Three days had passed since Zach's outing in town, and life in the Ravennest estate had returned to its usual rhythm. The morning sun cast warm light through the grand windows of the manor's sitting room, where Vivian sat with a cup of tea, patiently instructing Zach and Mia on the local script.
Zach sat at the table, staring at the unfamiliar letters with furrowed brows. While he had received the previous owner's memories, fully adapting to this world's writing system was another matter entirely. The letters, though somewhat recognizable, had variations that often left him confused. Mia sat beside him, legs swinging as she attempted to copy the symbols with exaggerated concentration.
Vivian tapped a section of the script with a slender finger. "Zach, this symbol here changes depending on its placement. Try reading it again."
Zach sighed and rubbed his temple. "This is harder than I thought."
A soft chuckle escaped Vivian's lips. "Learning a the language takes time. You're doing well for your age."
"But I already know how to read," Zach muttered, frustrated. "It's just… different."
Vivian gently placed a hand on his head. "Then think of it as expanding what you already know. You're not starting from nothing, so don't be so hard on yourself."
Zach took a deep breath and tried again, slowly tracing the characters with his finger as he sounded them out. Vivian watched patiently, offering corrections and encouragement when needed.
Mia, meanwhile, suddenly held up her parchment, grinning. "Mommy, look! I wrote my name!"
Vivian turned to see the messy, almost illegible scrawl. "Oh my, that's… quite creative, Mia."
Zach couldn't help but smirk. "It looks like you wrote 'Maa' instead of 'Mia.'"
Mia pouted, crossing her arms. "It's close enough!"
Vivian chuckled. "Well, at least you both are trying."
Mia, determined to prove her skills, picked up her quill again. After a few moments of intense scribbling, she beamed and showed her paper. "Look, Big Brother! I wrote your name too!"
Zach looked at the paper and blinked. "Moo?"
Mia frowned and tilted her head. "That doesn't say 'Moo!' That's Zach!"
Vivian covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. Zach sighed, shaking his head. "Mia, are you trying to rename me into a cow?"
Mia gasped dramatically. "Nooo! I worked so hard on that!"
Vivian smiled warmly. "You both are making progress. Let's keep practicing, alright?"
With a reluctant sigh, Zach picked up his quill again, resigned to the slow but steady process of learning. At the very least, Mia's antics made the lesson more entertaining.
As Zach continued his studies with Mia, Sebastian entered the room with his usual composed demeanor. He carried a sealed document in hand and bowed respectfully before speaking.
"My lady, the report from Hadrian has arrived," Sebastian announced.
Vivian set down her tea with a soft clink and gestured for him to proceed. Zach, his curiosity piqued, subtly turned his ear toward the conversation while pretending to focus on his studies.
Sebastian unfolded the parchment and began reading. "The board game your son introduced in town has been well received. Demand is steadily rising, and thanks to the craftsman workshops, production is keeping up for now. Though mass production wasn't originally planned, Gregor and his team managed to start late but have stocked a few sets to meet initial interest. Some merchants have already expressed interest in purchasing more sets for distribution."
Vivian raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "That fast? I expected interest, but for it to escalate this quickly… It seems we underestimated how much people would take to it."
Sebastian nodded. "Indeed, my lady. Hadrian also provided some insight on the business side of things. He notes that while enthusiasm is high, there are already murmurs among certain merchant groups about potential exclusivity deals. He believes that maintaining control over production within Ravennest is crucial, or else the nobles with deeper pockets might attempt to seize influence."
Vivian's lips curled into a slight smirk. "Let them be curious. This remains within Ravennest's domain. If they want to get involved, they will have to go through me first."
Sebastian continued, "Gregor, as expected, has been diligent. He's already refining the production process, ensuring quality while increasing efficiency. He's also looking into potential apprentices who can help maintain steady output without compromising craftsmanship."
Zach, though not part of the discussion, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. While he had no say in how things would be handled, the idea that his game was making waves left a small, satisfied grin on his face.
Mia, noticing her brother's expression, tilted her head. "Big brother, why are you smiling like that?"
Zach quickly straightened his face. "Nothing, just thinking."
Vivian and Sebastian continued their discussion, unaware of Zach's silent amusement. The wheels of business and politics were turning, and while he might not be a participant, he was certainly an observer of how things played out in this new world he found himself in.
The next morning Vivian called a meeting with the merchant that want to be involve in this project for this matter was tested in various store and many merchant want to be include in this pie. This make Hadrian a little frustrated for the exclusive contract that is put on his plate was eaten by lots of cats.
The sun cast a warm glow over Vivian's lush garden, where delicate flowers swayed in the breeze. At a round marble table, Vivian sat gracefully, sipping tea as several merchants stood before her, eager yet cautious. The air buzzed with the tension of negotiations, but the ambiance remained deceptively serene.
A short distance away, Zach sat with Mia on a picnic blanket, playing with carved wooden figures. Despite trying to focus on his little sister's game, his sharp ears caught snippets of the conversation happening at the table. His curiosity burned.
One particularly bold merchant cleared his throat. "Lady Vivian, with the rising demand, I propose expanding production beyond Ravennest. If we collaborate with external workshops, we can flood the market before competitors arise."
Another merchant quickly interjected, "Yes! If we monopolize now, we will set the standard. Imagine, our names linked to the very foundation of this entertainment revolution!"
Vivian stirred her tea calmly, giving them a slow, knowing smile. "And tell me, gentlemen, who would control these expanded productions? You?"
The merchants exchanged nervous glances.
"Well, of course, under your esteemed guidance, my lady," one backpedaled quickly.
Zach, struggling to contain his excitement, stood up from his spot and trotted toward the table. "Mother, if we "
"No."
Vivian's response was swift, cutting through the air with finality. She didn't even glance at him. Zach blinked, stunned.
The merchants awkwardly shuffled, pretending not to notice the young boy's attempt to join the discussion.
Zach frowned and tried again, "But I think if we just "
"No." Vivian's tone remained cool as ever. "Zachary, go play with your sister."
Mia, munching on a small biscuit, looked up at him and giggled. "Mommy says no, big brother!"
Zach clenched his fists in frustration. "But"
"No."
He exhaled sharply. This was unfair! It was his game, his idea! Yet, here he was, tossed aside like a child oh, wait. He was a child. But still!
Sebastian, standing a few feet away, remained silent, his expression carefully neutral. No one came to Zach's aid. This was an adult matter, and a four-year-old had no place in it.
Crossing his arms, Zach plopped back onto the picnic blanket beside Mia, grumbling. "This is tyranny."
Mia giggled again, offering him a biscuit as if that would solve all his problems.
Meanwhile, Vivian elegantly dismissed the idea of expanding production outside Ravennest, ensuring full control remained in her hands. The merchants, though disappointed, could do nothing but accept her decision. The game would remain within the town's grasp, growing at a pace she deemed appropriate.
Zach, still sulking, kicked a pebble away. "I can run a country, but I can't join one meeting?"
Mia tilted her head. "Big brother, are you a king?"
He sighed dramatically. "No. Apparently, I'm just a kid."
Vivian sipped her tea, perfectly aware of her son's frustration, but utterly unmoved by it. Business belonged to the adults, and that was final.
Chapter 22.7: The Terms Are Set
The discussion continued in the garden, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers. The gathered merchants sat around a grand outdoor table, their expressions ranging from excitement to apprehension. At the head of the table sat Vivian, her presence commanding and unwavering, while Gregor, the skilled craftsman responsible for production, stood nearby. Hadrian was also present, though he remained quiet, simply observing as the meeting progressed.
"Let's make one thing clear," Vivian began, her voice smooth yet firm. "No merchant will receive exclusive rights to sell this product. The game will only be sold within Ravennest, and only those who participated in the trial will have the privilege of selling it in their stores."
The merchants exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement while others hesitated, hoping for a loophole.
"And what of those who wish to sell it outside of town?" one merchant cautiously asked.
"That is not an option," Vivian stated bluntly. "Anyone caught selling outside of Ravennest without my permission will be considered as dealing in illegal goods. Replicating this game without authorization is against the law."
A tense silence followed her words, but none dared to argue. They understood that Vivian was not someone to be trifled with.
Gregor cleared his throat and spoke up**,** "With the demand rising, I have taken measures to refine production. We can meet the increasing orders, but this is shaping up to be a significant business. Proper handling will be needed to ensure efficiency and quality."
Vivian gave him an approving nod. "Good. I trust you to maintain the standards. This is not just a passing trend we will make sure this game remains a stable and profitable product for our town."
The merchants quickly realized that no room was left for negotiation. Contracts were brought out and signed, each merchant acknowledging the conditions laid out by Vivian.
Meanwhile, Zach sat nearby, silently watching the proceedings with a mixture of frustration and awe He had learned his lesson from earlier trying to interfere would only earn him a sharp rejection. Instead, he sighed and slumped back against his chair as Mia played beside him, completely uninterested in the serious discussions taking place.
Hadrian, watching from his seat, gave Zach an amused glance but said nothing. This was not a meeting for a child to interfere with, after all.
With the final signatures in place, Vivian leaned back slightly, satisfied. "This concludes our business. I expect full cooperation moving forward."
The merchants, knowing they had no say in the matter, simply nodded in agreement. And just like that, the foundation of a booming industry was set completely under Vivian's control.