Anyone who’s amassed 9.9 billion will do whatever it takes to reach 10 billion.
And just because someone reaches that milestone doesn’t mean their greed vanishes. They’ll then aim to become a billionaire with assets in the trillions.
My outstanding—no, VIP—client, the mayor, was similarly captivated by the better opportunities lying before him.
“If it were anyone else making such claims, I might have doubted them. But Fabio, if you said you could extract gold from sand, I’d believe you. So, what is this excellent opportunity you’re offering?”
“I want to import a large quantity of wool and cotton through Guillaume City.”
“I’d like to know just how much you plan to purchase.”
“I’m looking to acquire enough to produce 5,000 bolts of woolen cloth and 15,000 bolts of cotton fabric. Eventually, I plan to triple that quantity.”
To a 21st-century Korean, this might not seem like an enormous amount.
A single employee in a company might handle a clothing order of much larger scale.
But that’s because, after industrialization, technology advanced so much. For a single trading company here, handling this volume is quite substantial.
‘If I were only acting as a broker, it might be a different story.’
“Are you planning to sell these raw materials to the Toscana Empire?”
That would make sense on the surface.
But I’m not some great merchant; there’s little profit to be gained from middleman trading, so why bother?
No, I plan to process all that wool and cotton into fabric and sell it myself.
The mayor’s eyes widened at my words.
“Processing wool and cotton into cloth would indeed bring in a lot of money. But are you sure you can handle it? It takes a lot of manpower to produce textiles.”
While Mayor Guillaume isn’t a completely trustworthy ally,
he’s reliable enough in most situations.
I can’t share all the secrets of my domain, but I can reveal some of them.
In fact, if I don’t share anything, he’d never trust me, so I must divulge a bit.
Lowering my voice like I was secretly sharing insider trading information, I said,
“This is something only you should know, Mayor.”
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The atmosphere became one of receiving privileged information, and the mayor’s focus sharpened, as if he were about to fire lasers from his eyes.
“Though it’s a bit embarrassing to admit, I’m probably more merchant than noble. As I managed my village, I learned a thing or two.”
“What’s that?”
“I discovered that even villages without specialty goods can generate more tax revenue by having serfs work in weaving rather than farming alone. From my calculations, it seems the profit margin increases by about 20%.”
Now, this calculation assumes I’m not using any of the innovations I’ve introduced, like the flying shuttle or spinning machines.
With the advanced machinery only I’m using in my domain, the profit margin would be at least tenfold.
And as we gain proficiency with these machines, the profitability will increase even further.
‘Still, a 20% tax increase is nothing to scoff at.’
The mayor swallowed hard.
“I’ll be getting a domain soon myself. I should consider running it like you.”
At his words, thoughts of the Enclosure Movement crossed my mind.
The hated practice initiated by that nation responsible for half of the 21st century’s international disputes.
As wool profits soared, nobles evicted their serfs with no recourse, turning them into paupers.
This led to the reluctant introduction of social welfare—well, workhouse-style welfare—in England.
Could similar events happen in the Kingdom of Lyon?
‘If a similar trend arises in the Toscana Empire, I’ll implement the Agrarian Law.’
If everyone risks everything for wool production, food prices will skyrocket.
“Don’t go too far with it. Good things are best enjoyed alone.”
The self-employed in 21st-century South Korea have proven this logic time and again.
When sugar-coated fruit skewers are trendy, everyone opens a shop. When spicy Chinese hot pot becomes popular, everyone jumps on the bandwagon.
It might seem profitable initially, but the more people enter the market, the less valuable you become.
The trend becomes oversaturated.
Eventually, we end up with business owners working over 100 hours a week and barely making 1 million won.
Actually, even those earning 1 million won for 100 hours of work might be above average.
If you want to succeed in any business, you have to set yourself apart.
‘That’s why I’m keeping the textile production a secret.’
“If you focus solely on production and leave the distribution to me, I’ll sell the goods for you. Without a commission.”
“You’d do that for me?”
“What kind of relationship do we have, Mayor? We’re practically allies, though of different nationalities.”
Through the mayor, I can infiltrate the Lyonese market, and thanks to my seaweed trade, his city thrives, boosting his prestige.
In this world, families borrow money and fail to repay it or back out as guarantors, ruining each other over finances.
A mutually beneficial relationship makes allies out of us.
“If only I had a daughter of suitable age, I’d give her to you.”
“Your sentiment is appreciated.”
“But why are you buying wool and cotton from the Kingdom of Lyon specifically? Transport costs must be considered; wouldn’t it be better to source them domestically?”
Buying and selling abroad remains under the radar unless the Royal Treasury audits it.
Domestic trades, on the other hand, leave trails, so I avoid them when possible.
No need to reveal all my reasons, though. I’ll redirect the conversation.
“While there are no nobles in the Kingdom of Lyon who dislike me yet, it wouldn’t look good to appear as if I’m just selling and raking in money. That’s why I’m buying plenty of the Kingdom’s specialty products, wool and cotton.”
The British Empire, which committed some of the most detestable acts in history, even thought that what they did in the Opium Wars was too much.
Back then, Qing China had a unilateral trade advantage over Britain, hurting British national interests.
Unable to bear the losses, Britain ultimately resorted to selling opium, which devastated China.
And when China tried to intervene, Britain went to war.
Not that my seaweed trade will cause issues on that scale...
But it’s essential to bow your head a bit before problems arise.
“Viscount Guillaume mentioned that a few financial administrators here in the Kingdom of Lyon didn’t view you favorably. This should resolve that issue.”
Of course, no matter how good the product you’re selling, if you take too much profit, it’s bound to draw some ire.
“Alright, then. How about a drink? I prepared something special for your arrival.”
Wine is always nice, but since I’m here, I should also pitch coffee.
“Wine sounds good, but first, try this.”
“You brought tea?”
“It’s coffee. A drink enjoyed by the heathens, but it sharpens the mind and is said to be a potent tonic.”
At the mention of it being a heathen drink, the mayor’s brow furrowed.
But upon hearing it’s good for vitality, a smile crept onto his face.
“Even His Majesty the Emperor of the Toscana Empire drank this and claimed he’d father a child in his old age. Ahem.”
The mayor urged me to produce the drink, eager to try it.
“Your seaweed soup cured my long-standing impotence. If you recommend it, I’ll drink whatever the infidels do.”
He looked as though he’d throw a fit if I delayed any longer.
I’d better brew it quickly before he becomes impatient.
I took out my portable coffee-making set.
After grinding pre-roasted beans, I poured hot water over them, filling the office with the rich aroma of coffee.
“This smells great. It’s bitter, but smooth on the way down. I like it.”
“Thank you.”
“I feel wide awake, as if my mind has cleared. And somehow, I feel invigorated.”
That’s the caffeine kicking in.
Medieval Europeans mistook this energy boost as enhanced vitality, believing coffee to be one of the best aphrodisiacs alongside chocolate.
“Well, forget the wine. I’m going to see my wife right away.”
Seeking his wife immediately after drinking this? He’s surprisingly devoted.
“I’m feeling a bit tired myself. I think I’ll rest.”
“Alright, let’s meet again tomorrow.”
With that, the mayor quickly left his office, almost bouncing with confidence.
That spring in his step must mean he’s feeling rather self-assured.
After all, men in their 40s often gauge their confidence by their physical prowess.
“Shall I wrap things up here and head back?”
It’s time to plan my next move.