Chapter 244 Silt Merchant Guild's Meyer
At the banquet, seating is determined by social status.
Marquis Grandchester, the royal family, and the heads of high-ranking noble families sit at the table prepared in the main dining room, while the other guests are guided to a large room in a separate area. Of course, even in the separate room, tables are clearly divided by status, and the commoner Sophia inevitably ends up dining close to other merchants who are also commoners.
By the way, Kojimo did not attend today's closing ceremony. His chronic gout had worsened, and he was in so much pain that he couldn't even stand up.
'Mr. Kojimo... shouldn't he be taking medicine to lower his uric acid levels instead of enjoying tea with flowers?'
Sophia remembered her boss from her previous life who had suffered from gout and felt a bit sorry for him. However, since the worsening of gout symptoms is often caused by severe stress, it's quite possible that Sophia could be the reason for it. Regardless of the cause, it's clear that Kojimo needs medication and lifestyle changes.
Taking advantage of Kojimo's absence, many merchants actively approached Sophia.
"Sophia, the products from the Merchant Guild are impressive."
"When did you prepare that liquor? I can't believe you could hide it from us during the aging process. The production site is quite far away, right?"
"Do you have any ideas for the next magical tool?"
She received an overwhelming number of questions, but Sophia responded with a perfect fake smile and gave safe answers.
Then, one merchant boldly cut in.
"By the way, is it true that you bought up all the wheat from the Grandchester territory?"
Sophia stopped eating and stared at the other person. He looked to be around 40 years old, but energetic big merchants tend to look younger, so he might actually be a bit older.
Sedrick whispered in Sophia's ear that the person was Meyer, the Silt guildmaster of the merchant guild.
'Ah, so this is the Lombart merchant who lent a large sum of money to Uncle Edward.'
Sophia faced Meyer with a perfect smile.
Meyer was a big merchant with significant financial power and influence, even at the Kojimo meeting for collusion, and it was this man who presented information about the Florence Merchant Guild.
"As expected of a big merchant like you, Sir. Meyer, you have your ears to the ground."
"Oh, you know me?"
"I'm just a novice, but I am also a merchant. I can't possibly not know about the Silt Merchant Guild, which has succeeded in many countries."
'That's a lie. I just found out now.'
"Hahaha. I thought I was keeping a low profile, but this is surprising."
In fact, the merchants nearby were also surprised. Meyer of the Silt Merchant Guild was known for rarely meeting people face to face. Moreover, since he was attending this dinner as a representative of another merchant guild, Sophia's comment drew a lot of surprised looks from those around her.
'Hey, Sedrick! You should have told me he was hiding his identity too!'
Sophia smiled gracefully, hiding her inner anxiety, and resumed her meal with elegant movements. Meanwhile, Meyer wore a friendly smile and took a sip of wine from his glass.
"I have some connections with Grandchester, and I came here to buy wheat using those connections. But I was disappointed to find out that the Sophia Merchant Guild already bought it. I regret not coming sooner."
This was a lie from Meyer. He had visited the Grandchester territory 5 days before the hunting tournament and had discussions with people from the Commerce Guild, including Kojimo, and various merchants.
"I see. It would be a shame to send the Silt Merchant Guild's cart back empty, wouldn't it? If you'd like, I can sell you some wheat."
"It would help if you could be a little flexible."
"Then please send the required amount and your desired trading conditions in writing to the Sophia Merchant Guild. We can discuss the terms after I review it."
"Understood."
Meyer smiled and lightly raised his glass towards Sophia, who did the same in return.
"Oh, Ms. Sophia, it seems you're not drinking wine."
"Actually, I'm trying to cut back on alcohol."
"Even though the new liquor is making such a splash in high society?"
"I've tasted too much of it. Because of that, my employees scolded me, saying, 'If you keep tasting, we won't have any left to sell!'."
"Haha. That's a tough employee, isn't it? But as a merchant, they're right. Turning sellable products into money is what merchants do. Still, it was really delicious sake, so I understand why you might get carried away with tasting it."
"I'm honored by your compliment."
Actually, it was Marquis Grandchester who got scolded for sneaking a drink, but for now, it's a convenient excuse to refuse alcohol. Also, the reason Sophia isn't drinking is that Sara is banned from drinking until she reaches the legal adult age.
'Kuu. I want to drink. But my mother says I can't until I really become an adult...'
However, many merchants surrounding Sophia mistakenly thought, 'Sophia is probably worried about failing business deals because of drinking,' and assumed, 'She has a youthful side to her.'
"Normally, I would want to propose a deal for the liquor, but I've heard it's fully booked for years ahead, so I've given up on that."
"I'm sorry. We just can't keep up with production. We do have barrels in the works, so next year and the year after, we should be able to gradually increase the shipment amount."
"That sounds exciting. I will definitely come to request a deal."
"By then, we must also establish a base for the Sophia Merchant Guild in the royal capital."
"I would love to meet in the royal capital."
"Hehe, I'm honored. However, I believe my main activities will likely be centered in the Grandchester territory. This is the 'land of beginnings' for the merchant guild."
"Oh... that's unexpected. I thought Ms. Sophia's land of beginnings would be closer to the coast... perhaps around Genoa."
'Oh no, he's probing for information. Well, I guess it can't be helped.'
"Hehe. The countries of the Coastal Union, bustling with maritime trade, are truly fascinating. As a merchant, I dream of visiting this region someday."
"If that's the case, please do stop by Lombart. The Silt Merchant Guild will welcome Ms. Sophia with open arms."
"That's very kind of you. If I ever get the chance, I will definitely come."
"However, we are originally like pirates, so our welcome might be a bit rough."
"That sounds like it won't be boring at all."
Sophia and Meyer exchanged cheerful handshakes, but at the same time, their gazes were sizing each other up.
'He's quite a handsome guy, but his eyes are a bit hawk-like. Still, he has a nice, toned body. From the handshake, it feels like he might use a sword. A regular thief probably couldn't even scratch this guy.'
Meyer let out a small laugh, revealing a slightly childish side to his face.
'Oh my, he looks cute when he laughs.'
"Anyway, I will be visiting the Sophia Merchant Guild soon. If we can't even get a single grain of wheat, the merchant guild will be in trouble."
"You're being dramatic, Sir Meyer. Even without Grandchester's wheat, we can negotiate with other grain-producing areas."
"No, no, the quality of Grandchester's wheat is unmatched."
Thus, Sophia had her first meeting with Meyer from the Silt Merchant Guild.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)