Sean quickly calculated the perfume's production costs in his mind.
Wheat: 25 copper solen, ~0.33kg per solen.3 solen wheat → 1 solen ale , sold at 6x wheat price: 15 copper solen (45 copper/kg).1kg ale → 0.1kg alcohol (after distillation loss), filling 20 small (50ml) bottles.Flowers: Similar cost structure. Glass vials: 3-4 silver each.Total cost per bottle: <1 gold, including labor.
He turned to Jessica, smiling, "I'll handle production and sales. Cost per bottle: 10 gold. Selling price: 20 gold. Once costs drop, we'll launch premium scents. You promote it—10% of each sale in Yorn as your cut. Deal?"
Jessica, already aware of the perfume's allure as a "divine product," nearly agreed immediately. But she played the negotiator, mimicking her father's tactics: "No—at least 20%."
Sean feigned reluctance, "I cover rent and labor. 20% leaves me with crumbs."
"Raise the price, then."
"Lower sales risk."
After haggling, they settled on 15%, with Jessica leasing her family's best clothing store to Sean and agreeing to wear the perfume in all public events (except funerals). The contract restricted her commission to Yorn, allowing Sean to sell elsewhere freely.
Jessica signed, her smile masking a darker thought: Once Sean dies in Riverside's invasion, his 工坊 (workshop) becomes Rivers Family property. The irony of their "partnership" amused her—was this how widows felt?
Their discussion continued over lunch, Sean outlining marketing tactics: scarcity pricing, noble endorsements, even a "divine origin" story. Jessica, impressed by his foresight, warmed to him—until she remembered the assassin waiting for Sean back home.
Lucio, ignored during the meal, finally piped up, "Food's getting cold, you two!"
After seeing Jessica off, Sean pulled Lucio aside.
"You're not courting her, are you?" Lucio teased.
"Hardly." Sean deadpanned, "I need a loan."
"Loan? How much?"
"3,000 gold. I'll repay 3,300 in a month, collateralized by Riverside. Worth it, right?"
Lucio hesitated, "My father's away, but I'll authorize it. Steward will deliver the gold shortly."