Volume 1 Chapter 17 Preparation and Expenses and the Person Asking
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The next day, Lifia and I visited the merchant’s mansion again.
This was the house of the merchant who once owned Lifia.
The one who greeted us was Mrs. Otis, the merchant’s wife.
”I didn’t expect you to come so soon!”
”I promised you, madam, so I rushed to check the stock and got everything ready.”
Compared to when we met last time, the madam looked incredibly beautiful.
The beauty products I gave to Lifia were already showing effects on her hair and skin.
That wasn’t all.
Being aware of her beauty and feeling confident made her expressions and movements more refined, shining even brighter.
The ugly jealousy she showed toward Lifia was nowhere to be seen now.
Facing such a lady, I was here for business this time.
Lifia stood quietly behind me, watching the situation.
”So, did you prepare more beauty products for me?”
”Yes, but this time I tried something a little different.”
I took out 2 boxes, gently opened them, and showed them to the madam.
”Oh my, what is this…”
The madam gasped with surprise and joy.
Inside the boxes were small bottles of shampoo and conditioner.
They were the one-use type often seen in hotels, with a dozen of each.
Each box cost 10MP, making a total expense of 20MP.
”The contents are the same high-quality shampoo and conditioner I gave you last time, but they are in smaller bottles so more people can try them.”
The madam smiled as she picked up a small bottle and stared at the label.
The bottle had an elegant design, and the sophisticated look made her eyes sparkle.
It’s a popular amenity in hotels.
Even after using it, this stylish little bottle remains.
By the standards of this world, just the bottle itself could be sold as a valuable item.
”I see, this size does make it easy for first-timers to try it. So, what price are you considering?”
Here we go!
This was the crucial moment.
I took a deep breath in my mind and calmly stated the price.
”How about 1.2 million Aurum for 12 bottles of shampoo and 12 bottles of conditioner?”
That’s a pretty bold price.
I talked a lot with Lifia about the pricing.
Ideally, I wanted to aim for 2 million Aurum, but that was too high and they might refuse, so I offered a lower price to leave room for negotiation.
Mrs. Otis smiled but raised her eyebrows slightly.
”1.2 million Aurum, huh… The quality is sure, and I was very satisfied with the last products, but it might be a bit too expensive for first-timers to try.”
Just as I expected.
The negotiation starts from the high price I set.
This price was decided with Lifia, but leaving room for negotiation seems to be working.
”That’s true. But these are rare items you can’t get in the royal capital. With both shampoo and conditioner, I think you can see the value in just this bottle.”
The madam picked up a small bottle and held it up to the light, looking at it.
My sales pitch seemed to have made some impact, but she still didn’t seem ready to commit.
”I understand they are hard to find elsewhere. But to recommend to first-timers… If it were 1 million Aurum, I could share it with more people, and it could lead to more purchases.”
I can’t believe she’s willing to give in this much.
I felt sure this was the moment to decide, so I nodded lightly.
”I see, that’s a good suggestion for spreading it to more people. Then, I’ll make a special offer of 1 million Aurum this time.”
I could see her expression relax with relief.
”Thank you! Then I can confidently recommend it to my friends. I already trust the quality, so I’m excited to see their reactions.”
The negotiation was settled, and I sighed with relief, feeling happy.
But Mrs. Otis was still staring at the small bottle with a serious look, not changing her thoughtful face.
”But this is just for a trial, right?”
The madam continued in a calm voice.
”So, if someone likes this and I don’t have the main product ready when they ask, I will lose their trust. If that happens, it will affect my position too.”
Her gaze is sharp, as if she can see right into my heart.
”Besides, you are a foreign merchant. Even if you promise to have the next item ready, what reason do I have to trust you?”
The madam’s words are firm.
This is a question aimed at the “next deal.”
For her, this business talk is not just a one-time sale; it’s about building her long-term position.
I take a deep breath and return her gaze confidently.
”Then, you can treat the 1 million Aurum I receive this time as a loan. Next time, when I bring the goods, we can cancel that amount.”
I propose this with a serious face.
I really don’t want to miss this deal with her; I have my reasons.
the madam looks surprised for a moment, but then her lips curl into a smile.
”Then, that will be fine. I will trust your sincerity.”
I feel that her words carry the importance of trust.
This is a promise beyond just business; it’s the first step to building mutual trust.
”I look forward to our next meeting.”
The madam continues in a gentle voice.
I can feel her words hold real hope and the start of a new relationship.
* * *
On the way back after finishing the deal with Mrs. Otis, Lifia asks a question.
”Master, why do you want to keep dealing with her? Sure, you promised priority for beauty products with Mrs. Otis, but there are many other things you can sell, right? If it’s not beauty products, isn’t it okay to deal with others?”
Lifia seems to have a bad feeling about Mrs. Otis.
To me, she is like a benefactor who gave me the chance to meet Lifia.
I answer with a slight smile.
”I want to keep the number of business partners low. If I spread out too much, they’ll start to trace where the products come from. There’s a risk of being followed and my ‘Love Hotel’ getting discovered.”
The word “followed” made Lifia’s expression stiffen.
It’s definitely a trauma for her.
”Besides, Mrs. Otis won’t leak my information to keep her advantage. For her, being the only one who can deal with me now is a benefit. In that sense, I can trust her.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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