industrial lord

Chapter 721 Let's Talk Business
Lately, Metzger has been ordered to indulge in a life of pleasure in the city of Burling, but he is very confused about when he should return to his unit.

Unexpectedly, it's not that he's returning to the team, but rather that the team is coming for him.

Metzger couldn't help but wonder to himself, "Could this all be part of the plan?"
He first informed the city of Burling of the news of the impending arrival of the Weisen army. The relevant authorities dared not refuse and could only designate a location furthest from the city.

What troubled Metzger the most was the issue of procuring military provisions.

The Dawn Merchant Guild raised a large sum of money, but a large grain transaction had just ended not long ago, and a lot of grain was transported to the Duchy of Weisen. There wasn't enough grain on the market, so even if you had the money, you couldn't buy it.

Fortunately, Metzger's recent friends came in handy, and he met Count Marchin of the Kingdom of Piast across the border at a manor outside the city.

Marcin had heard of Metzger and eagerly inquired about his legendary experiences.

It wasn't until dinner that the two started talking about serious matters.

Metzger cut off a piece of roasted pork knuckle and asked, "I wonder if the Earl has done any large grain business?"

Marchin already knew his purpose, and said nonchalantly, "Although I manage the largest granary in the south, the grain inside does not belong to me alone."

Metzger understood what he meant and nodded, saying, "Yes, that's everyone's food; everyone gets a share."

Marchin's meaning was simple: if they wanted to take over those military rations, they couldn't do it alone; they needed to drag others into it.

Seeing that Metzger understood, he simply nodded, took a sip of beer, and said nothing.

Metzger continued, "You've probably heard that the weather is getting colder, especially up north."

"Yes," Marchin said, "my fountain froze almost two weeks earlier than usual last year."

Metzger said, "I received a message from a friend that the Sami Union's summer this year is shorter than usual, the harvest is poor, and many people will probably starve to death in the coming winter."

Marchin frowned.

There are now claims that the Kingdom of Sverrières invaded the south because the climate had cooled, leading to years of poor harvests. The Kingdom of Suomi also attacked the Kingdom of Sverrières as a result. If the Sami Alliance were added to the mix, the situation would become even more complicated.

Metzger continued, "The relationship between the Grand Duke of Wesen and the Sami Alliance is excellent. Our Duchy of Wesen has extensive trade relations with them, so it is easy to obtain commercial intelligence from the north."

"There is a food shortage in the north now, so prices have risen rapidly, and people can exchange for 20% to 30% more animal hides than before."

"The weather is getting colder to the south, and the price of animal hides has been rising steadily, reaching its highest point in decades."

Marchin nodded. He had hunted a few foxes recently and found that fox pelts were much more expensive than before.

Metzger commented, "My friend has connections and has excellent relations with many tribes in the Sami League."

"Although the Kingdom of Sverrie is currently attacking the Kingdom of Danma, it will not attack the merchant ships of the Sami Alliance. Kosdorf is also worried that his army has angered the northern neighbors while it is in the south, and it would be terrible if they moved south."

“My friend can invite many friends from the Sami Alliance to approach and negotiate with the patrol boats of the Kingdom of Sverrière when they encounter them at sea, and they will be sent away with a little benefit.”

“Another friend of mine has connections in Gaul. He can easily sell furs from the north there for high prices. The tax officials have already been taken care of.”

Marchin pondered for a long time after hearing this.

He knew something about the Weisen Army. He didn't know who the first friend Metzger mentioned was, but the second should be Eugene, the commander of the 3rd Division. This man came from the Kingdom of Gaul, where his father held immense power.

It just so happens that the 3rd Division is preparing to come to Burling City, and Eugene will also be coming, so it's a good opportunity to coordinate this deal.

Metzger concluded, "If Your Excellency is willing to do this business together, we can call over more ships."

Marchin instantly grasped the key point in his words: "Call more ships over," indicating that they originally intended to resell military rations, and calling him over was just to make more money.

He'd done reselling military assets before, so he had no suspicions; it was just that this time the buyer was different from the past.

"Hmm..." Marchin hesitated for a moment, "How many do you want?"

Metzger laughed and said confidently, "We'll take whatever you sell for. The people of the Duchy of Wessen won't let money slip by. If we don't have enough ships, we can get them from elsewhere."

“But time waits for no one. First, the sea to the north will freeze very soon. Second, we don’t know if His Majesty Kazimierz will repay the money soon. Once he repays the money, we will retreat.” “So this business is a race against time. If we are late, it will be too late.”

After he finished speaking, he began to slowly savor the roasted pork knuckle, occasionally taking a sip of beer.

Marchin slowly ate his dinner, constantly weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

This is no small-scale operation like before; the profits are substantial, but the risks are high.

The biggest problem is the imperial envoy sent by the king. He spends his days keeping an eye on the warehouses. In the past, he was easily satisfied with small-scale errands, but this time it will be difficult to satisfy him.

Marcin concluded by saying, "Please forgive me for not being able to agree immediately; I need to go back and discuss it with others."

Metzger nodded and said, "No problem, I'll be waiting for good news in Burling."

"By the way, the price will be 80% of today's wholesale grain price in Burling City, the landed price."

Marchin raised an eyebrow. Selling military rations could lead to trouble, and those who bought them would also bear certain risks. Therefore, the price would be much lower than the market price. Transporting them by water to Burling City at 80% of the market price would be quite cost-effective.

When the price is right, the work becomes much easier.

After Marchin left, Metzger breathed a sigh of relief. This kind of deception really wasn't for him. If only his wife were here, she could have managed to negotiate the price of insect powder with a little sugar and pretty packaging to be three times higher.

This time, Marcin came prepared. The other key officials in the warehouse and the imperial commissioner had been waiting for news in the town where Frederick had bought the gun.

Soon, Metzger and Marchin were having afternoon tea.

Marchin said with a worried look, "This time there is some trouble. His Majesty Kazimir's envoy has turned one of our members against us, and he knows about this."

Metzger said casually, "So, this deal is off. That's a real shame."

Marchin's heart skipped a beat. Judging from Metzger's attitude, could it be that he had something else to rely on? Could it be that he was talking about more than just his family?
The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. His warehouse was quite far from here, and the only reason he could make contact was because his friend had recently had a few drinks with Metzger. What if Metzger had other friends? It was impossible for him not to make contact with other warehouses across the river.

Marchin quickly came up with a solution, secretly relieved that he and his accomplices had said they would charge 70% of the market price, intending to keep the remaining 10% for themselves; now he could only suffer a loss.

He said, “Please don’t worry, I’ve contacted a relative and worked with the Imperial Envoy, but his conditions are a bit harsh.”

Metzger picked up his teacup and drank his tea without a care in the world.

Marcin continued, "He said that if he could receive three cameras as a gift, the price could be reduced to 70% or 80%."

He was a little nervous after he finished speaking, not knowing how much other companies were asking for, or whether adding two more cameras would backfire.

Metzger said casually, "I'd also like to give you 80% so we can be friends, but friends in this business also have friends."

It took Marchin a while to realize that he had forgotten something very important: he hadn't arranged a kickback for Metzger.

He thought about it and realized that the kickback probably wasn't just for Metzger alone, so he gritted his teeth and said, "Settle accounts at 78% and pick up the goods at 74%. I know a few friends at the bank in Burling."

Metzger slowly finished his cup of tea and said, "I can't let you lose too much money, so let's settle for 79%."

Marchin waited for half a minute but received no response. He cursed inwardly, "If you don't want me to lose money, then raise the delivery price as well."

Metzger continued, "The cameras are fine. My connections in Wesenberg City are somewhat useful. Getting five shouldn't be a problem, but it will take some time to get them here."

Marchin was a little excited. This camera was a fashionable item among the court nobles, and it might be able to help him go a little further.

The two sides quickly reached an agreement. Marchin transported the grain to the Dawn Chamber of Commerce's warehouse, where Metzger inspected the goods and exchanged money for the goods.

To celebrate the successful collaboration, Metzger presented Marchin with a "military pocket watch he had treasured for many years" that he had been selling at a street stall in Wesenberg.

Don't ask why this watch is a bit worn and not very accurate. It's normal for a pocket watch that has been on the battlefield to have some bumps and scratches. Its commemorative value is greater than its practical value!

(End of this chapter)