To properly confirm the information heard from Kou, Donovan immediately contacted headquarters.
The contact, of course, was Schmidt.
This time, the exchange was conducted via communicator rather than in person, so the discussion was arranged in advance.
As a result, what Kou had said was confirmed to be true, and it was verified that Crown was indeed handling Mizuhikigoke.
During the discussion, Schmidt inquired where Donovan had heard about it, and Donovan found it highly impressive that Schmidt seemed to understand immediately upon hearing Kou’s name.
Furthermore, another new fact came to light during that discussion.
Donovan had received permission to release this information based on his own judgment.
“It’s remarkably well-prepared,” Donovan mused, seeing this as a part of the reason for Crown’s continued rapid growth.
Within a few days of the discussion with Schmidt, Seichun, the branch manager of the Battle Trading Company, visited again.
“My, my. Thank you for taking the time.”
Although the branch manager’s tone and attitude were deferential, his inner thoughts, implying that his demands would be met, were clearly visible.
The reason for waiting a few days to visit, rather than coming immediately, was likely to allow time for coordination with Crown Headquarters.
Meanwhile, Donovan, who was facing him, showed no particular reaction to the branch manager’s demeanor.
He intended to assess the other party’s intentions.
“Don’t worry about it. We’re both busy,” Donovan said, nodding.
His unspoken implication was, “Let’s get this over with quickly.”
After this preliminary exchange, the branch manager quickly got to the point.
“Without further ado, I’ve come to discuss that matter.”
“What matter is that?”
The branch manager’s eyebrow twitched at Donovan’s feigned ignorance.
However, he did not take the bait and continued speaking with composure.
“Regarding the rights to Aether’s Water.”
“Ah, that. I believe we already responded to that?”
“…So, you have absolutely no intention of changing the current situation?”
“Yes. Thanks to the time we were given, I confirmed with headquarters, and they still have no intention of changing it.”
Donovan said this so easily that the branch manager let out an exaggerated sigh.
“Is that so? That’s regrettable.”
Seeing the branch manager’s lack of genuine regret, Donovan smirked.
The branch manager, utterly confident in his own superiority, decided it was time to play his trump card.
“In that case, is it correct to assume that Crown is completely renouncing its negotiation rights for that item?”
The branch manager, unaware that Crown was handling Mizuhikigoke, said this believing it would force Donovan to back down.
If Kou hadn’t provided the information, Donovan might have been somewhat swayed. Being unable to touch a material that could become a future trump card meant being at a disadvantage.
Of course, a single material wouldn’t necessarily diminish Seichun’s influence.
However, Donovan was already aware that Miyuhikigoke, in particular, might lead to such a possibility if mishandled.
Deciding that now was the opportune moment to counter the branch manager’s trump card, Donovan looked at Adele, who was sitting beside him. Seeing her nod, he decided to reveal their own trump card.
“Ah, speaking of that.”
“?”
“Mizuhikigoke. It seems we already handle it at headquarters.”
As Donovan spoke, the branch manager’s expression conveyed a moment of incomprehension, followed immediately by a gasp of surprise.
“Wh-what…?!”
Donovan found satisfaction just seeing the branch manager’s reaction.
As for how to proceed, Crown had no intention of unnecessarily cornering the existing local forces.
Donovan nodded ostentatiously, as if he hadn’t seen the branch manager’s reaction, and continued.
“Apparently, there are areas within the Amamiya Tower’s adventurer activity zones that can be used. It was a blind spot for me, but that seems to be the case.”
The branch manager watched Donovan speak, his mouth moving silently.
It was understandable. Their trump card, brought forth to gain an advantage, was something the other party was already handling.
It could only be a trump card if they believed the other party didn’t have it, but now it had lost all its significance.
Observing the branch manager’s reaction, Donovan was, in fact, impressed. Any ordinary merchant would have likely fainted in such a situation.
The branch manager’s effort to maintain his composure was truly noteworthy.
“…Have you calmed down?”
Donovan asked, seeing the branch manager finally regain some composure.
The branch manager cast a resentful glance at Donovan and practically choked out his response.
“Yes, well. Thanks to you.”
Both Donovan and the branch manager understood that neither of them held all the cards; there were figures behind them pulling strings. Donovan represented Crown Headquarters, and the branch manager represented the Dominant Empire.
This understanding meant there were certain lines they couldn’t cross, and precisely because of this, Donovan made his next proposal.
“You must have your own position, right? How about we pretend this whole conversation never happened and start over?”
This was, in effect, a declaration of a truce from Crown’s side, but the branch manager currently lacked the means to counter it.
“…Indeed. That would be for the best.”
The branch manager nodded, his face now ashen, a stark contrast to his demeanor when the negotiation began.
While it was a nightmare scenario for the branch manager, the conversation wasn’t over yet.
Donovan, looking at the branch manager with pity, added information he had heard from Schmidt.
“Also, since we’re here, I’d like to provide one more piece of information. Is that alright?”
“Information?”
The branch manager looked as if he couldn’t fathom what else could possibly be coming. Donovan nodded once and continued.
“It seems headquarters has already succeeded in creating that item using Raspica Water.”
At Donovan’s whisper, the branch manager’s eyes widened.
“N-no way…!”
“Yes. I thought so too, but it seems they’ve confirmed its effects. However, it’s very difficult to mass-produce, so they don’t plan to put it on the market openly.”
Faced with this information of immense significance, the branch manager looked as if he might faint this time. Still, he managed to force out a question.
“You… or rather, Crown, how much more surprises are you going to spring on us?”
“Who knows? I can’t tell you anything more about that. I only learned about it myself just the other day. I wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for this matter.”
The two had long since forgotten their roles as negotiators and were speaking in their natural states.
Donovan looked at the branch manager with pity and sighed. The branch manager, watching him, also sighed, a look of exhaustion on his face.
And so, the branch manager was left utterly speechless.
The fact that he enthusiastically sat down for negotiations, believing his opponent lacked the item, only to discover they not only possessed it but were even further ahead.
Anyone would react similarly. Being a mere errand runner is tough in any world. My condolences.
