As Akane-san laid out her predictions for the Rich Baron house and its future, she also explained exactly how she intended to turn a profit.
"Anyway, my goal is that window of time before the projected teleportation gate is actually finished. No matter how much capital the Lord Trading Company has, you can't just snap your fingers and have a gate pop into existence the next day. There are land negotiations to handle, and establishing a gate requires filing formal reports with the Arclesia Empire. Given their influence, I’m sure they can build it fast, but even at record speed, it’ll take at least six months. Between the red tape and the logistics, there’s no way around it... Well, unless someone like Kaito, who can bulldoze right through laws and rights, decides to have an Almighty God conjure a gate with a literal snap of their fingers. But that’s a Kaito-only solution; it’s not something anyone else can replicate."
"TKK... as in 'Provided it's Limited to Kaito-kun'!"
"Kaori-san, please don't come up with weird abbreviations."
I threw in a retort to Kaori-san, who was reciting the acronym with a strangely pleasant rhythm, as if it were some trendy phrase like 'Provided he's handsome.'
"...So, Akane-san, you’re planning to make your money during the interval before that gate is completed?"
"Exactly. My read is that there’s going to be a period where the demand and the hype are through the roof, but the actual logistics haven't caught up yet. For a company like mine that prides itself on mobility, that’s an unparalleled window to earn. Once the teleportation gate is operational, the big corporations will have the advantage in every sector. My plan is to rake it in before that happens and then pull out exactly when the time is right."
"I see. That definitely sounds like a lucrative plan."
Just as Kaori-san said, it seemed like a solid way to make a profit. It struck me as the perfect move for the Mikumo Trading Company; they had the agility unique to a mid-sized business, and their expertise in teleportation magic allowed them to bypass the current lack of infrastructure.
Having finished her explanation, Akane-san put her hand to her chin, her expression turning serious as she began to mutter to herself, lost in thought.
"...That said, plenty of other companies will be thinking the same thing. This time around, it’s not like they need to chain-cast teleportation magic in a short burst, so any firm with teleportation magic tools could try the same stunt. Thanks to what I heard from Kaito, we have the information advantage right now, but that lead will vanish in a few days. I doubt the Rich Baron house has the mental energy to deal with dozens of companies at once... It’s going to come down to whoever gets them on board first. Hey, Kaito, I’ve got a favor to ask. Can we talk?"
"What is it?"
Akane-san seemed to have finalized her plan, and she addressed me in a heavy, serious tone. I tilted my head slightly, waiting for her to continue. She reached into her Magic Box, pulled out a sheet of paper, and set it on the table in front of me.
The paper was covered in dense, tiny script, with a space at the very bottom meant for a signature.
"It’s written in formal language, but the gist is this: 'The merchant presenting this letter is a trustworthy individual, so regardless of whether you end up doing business together, please at least give them a hearing.' In short, it’s a letter of introduction."
"So... you want me to provide a recommendation?"
"I do... but hear me out first. Look, I consider you a dear friend. You’re a magnet for trouble, but you’re a good guy at heart. That’s why I want to be sincere with you—no secrets. I’m convinced this deal will make me a fortune. But because other companies will be eyeing the same thing, it’s a race. Whoever gets the contract with the Rich Baron house first wins. And if I have a letter of introduction from you, the Rich family will definitely give my company priority over everyone else."
Akane-san’s gaze was unwavering. She was being completely transparent about her goals and her desire to capitalize on my social standing.
"I’ll give it to you straight: I want to use your connections to make money. But don't misunderstand me. I have my pride as a merchant. If I were to get a referral out of pity just because we're friends, I’d be a disgrace to the profession. So, if you think a partnership between the Mikumo Trading Company and the Rich house would actually benefit Lady Marie and the Baron, and if you’re personally comfortable with it, then sign. If you don't think it’s a good fit, or if you just don't feel like doing it, feel free to turn me down. I won't hold a grudge, and it won't change our friendship. Honestly, I’d rather you be blunt with me... So, what do you say?"
The truth was, Akane-san was incredibly earnest and sincere when it came to her work. Even when we first met and I offered her a Fruit of the World Tree as a return gift, she had initially refused it because its value far exceeded what she had given me. She was a woman of integrity.
"It’s no problem. I trust you, Akane-san. And honestly, I think your company is a great fit for the Rich Baron house."
"You think so? If you're willing, then it would be a massive help."
Even setting our friendship aside, I truly felt that Akane-san and her firm were the right choice for the Rich family. The Riches were a relatively minor noble house; Marie-san often joked about being little more than a peasant, and they likely had zero experience dealing with global mega-corporations.
If a massive association were to suddenly descend on them, the Baron would probably be too intimidated to negotiate effectively. A company of Akane’s scale would be much more approachable. Furthermore, her company’s specialty in teleportation magic would perfectly bridge the gap while the Empire worked on the roads. It really did feel like the optimal solution.
"I just need to sign here, right?"
"Yeah. But before that, let's talk about your commission. You might tell me you don't need the money, but my pride as a merchant won't let me accept that. I intend to kick back a portion of the profits as a referral fee. Let's hammer out the percentage and sign a formal contract for that, too."
Her insistence on professional transparency was exactly why she was so easy to trust. She really was a sincere person.
Serious-senpai: "In reality, she's the perfect match for the Rich family's current situation. She isn't an intimidating giant, and with 'Kaito's Recommendation' backing her, the bigger companies won't be able to bully her out of the deal. She really is the optimal choice."