The Supermarket System

Chapter 50: 50. Business

The young man standing in front of Kaileon looked nervous, though he still tried to appear calm.

"My name is Nicholas Verdez—just call me Nicho," said Nicho, the third son of Count Verdez.

Kaileon nodded, then replied, "I’m Kaileon Arslan, and it looks like we’re the same age," said Kaileon. He then lifted a cup of black tea mixed with lemon juice and ice cubes—a perfect drink for a hot late afternoon.

"Actually, I’m older than you—I’m 17—but I can understand why you think I’m younger than that. I guess we share the same problem: we both look younger than our actual ages. However... I still didn’t expect you to be so much better than I’d imagined. By the way, I actually know you’re organizing a hunting event and opening a big store."

Nicho’s words made Kaileon feel happy at that moment, lifting his spirits. Kaileon thought Nicho was the perfect friend for him.

"Oh, really? Have you been to my store yet? I hope you’ll come. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, since you’re my senior in the business world," Kai said.

Nicho chuckled at that, then picked up a pastry and held it up for Kaileon to see.

"Look at this—the pastry I got from your store is the best I’ve ever tasted. I guess I just got into business earlier—and even then, I was just helping my family. As for you, you built your own business, and I actually feel like you know more about business than I do. And you know what? The reason I was frantically searching for you? I’d just heard that you came to collaborate, but then I heard that Darel came to challenge you to a duel. Hahaha, I never even expected you to be so much stronger than him."

Kai smiled and took a piece of cake as well; before eating, he replied.

"That’s not true—I’m not stronger, really. I’m just good at dodging, and then he just fell over, and you showed up."

"Stop with that nonsense, Kaileon—I know you’re stronger than him. Maybe not physically, but I can sense that you have a lot of magical energy."

Kai fell silent upon hearing this, suddenly feeling nervous because Nicho wasn’t someone to be underestimated.

There was a minute-long silence. Both of them simply enjoyed the snacks and refreshing drinks that had been served.

"You said you wanted to partner with the Verdez company, right?" asked Nicho.

Kai nodded, "Yeah, and it seems like you’re really interested, huh?"

Nicho laughed, "Of course I’m interested. You even know that our company is having trouble with the glass bottles. You see, the glass bottles are made by the Delarez family, and we don’t have a problem with the high prices they charge. Because the reality is, they’re the only ones who can make them. We need those glass bottles for shipments to the Empire over there—they last longer and look beautiful. The partnership had been going well for about two years, until they suddenly decided to end it. Do you know why?"

Nicho’s question was accompanied by a frustrated expression, and seeing that, Kai immediately knew who was to blame for the partnership’s breakdown.

"Was it Darel?"

"Exactly! Who else could it be but him? And what’s even more annoying is that my parents aren’t blaming him, forcing me to rack my brain for a workaround. In the end, we had to temporarily halt shipments to the Empire until we get new glass bottles or find another alternative."

Hearing that, Kai laughed, which made Nicho even more annoyed.

"Don’t laugh at me... trying to persuade the Delarez family isn’t an option either. Who would want to do business with a family whose their eldest son has harassed their beloved daughter? Besides, that family has partnerships with several other companies; cutting off one partnership won’t have much of an effect on them."

"Haha, sorry. But you’re glad I showed up at just the right time, right? I think you should thank Darel again, since I’m here because of him too. But let’s just forget about that—I can give you as many top-quality glass bottles as you want for just five small bronze coins each."

Nicho was utterly shocked by what Kaileon had just said.

"No way! That cheap? Are you maybe

just messing with me—"

Kai quickly placed the sample glass bottles in front of Nicho. Not just one, but three samples to choose from.

Nicho stared in amazement at all the glass bottles. He hadn’t expected the bottles on offer to be this good—far better than the ones the Delarez family had offered.

"These bottles are medium-sized, so I can also provide smaller and larger sizes."

Nicho was even more stunned. "Wait, are you serious?"

Kai nodded. "I’m serious, but aside from this partnership, I also want a stake in your company. What do you say?"

Nicho laughed at first, but then his expression suddenly turned very serious.

"You even know about stocks? You—ugh, how could there be rumors going around that you’re an idiot who can’t read or write? There are even rumors that you’re really ugly and can’t do anything. I mean... the reality is that you’re way better than what those rumors say about you."

Before answering, Kai picked up his teacup and sipped from it until only half a cup remained.

"You know my situation, right? I can’t possibly inherit my father’s title at all, unlike you, who still has a chance. However, the Duchess—uh, if I just mention the Duchess, do you understand my situation?"

Nicho nodded, "I think I understand."

***

Kai lay down on the bed in the guest room provided by the Verdez family.

"Young Master, did you call for me?" Keith approached Kaileon.

Kai sat up, "That’s right, Keith. I want to go for a walk now, so take me there. No need for a horse or a carriage—just on foot."

Keith nodded, "Of course, young master."

Keith then accompanied Kai on a walk around the city of Verdez.

It was already late afternoon; the sun had just set, but the shops in the city were actually getting busier.

It wasn’t just bars or gambling dens—there were also many people selling street food, which was commonly eaten alongside beer.

Verdez may be smaller than Arslan, but life in Verdez is much better. Because it’s not just the rich or the nobility—even ordinary citizens can sell their goods freely.

Thanks to that freedom, the residents there can easily make money, so their livelihoods are more secure.

In fact, many residents from other regions want to move to the Verdez region.

"We have to be better than this, Keith," said Kai, looking out at the city’s lively atmosphere.

"Do you mean making Arslan far better than Verdez? But even the Count of Verdez took years to achieve that, young master... besides, you won’t be the ruler of the Arslan region," said Keith.

Kai chuckled and replied, "I know... the Arslan region will belong to my younger brother, but am I wrong to want to restore Arslan’s former glory? Even though my father has neglected me and made my life miserable all this time, that doesn’t mean I have to repay him by neglecting him too, right? Besides, I’m doing this for the people of Arslan. They deserve a better city."

Keith nodded, "I agree with you. I’ll help you as much as I can, but... you have a lot of things you need to change."

Kai chuckled, "I know, which is why I’m going to start right now. Helping the people of Arslan, while also helping myself strengthen my rather weak position—oh! Let’s go check that out, Keith!"

Suddenly, Kaileon’s attention was drawn to someone selling things on the side of the road.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out they were selling nothing but strange fruits. Keith had never seen fruits like that before.

"May I ask what kind of fruit this is?" Kai asked the vendor, a girl with curly hair.

The girl smiled broadly when someone came up to ask, since she’d thought her wares wouldn’t sell.

"I don’t know the name either, but there are lots of trees with this fruit in my village—my village is near the coastal village, sir... even though it looks strange, this fruit is edible and very sweet. Try some," said the girl.

Kai smiled broadly, because he was very familiar with the fruit.

"If I’m not mistaken, this fruit is called sukun. I’ll buy it, so please cut one open for me to taste," said Kai.

The girl looked very confused and flustered.

"But I can’t cut it for you if you don’t buy it, sir."

Kai laughed at that; he’d forgotten that the girl might be worried he’d try to cheat her.

Kai then handed the girl a large silver coin.

"If I give you this large silver coin, how many will I get?"

"All of them! You can take them all, sir! Actually, they’re not even worth that much, but thank you!"

After the payment was settled, the girl cut open the one she said was the ripest, then gave it to Kai and Keith to taste.

Keith, who was tasting the fruit for the first time, was surprised by its unique and sweet flavor.

"I know a way for you to make a lot of money, but come back tomorrow with more of these fruits, okay?" Kai asked.

The girl, who trusted Kai completely, nodded happily.

"Of course, I’ll bring my brother to help, sir! Thank you so much."

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