Ch 5: The Merchant's Mediator - Pt 1: Let's Make a Deal

"There it is. The Town of Tausch." Masato made the announcement just as our destination came into view.

The vast town was about five times the size of Erindring. In addition to the wider borders, the layout had been constructed with greater density to house a larger populace and the frequent visitors. Grasslands surrounded the town, limiting the likelihood of any unwanted guests, and roads connecting the town were branching all around.

I took it all in with awe. "Wow. It's nothing like Erindring."

Masato chuckled. "Well, it is the largest trading hub in this part of Rustig. But don't let Erindring be your example for a typical village. It might be the smallest one you ever see."

Yuuna leaned forward so she could see her father's face. "Father, there are a few stores I'd like to visit while we are here. Do you mind if I leave you two to your own devices and check them out on my own?"

"I didn't expect anything less, Dear." Masato shook his head slightly with a flat smile. "Feel free to take your time. I know you dislike being around during my negotiations, and we are showing up a bit unexpectedly this time."

We slowly navigated through the crowded streets. The attire of the people here was more formal, and everyone moved with purpose. Some seemed so focused on what they needed to do that they were hardly aware of those around them. One gentleman just about walked right in front of our horse. Thankfully, one of the patrolling guards, which they actually had here, grabbed the man and pulled him out of the way.

When we finally reached Masato's destination, a sizable building that appeared to be more of a trading outpost than a specific store, Yuuna waved and parted ways with a skip in her step. Masato fetched his goods from the back while I waited outside the main entrance. That was when I noticed the sign high all the way above the third story -- "Hiroshi's Guild: Where Every Merchant's Dreams Come True."

Masato walked ahead of me. "You coming with, or are you waiting outside?"

"I'll join you." Interested in how merchant dealings worked in this world, I trotted behind him.

The two of us only made it a few steps inside before a hearty, well-dressed man shouted from far left. "Masato! Good to see you!" His sincerity showed by his jogging over to greet us. "What brings you here so suddenly?"

"Hiroshi! Just the man I was looking for." Masato shifted his right arm under the container and opened his hand.

Hiroshi gave it a squeeze and called for an attendant. "Hey! What are you lazy bums doing over there? Come help this man carry his merchandise!" He was a bit rough on his employees, but his standing practically earned him that right. This guy must be a big deal to have a guild named after himself.​

Masato handed the box to a sturdy-looking man whose physique better fit the description of a laborer than of a merchant. "I apologize for arriving unannounced. I had planned to visit over the weekend and spend more time catching up, but circumstances dictated I come sooner. I have procured the items we had discussed several months ago if you recall."

"Hmm." His middle-aged friend wearing a monocle curled the end of his blonde mustache. "Please join me upstairs, and we shall see what we can arrange."

The staff member and I followed the merchants up to the third floor. The only room on this level was so large it occupied about one third of the surface area of the structure, and it functioned as a hybrid between an office and a meeting room. Fancy furniture filled the space, and precious paintings covered the walls.

The helper set the container down and left with a bow, and Masato pulled out one of the products for display. "These swords should fit all of the requirements. The hilts are pure gold for flare, and the blades are top-quality titanium alloy for power. Each one comes with silver scabbards with gold-infused patterns." Masato passed the sword to Hiroshi with it lying flat across both his hands.

Hiroshi adjusted his monocle and inspected the product. "Indeed. This is quite a fine weapon. I'm certain my buyer would have loved these."

"Would have?" Masato's voice about cracked with concern.

"Yes. You see, my buyer was growing impatient, so I was forced to seek out a new supplier." Hiroshi handed the blade back to Masato. "Regretfully, I no longer have any use for these."

In his astonishment, Masato subconsciously reached for the sword. "But we agreed. I dedicated all my resources into making this deal. I was counting on this income."

"I'm sorry to hear that, and quite frankly, a little disappointed." The tycoon leaned sat down in an armchair and gestured to the open sofa on the other side of the table as he leaned back. "I thought you knew better than to put all your eggs in one basket."

The two of us took a seat, Masato with his elbows on his knees. "Does this not defy what you stand for? What your guild stands for? Is there not something we can work out?"

"If memory serves me correctly, the agreed-upon price for the ones that sold was one thousand gold pieces for twenty-five swords, or forty a piece." The businessman rested his ankle on his other knee. "Twenty gold coins for each one in this box is what I would normally offer in this kind of situation, I'm willing to give you an extra five as your product is superior."

"Only twenty-five?!" Masato's outrage stood him up. "That's barely more than it cost to prepare these!"

Hiroshi shrugged. "Sometimes that's simply business. Without a buyer, who can say how long this box will be sitting in storage wasting space."

Masato sat back down with his hands together and his chin resting on his thumbs. He remained quiet, likely weighing his options.

I felt out of place to participate in this negotiation, but Hiroshi's last comment gave me an idea. "If you have other goods that you haven't been able to sell, what if we agree to take those off your hand as additional compensation? You'll free up space for more marketable products, and Masato can try to sell whatever you give us to make up for his lost income."

Hiroshi watched me interest as he crossed his arms and tilted his head. "What a fascinating idea. I do have some some dresses that have gone out of style and some dinnerware that no longer suits the tastes of our consumers. What do you say, Masato? Will this proposal work for you?"

When I glanced at Masato, he was sitting up straight with his mouth agape. "Y-yes. Yes, I accept those terms."

"Great, then we have a deal." Hiroshi stood and held out his hand. "I estimate you will be able to bring your earnings to around eighty to eighty-five percent of our original arrangement."

Masato firmly and energetically affirmed the "Thank you, Hiroshi. It's always a pleasure. I won't forget your generosity."

"Ha! Generous? If it weren't for this young man you brought with you, you would have left here as well off as you were months ago." Hiroshi looked at me. "You just might have want it takes to become a fine merchant. May I ask you name? I can register you here with the guild."

"Oh, I'm Aoi. But I'm no merchant, just a friend." I waved in front of my body in defense.

"That's too bad." Hiroshi tossed his arms up. "Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."