Chapter 200 - 198: Meeting The Merchants I (2/2)
”I am Ben Ringer from Lombart. I am here in Windsor in hopes to start up a business merchandise selling automobiles. My cousin's husband, Karl Benz has invented what in our kingdom is now called the first automobile ran by a gas engine. I will be engaging in importation so… anyway, that's me.”
”I am Alexander Bell. I have not started running my business yet, but I have the product ready. I invented this machine called the telephone and I am here today to seek assistance in this regard because of certain reasons…”
”I am Thomas Brassey, a civil engineering contractor. I have a certain project engaging in transportation already funded by other merchants, to which I am yet reluctant to start because of certain barriers of entry…”
”I am Howard Pew from Gloucester. My parents are the owner of John Pew and Son. Basically, we are producers of and whole dealers of fish and we also import salt. Currently, I am here in Windsor in hopes of entering market here.”
From their introduction, Charlton understood that these people were not simple merchants. They knew their own value and he too can see their potential. Anyway, since they were done introducing themselves, it was his turn.
”I am Charlton Daniel, the son and heir of the Grand Duke of Suffox. It is my pleasure to meet all of you. I have been informed by Edward that all of you are here today to seek my assistance in ensuring that you can maintain your neutral stance. In answer to this, the suggestion was to incorporate my name as one of the owners of your corporation. I understand that using my name has its advantages and disadvantages, and you are all here since you already weighed them. However, in dealings like this, there must be some transparency and mutual beneficence. So, before we get into an agreement, I wish to know your plight in detail, your motivations for choosing me, and what you can offer me in return.”
Charlton looked confident, but deep inside, he was feeling some nervousness. It was his first time dealing with a matter like this. Despite his bravado, he was a real 19-year-old who has only ever dealt with hypothetical situations in books and papers. He needed the funds, but he knew that he must make them understand that he did not particularly need it to come from them. Also, he must make them feel that they were the ones gaining the more advantageous position in their dealing. Truth was, without knowing his exact future plan, they really were.
Edward smiled. At first, he chose Charlton specifically for his young age and inexperience. He was the perfect shield for merchants like him. Yet, after their conversation last time, he quickly understood that he was the real wolf in sheep's clothing. Charlton knew his own value and knew how to wield it, yet he still treated everyone with dignity. Right now, he can already see the makings of a true democratic leader.
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TBC