In both 21st-century Korea and the Kingdom of Tuscany, expanding into international markets is essential for business success. Selling dostically is fine, but reaching overseas markets allows for larger sales volus and greater profits. Conversely, importing foreign goods can be equally profitable.
That’s why I had co to the Kingdom of Lyon—to hire shipbuilders and secure new trade routes. However, my arrival was quickly interrupted.
“Stop right there.”
I hadn’t been in Lyon long before I encountered a band of thugs. Not just any thugs—these were official soldiers dressed as officers.
“What brings a young noble like you to Guillautown? I’ll need to conduct an inspection.”
Official soldiers shaking down citizens for money was familiar enough to . But these weren’t customs officers, so any inspection they conducted would be unofficial at best. If they found the seaweed I was carrying, they might seize it under the guise of ‘confiscation.’
The one who spoke seed to be a captain. I had to tread carefully to avoid provoking him.
“Good day, officer. I’m Fabio de dici from Tuscany, traveling to expand my horizons.”
The officer looked over. “Not suspicious, then. Still, you’ve brought goods into our port, so there’s a customs fee.”
It was obvious he wasn’t a real customs official. Yet I knew better than to escalate things here.
“Of course. I’m sure your work is demanding. Please, take this,” I said, passing him a pouch of gold coins.
The captain pocketed the money with a satisfied smirk, his deanor softening.
“Well, seeing as you seem like an upstanding young man, I’ll waive the inspection.”
This system was a ss, but I had to play along.
“By the way,” I continued, “I run a small trading company and I’m here to secure a trading license. Could you help arrange a eting with the city’s mayor?”
My goal was to et the mayor, secure a trading permit, establish formal credentials, and hopefully gain a letter of recomndation for trade in Lyon. The bribe was intended to pave the way for these introductions.
“I’ll make sure of it,” he replied. “I’m Captain Charles de Lancelot, head of the port’s security. I’ll handle your goods and set up a eting with the mayor.”
The captain arranged for an escort, and soon enough, I was on my way to et the mayor.
“It’s an honor to et you, Mayor. I am Fabio de dici.”
The mayor raised an eyebrow. “A dici? So, what brings you here?”
While my na carried weight back in Tuscany, it seed my reputation hadn’t reached this far. Still, the dici na was well-regarded in trading circles, and it worked in my favor.
“Allow to present a gift,” I said, offering a box of seaweed.
The mayor opened it, his expression unimpressed. “Seaweed from the East? It’s said to be dicinal, but I have no use for it.”
That reaction was strange. Seaweed was highly prized in Tuscany, especially among nobles who valued its properties for safe childbirth. Seeing that he seed uninterested, I had Chloe bring in a larger box and used the opportunity to give the mayor a discreet pitch.
“This seaweed has a hidden benefit, Mayor. It’s not just good for childbirth; it also provides remarkable benefits for n.”
The mayor’s curiosity piqued, and he listened closely.
“It works wonders. Trust —ever since I discovered it, I’ve had unmatched stamina.”
His interest was fully captured. It was clear he had personal struggles, and I offered a solution that could boost his confidence. I then gave a little ‘truth’ to cent my credibility.
“After taking this seaweed, I found it improved my vitality trendously. In fact, every eligible woman in my village is now pregnant,” I said, adding a wink for effect.
The mayor was now thoroughly convinced, treating the seaweed like a treasure.
“Remarkable! You’ve brought a rare gem. Tell , what can I do for you in return?”
“I would like to bring in shipbuilders. Can you assist with this?”
With the mayor now on my side, I was ready to start formalizing my plans.
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