A Deal Concluded

To sign, or not to sign. After a brief hesitation, Xilutaiya nodded in agreement. She picked up the special quill and wrote the name "Anluo'er." Next, Albayue produced the merchant association's seal, signed his name first, and stamped it down. Before long, a faint shimmer of firelight spread across the parchment. The contract sheet changed color as fresh patterns overlaid the writing, setting everything upon it in stone. "Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Anluo'er." Albayue rose and put the contract parchment away. Now that the partnership was concluded, there was little point in second thoughts. The three turned to discussing other matters. "Mr. Albayue, have you ever heard of the 'cornflower'?" Xilutaiya suddenly recalled something. "Cornflower? This is the first time I have heard that name." Evidently, he had never seen one. In fact, not long after arriving in Burnt Stone City, Xilutaiya had asked around about that name, but neither the Gardener Guild nor Madame Falan had ever heard of it. Could the name vary from place to place? Perhaps it went by another name here, Xilutaiya mused inwardly. "However, I can look into it for you, Miss Anluo'er. Windcliff City is close to the border, and information flows quite freely there." "Thank you." The young girl set the matter aside for the time being. Soon after, Kali asked Albayue about the war preparations at the border. "I recall that two years ago, the Raygas Principality signed a treaty with the Kingdom of Anti to the north, declaring a ceasefire. Is war breaking out again?" "Indeed. After the Battle of the Windmill ended two years ago, we declared a ceasefire with the Kingdom of Anti, ceded part of our territory, and paid heavy reparations. This infuriated His Majesty, and even Viscount Karen was thrown into prison over it," Albayue answered. "Originally, we all thought the fighting was over and there would be no major conflicts for at least a decade. "But circumstances have changed. According to informants stationed on the Anti border, undercurrents are surging within the Kingdom of Anti, and many nobles wish to resume the war. In this situation, even if the royal house of Anti wants to avoid war, it will be hard to suppress the voices from below." "Why are those nobles so eager for war?" The young girl tilted her head, puzzled. "Because they won too easily last time, and only a few nobles reaped the spoils. The swift ceasefire brought things to an end before many high nobles in Anti could even react. "Those nobles who were left without a share of the spoils and considered themselves powerful grew envious. Thinking we could be pushed around at will, they were unwilling to let things end like this. And as it happens, several primary heirs to the Anti throne are currently competing for power, each hoping to become the next king. The factions surrounding them will not let up on stirring up momentum so easily." A struggle spilling over from the contention for the throne... Xilutaiya roughly understood the reasoning. In this world, a royal throne possessed genuine, substantial power. That was to say, even at the very least, one could use the high-order attributes conferred by the throne to achieve vitality, a healthier physique, and extended lifespan. Therefore, those eligible to inherit would seize every possible chance to vie for it. "Speaking of which, I imagine you stand to make quite a profit," Kali said, taking the opportunity to prod him. Under these circumstances, the military would not press prices down too hard, meaning the Bronze Halberd Merchant Association's profit margin would not be slim. "Indeed. Thanks to Miss Anluo'er's goodwill. If there is anything special you require, we can keep an eye out for you and deliver it during our next procurement." The man spoke frankly; now that the contract was signed, there was no need to hide it. "Well..." Xilutaiya pondered what she was still lacking. "If you come across any transcendent accessories that can conceal identity, please keep an eye out for me. Occasionally, I need to obscure my conspicuous identity to move around more easily," she said directly. "That is simple. I can ask experts from our partner guild back home to craft one for you. What style of accessory would you prefer?" Since they were now solid business partners, the merchant was generous, intending to build good relations with the girl. "A ring, please. And I would like a specific pattern engraved on it." She planned to have the shape of the cornflower from her memories carved onto the ring, which would make it easier to ask others about it. With that, she had Lining bring over paper and drew the cornflower pattern herself. "So this is what a 'cornflower' looks like? No problem at all. I will make a special point to instruct the craftsmen to forge it meticulously for you." Albayue accepted the sketch. Afterward, the three sat together for a while longer until Albayue took his leave. "Tomorrow I will bring my attendants to collect the goods. Please be prepared, Miss Anluo'er." With that, he bowed and bade the young girl farewell. Once the merchant association representative had departed, Kali stood beside Xilutaiya, resting a hand gently on her shoulder in comfort. "I haven't seen you in a while, and you've become much more poised and capable, Anluo'er." She was quite surprised that the girl could make up her own mind and agree to such a transaction. According to her original estimate, Anluo'er might have stalled and waited until Madame Falan returned before deciding. After all, no one expected Madame Falan to entrust Xilutaiya with such broad authority. Furthermore, no one was certain how much Sunseed Oil Madame Falan had in storage, so the asymmetry of information had led to misunderstandings. "Actually, I was a bit nervous just now. I was afraid I might handle things poorly and sell it too cheaply," Xilutaiya admitted openly. "But after you arrived and didn't object much to the price, I felt more assured," she answered honestly. "Heh, that was quite a clever approach," Kali replied with a chuckle. "Under normal circumstances, this price is indeed on the higher side. But since war may break out again, the profit margins will be larger, so you're merely earning a little less than the absolute maximum. "Sometimes there's no need to push a negotiation to the wire. Leaving some breathing room for each other makes working together much more pleasant. Just like what happened—since he already got a favorable deal, you could make additional requests, and with long-term cooperation in mind, he would most likely agree. "Especially in certain situations, maintaining a relationship is even more important than making money." Kali raised a finger. "You will come to understand this in time. "Well, now that everything is settled, I won't disturb you any longer." "Won't you stay for dinner? Besides, I've prepared a gift for you." Xilutaiya felt that since she had invited Madame Kali over, she ought to show her gratitude. "You don't need to spend on me, Anluo'er. Hehe, you're still young, so don't worry about such formalities. "When Madame Falan returns, she will prepare a gift for me as a return courtesy for helping you negotiate today." Treating Xilutaiya with affection, Kali patted her head once more, then took her leave. The next day, Madame Kali and Albayue visited once again. Under Madame Kali's supervision and assistance, the 306 bottles of Sunseed Oil were smoothly handed over. Albayue signed a receipt confirming delivery, left it with Anluo'er, and presented 1,200 gold coins for Xilutaiya to inspect. These gold coins were neatly arranged in three iron chests, reflecting a dazzling golden gleam in the sunlight.