Chapter 724 — Business and Enterprise

The silently operating thermostatic array shielded them from the bleak wind outside the castle. The decorative shields on the walls had been polished to a gleam; the magnificent classical tapestries bore symbols of heroes, monsters, and gods; the precious incense from fairy hands gave off a pleasant, refined fragrance from within its bronze censer; and the light of the magic crystal lamps spilled down from the ceiling, falling into the gold-rimmed teacups, where the bright red liquid shimmered with a warm layer of floating light.

Wenna the gray elf lifted the teacup before her and gently swirled the liquid, whose texture was so distinct, specks of light reflected in her pale eyes: "Goods from the Typhon Empire? That... is indeed novel. What exactly are they?"

"Textiles, mainly textiles, along with dyes and white crystal," Bai Yu said with a smile. "Superb quality, ample supply. Our friends among the tribes of the Western Plains should like them."

"Setting everything else aside, textiles do interest me somewhat," Wenna raised her eyes. "May I see a sample?"

Bai Yu rose with a smile and nodded to the attendant beside him: "Of course. Open it right here."

The attendant opened the wooden crate holding the samples, and the guests from the Augurey Tribal Kingdom immediately cast curious glances their way. Duke Bai Yu stepped forward himself, took a length of white cloth from the crate, and presented it to Wenna the gray elf: "My lady, if you would examine it."

Wenna reached out and took the cloth, studying it closely with expectation and curiosity, but within seconds her expectant expression turned somewhat astonished and disappointed. After a brief silence, the gray elf tribal chief frowned and shook her head: "My friend, I was just now praising the creativity of human craftsmen in the realm of art... and now I find myself rather perplexed."

As she spoke, she raised her head and looked at Duke Bai Yu with curiosity: "Forgive my frankness—is that distant Typhon Empire lacking in craftsmanship? You must be able to see that although this cloth is sturdy, its weave and pattern are utterly devoid of taste. Even an apprentice who has just learned to weave could produce such a thing. It—"

"Sixteen silver shield coins," Bai Yu said suddenly.

"What?" Wenna was caught off guard for a moment.

"Sixteen silver shield coins," Bai Yu said with a smile, patting the wooden crate beside him. "One hundred and sixty spans in total."

The gray elf Wenna's ears twitched involuntarily: "...Are you joking?"

"You wore the same expression and said the same words the last time I quoted you the price of alchemical potions," Bai Yu shook his head and sat back in the high-backed chair, his expression turning serious. "This is the real price. As you can see, these cloths are indeed utterly devoid of taste in weave and pattern. That is because they are woven by machine, and with current machine technology, only cloth like this can be produced. They truly are beneath the notice of the upper nobility, but as for the price... they will certainly be enormously popular among the middle class and common folk."

"Machine... this is not the first time I have heard that word," the astonished and disappointed look on Wenna's face had vanished, replaced by contemplation. "If it is machine-made, then I can understand its price. But I have a question—even if it is machine-made, you still must transport these cloths from distant Typhon to the western frontier. After such a long journey, are these goods still so cheap? In my understanding, even moving a single stone from the east of your country to the west would cost a considerable sum in freight alone."

"We are building new roads. An entirely new transport technology can achieve rapid conveyance of bulk goods. Of course, even so, transport costs do exist. The profit on these cloths is very, very thin, but the Franklin family has always sought long-term business partners. Small profits but quick turnover is our guiding principle—this you should know."

Duke Bai Yu spoke with an open expression, a sincere and gentle smile on his face.

Watching the smile on Bai Yu's face, the gray elf Wenna was silent for a moment or two before speaking: "You really are candid when discussing business... So then, you are merely transporting cheap cloth that Typhon sells you to the west and selling it to us... This is rather different from the alchemical potions of before."

"The essence of trade is to convert distance into profit. Transport, too, has its costs," Bai Yu nodded. "But in any case, these cloths will surely still generate tremendous value in your hands. After all... setting taste aside, their quality is superb and fully worthy of the price."

The gray elf's eyes narrowed slightly—a habitual gesture of hers when thinking.

"Elves love art; fineness and taste are elements we value greatly," after a few seconds of thought, she slowly opened her eyes, a faint gleam shining in her pale pupils. "My friend, there is no doubt that gold coins are the most tasteful thing in this world."

"Entirely in keeping with your personal style—and with mine," Bai Yu's smile blossomed. "Then if all goes well, we can formally begin accepting textile orders next spring, with specific quantities to be discussed later. Alchemical potions will follow the previously agreed delivery schedule and will not be affected by textile orders. As for settlement..."

"Half gold coins, half grain and medicinal herbs," Wenna volunteered. "Our king has already agreed to your request, and we know of the troubles that An... the Cecil Empire has encountered. As old friends, we are glad to offer help. The grain for the first order will reach the frontier before winter sets in."

"Give my thanks to the gray elf king," Bai Yu rose and said with all sincerity. "We will not forget any act of help from a friend."

Wenna rose and returned the courtesy, then looked toward the other crates: "Then these must be other samples?"

"Yes. Allow me to show you all..."

……

The radiance of the giant sun gradually sank toward the west, and ever more brilliant sunset hues began to blanket the earth along the clouds. Nameless birds called out against the backdrop of cloud and sky, hurrying home to their nests. Wenna, having left the castle, raised a hand to brush the strands of hair from her forehead and glanced back at the classical, magnificent castle of the Franklin family.

"Truly a great deal of business..." the gray elf murmured softly to herself.

The Red Valley man walking beside her could not help but frown: "They must be making even more."

Wen