Chapter 48 – Exclusive Contract

After reheating the cold tea, they resumed their discussion about the contract with Zambrotta Trading Company.

“I see. So, the exclusive contract will be with the Orihime Trading Company, not the Klaufeldt family,” 

“Yes, we’re focused on the research aspect. The contract regarding the products will be with the trading company,” 

Since they were talking about a contract with Orihime Trading Company, Isamu was also present as the Chairman.

“I wonder If the terms of the exclusive contract might look something like this,” 

Nicolette said as she handed a piece of paper to Silvio. They had previously written down the terms with Isamu in preparation for this contract.

It would be possible for Orihime Treading Company to handle all the sales, but it would take a lot of effort and the development of sales channels would have to be done from scratch, so the current objective is to bring in a company that would become a viable option.

While there were only six main conditions outlined, the broad strokes of the contract were rather simple:

1) The contract period will be one year, with the option to discuss and renew the contract for each subsequent year.

2) Information related to the research facility and the Orihime Trading Company must be kept confidential. In the event of information leakage, Zambrotta Trading Company would provide all of its assets. This provision would remain in effect even after the termination of the contract.

3) Profit distribution to the Orihime Trading Company will be set at 50%.

4) If Zambrotta Trading Company produces the products, the manufacturing process should primarily take place in Klaufendamm to ensure data confidentiality.

5) A customer and negotiation list must be maintained, and it should be shared with Orihime Trading Company regularly. If the company sells to clients directly, they must inform Orihime Trading Company in advance and obtain their consent.

6) Initially, the products will be sold exclusively within the Stalen Kingdom, with any sales abroad requiring consultation with Orihime Trading Company.

7) As long as the aforementioned conditions are adhered to, magic tools developed by the Orihime Trading Company will be exclusively sold by Zambrotta Trading Company.

Condition 1 was included to ensure that if anything went wrong, they could terminate the contract within a year. Given how circumstances could change over time, it was not advisable to enter into a long-term contract.

Condition 2 emphasized the importance of confidentiality. While it was a common-sense provision, the strict penalties in place were vital given the nature of the agreement. Without the ability to determine the source of leaked information, it was essentially an amulet-like safeguard.

Condition 3 concerning profit distribution was based on the minimum market standard when dealing with noble houses under an exclusive contract, where taking around 70% of the profits was common. Therefore, this provision was favorable to the other party.

Condition 4 served the dual purpose of job creation and data protection. It should not pose a significant issue for Zambrotta Trading Company as it already had a workshop in Klaufendam.

Condition 5 aimed to ensure transparency and prevent concentration of sales with specific individuals or suspicious transactions. It was also important because Zambrotta Trading Company acted like a primary distributor for other companies to expand their sales channels. The challenge was in pinpointing which company it was.

Condition 6, though potentially ineffective, was set in place to prevent early international exposure.

“I understand. There’s no issue with these conditions,” 

Silvio stated.

“But young master, is it okay to decide this without the approval of the company’s chairman?” 

After checking the conditions, Silvio thought for a while before answering, and Guido, the workshop manager who had been listening silently until now, hurriedly opened his mouth.

“Shouldn’t we wait for the chairman’s approval?”

“There’s no problem,” 

“However, declaring an agreement that encompasses all of the company’s assets without the chairman’s consent is quite…”

Guido’s reaction was unsurprising. Since this was a contract that involved the assets of the entire company, the responsibility assumed by a branch director was far beyond his usual duties.

“Actually, you don’t have to make the final decision here today, you know? What Guido-san is saying makes sense…”

Listening to this, Isamu felt concerned and couldn’t help but offer reassurance.

“No, deciding here and now means that you won’t contract with any other trading company. I will persuade the chairman. In fact, if he opposes this contract, he should step down from the Chairman’s position.”

Silvio seems to be very determined, perhaps he’s staking a lot on this contract.

“Understood. However, the contract documents will require the magic seal of the company’s chairman. For now, let’s consider the preliminary contract with your signature. In exchange, we’ll specify a deadline, and you’ll provide the company chairman’s magic seal within that timeframe, alright?”

Guido, realizing that changing Silvio’s mind was impossible, provided terms for the contract. The magic seal was similar to a wax seal registered with the Commercial Guild when a company was founded. It could only be registered by the company’s chairman and could only be activated using their magic energy. Furthermore, each seal contained a unique pattern of their magic energy, making forgery nearly impossible. In the world of important business contracts, it was essential.

“Nicolette-san, how many days should we give for the deadline?”

“Well… Is the chairman in the capital of Purrazzo?”

Nicolette asked Silvio about the chairman’s location.

“Yes, he’s mainly at the company’s headquarters in the capital of Purrazzo. However, I plan to send a hawk to bring him here as he moves closer to the border.”

A hawk, like a highly efficient messenger pigeon, is a magic creature capable of flying at high altitudes and speeds that are less prone to attacks by other creatures. It is employed as a familiar for the exchange of letters.

In a world where long-distance communication methods are scarce, this is an incredibly useful tool. However, capturing such a bird to use as a familiar is exceedingly difficult due to its specialized training, making it quite expensive.

Having a hawk is not only a sign of wealth but also an indication of an understanding of the importance of information.

“…I see, so you’re sending a hawk. If it’s from the capital of Purrazzo, even if you hurry, it’ll take about 20 days one way by carriage, but it’ll be about 10 days one way to the border town. Considering the hawk’s travel time… yes, let’s set a 25-day deadline.”

It would take approximately a day and half for the hawk to deliver the letter to Purrazzo’s capital. Even if the chairman were to move immediately, there would be only a few days available for persuasion, making the deadline quite tight.

“I understand. As long as you give me that much, I’ll be fine.”

However, Silvio momentarily counted the date backwards and answered immediately.

“I understand. With this, we have concluded a preliminary contract with a 25-day deadline. This means that we promise not to enter into contracts with other trading companies during this 25-day period.”

With both Isamu and Silvio signing, the preliminary contract was finalized.

“Thank you. I will make sure to obtain the chairman’s magic seal, and I look forward to working with you in the future.”

“Thank you as well. Just be sure not to push yourself too hard…”

As they shook hands and exchanged farewells, Nicolette voiced her concern, and Isamu added, 

“What a clever joke! It will never be impossible when dealing with original magic circles.”

Isamu’s response made Silvio laugh off the concerns with a smile.

After finalizing the preliminary contract, Isamu and his group accompanied Silvio to the entrance of the mansion to bid him farewell.

“I want to express my gratitude for taking the time, despite our sudden request. We look forward to working together in the future.”

“Yes, thank you very much. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, we actually have three types of finished magic stoves. Well, they are all the same magic stoves, but they have different heat levels.”

“I see. Three types… Wait, three types?! You have three types already?”

When they were about to part, Silvio, who almost ignored the words because they came out so naturally, hurriedly asked back.

“Yes, that’s correct. Because it’s challenging to adjust the heat levels precisely with just one model, we’re planning to introduce three types: high heat, medium heat, and low heat. Of course, please keep this information confidential. We haven’t told anyone about this yet.”

Nicolette winked and shared this secret, causing Silvio to be taken aback.

“Alright, understood! But it’s already three types… It seems we absolutely have to secure an exclusive contract!”

After Silvio left the mansion, urged on by Nicolette’s words, Isamu stared at Nicolette with a sharp expression.

“Did you just throw fuel on the fire?”

Nicolette responded with an innocent expression.

“Oh, what are you talking about?”

She maintained her calm demeanor, though there was no need to mention the three types of stoves at that moment. That one statement undoubtedly intensified Silvio’s determination.

“Today, we’ve certainly made him more eager than when he arrived. Let’s hope the horses and the driver don’t suffer from overexertion…”

Isamu expressed his sympathy for the horses and the driver, anticipating that they would be pushed to their limits due to Silvio’s increased sense of urgency.

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