( The Boss's POV )
Leo, as his 'TheBoss' persona set-up a string of meetings with the various Merchant Group representatives, in his official capacity as the Baron of Crest-Hill Barony.
However, before he met with anyone else, Tommy, the White Tiger Group representative came-up to meet with him first, as he flattered Leo with compliments left and right.
"Lord, you have completely transformed this place.
With how low the food prices are and how high the average income is, the commoners of this Barony have a lot of disposable income, which makes it a prime destination for merchants to set-up shop in.
The White Tiger Group shop that we have opened here has one of the best sell-out rates in the entire Empire, being second to only our stores in big-cities, but with how fast Berkshire Town is growing, I have no doubt in my mind that in a year's time we will definitely be more profitable….." Tommy said, as Leo listened to the words coming out of his mouth with an amused smile.
Up-till now, the White Tiger Group was the only major player in this region, with everyone else being small-time local traders, which helped them edge out the market.
However, now with rival factions showing interest in this emerging market, Tommy knew that they could not monopolize Crest-Hill Barony anymore.
"Well, I thank you for your praise, Sir Tommy, but I'm a warrior and not a merchant, so I'll appreciate if you were more direct with me regarding to what you want–" Leo said, as he requested that Tommy cut right to the chase, as he had many other meetings to also attend after he concluded this one today.
"My lord, as you must already know…. There is a war on-going near the border regions.
Although the war is still a fair distance away from Crest-Hill Barony, there is a chance that within the next few months or few years, the demon war does indeed reach this region and our expensive White Tiger Group establishments created here, such as our factories fall under threat of foreclosure.
So my request to you is, please sell the land at 10x the market price currently to us and show the purchase deed to deter the merchants coming after us from purchasing land here.
My bet is, they will all buy land here, even if the price is 10 times the market rate, because they are currently that desperate.
However, if they do not buy from you, then the White Tiger Group promises to buy all the remaining land up for sale at the current market rate, not letting you suffer a loss" Tommy suggested, as Leo raised an eyebrow listening to his proposal.
"And why should I do this?" Leo asked, to which Tommy smiled and replied saying "Because for one, you will not suffer a monetary loss either way. Regardless of whether or not the others buy a shop here, the White Tiger Group will buy all the land, so you are not obliged to make a deal.
However, in-case those fools do pay 10 times the price, then firstly they will put strain on their balance sheets which will make it harder for them to enter into price wars against us, and secondly, because you can use that additional revenue to boost-up this region's defenses, which secures White Tiger Group interests in this area.
Both ways, both of us make a profit, while the others take a big loss"
Leo was bamboozled when he heard Tommy's suggestion as he realized that there was still a long way for him to go before he became as cunning as these businessmen.
Pondering the proposal, Leo recognized the strategic advantage it offered as strengthening the defenses of Crest-Hill Barony was a priority, and this deal could provide the necessary funds to do it without him having to deplete his own resources.
Additionally, maintaining a strong relationship with the White Tiger Group, who had been loyal allies, seemed prudent amidst the growing tensions of the impending war and hence after careful consideration Leo felt like he could accept the offer.
"Alright, Tommy," Leo finally said, a determined look in his eyes. "You have a deal. Let's draw up the paperwork and make it official. But remember, this alliance hinges on mutual benefit and I expect the White Tiger Group to stand by Crest-Hill Barony if the war ever does reach our borders."
"Of course, my lord," Tommy replied, his smile widening. "You have our full support, after all, we have invested a lot in this Barony, just like you have."
With the agreement in place, Leo felt a surge of confidence. The challenges ahead were daunting, but with shrewd allies and careful planning, he was determined to lead Crest-Hill Barony through the turbulent times ahead.
**********
"What? 125 silver coins per square feet of land? This price is on-par with the Capital….. just why would anyone pay this much money for a small town, when real-estate does not even cost this much in StrongHaven?" The official from the Black Tortoise Group said, as he could not believe his eyes on what sort of deed the White Tiger Group had signed for their shop's land in this town.
"Well, as you must be aware sir, land prices in an area are determined by their last deal, and this is the last deal that I made.
You can either choose to pay this amount, or not, but it's completely up-to you.
I have only one commercial district in my town and the shop-spaces there are limited.
If you miss this chance then I won't let you open a shop in the residential district" Leo warned, as his warning forced the Black Tortoise representative to gulp a mouthful of saliva.
Looking at the local commercial district, the Black Tortoise representative noticed how it only had enough space for 30 shops total.
With the White Tiger Group having already purchased 5 to open a mega-shop, the remaining units were only 25 and even if they did not purchase it, the other groups were sure to.
"We….we will take 3 units" The representative said with a trembling voice as Leo smiled evilly under his mask.
"Very well, that will be 600,000 gold coins" he said, as he looted the Black Tortoise Group for 10 times the current market rate which was just 20,000 coins for a commercial shop unit, or 60,000 for three.
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/// A/N - Chapter 6/15. Let's go! ///