,” Roland answered honestly, “but in a favorable deal, it's around four hundred Nirils or more. In less favorable situations, it might be even, but we rarely ever experience a loss.”

“Let’s focus on that,” I explained with a smile. “How frequently does the same customer return to make a purchase from your establishment?”

“Once every few years. Our products are known for their quality and durability.” Roland responded.

“And that’s where this new brand will beat you.”

“By offering poor quality?” Eduart inquired for clarification.

“Exactly.” I snapped my fingers. “We sell a shirt for, let’s say... Fifty Curils, which generates a profit of ten Curils. It lasts for two months, then the same customer returns and makes the same purchase, yielding the same profit. But then they return once more, and this time we recommend a shirt worth a hundred Curils, from which we make a profit of twenty Curils, and it lasts for four months.

This increment cycle continues – people keep coming back, profits keep accumulating. It might not appear highly profitable in the short term, but as more people buy into the system, the bigger and more lucrative it becomes.”

The room fell into a contemplative silence, each person processing the information I had just presented. Even Conrad seemed to be nodding in agreement with the plan. Observing their reactions, I decided to drive the point home and solidify the proposal.

“You can make five hundred from a single customer, for only one time.” I stated plainly. “I can make a thousand from a hundred customers each year, and the number will only grow. See the difference?”

Harwyn broke the silence with a chuckle, which gradually grew into hearty laughter that echoed in the room for a solid thirty seconds. "I like your idea, brother," he finally said through his laughter. "I'll provide the funding for it. But first, tell me how you've become so knowledgeable in such a short time?" His laughter subsided, replaced by a more serious demeanor. "From what I recall, you were impulsive and hot-headed. You still seem hot-headed, but now you're anything but dumb. Why is that?"

I sighed briefly before responding, "Change is inevitable. It happens to all of us. You either embrace it or let it destroy you. There's no middle ground."

His smile returned as he patted me on the shoulder. "I like it," he said. "You truly are my brother. But why the sudden focus on money? You never cared for it."

"I care now," I replied, unable to suppress a grin. There was a wicked edge to it, tinged with hatred and anger. "I have a score to settle, you see." I raised my left hand, unable to clench into a fist due to my inability to operate it.

“You have a name?” He asked further.

“Duran Trading Company.” I was unsure, but that was all I had.

“Then count me in.” Harwyn extended his hand and I accepted. “We will crush them.”

“With pleasure.”