That wasn’t wrong, but there were still unclear aspects.
“What about the contract duration? How long does it last?”
“Unlimited.”
“Does that mean I’ll have to sell 20% cheaper than the market price forever?”
“That’s the whole point, isn’t it?”
“Can we make it a fixed duration instead?”
“We can’t.”
“What about lowering the ratio from 20% to 10%?”
“No can do. This isn’t something you can negotiate, merchant. Take it or leave.”
“Give me a moment to think about it.”
“Sure, take your time. I’ll work on some documents while you think.”
“Thank you.”
She went back to her tasks while I focused on my critical thinking. At first glance, everything about this contract was bad, but I needed to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding.
The pros’ side was simple since there was only one: owning a store in the kingdom’s capital. I wish I could say I would get some help and approval from the kingdom, but that seemed unlikely from that woman’s attitude.
What about the cons? There were many of them. I, as a newbie solo trader, would antagonize the giants in the industry. On top of that, the shop would probably generate very little profit, if any at all. Even considering my advantage of having no transportation cost, it would be rough. But that wasn’t all. The situation would stay the same forever, meaning it would actually worsen.
My store in Alfiro could handle incidents like the one with the thief due to earning steady profits. The one in the capital wouldn’t have such leeway. A couple of problems and it would go straight in the red, maybe even forcing me to incur debts. And that was even more so with me making powerful enemies in this deal. What was the point of owning a shop that would take a chunk of my limited time if that would only earn me debt and issues?
No matter how I thought about it, this was a terrible deal to accept.
“I’ve made my decision.”
She lifted her head and stared at me.
“So?”
“I thank you for the offer, but I’ll have to refuse.”
She neither looked surprised nor upset.
“You won’t receive the same offer again if you refuse now.”
“That’s fine.”
“All right. You can leave now.”
“Thank you for your time.”
She didn’t answer and focused on her work again, losing all interest in me. I made my way out of her office and exited the castle premises altogether. It was a shame my plans didn’t turn out well, but it couldn’t be helped. Only someone insane would accept those terms.
I had no doubts that some crazy and ambitious merchants would end up accepting the deal. I could only wish them good luck if they did.
After Taifau, this was another failure. However, I did not lose hope. If a direct approach wouldn’t do, starting from the periphery and slowly building my influence could be an alternative. Hyien was indeed prosperous, but that didn’t mean it was the only city in Makji. Just like I did in Alfiro, I could try to establish myself in those and earn a steady income. The competition would also be less, giving me more chances to succeed.
For the rest of the day, I teleported around the country, scouting for the different noble domains and places with potential.
The following morning, when I was fetching the food from the bunnies’ village as usual, Kuini started to fidget.
“My Lord…”
I looked at her endearing, hesitating appearance and gave her a reassuring smile.
“Yes? What’s up?”
“I… I think I’m ready now.”
“Oh, is that so? I was looking forward to this!”
“R-Right. Would you like to give me some of your time tomorrow?”
“Sure. In the morning? Or later?”
“In the afternoon. If possible.”
“No problem. Then, I’ll get enough food for two days today and come in the afternoon tomorrow.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
She thanked me shyly, but I shook my head.
“No need for thanks between us. I’m curious, though. What did you do during all this time? How did you prepare yourself?”
She looked away, blushing a little.
“That’s a secret.”
The timing was perfect to tease her, and I didn’t hesitate for a second. I came closer, squatting down until my head was right next to hers. She took a step back, but I followed her movement, not letting her escape so easily. I then whispered sensually in her ears.
“Come on, Kuini. You can tell me anything. I’m dying to know all about it.”
She trembled, blushing even further.
“P-Please don’t come so close.”
I came even closer, biting her soft, white ears a little. She gave out a moan of surprise and tried to escape again, unsuccessfully.
“We’re going to be much closer than this tomorrow. I’m not stopping until you tell me.”
Her breathing deepened, her eyes shivering in shame and anxiousness.
“It… It isn’t that interesting…”
“What is?”
She didn’t seem able to take it anymore. She closed her eyes and spilled everything.
“I… I just visited Mrs. Fitak for some advice.”
“Mrs. Fitak? Ah, because of her experience with her husband. But that can’t be all, right? What else?”
I began licking her neck, pushing her to moan even further.
“If you do something like this…”
“If I do?”
“I’ll… I’ll need to relieve myself. Even though relief time just passed… That’s wrong. I can’t be doing this all day…”
“But I’m here, right? I can help you, just like last time.”
She opened her eyes again, full of desire.
“W-Would you?”
“Of course. You have to tell me everything first, though.”
“Ah… I just… just practiced stretching my vagina… T-To make it fit.”
“Ohoh? Aren’t you a virgin?”
“I was careful not to damage my hymen. I want you… My Lord, to take my virginity.”
“What a cute thing to say. I’ll definitely do that. I’ll make you a full-blown woman. I’ll do my best to give you so much pleasure, Kuini.”