The Duke of Eisen was taken aback by the unexpected response.
“What do you mean? Why do you need time to think about it?”
Duke Eisen had never dreamed that his proposal would be rejected. He had underestimated the merchant based on her appearance.
‘How can she refuse?’
Moreover, it was a situation eerily similar to when he himself had rejected Mut’s proposal.
The Duke of Eisen was getting annoyed. But the seller replied, “But I will accept the exclusive pre-sale proposal.”
With those words, the Duke of Eisen finally calmed down.
It was disappointing, but securing an exclusive deal was still a partial success for the Duke of Eisen.
“Alright then. The exclusive purchase price is 5,000 per bulb…”
“Let’s make it 20,000 Defars.”
The Duke of Eisen’s eyes widened in astonishment. But Hellas seemed unfazed by the amount she just demanded.
“Are you crazy? No variant sold near 20,000 Defars even in their prime!”
“I believe this glowing variant of Morning Glory is worth that much.”
“What nonsense! Are you even aware of the current market prices?”
“Exactly. To people tired of the usual variants, the glowing variant will be a new investment opportunity. In other words, the glowing variant is the only hope to stop the price drop of Morning Glories.”
“But still, this price is ridiculous. You are…!”
Bang!
Duke Eisen finched hearing the commotion. Seeing who it was, the Duke of Eisen was even more surprised.
“Mut? What are you doing here?”
But Mut ignored the Duke of Eisen and approached Hellas.
“Stop the dealings immediately.”
“I can’t do that.”
The two spoke as if they had known each other for a long time. Merchants often knew each other behind the scenes, but even considering that their conversation seemed unusual.
“Do you know what kind of place this is? I can’t allow you to be here.”
“…”
“Cancel the deal.”
“…”
Mut spoke calmly, but he also seemed flustered. Hellas, on the other hand, remained silent.
The Duke of Eisen watched them closely and thought, ‘It looks like Mut is trying to keep the new merchant in check. Well, he must be feeling upset that I, his customer until a moment ago, am now trying to make a deal with Hellas.’
“If you can’t cancel the deal, I’ll buy everything. You don’t have to sell it to anyone else.”
Mut’s next words shocked the Duke of Eisen.
‘Did Mut also want the plants?’
It was clear to everyone that the glowing variant had more investment value than Mut’s variant.
‘If you can’t beat your competitor, bring them to your side – was a well-known saying.’
Then the profits from the glowing variant would also go to Mut.
The Duke of Eisen burst out in anger, “Mut, get out of here! The glowing variant is mine! I was negotiating with Hellas first!”
“Contracts made during the negotiation phase can be canceled at any time.”
“Hmph! Do you think Hellas will cancel this deal?” The Duke of Eisen shouted.
“Hellas, accept my proposal. I’ll buy the bulbs at 20,000 Defars each.”
“It’s 25,000 Defars.”
“Wh- What did you say?”
The sudden price increase flustered the Duke of Eisen.
Hellas calmly explained, “The price just went up. The demand for exclusive reservations of the glowing variant has increased.”
“But, but 25,000 Defars per bulb is…”
“I’ll buy them for 30,000 Defars.”
As the Duke of Eisen hesitated, Mut stepped forward.
‘That crazy punk…!’
How could he possibly offer 30,000 Defars per bulb?
However, when he thought Hellas was considering Mut’s proposal, Duke Eisen couldn’t make a rational decision.
“I’ll buy them for 35,000 Defars! No, 40,000 Defars! Sell them to me!”
***
The Duke of Eisen left the room with a beaming smile. He didn’t forget to sneer at Mut while holding a contract in his hand.
It was a contract for the exclusive reservation of an enormous amount of glowing hybrids.
After the Duke of Eisen disappeared, Mut—no, Brantley—revealed himself.
“What were you thinking, Hanelope? Do you know how dangerous this place is?”
I also removed the mask that had been frustrating me and took off the voice modulator necklace.
“Why did you come to such a place? If you’re doing this to help me, you don’t have to…”
“Nope, it’s not for you,” I smiled sweetly as I spoke.
It was clear that Brantley was noticeably flustered.
“Not because of me?”
“Yup.”
“Then why did you suddenly decide to become a seller?”
I replied even more nonchalantly, “I wanted to make some money too.”
***
Knock. Knock.
Someone knocked on the study door. But Hart didn’t take his eyes off the newspaper.
This time, the knocking was a bit more forceful.
Hart’s handsome eyebrows couldn’t help furrowing. Just by the sound of the knock, he could tell who the person outside the door was.
‘Why did that guy come here?’ The situation was irritating but also piqued his curiosity.
“Come in.”
With Hart’s permission, Brantley entered the study. His steps were hurried, unlike usual.
“Sir.”
His silver eyes looked intently at Hart.
‘He usually has trouble looking me in the eye, but he must have a purpose for coming.’
The reason was obvious. There was only one reason he would act this way.
“What’s the matter?”
“……”
Even though Brantley had come all the way to Hart, he couldn’t bring himself to speak. He was clearly conflicted. Only Hart could help him but what if Hanelope dislikes it?
Hart could easily see his intentions.
“I know that Hanelope is working as a seller.”
“What?”
A crack appeared on his usually serene, perfect face.
Hart spoke coldly, “You must be here to ask me to stop Hanelope from what she’s doing. But my daughter wouldn’t undertake something so significant without consulting her father.”
Of course, there were times she did big things without saying anything, but this wasn’t one of those times.
“Hanelope and I discussed it thoroughly, and she’s doing this work under disguise.”
“But it’s dangerous. You know how rough and vile these traders can be…!”
“Do you think I wouldn’t have arranged for her safety?”
“!”
“I know what my daughter is doing. So stop worrying and go back.”
“……”
Brantley seemed taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it tightly. He was still worried about Hanelope engaging in such activities. But the person before him was Hanelope’s father, Hart.
Hart was the only person Brantley found difficult to deal with.
“What are you still doing here?”
Only after Hart’s urging did Brantley leave the study.
Once the door closed, Hart chuckled softly.
‘Serves him right.’
It was the first time he had seen Brantley so nervous and agitated. He couldn’t even hide how this situation was eating him up inside.
‘He used to trouble my daughter so much; now he’ll understand her feelings.’
Hart felt a sense of satisfaction. He was indeed surprised when he heard his daughter’s plan that she wanted to bring down the Duke.
If that had been the only reason, he would have opposed it. He disliked the idea of Hanelope getting involved in such troublesome matters. Especially if it meant dealing with someone as despicable as the Duke of Eisen.
But he had to agree when Hanelope explained further.
‘And Brantley keeps avoiding me these days. On the contrary, I’ll avoid Brantley and make him suffer. I’ll get my revenge.’
For such a reason, he was fully supportive.
Hart reopened the newspaper he had set aside due to Brantley’s visit. The articles were filled with excitement over the glowing variant Hanelope had created.
While there was enthusiasm for the glowing variant itself, the dramatic reaction was due to the surprise event of turning off the lights in the auction house.
Everyone was eager to see the glowing variant. People were scrambling to find out where and from whom to purchase it.
However, the last line of the article brought people back to reality.
***
“Hahaha. Look at this. The prices are rising again!”
The Duke of Eisen laughed heartily as he received a report from his butler.
The glowing variant had only been showcased to the world once. Moreover, even the exclusive buyer, the Duke of Eisen, hadn’t seen the bulbs yet. But merely the anticipation for the glowing variant had stopped the price decline of other variants.
“Once I receive the glowing variant bulbs, it’s a given that I’ll make tens or even hundreds of times the profit.”
“Congratulations, Your Grace. However, there is one concern,” The butler spoke cautiously.
“What is it?”
“There are reports of people willing to pay premiums and penalties to steal the exclusive contract.”
“What?”
The Duke of Eisen was startled.
