Chapter 144
Chapter 144: This is a Really Good Opportunity, You Know? (2)
The nobles stopped their squabbles and grumbled.
“No, what on earth is going on here!”
“Tch, let’s just head back for today and come again another time.”
“Ugh, I guess being a country bumpkin from the North makes one so lacking in manners. If it weren’t for Marquis Branford…”
Those who had been brandishing knives outside someone else’s shop were now suddenly dignified, talking about manners.
After some time passed, most of the crowd dispersed. They had no choice as they just shut the door without even conversing anymore.
Once things quieted down outside, Ghislaine tentatively asked Claude.
“Is everyone gone?”
“Almost everyone has returned for now. But what are you planning to do? If we reopen, it’s likely to turn into chaos again.”
“We need to keep that chaos from happening.”
“So how do we do that?”
“We need to find a deputy. At this point, it’s better to sell quickly and get out.”
We couldn’t stay tied down in the capital forever.
Ghislaine made her decision and strode forward confidently.
Claude hurriedly followed behind and asked, “You were worried about leaving it to someone else, weren’t you? It’s chaotic now, but won’t it calm down in a few days?”
“When’s that going to happen? Unless we establish branches in every territory of the kingdom and supply them, people will keep flooding in. Even the well-known merchant groups from each region have already come knocking.”
“……It seems going back to the territory right away is going to be difficult.”
“Right. We won’t be able to move until all the stock runs out.”
Ghislaine was calculating based on the popularity she had observed in her previous life.
Initially, she had intended to adopt a high-end strategy and sell only to a small number of wealthy nobles, gradually expanding her sales channels.
She planned to stabilize her income by adjusting demand appropriately, but after the news of Rosalyn’s treatment spread, the word of mouth exceeded her expectations and spread rapidly.
However, even if business was good, she couldn’t afford to overlook more pressing matters.
Sharing even a little profit felt incredibly wasteful, but in this situation, having a deputy was the right choice.
Claude, roughly understanding Ghislaine’s intentions, exclaimed with a resolute determination, “I’d rather stay behind and figure something out! You should just return to the territory, Lord!”
“If you stay alone, won’t you end up just twiddling your thumbs? Do you want to die?”
“Sorry…….”
Claude’s subtly revealed ambition was thwarted by Ghislaine’s steely wall.
“Then who are you thinking of entrusting it to?”
“Hmm….”
The deputy would need to be someone powerful enough to control nobles and capable of doing well at work.
There weren’t many choices.
‘Count Ailzbur’s lady isn’t a bad option, but since we’re already tied to guardianship, it’s better to entrust it to the Branford House.’
Ghislaine sauntered over to Marquis Branford’s mansion.
Upon seeing the sudden visitor, Marquis Branford pressed his temples in frustration.
‘It’s not like I’m visiting a friend’s house…’
He concealed his true feelings and, as always, asked with a neutral face, “What brings you here?”
“I’ve come to share some good news.”
A line often uttered by fraudsters.
Marquis Branford narrowed his eyes and scanned Ghislaine from head to toe. Ghislaine faced him confidently, as if she had no hesitation at all.
“……Speak.”
“You’re aware that the popularity of cosmetics is on the rise, aren’t you?”
“And?”
“I would like you to take charge of selling cosmetics for the House of Marquis Branford.”
The marquis didn’t hide his confusion and retorted, “If it’s selling well, why would you want to hand it over?”
“There’s too much traffic for us to handle with our own manpower. I’ll give you 10% of the sales, but in return, I’d like you to provide an investment of 300,000 gold.”
Marquis Branford’s jaw dropped in disbelief.
300,000 gold was enough to buy a small territory! To casually mention such a large sum was unbelievable.
Though the cosmetics’ popularity was extraordinary, trading 10% for that vast amount of gold was absurd.
‘Does this kid think I’m a fool just because I’ve granted a couple of favors?’
It had been a long time since he felt such intense emotion. Marquis Branford grumbled with a frown.
“I refuse.”
The immediate rejection made Belinda and Claude nod in agreement.
‘Young Master has gone too far this time. 300,000 gold? With that kind of money, you could live comfortably for decades.’
‘Why does our lord think so grandly? Does he really believe that’s a reasonable deal? Even a fool wouldn’t consider such an offer!’
Just as the atmosphere grew awkward, Rosalyn, self-proclaimed supporter of Ghislaine, chimed in.
“Father! I’ll cover half! Please accept it. This is truly a great opportunity!”
With that sudden declaration, Marquis Branford raised an eyebrow in suspicion.
“A great opportunity? What kind of opportunity is this nonsense?”
“Cosmetics are ultimately consumables. They’ll keep selling nonstop. The investment will be recovered eventually.”
“And when will it be that you recover that money? 10% means only 10 gold. After accounting for management and operating expenses, there won’t be half left.”
“Right now, we’re only selling in the capital. Once Deneb’s name spreads across the kingdom, we’ll recover the investment much quicker than expected.”
While her words weren’t wrong, generating that fame and sales would take additional time and money.
Marquis Branford clicked his tongue, admonishing his daughter.
“Do you think it’s that easy? Selling in the capital and establishing branches across the kingdom are entirely different matters.”
“I’ll handle managing it.”
At her confident declaration, Marquis Branford momentarily hesitated.
“Rosalyn, you?”
“If you trust me, I’ll surely recover the capital for you, without any issues.”
“If that guy fails to supply properly, it’ll be a significant loss.”
Then Ghislaine, who had been quietly listening, chuckled confidently and said, “Oh, if the goods sell well, that’s beneficial for me too. There’s no way I would let anything slip through the cracks. You don’t need to worry at all.”
Rosalyn eagerly joined in, saying, “That’s right! Baron Penris is not that kind of person. You’ve seen it until now, haven’t you?”
I didn’t want to get too close to Rosalyn, but if she was so actively helping, the conversation took a different turn.
“Ultimately, I was planning to establish branches slowly when I had some time. If Lady Rosalyn lends a hand, we can settle in quickly. That would also be a great gain for the marquis’ house.”
With both of them pushing the issue, Marquis Branford seemed a bit flustered and took a step back.
Regardless, Rosalyn continued proactively, “This is also an opportunity to enhance our family’s influence. Every noble wanting that product can only purchase it through our house.”
That was indeed a valid point.
Monopolizing a product was a form of power.
If the product were exceptionally popular, the power stemming from it would also grow.
Just as it seemed reasonable enough to be persuaded, Marquis Branford shook his head vigorously.
‘No, it’s unreasonable to offer 300,000 gold for so little benefit in return for doing your work. I’m no fool!’
In any logical investment, receiving a share was expected.
But asking him to do the work too was akin to requesting him to work without pay. Where in the world would a rational investor accept such a foolish proposal?
As he prepared to reject once more, Rosalyn winked at Ghislaine and quickly continued, “Think about it. Branches spread across the kingdom, all bearing the marquis’ banner. Our family would never suffer losses. The capital will be recovered swiftly, and afterwards, it would all be pure profit. Let me give it a try.”
Marquis Branford cast a suspicious glance at Rosalyn, who was being overly eager in her persuasion.
‘Why is she so insistent? Could it be she was actually impressed by that fool’s words?’
Suddenly struck by a thought, Marquis Branford pointed at her and said, “You’re getting married soon, aren’t you? You won’t have the luxury to start something new.”
Rosalyn replied as though she had anticipated the marquis’s remark, speaking smoothly, “Now that I’m healthy again, is there really a need to marry into such a family? There are much better options available. Isn’t that a waste?”
“Hmmm….”
Marquis Branford’s gaze wavered slightly.
She was well now, and her personality was returning to what it used to be; it felt wasteful to send her to that family.
Seeing this hesitation, Rosalyn realized this was the moment to press on.
Her father was someone who typically didn’t hesitate this much.
“I have experience managing multiple organizations, so I’m confident in making money. You know that, don’t you? Please entrust it to me. I’ll make you feel like you’ve snagged a bargain for 300,000 gold.”
Marquis Branford couldn’t find a counter to Rosalyn’s statement.
It was true that Rosalyn’s business acumen surpassed his.
Before falling ill, she had managed many organizations simultaneously without ever hearing complaints or incurring losses. It was worth trusting her.
‘It sounds plausible, but… something just feels off…’
Marquis Branford stole a glance at Ghislaine.
Ever since that kid asked him to act as a guarantor, he felt like she was trying to use him for her own gain.
Ghislaine maintained an optimistic attitude and said, “In the long run, this will end up costing me. I’m in a hurry for cash and overwhelmed by management, so I’m reluctantly letting it go for cheap. Opportunities like this… are rare.”
To boldly declare a statement that fraudsters would typically say takes some talent.
Marquis Branford frowned slightly.
“Still, the amount is too large to….”
“Father!”
Swoosh!
Rosalyn fanned herself, covering her face while peeking through to glare at Marquis Branford.
“Why are you acting so unlike yourself, Father? This is a great prospect for both our family’s influence and making money! You know its value better than anyone!”
‘What does being true to myself even mean? Selling cosmetics is what being true to myself is?’
Marquis Branford felt a sense of unjust frustration.
‘Why am I… listening to such talk? Why am I suddenly being prompted to sell cosmetics? Why should I be giving money to her?’
The truth was, he understood Rosalyn’s point. It was the very fact that he recognized its value that was causing him to waver.
It was a sound business opportunity, so why did his stomach ache?
Grasping his throbbing head with his hands, he closed his eyes.
Ever since that Ghislaine kid appeared, things have gone awry.
She had asked him to become a guardian and, under that pretense, collected all sorts of support. Now, she wanted him to sell cosmetics in her place and hand over money as payment.
Ah, now he understood why he was in pain.
Thinking back, that kid was taking everything she wanted all along.
Conflict was etched on Marquis Branford’s face.
Watching him struggle were Belinda and Claude, who clenched their fists tightly.
That Marquis Branford was agonizing like this!
‘W-what? The young master’s proposal is actually shaking him! For real? Is this the real Marquis Branford?’
‘Is it possible to convince him? I hope so! That would be a huge success! It would mean a little less work for us! Please, please!’
As Marquis Branford was deep in thought without reaching a conclusion, Ghislaine unleashed the special move she had been saving.
