Chapter 62 Outing with Collin (Part 3)

The northern kingdom is cold due to its unusual weather and temperature because of the remnants of the ice dragon who once lived and protected the place. The people who lived there were tribes who worshipped the dragon and simply lived their since ancient times.

They have a system where a certain family will govern a number of people in specific place like territories. These families on the other hand, have factions as they were split with each other.

The families were said to be strong and were known even from other countries and places despite being closed off from others. Currently, there are eight families who divided the kingdom and rule over their territory.

They have the same belief, traditions, custom and king, which is the now deceased dragon, Ohphi. The common thing to them and unique to others is that, they never want to be apart to their birth place and would continue to live there until they die, despite the grueling situation. They were also full of pride and would never attach themselves to their neighboring kingdom and empire.

The cold temperature is one thing, however they always had a constant strife despite their similarities. They always fight among themselves and even fight over petty things. The Ohphi kingdom is said to be a kingdom with constant conflict and not a safe place for outsiders as they disregarded their presence, and whenever a fight broke, they were the first to be killed.

The families just couldn't come into agreement and accept their similarities and difference as each tribal family wanted to hail more superior than the other.

And this time, the root cause of the fight is the right for the Veneshan Lake.

'I always wondered why they won't just share it and live in peace even after hundreds of years had passed since the dragon died. Why fight among themselves?

But if you look at the perspective of a business minded person, these fights meant opportunity.'

Aillenne displayed a sad expression hearing Kanesh's story while hiding her thoughts.

"So Sir Kanesh, you are saying that we will provide you with goods for six months? But it will be hard because the corporation deals in a free market economy."

"I know it is hard, and we sound demanding and this deal seemed preposterous, but we wanted to monopolize the goods. We are in a situation where we may die the next day due to hunger. The soldiers were guarding the frontier at the same time fighting among the other tribe without rest. We already lost our chieftain, but the fight would still not stop.

The specialized crops were burned down and the food and agriculture technician was killed. They also have cut off our supplies and burned our warehouses in an attempt to weaken us, until we became famished and just die.

We can't do that. We certainly need to live, the children were already gaunt from the two week battle in the place."

Kanesh retold the situation while hanging his head low. There was a moment of silence as the people inside were thinking on what's best to do.

If people from the streets hear his story, they may shed a tear and give a couple of coins. It may also be a big hit in theaters if it were to be retold.

People will definitely sympathize but not in the current situation. This is not an opera, there are no audience this is a battlefield for gaining advantages and profits.

"I understood Sir, but---"

"I heard that your tribe mines blue magic stones."

Kanesh and Collin looked at her in disbelief. Magit stones and the supplies didn't coincide with each other.

The parties discussing seemed to ask "what?" and "why now?" Aillenne just smiled and looked at Kanesh, intently.

"Young lady---"

"I would like to ask again. Do you mine the blue magic stones in your territory?"

"Yes, we do. But how did you know?"

"It doesn't matter. I heard your point, so how about I propose something that will benefit each sides?"

"Young lady? What do you mean?"

"Let me take this, Collin."

"Okay. Let's hear it out."

"You are proposing to monopolize the chicken meat and vegetables from our corporation, however it is against the law to do so. In this free market economy, the empire has the right to do whatever, aside from the owner of the goods on how to dispose of it."

"Yes. However-"

"However, if I talk to the owner about this, we can surely tailor fit our needs with yours."

Kanesh's full attention was on her.

The child in front of him felt more overbearing than her looks. He could feel that despite the age difference, they were on par with each other. He couldn't help but think over what she says, and even if the talk became longer than usual, he doesn't want it to end that way.

"Yes, I get your point. So let me hear the proposal."

"You provide the corporation with the blue magic stones for a year, exclusively. Of course we will pay you accordingly. Likewise, we will give you six months of rights to monopolize the company's meat and vegetables."

Kanesh's eyes watered.

He had finally got the deal. He remembered his family back in Ohphi kingdom and the sick child laying on the bed.

"Dad... please hurry up and bring us food."

"Sir Kanesh, we beg you to do your best. Our future lies in your shoulders."

He felt sad when he got to know of the rules of the Dominique Empire, but he is adamant and pushed through to meet the representative and make a deal. The Dominique Empire doesn't allow monopoly. However, the bitter feelings were replaced. It is much sweeter now that he can finally rest his mind for the supplies will be distributed.

'We can finally live. The supplies will help us until the Morqitia family will become stable.'

He didn't mind whether the company would buy and monopolize the magic stones since they do not need it. They were physically strong and doesn't need it much than having it as an accessory.

"You don't have to decide for now. We'll wait for three days for your answer."

Aillenne stood up from her seat after finishing the tea. The talk lasted for almost an hour and a half. She still had a lot of things to do.

"Thank you very much, Miss Dahlia and Sir Collin. We will think this matter through."

Aillenne smiled and beckoned Erick, the man who had a scar on his face, the one who shooed Aillenne in the guild. He is now working for the corporation and one of the direct subordinate of Aillenne, but of course he is still connected with the guild. Just the piracy of employee.

"Sir Erick here will come to you in three days time. He will guide you to the new meeting venue. Have a nice day Sir."

As they went out of the restaurant, Collin hurriedly went to block her path.

"What are you thinking?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"The deal! Why?"

"Oh...you mean that?"

"Don't make things go round. Why did you consent to them monopolizing our products? And it's not just a month but for six months!"

Aillenne sighed and looked at Collin like a mother looking at a clueless child. Collin shrunk at the stare and quickly shut his mouth. Hugo, the bartender said in a hushed tone.

"Master, do you want everybody to know what you are scheming? This is in the outside. We have to find a suitable place to talk with."

***

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