"I will now report the notable trends from this quarter's sales."

Inside Marquis Demian's study, Vera, the head of the Vera Trading Company, delivered a sales report directly to the marquis.

The fact that Marquis Demian was the true owner of Vera Trading Company, one of the empire's Seven Great Trading Companies, was a closely guarded secret.

Thus, Vera had come discreetly to provide her report, away from prying eyes.

"The slight increase in revenue compared to the previous quarter can be attributed to the opening of the Somerset Theater, which has begun generating profit."

"A modest but upward trajectory."

"Yes, but significant revenue streams have started to materialize. Contrary to our expectations, the initial buzz hasn't died down, and sales remain steady."

Marquis Demian reviewed the financial report Vera presented, his expression thoughtful.

He had entered the animation business as a forward-looking investment, not expecting immediate returns.

"And yet, profits are already showing up."

The theater had only recently begun operations, and the projector sales, targeted at a small number of nobles, were also proving lucrative.

While the marquis didn’t hold sole control over these ventures—he received only a portion of the profits—the fact that the business was profitable from the outset, despite initial expectations of losses, was a promising sign.

"Repeat customers returning to purchase posters, limited-edition goods, or to rewatch the film have significantly contributed to these numbers."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it’s not uncommon to hear people boasting about how many times they’ve watched Frozen Kingdom recently."

The marquis had assumed that the theater business would require significant workforce expansion and a larger repertoire of films to generate meaningful profit.

With only one movie available, he had predicted a strong initial surge of interest, followed by a decline.

Yet, his assumption had been proven wrong.

Though he was pleased as an investor, he couldn’t help but question whether he had underestimated the potential of this new industry.

"A cultural industry, no doubt."

Marquis Demian referred to the innovative business created by Rupert Somerset as a "cultural industry," instinctively recognizing both its allure and its inherent risks.

"Public enthusiasm is directly tied to influence," he mused, observing the fervor Rupert’s creations inspired.

The issue wasn’t just revenue but the far-reaching impact of the business.

From the marquis’s perspective, even if book and merchandise sales brought in considerable income, such revenue could easily be matched by monopolizing military supplies during wartime, as the northern Iron Trading Company had done during the Silvania War.

However, influence was a different story altogether.

"On release days for new Manafia titles, the streets look like a festival."
"Vendors selling food, resellers hawking their newly purchased books..."
"And Somerset’s goods stores? If you don’t line up early in the morning, everything’s sold out by noon."

Somerset and the Yuren Trading Company’s products were not necessities, yet they drove people into a frenzy.

If they had been even slightly more ruthless in their approach, their profits would have been astronomical.

"For instance, requiring customers to purchase a certain amount of Yuren goods to buy a book."

Even a cursory brainstorm revealed countless ways to generate more money or leverage their influence without monetary ties.

It’s time to make a decision."

"A decision, my lord?"

Marquis Demian’s musing aloud left Vera confused.

"I’m not particularly fond of sharing the pie."

"…Yes, my lord."

"But if there’s no way to have it all for myself, there’s only one option."

From the moment the animation venture was launched in collaboration with the Yuren Trading Company, Demian had planned to eventually steal their technology and knowledge to dominate the cultural industry.

However, after witnessing the success of the Frozen Kingdom theater and the King of Cards card game, he abandoned that idea.

"Their strategies and products are like mind-reading magic."

Even with his pride as a seasoned merchant, Demian knew it was impossible to replicate Somerset’s groundbreaking innovations and sales methods.

"I must establish a closer partnership with Somerset and the Yuren Trading Company."

"But aren’t we already collaborating on the animation business?"

"Not just animation. I mean joining their publishing and merchandise ventures as well."

Vera’s eyes widened in shock.

Even in their animation partnership, the key operations were handled by Somerset’s workshop, with Vera Trading Company relegated to subcontractor-like roles.

She had assumed the marquis, who wielded significant influence over the imperial economy, was dissatisfied with this arrangement.

Yet now he was proposing they fully cooperate with Somerset’s enterprises, a move tantamount to placing Vera under Yuren’s shadow.

"My lord! Even if Yuren Trading Company has been gaining ground recently, Vera is one of the Seven Great Trading Companies!"

"And now it’s merely one of seven."

"But Vera is a historic and prestigious organization. Why would you suggest aligning us under a competitor?"

Vera was incredulous.

Despite some recent setbacks, Vera Trading Company was still respected, and its pivotal role in elevating Demian’s household to the imperial aristocracy was undeniable.

"Before I am a noble, I am a merchant."

Demian’s calm response silenced Vera.

Though he moved behind the scenes as a marquis and one of the Seven Great Nobles, Demian had never forgotten that his family’s origins lay in commerce.

"I remember my late father once obtaining a rare vintage wine."

"Yes, I recall that. It was exceptionally rare, and he cherished it deeply."

"He always said he’d save it for a special occasion. He treasured it so much that, in the end, he passed away without ever drinking it."

"…"

"Vera Trading Company, which once led the empire, now lingers among the Seven Greats."

"To me, it feels much like that wine."

His words left Vera speechless.

"Somerset and Yuren are stretched thin managing their rapid growth. They’re desperate for manpower and resources."

"That is true. They’re struggling even to keep up with staffing demands."

"Then now is the perfect time for Vera to negotiate for the highest possible value."

"But what if their growth doesn’t last? Isn’t this gamble too risky?"

Vera understood Demian’s intentions but still felt his decision was too extreme.

While Yuren’s rise was undeniable, the trading world was unpredictable. Betting on an uncertain future seemed reckless.

"What if their growth continues?"

"Pardon?"

"What if Somerset gains the imperial family’s backing?"

"If that happens, then…"

"I’ve heard increasing rumors about Rupert Somerset and Princess Iolin’s marriage."

Demian wasn’t the type to bet recklessly.

Reports of Rupert and Iolin’s possible engagement had been circulating, and it was no secret that the crown prince held Rupert in high regard.

To Demian, swallowing his pride and forging an alliance was a small price to pay to secure a future foothold in an industry poised to reshape the empire.

"It’s not submission. It’s the best trade a merchant could make."

++++

“It can’t be helped. A temporary alliance it is, then.”

“I haven’t agreed to this yet!”

“Then are you willing to let Professor Rupert be taken away by Her Highness the Princess?”

“That’s….”

In Zinnia’s associate professor’s office at the academy, an unexpected visitor had arrived.

“You must not have heard the rumors yet, but word is spreading fast that His Majesty the Emperor is planning to arrange Her Highness the Princess’s marriage.”

Amelia’s expression was stern as she delivered the news, and Zinnia’s face hardened upon hearing it.

“That’s so unfair! If the Emperor is behind it, it’s practically forced….”

“Exactly, which is why we need to stop this before it’s too late.”

Amelia, like Zinnia, couldn’t stand the thought of losing Rupert. She was certain Rupert cared for her, and she wasn’t about to let him be taken away in such a manner.

“But what can we even do about it?”

Reluctantly agreeing to Amelia’s proposal for a temporary alliance, Zinnia found herself at a loss for a concrete plan.

However—

“Don’t worry. I’ve already thought of something.”

Amelia’s voice brimmed with confidence, as though she had a solution already in mind.