Kays Translations

Chapter 71: Negotiation with the Count

"Now, you mentioned a new type of refrigerator. What does that mean?"

Though he had relaxed his raised hips, Count Bruno Kalenberg’s gaze remained stern.

"We found a new material in my territory... and using it, we improved the refrigerator. The result was quite impressive. Today, I have brought a sample. Would you like to see it?"

In contrast to Bruno's reaction, Viscount Selfers Klaufeldt calmly continued the conversation.

"What? You've already produced a sample?"

"Yes. I've brought it into the waiting room. Also, the magic tool craftsman who worked on the prototype and the president of the trading company planning to sell it are here. May we have your permission for them to be present?"

"...Fine. I permit them to bring it in and be present."

After some hesitation, Bruno gave his approval.

"Thank you. Nico, could you bring everyone here?"

"Understood."

Nicolette called and, along with the covered refrigerator, Eto, Willem, Silvio, and Annemarie entered the room.

"Let me briefly introduce everyone. Firstly, the development and production of the magic stove and the new refrigerator are handled by a new trading company we've established. The president of that company is Matsumoto-dono, a wanderer."

"Nice to meet you all. I'm Isamu Matsumoto, the president of the Orihime Trading Company."

Isamu bowed respectfully.

"The other day, I received your kind assistance during the Ritual of the Wanderer. It brings me joy to meet you again. This time, I have taken on the role of Vice President at the Orihime Trading Company. I am Anne-Marie Klaufeldt."

Annemarie, who he had met at the Wanderer’s Gate, shows off her gentle courtesy.

The basket containing Orihime was quietly placed by the side of the sofa so as not to be in the way.

"Wow. Matsumoto-dono as the president of the trading company..."

"Yes. He possessed considerable mathematical skills, so we earnestly requested him to take on the role."

Bruno nodded slightly at Selfers’ explanation.

"You probably know Willem-san. He serves as our family's exclusive relic excavator and advisor to the research department."

"I haven't seen you in a while, Count Kalenberg."

Willem, who has met him several times due to his archaeological research, nodded.

"This is Eto Mayer, the head of the workshop that produced the magic stove and the new refrigerator."

"I'm Eto Mayer. I'm in charge of the workshop."

Next, Eto bows.

The use of polite language is a bit suspicious, possibly due to automatic translation. However, seeing that no one reacts strangely, Bruno seems to think it might be something like Gnome dialect. While Isamu is contemplating this, Bruno notices something.

"Hmm? Did you just say Mayer'? Could you be a relative of Mito Mayer?"

"Mito is my younger brother."

Eto gives a simple response to Bruno's question.

"I see... meeting the older brother of the genius artisan Mito in a place like this. I understand now; you must be the one who is behind the new model of the magic stove and the refrigerator."

Bruno is surprised but enlightened. It seems that our workshop manager's brother is quite a famous artisan.

Isamu secretly decides to ask various things later.

"Silvio Zambrotta, the head of the Zambrotta Trading Company, with which we have signed an exclusive contract, is the one who has joined us."

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet you. I am Silvio Zambrotta, the head of the Zambrotta Trading Company."

Silvio bows slowly and politely.

“Exclusive contract?”

Bruno raised an eyebrow at the mention of an exclusive contract.

"Yes. I will explain everything, including the exclusive contract, to you."

Thus, the second round of negotiations began.

"...So, are you saying both of these refrigerators use the same magic circle?"

"Yes. The left side is the current refrigerator on sale, and the right side is the prototype we created using the same design. The right side was originally the same as the left side, but we replaced the casing."

After explaining the situation from establishing the trading company to the exclusive contract, they immediately proceeded with a demonstration using the actual new refrigerator.

After being led to the waiting room, the estate manager, head maid, and head chef were present. Both refrigerators were filled with ice and wine of the same size, and preparations for a performance experiment had been made.

"Mmm... this is quite something..."

Bruno sighed as he looked at the ice taken out of the two refrigerators.

"Yes. We were surprised as well. Using the newly discovered insulation stones, we were able to achieve this effect by merely surrounding it. However, Matsumoto-dono remembered a similar material from his original world, and thanks to his advice..."

Although the appearance is only slightly larger, it is clear from the two same-sized ice pieces in front of them that the new model, which is noticeably larger and lighter, has the same cooling power as the current model.

"I see... Matsumoto-dono's doing..."

Surprised yet convinced, Bruno directed his gaze to Silvio.

"Well, how much are you planning to sell this for?"

Silvio was asked by Bruno while shaking his head, reacting to the price presented.

"We are considering 3,000 Ruins for the general public, the same as the current model, and 10,000 Ruins for the luxury version."

"What did you say?"

Bruno groaned at the pricing information given by Silvio, but it couldn't be helped. If a completely superior product were to be sold at the same price, it was clear that the consequences would be severe.

"The exclusive usage period of 10 years has already ended, so if you pay the normal magic circle usage fee, we can also use it. Therefore, we plan to manufacture it at our Orihime Trading Company's workshop. The usage fee for the magic circle is 500 Ruins per unit. Even with that, the manufacturing cost is about 1,500. We plan to wholesale it to the Zambrotta Trading Company for about 1,800."

Taking over Silvio's explanation, Isamu revealed the rough cost.

"..."

Hearing that, Bruno made a more grimace. Certainly, if it can be produced at that cost, it is undoubtedly possible to sell it at the same price as the current model.

"Then, let me make a proposal. If you can give us access to the limited area, we are considering putting the Kalenberg name on the new refrigerator as a co-developer."

"A joint development?"

Bruno echoed Selfers' proposal, unintentionally.

"Yes. Matsumoto-dono here will sell you the insulation stones, and you can continue to manufacture the new refrigerator in your workshop. However, the items you produce must be delivered to the Zambrotta Trading Company at a predetermined amount. In return, Zambrotta Trading Company plans to offer wholesale prices to various retailers."

As he said this, Selfers handed over the contract document regarding joint development to Bruno.

"Let me take a look."

Bruno frowns at how well prepared he is, but then looks over the contents of the contract. He must be simulating it in his head.

When producing the current model at the Kalenberg household, there is no need to pay the magic circle usage fee, so the manufacturing cost is around 1,000.

The wholesale price to retail guilds other than their in-house retail guild is at least 2,000, so there should be a gross profit of at least 1,000 Ruins per unit.

On the other hand, if the new model is released and the current model stops selling, the actual income will decrease to only 400 Ruins after deducting the magic circle usage fee of 500 and the guild's handling fee.

With a gross profit of less than 40%, and the workshops currently involved in production losing jobs, the negative impact is significant in terms of territory.

In the contract document, to continue manufacturing at the current workshop, it is stated that in exchange for selling one unit of insulation stone for 200, the wholesale price to the Zambrotta Trading Company will be set at 1,800.

While using insulation stones reduces the usage of existing materials, the material cost will increase slightly due to the cost difference.

However, the manufacturing cost should still be around 1,100 at most.

Selling it at 1,800, the gross profit will be around 700.

It's currently 70%, which is lower, but it's better than 40%, and the workshop can continue to exist.

Regarding retail, the cost price may increase slightly due to the Zambrotta Trading Company acting as an intermediary, but it is still possible to continue selling the current model through the retail guild they are associated with.

If this proposal is also rejected, Zambrotta Trading Company will have a monopoly on retail sales, which will have a big impact.

Knowing there is no choice but to accept this proposal, they sigh.

"Hmm... Certainly, if we accept this proposal, there will be a slight reduction compared to now. On the other hand, it means that it will be resolved with that degree. Personally, I think we should accept it..."

Bruno closes his eyes, cutting off his words, then opens his eyes again, focusing on Selfers.

"... What about his Excellency Marquis Felker?"

Selfers also asks, not taking his eyes off Bruno.

"That's right. As you may know, I am currently issuing entrance qualifications for the limited area exclusively to Lord Felker. Since this monopoly situation is about to be disrupted, I would like to confirm it with him."

"I'd like to get your judgment on this matter here and now."

"Hmph, I suppose so..."

As expected, Bruno sighed and closed his eyes once, then opened them again, looking at Selfers.

"Very well. In exchange, please add two conditions. The first is regarding the duration. While there is a notation that the qualifications for entering the limited area are limited to the current generation, there is no specified period for the new refrigerator. This means that, regarding the new refrigerator, please let it continue until you decide to stop manufacturing and selling it. The second is in the case of further improved or new models. For this, the amount will be consulted each time, but it is a definite matter that it will be a joint development."

Bruno proposed additional conditions, which, in a way, seemed natural.

"...Understood. I will immediately create a contract with these two added conditions, so please wait a moment.

Silvio, I leave the revision of the contract document to you."

"Understood."

"Heh, who would have thought the day would come when I receive such a proposal from you...It seems that the encounter with Matsumoto-dono was indeed a fortunate one for your family."

As the conversation paused and Silvio began drafting the contract, Bruno, smiling, started a casual conversation.

"Yes, thanks to that..."

"In that case, it's a double fortune. By the way, Matsumoto-dono, when you appeared among the lost people, you seemed to be accompanied by an animal? Is that your familiar?"

To continue the conversation and perhaps out of a sudden recollection, Bruno inquired about Orihime.

"Yes. It's like a familiar that came with me from the original world... Partner, to be precise.

Its name is Orihime, the same as the trading company."

"Hmm. So there were familiars in the world you came from."

"Unlike the familiars here, we rarely fought together, but many people kept them as pets.

Since I brought it today, if it's alright with Kalenberg, I can introduce you..."

"Hmm, a familiar from another world... I've never heard such a story before.

For the sake of future generations, may I see it?"

"Yes, of course."

"Matsumoto-sama, here..."

"Ah, thank you, Annemarie-san."

Listening to the flow of the conversation, Annemarie handed the basket at Yuu's feet to him.

Accepting the basket, Isamu opened the lid on the table. Orihime stretched in a cat-like pose, raising her rear.

"Nyaa~"

After looking around for a while in that pose, Orihime leaped out of the basket and onto Isamu’s lap.

Holding Orihime, Isamu adjusted his position to make her visible to Bruno.

"This is Orihime. She belongs to the cat species, but from what I've heard, it seems there are no animals like her here. Come on, Orihime, say hello to Kalenberg-sama."

"Nyaa~o"

Prompted by Isamu, Orihime faced Bruno and let out a short meow.

"!!"

Then, a sound like someone forcefully inhaling air echoed.

Orihime, slipping out of Isamu arms, walked towards Bruno and sat down with a characteristic cat-like pose, tilting her head.

"!!"

Again, a sound similar to before could be heard. This time, without a doubt, it was Bruno who made the noise.

"Oh, sorry! Kalenberg-sama, do you have an aversion to animals?"

Isamu hurriedly tried to protect Orihime.

"No, no, it's not that. It's fine."

However, Bruno denied that. And...

"Nyaa~u?"

Seated at Bruno's feet, Orihime tilted her head and let out a short meow.

"What!!?"

Bruno, with trembling hands, made a small groaning sound, but he continued to watch Orihime.

"Well, isn't she an adorable familiar... Thank you; it was informative."

"Yes. Now, Orihime, come back."

"Nyau~"

In response to Isamu’s request, Orihime turned around, rubbed her tail against Bruno's feet, and let out a short meow as she looked back over her shoulder.

"Nuu!"

Bruno made a small growl and moved his hands slightly, but he ultimately saw Orihime off without saying anything more.

Watching Isamu put Orihime back in the basket, he seemed like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he didn't say anything further.

"After chatting for another 2 or 3 moments, the contract revisions were completed, and the contract was successfully concluded.

The Kalenberg family, in exchange for allowing entry into the limited area, minimized compensation and damages from the new refrigerator. The Klaufeldt family, while reducing their sales a bit, gained the chance to obtain a new magic circle.

"Then, I shall take my leave for today. I am grateful that we were able to make a good contract."

"Heh, a good contract... It's a bit of a bitter pill for us, but there's no helping it. Do your best to progress with the exploration and work hard to liberate it."

At the carriage stop, Selfers smiled, and Bruno, with a wry smile, shook hands.

Thus, with the conclusion of the contract by both parties, the aftermath of the recent monster attack incident came to an end.

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