NOVPUBThe nobles who had been fighting stopped and grumbled.
“What on earth is going on?”
“Tch, let’s head back for now and try again another day.”
“Typical northerners, no manners. If it weren’t for Marquis Branford...”
The very same people who had been brandishing swords in front of someone else’s property were now acting all dignified, complaining about manners.
As time passed, most of the crowd dispersed. Since the doors remained shut and no further explanation was given, they had no other choice but to leave.
Once the commotion outside quieted down, Ghislain casually asked Claude, “Did they all leave?”
“For the most part, yes. But what will you do next? If we reopen, it’ll just turn into the same chaos again.”
“We need to make sure that chaos doesn’t happen.”
“And how do you plan to do that?”
“We need a representative to handle it. Given the situation, it’s best to sell the stock quickly and move on.”
Ghislain couldn’t stay tied down to the capital forever.
Having made up his mind, he strode off with purpose. Claude hurried after him, asking, “But you didn’t want to hand this over to someone else before. Things might settle down after a few more days, don’t you think?”
“How long would that take? Unless we set up branches in every territory across the kingdom, people will keep flocking here. Even the biggest merchant groups are already knocking on our door.”
“...It’s going to be hard to leave for the estate anytime soon.”
“Exactly. At this rate, we won’t be able to move until all the stock is sold.”
Ghislain had estimated the quantities based on the popularity he had seen in his past life. His original plan was to start with an exclusive, high-end strategy, selling to only a few wealthy nobles, and then gradually expand the market.
He had planned to control demand and secure a stable income source over time. However, after the rumor spread that Rosalyn’s condition had been cured, word of mouth had spread much faster than anticipated.
Though the business was thriving, Ghislain couldn't afford to neglect more important matters. As much as it hurt to give up part of the profits, it was clear that delegating the sales was the better option in this situation.
Claude, catching on to Ghislain’s thoughts, spoke with a sense of resolve, “Then I’ll stay behind and manage things! You can return to the estate, Lord.”
“If you stayed, you'd just laze around. Do you want to die?”
“I’m sorry...”
Claude’s hidden ambitions were quickly shot down by Ghislain’s sharp response.
“So, who will you entrust this to?”
“Let’s see...”
The representative had to be powerful enough to keep the nobles in check and skilled enough to handle the business effectively. The options weren’t plentiful.
‘Countess Aylesbur isn’t a bad choice, but since we’re already tied with the Branford family as sponsors, I might as well hand it to them.’
With that, Ghislain nonchalantly made his way to the Branford mansion.
Marquis Branford, seeing the unexpected guest, rubbed his temples to stave off a headache.
‘This isn’t a friend’s house for casual visits...’
Suppressing his true feelings, the marquis maintained his usual impassive expression and asked, “What brings you here?”
“I came to deliver good news.”
It was the kind of line a con artist might use.
Marquis Branford narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Ghislain from head to toe. Ghislain, on the other hand, stood confidently, showing no sign of hesitation.
“...Speak.”
“You must have noticed that the popularity of our cosmetics is growing.”
“So?”
“I would like the Branford family to take over the sale of the cosmetics.”
The marquis couldn't hide his surprise and asked, “It’s selling well, so why hand it over?”
“There are too many customers for my people to manage. I’ll give you 10% of the profits in exchange for an investment of 300,000 gold.”
The marquis’ mouth fell open in disbelief.
300,000 gold was a fortune—enough to buy a small estate. To ask for such a huge sum so casually!
The cosmetics were certainly popular, but trading 10% of the profits for 300,000 gold was absurd.
‘Does this brat think I’m a fool just because I’ve done him a few favors?’
It had been a long time since Marquis Branford had felt this annoyed. His expression hardened as he flatly refused.
“No.”
His blunt rejection caused both Belinda and Claude, who had followed, to nod in agreement.
‘The young lord went too far this time. Asking for 300,000 gold? With that kind of money, you could live lavishly for decades.’
‘Why is our lord’s scale always so grand? Did he really think this deal would work? Even a fool wouldn’t accept that offer.’
Just as the atmosphere began to grow awkward, Rosalyn, who had declared herself Ghislain’s sponsor, intervened.
“Father! I’ll cover half of the investment. Please accept this deal. It’s a great opportunity.”
Startled by her sudden remark, the marquis raised an eyebrow and asked, “What do you mean, opportunity? How is this a great deal?”
“Cosmetics are consumables. They’ll keep selling endlessly. We’ll eventually recover the investment.”
“How long do you think it will take to recoup that money? 10% means only 10 gold. After subtracting the management and operating costs, there will be hardly anything left.”
“That’s only because we’re selling in the capital. Once Deneb's name spreads across the kingdom, we’ll recover the investment much faster than you expect.”
Though she wasn’t wrong, building up that reputation and establishing those sales channels would take both time and money.
The marquis clicked his tongue, scolding his daughter.
“You think it’s that simple? Selling in the capital and establishing branches throughout the kingdom are entirely different matters.”
“I’ll handle the management.”
The confidence in her voice made the marquis pause for a moment.
“You?”
“Yes, if you let me manage it, I’ll ensure that we recover the investment with no issues.”
“If that brat fails to supply the products properly, we’ll suffer huge losses.”
At that, Ghislain, who had been listening quietly, grinned and confidently said, “Hey, if it sells a lot, that’s good for me too. Do you think I’d let that happen? There’s no need to worry.”
Rosalyn backed him up eagerly.
“He’s right, Father. Baron Fenris isn’t that kind of person. You’ve seen it yourself, haven’t you?”
Ghislain had originally intended to distance himself from Rosalyn, but if she was this determined to help, he couldn’t complain.
“I was planning to set up branches gradually once I had more leeway anyway. With Lady Rosalyn’s help, it’ll happen much faster. It’ll be a great benefit to the Branford family.”
With both of them pushing hard, the marquis hesitated for the first time.
Ignoring his hesitation, Rosalyn continued her pitch even more aggressively.
“This is also an opportunity to increase our family’s influence. Imagine, all the nobles in the kingdom will have to buy this product through our family.”
That was true as well.
Controlling the distribution of a highly desired product could translate into a form of power.
And if that product was a sensationally popular one, the power gained from it would be immense.
Marquis Branford, almost convinced, shook his head vigorously.
‘No, no, no. It doesn’t make sense to give away 300,000 gold and take on all the work just for that small benefit. I’m no fool!’
Logically, if he were to invest, he should get a share of the company. But taking on all the work as well, without proper compensation, would be ridiculous. What kind of idiot would accept such a deal?
The marquis seemed poised to reject the offer again when Rosalyn gave Ghislain a glance and quickly resumed her persuasion.
“Just imagine it, Father. Branches of this business spread across the kingdom, all flying the Branford family’s flag. This isn’t a loss for our family. We’ll recover the investment quickly, and after that, it’s all profit. I’ll make it happen.”
Marquis Branford, watching his daughter so fervently try to convince him, grew suspicious.
‘Why is she so eager? Could it be... she was inspired by what that brat said?’
Suddenly struck by a realization, the marquis pointed at her and said, “You’re getting married soon. You don’t have time for other ventures.”
But Rosalyn had already anticipated this argument and responded without hesitation.
“Now that my illness is cured, there’s no need to marry into that family. There are far better options out there. Wouldn’t it be a waste otherwise?”
“Hmm...”
The marquis’ expression wavered slightly.
Now that her health had returned, it did seem like a waste to marry her off to that particular family.
Sensing an opening, Rosalyn knew she had to press forward. Her father was not the type to hesitate like this under normal circumstances.
“I’ve managed multiple organizations before and made plenty of money. You know that, don’t you, Father? Trust me with this. I’ll make you feel like 300,000 gold was a steal.”
The marquis couldn’t argue with that.
Indeed, Rosalyn had shown remarkable business acumen before she fell ill. She had run several organizations simultaneously, never once drawing complaints or incurring losses. She was more than capable of handling the responsibility.
‘It sounds plausible, but... something still doesn’t feel right...’
Marquis Branford glanced at Ghislain.
Ever since that kid had shown up asking him to be his guardian, it felt like things had been spiraling out of control.
First, he’d provided support under the pretense of sponsorship. Now, this boy was asking him to sell cosmetics on his behalf and even wanted money for it.
‘Oh, now I know why I feel sick.’
As he thought about it, he realized that Ghislain had been getting everything he wanted all along.
Troubled, the marquis’ face showed his internal struggle.
Watching him, both Belinda and Claude clenched their fists.
‘Is he really hesitating over the young lord’s proposal? Is this the real Marquis Branford?’
‘Could he really be convinced? I hope so. This could be huge! If he agrees, our workload will drop significantly. Please, please!’
Seeing Marquis Branford still wrestling with the decision, Ghislain decided it was time to play his trump card.
