at Yuri's side.
Each of them was strikingly lovely. Merely standing there, they created a scene of dazzling splendor all on their own.
Then, all at once, Gaston recalled the report he had heard—that Amour Pavilion was planning to open a branch in this domain.
Well... with beauty like this, perhaps people really would gather in search of it...
Half exasperated, Gaston nevertheless found Yuri's reckless-sounding dream beginning to feel oddly plausible. After clearing his throat lightly, he replied in a measured tone.
"I see... the Luna-Noir Trading Company. If that is the sort of business you have in mind, then yes—even a remote place like this might manage to draw people in. That said, it would need both sufficient allure and proper publicity."
Yuri nodded with a confident look.
"Yes. That is precisely why I was hoping to ask for your assistance in running it.
And the one who will serve as head of the company... will be Ophelia."
Startled, Gaston's eyes went instinctively to Ophelia.
Her poised bearing and refined beauty were certainly enough to captivate people.
But the head of a trading company was the public face of the entire enterprise, a vital position that oversaw its management.
That young Lady Ophelia... as the head of a trading company?
So this young baron-consort truly intends to turn beauty itself into business, not use it merely as ornament.
After a brief pause, Gaston chose his words with care before answering.
"...I must admit, placing Lady Ophelia at its head comes as a surprise. Still, if that is the case, the company may indeed have more than enough appeal. But running a trading company also requires knowledge and experience. Even if we are to lend our support, will you truly be prepared on that front?"
He was trying to judge just how much resolve—and preparation—Yuri had truly brought to this undertaking.
Yuri nodded and began to explain with easy confidence.
"Yes, of course.
We'll manage the business through profit-and-loss statements, balance sheets, and cash-flow statements. We'll also enforce strict cost controls so we can stay above break-even.
In addition, we'll consider our product mix, bring in the goods the market is looking for at the right time, and put real thought into the sales-floor layout as well."
Yuri paused for a breath, then continued.
"Our policy is to keep sufficient inventory on hand and sell each item at a price that reflects its value."
As Gaston listened to Yuri's explanation, he found himself doubting his own ears.
...Profit-and-loss statements? Balance sheets? Product mix?
What in the world is this baron-consort talking about?
His expression stiffened before he could stop it. Though he tried to remain composed, he could not quite keep the furrow from forming between his brows.
He had expected to hear the usual talk of ledgers and revenue calculations—the ordinary tools of any merchant—but what Yuri was describing sounded like the methods of some entirely different world of commerce.
This fellow... where in the world did he pick up knowledge like that?
And does he truly believe it will be useful?
After letting a moment pass, Gaston asked carefully,
"...I must say, you have surprised me. So that is how you intend to manage the business.
But do you truly believe such methods will prove useful here in this land?
They are, I confess, not ways of thinking we are familiar with, and I find myself struggling to follow..."
I have no idea what any of that means—but if that knowledge truly is useful, then by all means I want it for myself...
Without realizing it, Gaston swallowed dryly and studied Yuri's face, searching for his true intent.
"On the contrary, we're the ones who don't yet understand how commerce works here.
That's exactly why I'd like to ask for your help. If this knowledge is truly going to be of any use, I need your guidance to make it so."
At Yuri's words, Gaston nodded slowly and smiled more softly.
"Very well.
Then we shall lend you the benefit of our knowledge and experience.
It seems we may have much to learn on our side as well."
Relief showed on Yuri's face as he thanked him.
Gaston let out a quiet breath, then extended a hand slightly, as though inviting the next topic.
"Now then, shall we move on to your third request?"
"The third is this: I'd like you to sell gemstones here on a regular basis."
"...What?"
Unable to conceal his surprise, Gaston's eyes widened.
Gemstones... on a regular basis?
Does he truly think luxury goods like that would sell in a backwater like this?
Though doubts surged up inside him, he kept them from showing on his face and asked in an even tone,
"You mean to sell gemstones here on a regular basis?
Do you truly believe there would be steady demand for them in this land?
Luxury goods require a customer base with the means to buy them."
Yuri nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, and that is precisely the important point.
Once we establish a salon through the Luna-Noir Trading Company and begin drawing in nobles in search of beauty, the demand for gemstones should naturally increase.
We're also considering displaying gemstones alongside the high-end beauty goods the salon carries and selling them to visiting customers."
Gaston fell silent in thought for a moment.
So that's his game. Draw a new class of buyers into the domain by offering beauty—and sell them gemstones while he's at it.
It's a bold idea... but if people truly do start coming, there may be profit in it for the company as well.
Even as he grasped Yuri's intentions, Gaston continued in a tone of confirmation.
"Hmm. I see.
So by handling the salon and gemstones together, you mean to stir your customers' desire to buy....
Very well. Depending on the quantities involved, we will cooperate."
Yet even as he said it, Gaston let out a deep sigh inwardly.
What in blazes is he going to spring on me next...?
I'm not sure I've even got the energy left to be shocked anymore.
Pulling himself together again, Gaston gave a prompting nod.
"Now then... your fourth request?"
Yuri took a breath and broached the subject more modestly.
"Lastly, I have one more matter I'd like to discuss....
I'm hoping we might be able to send the goods made in my domain out to other regions as well."
Oh? Something practical at last.
Looking distinctly relieved, Gaston folded his arms and turned back to Yuri with a slightly more relaxed expression.
"I see. You want to get the products made in your domain out to other regions.
Now that is a very practical request—and an easy one to understand."
After a brief pause, Gaston asked carefully,
"But what exactly are these products?
What sort of goods do you believe would find buyers even in distant lands?"
In response, Yuri slipped a hand into his bag and drew something out.
What he set upon the table were soaps of a beauty Gaston had never seen before, glittering glasswork, and then—
what fastened Gaston's gaze before anything else was a magnificent bolt of silk.
Before he knew it, he was leaning forward.
This is... silk—and of astonishing quality at that!
How in the world could something like this be made in this domain...?
The shock was enough to throw Gaston's thoughts into disarray.
Silk textiles were something they depended on importing from the Imperial State, and obtaining them required tremendous trouble and expense.
Even for a major trading company, they were difficult goods to source.
And yet here, in this remote barony, he was being told they were being produced locally?
This man... does he truly mean to say he has created something that can rival the Imperial State's wares?
Then Gaston's eyes moved to the soap and the glasswork.
The soap was tinted a delicate, beautiful hue, and when he picked it up, the faint scent of flowers drifted from it.
The glasswork blazed brilliantly when held to the light, every inch of it worked with minute detail.
Neither was the sort of thing one would ever expect to find in a frontier land like this.
Gaston stood frozen for a long moment, eyes wide, before at last drawing a trembling breath and turning back to Yuri.
"...This is beyond belief.
That goods of this quality could be produced in the frontier....
How, precisely, have you managed it?"
When Gaston asked, stunned wide-eyed, Yuri gave him a proud little smile, lifted an index finger lightly to his lips, and lowered his voice.
"That is... classified information!"
For a moment, Gaston could only stare at Yuri blankly.
Faced with that utterly motionless reaction, Yuri's eyes wandered in slight confusion, and he hurriedly went on.
"Ah—um... that was a joke.
But I'd like to keep the procurement of the raw materials and the production methods secret for the time being.
That said, I intend to turn these into key industries of the Reberk domain, and I was hoping we might conclude an exclusive sales agreement with the Saint-Elmo Trading Company...."
Though Gaston fought to keep the shock off his face, he answered with a serious nod.
He means to let us handle the exclusive sale of goods like these?
What in the world is going through this young man's head?
"I understand. I have no objection to the details remaining secret.
But I will ask one thing in return: you must guarantee a stable supply of consistent quality.
For a trading company, there is no greater reassurance than that."
If I can secure exclusive distribution, I'll gladly take this deal.
Inwardly, Gaston was already picturing the immense profits these goods might bring the company.
Yuri looked a little bashful, but he nodded firmly, clear determination on his face.
"The truth is, I'm thinking of inviting skilled tailors into the domain as well.
That's why I intend to go and consult the Marchioness of Ishurias first...."
Understanding Yuri's intent, Gaston was a little surprised—but impressed all over again by his initiative.
"Hmm. So you mean to consult the Marchioness.
And what is it you need from me?"
Yuri nodded and continued.
"Yes. I was hoping that, if you happened to know of a workshop you could recommend, you might tell me of it."
Gaston rested a hand against his chin and thought for a while.
A workshop, eh...? Yes, there is one place that should still have good craftsmen gathered there.
And if I'm to guide him after he returns from the Marchioness's place...
At length, Gaston gave a slow nod and answered Yuri.
"As it happens, there is one place that comes to mind.
How would it be if I guided you there after you return from your meeting with the Marchioness?"
Yuri broke into a bright smile, bowed his head, and said, "Thank you very much—yes, please!"
As Gaston looked at the dependable young man before him, he felt a stir of envy—and at the same time found himself thinking that entrusting his headstrong daughter to this baron-consort might not be such a bad thing after all.
Then he clasped Yuri's hand in a firm handshake.
"Do make certain you win over the Marchioness of Ishurias."
And with that, Gaston saw Yuri and his companions off.