Chapter 42 - Volume 3 (2/2)
“Of course.”
Isaac responded casually to Goldman. In the VIP area, not only Goldman but all of the Guild Masters from the Seven Grand Merchant Guilds were watching, and they were the real reason Isaac started this race.
The Grand Ca.n.a.l Race finished, leaving the energetic the audience to talk about the events in the race. People headed home, ready to boast about what they saw in the races, while the men lit fires in their eyes, determined to visit New Port City after seeing those beautiful elves’ bare skin as their bodies became wet with water and sweat. It was just as Isaac intended, attracting people by using s.e.xual provocation.
Once the final race finished, Isaac went down to congratulate the winner and gave the elf the prize money. He then made a separate meeting with the Guild Masters. The real business was starting now.
Isaac watched the Guild Masters closely as they had their meals. They were the CEOs of this world’s multibillion dollar corporations. There isn’t a single business they haven’t meddled with, and through compet.i.tion and cooperation, they have made their own net of connections.
Once they finished their meal, they each conversed with one another while drinking some wine, lightening the mood. This is when Isaac made his move.
“Now, Shall we talk about business?”
“Business?”
All of the Guild Masters seemed displeased at those words. Isaac has already taken so much money from them, and just thinking about it makes their head ache. It’s true that the finance of New Port City has seen a boom, but it was still too early for their investment to profitable.
“I’m planning on opening these races once a month. I’ll add a portion of the profit into the race as an investment, so the prize money should increase gradually. But don’t you think it’d be boring if these races remained the same every time? Especially when it receives so much attention?”
“So you’re asking us to invest in you again?”
Svellon, the Guild Master of Waivo Merchant Guild, shouted with displeasure while Isaac spoke back with composure.
“Investment? No. I’m just planning on selling advertis.e.m.e.nts.”
“Advertis.e.m.e.nts?”
All of the Guild Masters began to ponder what that meant. Isaac smirked as he continued.
“I’ve heard the Rivolden Merchant Guild has made some profit with their mascot business?”
Goldman made some dry coughs as he flexed out his chest, while the other Guild Masters frowned.
The Rivolden Merchant Guild saw exceptional rise in profit after using Kunette as their mascot, and the other guilds tried to follow suit and make their own mascots. However, the Rivolden Merchant Guild has already taken root in this aspect, making it difficult for other guilds to see the same effect.
“You’ve already seen how people gather at racers when they make fancy plays right? What if those racers only used your products?”
A light lit in all of the Guild Master’s eyes. As expected of CEOs of global corporations, their noses were very keen when it came to profit.
Isaac added fuel to their flaming eyes by adding these words.
“This race was just individuals, but I’m planning on adding team games in the next races. And anyone can create their own teams to compete in these races.”
“Does that mean we can invest to create a team of our own to compete?”
Isaac nodded at Goldman.
“That’s right. Rivolden Race Team. Hm, it sounds rather bland. I guess you can just add some fancy word in there to make it more interesting. That team can compete in our race, and if they happen to win, it’ll send their fans into a frenzy. You all know how effective advertis.e.m.e.nt is right?”
“…”
There wasn’t a single person who didn’t know the Seven Grand Merchant Guilds. But the only problem was that there wasn’t any difference between them. If the quality of goods was the same, all that’s left is the reputation. So, one of the best ways for a guild to sell their product was to have a better reputation than a competing guild. Isaac’s offer definitely had merit in making investment.
The Guild Masters looked to each other as they pondered. They gathered in a circle and had a short discussion until Goldman came out as their representative.
“I’m sorry, but we will decline your offer.”
“What?”
Isaac looked at the Guild Masters in confusion. On their faces, it looked as if they had no choice but to give up on the offer.
“What’s the reason?”
“First thing is that Port City holds the right over the Ca.n.a.l. Port City may have watched the first race out of curiosity, but now that they know it can be profitable, they will use their right as an excuse to bar you out of the races. You won’t be able to do anything against that.”
“I can always pay them a fee for using the Ca.n.a.l.”
“Will Port City give you a reasonable offer? I know it was your idea that came up with this amazing race, but Port City can always copy it for their own.”
“Only elves can compete in this race with their power over elemental spirits.”
“That’s another problem. If only certain races can compete, then it thins out possible players too much. And there are other races that can use elemental spirits other than the elves. Plus, nothing is going to stop the elves from joining Port City to compete in the races, especially when they seek entertainment over everything. I’m sure there will be elves who will cancel their contract with you to compete in the race. Cancellation fees you say? I’m sure Port City will be more than happy to pay for the elves, if it means recruiting more elves for the race.”
“Hm. Those are problems I never thought about.”
Isaac admitted wholeheartedly. Just as Goldman said, there were too many holes Port City could use to step foot in this.
“It’s a shame. I guess we’ll talk about it again once I gain the rights over all of the waterways.”
All of the Guild Masters let out laughter, taking Isaac’s words as a joke.
“Haha. Port City handing over their rights. It sounds like a dream come true. Then all of our problems would be solved so easily.”
‘Hm?’
Isaac knew something was off when he saw all of the Guild Masters nod in agreement with a bitter smile at Goldman’s words. It almost looked as if even if Isaac won the rights over the waterways, there was something that still prevented them from joining in.
‘So there is something going on.’
Isaac’s eyes were on the Guild Masters. Isaac finally found a lead. A lead to answer the question he’d been asking ever since he started working as the Lord’s representative.
With the party finis.h.i.+ng with an awkward mood, the Guild Masters quickly s.h.i.+fted to their busy schedules as an excuse for leaving the premises. Isaac sat alone in the room as he pondered when Rizzly came to visit.
“Huh? It’s already over?”
Many North Bears were sent to the races which ended up as festivals, and they received much love from the women as they walked around in their bear form. Rizzly was one of those bears, and he seemed to be in a good mood from receiving so much honey as gifts from these women.
“Has something happened?”
Rizzly carefully asked the question when Isaac didn’t even reply to his words, his face serious as stone.
“Screwed.”
“What?”
“We are going to be screwed.”
“Huh! Why!”
“Ah! No. It’s just me who’s screwed.”
“That’s fine then.”
“Hm?”
Rizzly, who let out a sigh of relief, received an ill look from Isaac. Rizzly tried his best to avoid eye contact.
“So that’s what you really think in your mind right? What happens to me is none of your concern.”
“O-of course not.”
“Sigh. I’ll just tell Kunette.”
“N, No!”
Rizzly’s face turned pale blue. It seemed he was truly terrified at Isaac’s words, his body shaking.
“Are you really that scared of Kunette?”
“Sir Isaac, you don’t know because you’ve never experienced it!”
“I was just kidding. It was a joke. Do you really think I’d tell on Kunette?”
“Eheheh.”
Finally, Rizzly seemed like he was relieved and let out a small laugh. Isaac got out of his seat, and Rizzly quickly followed behind him.
“Are you planning to go back to City Hall? The festival’s still at large…”
Rizzly said those words, feeling like Isaac missing out at the festival. Isaac shook his face.
“I’m going to Port City. Oh yeah. I should consider placing these Communicators in my city too. It’s so annoying to travel to Port City just for that.”
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