Rudy took a deep breath, forcing himself to suppress his anger.
Despite his irritation, he realized he had let his emotions get the better of him.
They were still in the middle of negotiations, and there was no way Arthur would propose such terms without securing some benefit for the Everhart family.
Once he had regained his composure, he said, "I apologize for my impulsiveness, Young Master Avaron. Please don't take offense and continue."
Arthur remained expressionless, showing neither offense nor reaction, only offering a small nod.
"Those are my conditions. Naturally, we will ensure a fair deal," he said in an indifferent tone. Raising his index finger, he continued, "First, from every profit we earn from selling the war weapons we purchase from you, we will grant you a ten percent royalty."
"Ten percent?" Rudy's eyes widened, his heart pounding.
That was an astonishing figure. If the Maple Leaf Trading House earned a hundred silver coins from selling a single war weapon forged by his family, they would receive ten silver coins in royalties!
To the Everhart family, that amount might seem insignificant. But if the sales reached a hundred, a thousand, or even ten thousand, the accumulated royalties would be astronomical!
Before he could fully revel in the thought, Arthur spoke again. "I know the quality of your war weapons is exceptional. However, the Everhart family is still confined within the Magic Kingdom of Valdom's territory and has yet to expand beyond its borders. Am I correct?"
Rudy's expression froze. It was difficult to accept, but Arthur was right.
Although they dominated the market within the Magic Kingdom of Valdom, expanding beyond its borders—let alone to other parts of the continent—was an impossible challenge.
It wasn't for lack of trying. Every attempt had ended in failure. After all, each region and empire had a single dominant force controlling its market.
Moreover, the cost of expansion was enormous, while the potential profits failed to justify the expenditure.
In the end, they abandoned the idea and chose to focus on selling within the Magic Kingdom of Valdom.
Arthur, observing Rudy's reaction, remained unfazed—almost as if he had anticipated it all along.
Raising his middle finger, he spoke casually, "Our second offer addresses that issue. We will prioritize selling your forged weapons over others, ensuring that buyers recognize them as products of the Everhart family."
Rudy took a deep breath, his hands clenching into fists. "Are you saying... free promotion?"
"Yes, free promotion. Sounds great, doesn't it?" Arthur chuckled.
Rudy didn't respond, but his expression said it all.
Receiving free promotion from the most powerful and renowned trading house on the continent had always seemed like an impossible dream—or so he had thought.
But now, that dream was within his grasp. Turning it down would be sheer madness.
Rudy gritted his teeth, his thoughts racing. 'The two conditions he proposed might not be a disadvantage—in fact, they could be an advantage!'
At first, selling at eight percent below market price and being obligated to supply fifty percent of their products to the Maple Leaf Trading House felt like an insult to his family.
But on second thought, it wasn't such a bad deal after all. The benefits Arthur was offering were far too tempting to ignore.
Just as Rudy was about to accept, Arthur suddenly raised his left hand. "Wait a moment. Don't be so quick to agree. I still have one last offer."
Rudy froze, staring at Arthur in disbelief. "There's more?"
The first two offers were already incredible—yet there was still more?
Arthur gave a small nod and leaned back against the sofa.
"The third offer is a ten-year partnership. During that time, we will continue buying every weapon you forge—whether they sell or not."
Rudy's jaw nearly dropped. If the first two offers had made his heart race, this one sent it soaring!
"Young Master Avaron... This... This... Are you serious?" Rudy struggled to steady himself, forcing a serious expression.
Though Rudy knew Arthur wouldn't joke about something this serious, doubts still lingered in his mind.
Regardless, the third offer sounded like a dream too good to be true.
Arthur remained composed and gave a small nod. "Of course, Lord Duke. My words are absolute—I would never play games in a negotiation."
His words reassured Rudy, who responded with a firm nod.
"In that case, I accept all the terms and offers you've proposed," he said enthusiastically, extending his hand.
Arthur took it with a firm shake. "Good!"
Afterward, Rudy called for Jason to prepare the official contract for both him and Arthur to sign.
Since the process took about five minutes, Rudy and Arthur engaged in casual conversation while they waited.
During their talk, Rudy couldn't help but admire Arthur—not just for his immense strength at such a young age, but also for his remarkable knowledge.
If not for his youthful appearance, Rudy might have assumed Arthur was a seasoned man in his thirties.
"Pardon the interruption, my Lord," Jason said as he approached, carrying a white document. "I've prepared the contract."
He handed it to Rudy with respect.
With Jason's arrival, Rudy and Arthur's conversation naturally came to an end.
"Well, thank you, Jason," Rudy said calmly as he took the contract letter.
"You're welcome, my Lord," Jason replied politely before turning and taking his leave.
Rather than signing immediately, Rudy chose to read through the document first.
Once satisfied, he signed his name at the bottom right and handed the letter to Arthur.
"Please review it first, Young Master Avaron. If anything seems amiss, let me know," he said in a gentler tone.
Arthur took the letter, skimmed through it briefly, and then signed without hesitation.
Rudy's eyebrows lifted slightly at Arthur's swift response.
"Aren't you worried about any errors in the contract?" he asked curiously.
Arthur simply chuckled and shook his head. "I trust you and the Everhart family wouldn't stoop to such dishonorable acts."
The sheer confidence in his words left Rudy even more impressed.
'Hah…' He sighed inwardly. 'If only I had a son-in-law as exceptional as him…'
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A/N: If you like it, please give me support! Thank you!