Al-Sini’s eyes widened as he looked at the sword and the folded pirate flag on the table before him.

“Impressive, taking down the Blue Flag Pirates in just three weeks.”

To be fair, a trading company of Al-Sini’s caliber didn’t fail to capture them due to lack of strength.

Those pirates were quick to flee and adept at evading, which is likely why they hadn’t been caught yet.

“They were just a small-time gang with a single ship. They weren’t a significant threat.”

“But they were slippery devils. How did you manage to eliminate them?”

I couldn’t exactly admit that I hadn’t “eliminated” them but had rather recruited them.

Not that it would necessarily harm me; after all, Al-Sini had asked for a solution, not specifically for their elimination.

But if I confessed, I’d have to hand over the future marines and sailors I’d tied up as pretend prisoners in our hold right now.

I wasn’t about to hand over people who’d just sworn loyalty to me.

“No matter how quick they are, they can’t hide their tail. They only target the Sultanate’s merchants and military vessels. While they’re criminals in the Sultanate, here in the Toscana Empire, they’re more like upstanding citizens.”

Al-Sini had likely sunk numerous ships unrelated to the Medici family or the spice trade alliance.

Those caught near our territorial waters would probably end up as slaves in the salt mines.

“Given that, they felt quite relaxed in the ports near Toscana, able to rest without fear. And pirates love boasting about their exploits…”

Pirates aren’t all that different from the older men who brag about their glory days.

Not knowing when they’ll meet their end, they crave recognition and frequently share tales of their adventures.

So, tracking down a few rumors wasn’t too difficult.

‘They probably thought no one would pursue them all the way into the Toscana Empire.’

They weren’t entirely wrong, but they should have been more careful.

What if it hadn’t been me but someone else on their trail?

“So, I followed them until they reached the open sea, far from any prying eyes, and then launched an all-out assault.”

“Your persistence is truly remarkable. In that case, we’ll have to honor our agreement.”

Al-Sini shrugged his shoulders and offered a sly grin.

“A merchant must keep his promises, after all. As agreed, I’ll have the entire shipment ready for you within a week.”

With the spice supplies secured, my immediate concerns were now settled.

Moreover, I could now continue dealing with Al-Sini as a proven merchant and trusted member of the Medici family.

But why settle for just this? There was still room to extract more value from this situation.

“Thank you. By the way, could I also purchase some coffee beans?”

“Coffee? We drink coffee instead of alcohol since we can’t consume it ourselves, but I’d heard that coffee isn’t common on the Albanian continent.”

I once knew someone in college, back when I was at a university famous for soy milk, who seemed utterly fixated on coffee.

He drank it morning, noon, and night.

When I asked him why, he said, “I can’t drink alcohol, so coffee fills that gap for me.”

Since followers of the Madhbah faith can’t drink alcohol, they must rely on caffeine to give them a similar boost.

“True, coffee hasn’t caught on in Albanian culture yet, but it’s much better than alcohol, isn’t it? Its rich, deep aroma, the slight acidity amidst the bitterness—it clears the mind and awakens the senses. Perfect before a study session or a romantic evening.”

Truthfully, our Café Medici has inspired countless imitators and new dessert innovations, cutting into our profits a bit.

While we still lead the market due to our status as trendsetters, that dominance may not last forever.

‘It’s about time I started pairing coffee with our cakes.’

“Hm, the youth of the Toscana Empire sure are passionate. Personally, I find coffee helps purify my mind and body before reading the Quran.”

He tried to keep a poker face, but his words lacked conviction.

“Well, Lord Al-Sini, you may feel that way due to your piety. For me, though, coffee stimulates other thoughts.”

Before the advent of chemically concocted aphrodisiacs, coffee was considered one of the best stimulants.

The caffeine heightened physical senses and even enhanced sexual pleasure.

For the nobility, amusement often meant gossiping at social gatherings or spending time with beautiful women.

So coffee, with its stimulating properties, would likely be a massive hit among men.

‘For women, it’s the perfect pairing with cake; for men, it’s an aphrodisiac.’

“It will sell just as well as spices, if not better. And unlike pepper or cloves, which must be transported from distant lands, coffee can be harvested nearby.”

“Indeed, it can.”

“Then please allow me, Fabio de Medici, to purchase coffee from you.”

Al-Sini raised his hands as if in surrender.

“Honestly, I can sell you all the coffee you want. Very well, you have my permission. You’re now free to trade with Al-Sini.”

“Thank you. If you’ll excuse me, I must be off.”

As I stood to leave, Al-Sini grabbed my sleeve.

“Where are you headed?”

“Wouldn’t it be dangerous to sell it nearby? Naturally, I’ll sell it in the Kingdom of Granada.”

In Granada, the monopolistic spice trade of the Toscana Empire wouldn’t be able to trace smuggled goods back to us.

‘Sure, I could also take it to the Kingdom of Lyon for a quick transaction.’

But I’d rather travel far, seeking both adventure and profit.

Though I won’t be able to establish connections this time, since it’ll be smuggled…

If you want to become a great merchant, smuggling is essential knowledge. Best to learn it thoroughly when the opportunity arises.

After Fabio departed, Al-Sini chuckled softly.

“Is this what they call natural talent, Muhammad?”

The man called Muhammad did not respond.

Al-Sini pressed further.

“He’s quite something, don’t you think? I could forgive him for making those pirates his subordinates.”

What tipped him off was Fabio’s refusal to sell the prisoners, despite the potential to increase his reward.

Al-Sini tapped his fingers on the desk.

“And to think, after just a few cups of coffee, he immediately understood how to market it in the Toscana Empire.”

There are certain principles one must follow to succeed in business.

The most crucial one is buying goods at a low price and selling them high elsewhere.

Always maintain trust with trading partners.

“Above all, though, it’s about recognizing value where others do not.”

Muhammad finally spoke.

“Yes, our founding ancestor of Al-Sini once saw potential in pepper, which was then considered an inedible seed. By promoting it as a medicinal and culinary treasure, he revitalized the family’s fortunes.”

A man who had redefined pepper as both a medicinal and culinary ingredient.

“I heard this Fabio character was also the first to recognize the value of seaweed, which even our Sultanate’s nobles can’t get enough of. He may well be like our founder, uncovering hidden value in seemingly useless things.”

Founders are practically sacred in noble and merchant families alike.

Criticizing one’s parents might be forgivable under certain circumstances, but a word against the founder is unforgivable.

Al-Sini’s praise was among the highest he could offer.

“By spring, we’ll be able to supply that seaweed. So prepare a list of prominent nobles who are expecting children. We’ll sell it to them at a premium later.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“And make me some soup with that seaweed, with plenty of garlic. I’m over sixty, but if I’m going to profit from seaweed, I may as well have another child.”

Fabio returned from Granada safely after completing his smuggling venture.