Chapter 35: Negotiation

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Lord Dardell hesitated slightly but eventually spoke.

"Would it be possible for you to supply some sake to the temple as well?"

"Horse King, you mean?"

"Ah, well, it’s a bit delicate, but if possible, could you create a sake specifically for temple use?"

It’s “delicate,” yet he’s managed to come right out and ask.

"A new sake, then…"

My father wore a troubled expression again. The effort required to create a new sake isn’t trivial, but he’s probably hoping it can be done easily.

"Toma, is it possible?"

"I can’t guarantee it, but I believe I can manage."

I won’t promise, but I don’t intend to fail either.

"However, making a sake exclusively for the temple is out of the question."

"And why is that?"

"The power bestowed upon me by Deuro-sama allows me to provide delicious sake for many people. Limiting that only to the temple would go against Deuro-sama’s wishes."

"I see. My apologies. I’ll withdraw that proposal."

He backed down surprisingly easily.

"Then, if I may offer another suggestion, Toma-sama said he could make a new sake, correct?"

"…Yes."

So he hasn’t actually backed down after all.

"In that case, could we be given priority purchasing rights for a portion of the new sake? Even just one-third would be acceptable. We’re willing to pay a premium above the standard price for it."

So instead of exclusivity, he’s shifted to priority. Clever—he’s not asking for everything, but just enough to keep a foothold.

"I’ll discuss it with my father, and we’ll get back to you."

"Thank you. I look forward to a positive response. Ah, and please allow us to cover all initial costs for producing this new sake. It’s the least we can do."

"I’ll consult with my father about that as well."

The temple, which reveres the god who dethroned Deuro-sama, could be an adversary. However, I can’t openly oppose the temple at this stage.

On second thought, this might be an opportunity. If I can establish Deuro-sama’s influence within the temple, it could prevent unnecessary conflict.

As Deuro-sama’s Apostle, I should have some influence in the temple. If I gradually increase his followers there, it could lead to a peaceful alliance.

The first step is to win over Lord Dardell. Using a new sake to achieve this seems reasonable.

Through discussions with my father, we decided to allocate twenty percent of the new sake’s production to the temple.

However, this would apply to only one type of sake. There’s no way we would allocate multiple varieties of every new sake.

"That is perfectly acceptable. Thank you very much."

Lord Dardell accepted with ease.

Perhaps he had intended all along for twenty percent to be the compromise. This old woman is definitely not one to be underestimated.

"Toma-sama, you already seem to have some ideas for the new sake. If it’s not too much trouble, could you share even a little bit about it?"

"Well, ideally, I’d like to use ingredients from Ashud Territory, as we did with Horse King, but unfortunately, we haven’t discovered anything new locally. So I’m considering ingredients produced in nearby territories."

"A sensible choice."

"The ingredient I’m considering is a fruit called apoh, grown in Axel Territory."

Apoh resembles an apple from my previous life. It’s harvested in late autumn and early winter, then left to mature before hitting the market. I’ve tasted it a few times, and aged apoh is incredibly sweet with a pleasant hint of tartness—a delicious fruit.

"Apoh from Duke Bayerlein’s lands? I love apoh myself, you know. Hohoho!"

"I love apoh as well. Hahaha."

Hahaha. Just laugh along.

"Now then, Toma, how much apoh will you need?"

"To start, since this is experimental, about a ton should suffice."

A ton is a considerable amount, but not excessive. Apoh keeps well, and I hear there’s high demand for it. Its preservation quality also makes it suitable for export.

If securing a full ton is challenging, we’ll take as much as we can manage.

Shortly after, we received word that an envoy from Duke Bayerlein would be arriving in three days.