Free Web NovelChapter 91: Two Steps Wiser
The emergence of glass in this era was undoubtedly a highly profitable industry, and its potential for immense profit made even Simon unable to remain calm.
For this reason, he entrusted the management rights of glass to his Chamber of Commerce.
However, if Simon monopolised the glass trade, merchants from other regions would naturally be displeased. They might cause trouble when operating in their own territories. Therefore, Simon proposed a plan to auction off the sales rights for glass after six months.
This way, he could not only secure the first wave of profits but also appease these merchants.
A few days later, the glass exhibition Simon had promised officially took place in the Eastern Market. All the glass produced by the workers in recent days was put on display.
Simon even dispatched soldiers from the Brambleford army to maintain order at the event.
Merchants were already accustomed to the new terminology emerging in Brambleford. Once they understood the meaning of the exhibition, they flocked to the event.
"Is this glass?"
Merchants whispered among themselves. Like Walter and Alfred, they were deeply moved by this unfamiliar material the moment they saw it.
"Transparent, cool to the touch, smooth as skin, this is truly a divine creation."
At the exhibition, merchants were allowed to pick up and examine the glass. After inspecting it, some exclaimed in awe.
"How do you think this glass compares to porcelain?" One merchant asked his companion.
"Porcelain is exquisite, but glass is prized for its transparency and rarity. Its value is immeasurable. If this were to be sold, it would undoubtedly be adored by the nobility." The merchant replied.
"I agree. In my opinion, glass could be even more profitable than soap or fine wine. However, the auction for its distribution rights will likely be exorbitantly expensive."
"That’s true, but the returns would come quickly. As merchants, we must be willing to take risks."
"You are absolutely right."
"..."
The exhibition was held in a circular area, cordoned off with ropes. Inside, glass items were displayed on wooden benches, and merchants walked around, admiring the various shapes and forms of glass.
As time passed, more and more merchants arrived, and their anticipation grew for how Prince Simon would auction off the distribution rights for glass.
However, their excitement was dampened when Percival arrived, bringing with him Simon’s sales plan for glass.
"Six months?" A merchant asked.
Percival nodded. "Yes, six months. And after six months, only merchants who have joined the chamber of commerce will be eligible to participate in the auction."
Many of the merchants were newcomers from other regions and were unfamiliar with the chamber of commerce. Percival’s announcement made them realise the importance of joining the chamber. freeωebnovēl.c૦m
They decided to pay the membership fee and join the chamber after the exhibition.
Initially, joining the chamber was free, but as the number of merchants grew, Simon added this requirement.
"What a pity. Waiting six months will cost us so much potential profit."
Jack, a prominent merchant favoured by Prince Gerad, stood among the crowd. Although he was influential, Percival, as the vice president of the chamber of commerce, held significant authority under Simon.
Since Percival was making the announcement, it was clear that this was Prince Simon’s decision.
The shrewd merchants quickly understood the reasoning behind this arrangement, which also highlighted the immense profitability of glass, enough to make even Prince Simon uneasy.
Some of the major merchants affiliated with other feudal lords remained silent. Openly opposing the decision would be disrespectful to Prince Simon. Instead, they planned to visit him privately.
The public exhibition lasted an entire day, and the name ’glass’ spread rapidly among the merchants. The common people of Brambleford also buzzed with excitement. fгeewebnovёl.com
Prince Simon had created yet another miraculous item.
After the exhibition, the merchants dispersed, each returning to devise their own strategies. Some prepared lavish gifts and headed directly to Simon’s castle.
"Prince Gerad, Prince Aurelia, Prince Vael, Prince Ravencrest, Prince Valemont, Prince Dornhal, Prince Blackthorne, Princess Lisa, Third Prince, Crown Prince..." In the main hall of the castle, Simon read through the stack of name cards, his anxiety growing deeper.
Ysabeau stood beside Simon. She was the one who had delivered these name cards. She spoke. "My Lord, you are truly the most sought-after person in the empire now. Everyone from feudal lords to princesses and princes is coming to seek your favour."
"Hmph, a name card is just a formality. It doesn’t mean they’re begging. I could write three hundred of these in a day without breaking a sweat." Simon said, handing the stack of name cards to Joan. "Take these and use them as kindling for the coal stove."
Joan glanced at Ysabeau, thinking Simon was being unreasonable again. Seeing Ysabeau nod, she took the name cards and left.
"My Lord, this is still a good thing. At least they now have to consider your position and can’t afford to slight you." Ysabeau said.
Ysabeau’s intention was to persuade Simon to meet with these merchants. Lady Isolde had sent her here not only to assist Simon but also to act as his confidante, offering advice when he made impulsive decisions.
She believed that now was the time for Simon to rebuild relationships with other feudal lords, princes, and princesses, and that this would not be a bad thing for him.
After a moment of thought, Simon said. "I will meet them, but since their masters treated me with such disdain in the past, I must return the favour. Tell them I am bathing and changing clothes, and they will have to wait a little longer."
Ysabeau nodded and withdrew from the main hall.
Simon sat down, tapping the table lightly with his fingers as he pondered how to deal with these merchants.
When he announced the six-month delay for glass sales, he had anticipated that some major merchants would grow impatient. He knew exactly who they were.
Their purpose was undoubtedly to seek special privileges, which was normal in an era like this, where the nobility enjoyed extensive privileges.
It was all about exchanging interests, either cooperation or mutual sabotage.
Therefore, if he couldn’t avoid granting them some privileges, Simon needed to secure what he wanted in return.
At the moment, what he needed most was silver and skilled craftsmen, the fundamental elements of industrial development. These were the only things that could make him relent.
With this in mind, he thought over his approach and then instructed Ysabeau to invite the merchants in.
The first to enter the main hall was Jack Walker, followed by Damian Preacher, merchant affiliated with Prince Aurelia, the Seasoned merchant from Prince Dornhal’s domain, and others, a total of twenty-five merchants.
These merchants came from the domains of both non-imperial and imperial feudal lords, as well as from the entourages of princes and princesses. They represented the highest echelons of power in the Eldorian Empire.
"Please, have a seat." Simon said with a smile. "I understand why you’ve come to visit me so late. However, the matter of glass concerns the interests of Brambleford, and I cannot easily make concessions to you."
