Brand New Life Online: Rise Of The Goddess Of Harvest - Chapter 1781: Negotiations

Chapter 1781: Negotiations

—–

“So you’ve been working on a way to solve the food shortage, Lord Silvester?” Yaga asked with a nod. “I see…”

She had planned to visit other shops and find the highest bidder, but seeing how this man’s goal went beyond personal greed, she grew more interested. He was no ordinary merchant, and he didn’t seem to be lying. No one would craft such an elaborate deception for an unthreatening old lady and her band of seemingly weak undead.

“May I inquire about each of these products?” the Lord asked.

“Of course,” Elayne replied with a nod. “Let me explain their names, origins, and everything else, great lord.”

They spent the next two hours discussing the crops, vegetables, fruits, oil, and the countless other items that could be made from them.

“How incredible—from oil to bread, and so many other products,” the man said, rubbing his chin and stroking his ghostly beard. “I am deeply intrigued and amazed by what you’ve accomplished… and this might be the key to saving our village from starvation, something the Noble Households are keeping hidden from the public.”

“I see. So how much do you think this valuable food is worth to you, my lord?” Yaga asked with a smile. “I suppose that with all the value you’ve placed on our products, you won’t offer nothing for them, right?”

“Naturally. I am a man of business, and I hold my principles,” Silvester replied. “Each product has a variety of uses and values, so let’s discuss that in more detail…”

They spent the rest of the night negotiating, assigning prices to everything from the smallest carrot to the juiciest fruits Elayne had recently harvested. By the time morning arrived, they had agreed on fair prices for all items and signed a contract. Not only would Elayne and Yaga sell a large quantity now, but they would also supply the village every year.

This arrangement worked through a special spell the Lord possessed, called “Import” and “Export.” As a powerful White Ghost with the advanced “Merchant Grandmaster” Class at Level 200, he was a figure of considerable power and recognition. Using his Skills, he designated a magic circle area where the products would teleport. He gave Elayne and Yaga a magical bracelet to place near their farms.

The teleportation circle could only move products and operate under the System and Merchant Class rules. It was impossible to send people, undead, monsters, or anything not classified as a product. This also included slaves, which the System did not recognize as merchandise.

Silvester wanted to learn how to grow the crops himself, but Yaga and Elayne called it a trade secret. If he wished to figure it out, he would have to do so on his own. He accepted this and dropped the matter. He immediately assigned a few workers to attempt planting the seeds, completely unaware that they would never thrive in such infertile, dry soil.

The only way to successfully farm them outside would be if Elayne shared her enriched soil and spent many days expanding the fields… something she would gladly have done if Yaga hadn’t stopped her. The old woman reminded her that they needed to profit from this. Giving everything away would earn them no money and only draw more attention.

Rumors of an incredible farmer spreading vast fields everywhere would circulate, giving their enemies clues to track them while also risking destruction of the farms. Elayne couldn’t expand recklessly.

In this world, she had to do something she hated: hold back from spreading nature, even now…

“I wish I could truly expand my farms…” Elayne sighed. “But I cannot. We need the money after all. We have… a large group of people we need to protect.”

“I see. I suppose that’s it, then,” Silvester nodded. “With all these products, we will be able to feed our city for the rest of the year…”

“Hm…” Elayne sighed again, looking genuinely sad as she realized she simply couldn’t spread nature the way she wanted, which felt like failing her duty. “I… I wish I could… I wish I could help…”

“It’s all right,” Blank said with a gentle smile, patting her shoulder. “These are our village’s problems. You’ve done more than enough by bringing us all this food. Thank you so much.”

“Why don’t you stay for the rest of the week here at least?” Silvester suggested. “That way you can oversee the purchases. I’m willing to connect you with the best companies for anything else you need. Blank, make sure they feel welcomed.”

“Yes, Father,” Blank replied. “How about it, Lady Yaga? Lady Elayne? Sir Mark?”

“Well, if you insist…” Yaga nodded. “It wouldn’t be bad to rest here while we teleport everything. It’s a large haul, so it’ll take several days to harvest and send it all. Very well.”

“Alright,” Elayne agreed. “Thank you so much for your great hospitality. You’re truly amazing people.”

“Ah, you’re praising us too much,” Blank said modestly. “Come. The White Hall is only for business. For the rest of the week—or even a month if you wish—you can stay in our mansion. We have several guest rooms where you can enjoy a luxurious stay.”

“I wouldn’t say no to that!” Elayne replied happily.

“Well, thank you,” Mark added. “You don’t… really mind that we are undead?”

“Some would, but seeing how eloquent you are, I cannot treat you as mindless creatures, can I?” Blank smiled. “You are business partners, and perhaps the most important ones yet after the incredible deal we’ve struck. We cannot let you leave so easily, can we?”

“Haha, I suppose you’re right. Treating us poorly would only work against you,” Mark nodded. “Are our friends allowed as well?”

“Yes, of course. There are plenty of rooms,” Blank assured him. “Let’s go. My Ghostly Bone Carriage is right outside, and my shift is over. You can spend the rest of the day and night at the mansion. If you need anything else, we can connect you with the right people.”

“Thank you. That would be greatly appreciated. You’re as kind as you are handsome, young man,” Yaga giggled.

“Hahaha, I see you have a sense of humor as well,” Blank replied. He passed through the wall and emerged outside, floating above the crowd below. “Come outside. The carriage is right here.”

“Ah, I don’t think most of us can pass through walls…” Elayne said.

“Well, you should! You have the Cursed Rune of Ghosts, don’t you?” Yaga pointed out. “Then activate it and use it like a spell!” She passed through the wall herself. “Come on.”

—–