Chapter 48
* * *
We moved to the terrace that had been prepared for the party guests to take a break.
Baratheon guarded the entrance from the outside so that no one could enter, and Siche stayed by my side.
The wizards looked relieved once they realized that the negotiation target wasn’t Siche but a child.
They must have expected to deal with a difficult sage, but suddenly, a thirteen-year-old kid appeared claiming to be in charge—how could they not feel at ease?
“Everyone’s checked Melobin, right?”
I started lightly, and the wizards’ eyes sparkled.
Melobin—the magical herb thought to be extinct!
“I heard you want to trade it.”
“Yes. I plan to deliver Melobin to whichever of the four groups offers the highest price.”
“So it’s a sort of auction.”
“Yes. Let’s make the unit 500 grams. As for the price… how much will you start with?”
At my words, the wizards exchanged glances quickly, and the oldest-looking man spoke first.
“In that case, the Western Wizards’ Union will offer 10 gold.”
“Our Northern Tower will also give 10 gold.”
“The Eastern Wizards’ Association the same.”
“And the Southern Magical Council also matches it.”
It flowed naturally, as if prearranged.
‘Oh? So they’re colluding?’
It seemed they had come to an agreement before showing up here.
They intended to offer a low price so they could split the Melobin among themselves.
‘No conscience at all. Only 10 gold?’
It was ridiculously low compared to Melobin’s actual value.
“What shall we do? Unfortunately, we don’t have enough Melobin to supply all four groups. As you all know, Melobin is a rare herb.”
I sighed dramatically as I looked at the four wizards.
In truth, I could produce enough Melobin to supply all four groups if I wanted.
But there was no need.
Melobin was rare, making it highly valuable.
If I sold too much just because everyone wanted it, the price would drop.
Finding the right balance between supply and price is the first step in a trade.
I judged that delivering only to one wizarding group was the optimal supply to maintain Melobin’s high price.
“The basic rule of an auction is first-come, first-served. If the same price is offered, priority goes to whoever raised their hand first.”
“In that case…”
“Yes. I’ll sell the Melobin to the Western Wizards’ Union, who offered first.”
The wizards’ expressions shifted.
The Western Union, who would monopolize the Melobin at a low price, beamed with joy, while the other leaders scowled.
“Leader of the Western Union! That’s not fair! We agreed to split it!”
“What can we do if the seller says no?”
“Ha, is that how it’s going to be?”
The Southern Council leader, glaring at the Western Union, shouted at me.
“It’s an auction. If we offer a higher price, you’ll deliver to us, right? We, the Southern Council, will give 20 gold!”
“What!”
The previously gleeful Western leader turned pale.
“But you promised 10 gold!”
“Who broke the promise to split it first?”
While the Western and Southern representatives bickered, the Northern representative, who had been watching quietly, raised his hand.
“We’ll offer 30 gold.”
The Eastern representative, who had remained silent until now, didn’t back down either.
“30 plus 10 more!”
From then on, it became complete chaos.
“40? Then we’ll give 80!”
“Wait, how can you suddenly double the offer? Isn’t this unethical?”
“What? You’re worrying about ethics in this situation?”
I simply watched their shouting match unfold.
As they excitedly raised their voices, the price of Melobin had already skyrocketed to 500 gold.
Then the Southern representative raised his hand.
“Enough! 1000! We’ll give 1000!”
At the staggering figure of a thousand, the other three representatives fell silent, as if their fighting spirit had vanished.
Finally, the decision was made.
“Then we’ll deliver the Melobin to the Southern Magical Council. 500 grams for 1000 gold.”
I smiled slightly as I concluded the matter, while the four wizards frowned, defeated.
* * *
After a satisfying deal, I leisurely stepped out onto the terrace.
“How did it go?”
Baratheon, who was guarding outside, asked Siche curiously, and Siche shook his head as if overwhelmed.
“That one’s really sharp. I told you he’s no ordinary kid.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean the deal went excellently.”
I patted Baratheon’s back, still puzzled, and headed back to the banquet hall.
I had finished everything I needed to do and planned to meet the Grand Duke and return to the mansion.
‘But first… three more tarts!’
However, my light steps froze at the unexpected sight before me.
‘…What is that?’
Kana was standing next to the Grand Duke.
And she was wearing the pale sky-blue dress that Roaz had sent me!
‘Huh?’
I was so shocked that my mind momentarily went blank.
Before I could approach Kana, the firmly closed doors opened, and music announced the Emperor’s entrance.
Majestically, he entered, followed by the Empress and the three royal children.
‘I’m doomed…’
The Emperor was slowly moving inside, receiving greetings from the nobles.
I quickly moved to the Grand Duke’s side.
“Grandfather.”
“Danae.”
The Grand Duke’s expression darkened the moment he saw me.
“Your expression isn’t good.”
“Maybe he’s just nervous for his first party?”
Kana, standing next to the Grand Duke, spoke calmly.
Her overly confident attitude left me dumbfounded, and I couldn’t help but let out a nervous laugh.
“Kana, that dress…”
“Oh, my! Who do we have here!”
Then, the Emperor’s hearty voice echoed from behind.
“What brings our Grand Duke to a party?”
“I recently found my granddaughter. I thought I should introduce her.”
“Hahaha! Once, you say? It’d be nice if you greeted us often.”
Normally, I’d be focused on observing the Emperor, but now that wasn’t important.
I glanced at Roaz standing behind the Emperor; his expression was far from pleased.
‘Ugh! No! I didn’t give the dress for her to wear!’
But there was no time to explain.
“Danae, greet him. His Majesty the Emperor.”
“I, Danae of Ashinov, pay my respects to the glory of the Empire.”
Amid the chaos, I held my skirt and bowed toward the royals.
All the practice with Jedin had paid off.
The Emperor seemed satisfied with my greeting and laughed, patting my shoulder.
“I hear you and our second child get along well. Keep it up.”
“Haha…”
I smiled awkwardly at Roaz.
But Roaz’s frown wasn’t directed at me—it was at Kana, or more specifically, at her dress.
“By the way…”
The Emperor tilted his head, noticing another girl standing next to the Grand Duke—Kana.
“And who is this young lady? Surely the Grand Duke hasn’t found two granddaughters.”
“She’s a child from a collateral line.”
“Why is a child from a collateral line here…?”
“She’s being temporarily protected by the main household due to certain circumstances.”
Kana realized everyone’s eyes were on her and offered a graceful bow to the Emperor.
Her hurriedly learned, slightly awkward bow was far more elegant and refined than mine.
“I, Kana of Oset, pay my respects to the glory of the Empire.”
Just as Kana lifted her head after the perfect bow…
Buuuuh!
A loud, unprecedented sound echoed throughout the banquet hall.
