Chapter 7: Rumors

Henry's recruitment caused quite an impact on Jerome's business because of the old man's former masters' reputation which made people spout nonsense such as:

'Maybe he was a spy sent by the Bertros with that butler connecting them...'

'I wouldn't want to go to some cheap jewelry shop that accepts just anyone.'

'Doesn't he have class? To take a leftover from a declined noble, that's just pitiful.'

Jerome knew he has to do something about it or his business would decline before he could even become well known by the Royal Family.

Not that it was his main goal, but he needed the blessing from them to become noble after all. He needs to show some achievement or that he's worthy to be a noble.

He knew that some nobles don't even deserve it, he took pity for their ancestors who did their best for their descendants only for the said people to flaunt their riches that they didn't even work hard for.

At the moment, Jerome was having a meeting with Liao to talk about his plans on being open to sell to commoners yet being discreet about it, he still want them to have an access for protection with the magical gems but this makes the nobles buy less.

"I assume you already have a plan, my lord?" The Eastern man asked while Henry pour him a cup of tea.

"Yes, however I need some help in finding someone we could trust. A merchant of sorts."

"I see... you're not asking for money?" Liao asked, he was always asking this as if waiting for Jerome to act desperate like his previous clients.

"I have the money to hire them, I just need your help in finding one." The older smirked at the younger's words.

"I know. So, what's this plan of yours?"

Jerome let his butler pour him a cup of tea before speaking, "I will prohibit commoners from coming to my shop and will disguise a small merchant vendor as a means to sell them my product."

"Other than a merchant, I would also like someone to spread some news after I prohibit commoners from my shop. Tell them that magical gems are sold as rings... This will boost the economy in jewelry a little even at small marketplaces, if they're lucky, they'll be able to buy a real one. I know that some counterfeits will be uncontrollable but this is better than not providing them anything. We could handle the counterfeits at another time when it is more prominent but at the meantime, we should focus on the task at hand." He added.

Liao and Henry stared at the young man, they were amazed how a commoner such as him knew how to handle such things.

"Did you study marketing and business, my lord?" Jerome tilted his head at Liao's question.

"I did not."

"You're a genius then."

The black haired man just sighed, "I'm not... I'm just doing my hardest."

Henry smiled at that, he began to think that he must have chosen the right person as his master. Jerome never even cared that some nobles think of him lowly for taking him as his butler.

In that same afternoon, one of the attendants knocked on the office door while Jerome was looking through some files.

"Come in."

"Sire... I apologize for the disturbance, but there's someone who was complaining about the validity of the magical jewelries... saying it didn't work."

Jerome anticipated this. Of course there will be nobles and businessmen who will try to sabotage his business.

Taking down a competition before they could even start.

"Don't worry. I will handle it." He stood up and left with the attendant to see the complainant at the lounge.

"What seems to be the problem, my lady?" He gave a polite smile, one that could charm anyone.

At least Jerome tries to.

It seems to be effective though with how the woman hesitated to complain, "This gem is fake! How could you sell something that doesn't work!? I want to have my coins back!" She stood up, showing Jerome the necklace she bought.

"Did you bring your receipt?" The young man asked, keeping his kind smile.

"Receipt? I was hurt and all you wanted to know was if I brought my receipt?!" She was obviously flustered, she must've been unaware of the receipt after buying the jewelry.

"Yes, this proves that you bought the jewelry from us." Jerome answered gently.

"Are you implying that I brought a counterfeit?!" The commotion was causing an uproar causing the other customers were watching them.

"I'm sorry... Am I implying that you brought a counterfeit? If you are going to be defensive, my lady, then I will also imply that you are here just to cause a commotion, am I right?" Jerome kept a composed attitude causing the woman to be quiet.

"I only asked for a receipt, which everyone here are given. If you do not have one then, can I know the time and date of when you bought the jewelry as well as your name?" The young man asked, now people are thinking that the woman really just wanted to cause some commotion.

"A-Ah! Yes... receipt!" She rummaged through her purse to salvage her image, bringing out the magical paper to show Jerome.

"Here! I did buy it here!" The woman smugly said as she gave it.

The young man then looked at it, assessing the paper before smiling at the woman, "You don't mind if I assess the validity of your receipt just as you are assessing my jewelries' authenticity, right, my lady? If I were to be sure that you really bought the jewelry here, I will take responsibility and give you back your coins, maybe even more for compensation."

The idea of more coins being taken made the woman smirk, "Go ahead. As if I'll fake the receipt."

Jerome nodded and looked at Henry, "Henry, kindly bring me the log book and search for the date and time of the transaction." The old man nodded and left.

"Would you like to have some tea, first?" The black haired man offered, still keeping his composed demeanor.

"N-No... thank you..." She muttered, feeling embarrassed and humiliated how she cannot provoke a reaction from Jerome and she was annoyed with how calm and collected he handles the issue.

Soon, Henry came back with the log book and looked at the date and time. "The name's Delilah Reyal." The butler nodded and searched for the name, date and time. However, he only shook his head and showed the log book by placing it on the table.

"T-That can't be! I really bought it! How will I even have a receipt?! You must've tampered with it!" The woman who they assumed to be named Delilah looked at the log book frantically.

"My lady, we all know that a name binded in the magical paper cannot be tampered with. I am not a mage but a humble businessman."

"No. You must have a mage! How will you even carve the magical gems if not!?" She stood up to point at Jerome's face.

She was beginning to panic, she didn't know that the young man was far from naive that every businessman assumed him to be.

"I am blessed by Rosaria herself." He chuckled softly as if it was a joke.

Of course, the woman wasn't laughing.

"It is the truth but never mind if you or anyone else do not believe me, instead, would it satisfy you if I try to validate the authenticity of the receipt more?" Jerome asked but didn't wait for an answer, instead, he nodded at an attendant who immediately understood what to do.

Everyone waited for the black haired man's next actions as well as with what will happen.

Soon, the attendant came back with a basin of water and Jerome placed the receipt on it, "Hm... It floated... Henry, please bring me the magical receipt." The young man asked who immediately obliged.

Once the magical receipt was brought, Jerome also placed it in the basin of water. The receipt sank and a symbol appeared on it. A rose.

"Henry... please call the royal guards." The young man ordered which Henry immediately obliged as always.

His words made the woman pale and the spectators were amazed with how Jerome handled everything.

Everyone were in awe and clapping but Jerome ignored them, his focus still on the woman.

"I apologize, but by the law... false accusation is a deed worthy a fine or imprisonment and so, I propose something before the guards come..." The black haired man kept his smile.

"Please tell me who set this up and I'll let you go with just a fine."

The woman frowned, clenching her fists, "I believe that I am safer in prison..."

"I doubt that." The young man immediately stated that made the woman pensive.

Jerome took notice of this, "The guards will take a bit long I assume, why not we discuss this privately?"

"What's the use of privacy? You already exposed me to everyone here..."

"I only gave them a show, just like you wanted." The young man chuckled. He gestured her to walk first, guiding her to his office.

The woman followed, keeping her head low.

Once inside, Jerome gestured her to sit on the couch before approaching his shelf where he hides his wine. A gift from Liao for his grand opening.

He poured them both a glass, "Your name, what is it?" The young man asked as he sat down, bringing the two glasses of wine.

The woman who was already seated looked at him and the glass of wine he offered, "Dynila Reyal."

"So, Miss Dynila... I can pay for your fine and keep you safe here or you can go to prison where someone has more chance of disposing you for good. Since you failed to defame me and my shop, I assumed they will find you useless, no?" Jerome sipped his wine.

Dynila frowned, thinking about it.

"I... I don't think they'll immediately dispose of me..."

"You think... To them, you're replaceable, you know? You do know how nobles work. They even used you to defame me."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Say their name and I'll guarantee your safety."

Dynila became pensive. Soon, Henry knocked on the door. "Sire, the royal guards are here."

"So, Miss Dynila... your answer?"