When Serena arrived at Edward's company, she noticed that there were several carriages in the vicinity. 'Has Charlton's meeting not ended yet?' She wondered.

Anyway, she was welcomed by one of Edward's employees. He informed her that Edward sends his apologies for the delay as he was still in a meeting along with Lord Daniel. In the meantime, she can wait for them in his office, and they will join her shortly. 

Serena nodded her head in understanding. She was curious about the people Charlton was making deals with. However, she knew that it was not proper and that not all people would welcome anyone uninvited when they're talking business. Before she left with the employee, she asked Beatrice and Bernard to wait for her in the lobby.

--

"Then, we shall endeavor in preparing the draft contract in accordance with what we have discussed today. We shall send it through Edward shortly." Thomas said when they finally reached an agreement, which of course, they, the merchants, think was most satisfying. 

"Alright. I will look through them once received." Charlton replied.

"Lord Daniel, once we have finalized the contract, please do visit our company so that we can also introduce you to our employees and you will have a feel and better understanding about our business." Lucas suggested. He noted that some looked at him annoyed while others looked at him gratefully, but whatever. He needs his employees to see Charlton's face to heighten the morale. His employees have also been affected by the letters he had been receiving as there were also some bullying involved.

Charlton smiled, "I was also thinking about the same thing. An ocular is a must given that I will be one of the shareholders in your company. However, I will only be able to conduct it come summer."

Lucas shook his head. Time is ticking and his need is immediate. "Please do forgive my presumptuousness. However, I don't think that my company can hold on that much longer."

Charlton looked at Lucas. He can make time next weekend to visit his company if that was what he's asking. Should he agree or not? If he agrees then the others would think that he's easy to sway, if he doesn't then they would think that he can't sympathize. He took a deep breath. Not that he needs to impress them, but in some way, he should show that he was with them. Aside from that, he does want to help.

"Where is your company located? I have to inform you that I cannot make long journeys at this time. I have time next weekend, but I should be back in school by 9 in the evening."

"It is in Normandy which is about 3 hours journey from the capital." Lucas explained.

Normandy? "Isn't Normandy under the jurisdiction of Earl Johanne Fennel who is known for being neutral?"

"He is neutral, but that doesn't mean that people from either faction cannot cross borders. Earl Fennel does not have enough power to protect us. We have thought of relocating once or twice, but it is not easy to do so given that it would cost too much and that its location is central to, where our resource materials come from, and the capital where our product is being sold."

Charlton nodded his head in understanding. Normandy was not a thriving place and more likely than not, the Earl would even be thankful for his involvement.

"Then, we can schedule it on Sunday next week. If we can finalize the contract by then, then I might be able to sign it on the spot. However, for the others, please do wait until summer."

Everyone nodded their head in agreement. If anything, seeing how Charlton handled everything made them appreciate his character more. 

"Alright then, I think we can end our meeting here as Charlton and I still have another appointment to keep." Edward announced. 

Charlton looked at the time. It was 1:15. Has Serena arrived? He knew she would be looking forward to hearing how the meeting went. He doesn't know how she will take it though, he's not sure if this was good news enough. The people he met with have potential, but nothing tangible yet. Then again, it's a start. Gaining some financial backing for the future no matter how miniscule was also good for his plans.

With that, their meeting ended with everyone shaking Charlton's hand. 

--

"You know, you could have asked for a larger share." Edward told Charlton as they walked to his office.

Charlton shook his head. "It is their company and all the capital would come from them. Besides, I highly doubt that you would appreciate it if I asked for more if it were your company." 

Edward laughed. "Yes indeed, you are correct." He did not tell him that prior to their meeting, the merchants were willing to sign 35% of their shares to him. However, they asked him to give them a number first. 

Charlton just gave him a smile. He thinks that 20% is not that bad though. He knew that using his name not only gives them protection but also advertisement. However, he wants to foster good relationships. Edward might not understand why be was willing to be lenient because he was a merchant first.

Still curious, Edward asked, "Why did you choose net profit sharing? What if there's no profit made, then you just let them use your name in vain.", he did not say it, but those people mostly came from families which have been proliferating wealth for generations. Scott and Howard, even Thomas, they really got lucky. 

Charlton chuckled, "Well, they will need to work with their blood and sweat while all I need to do is sit down, recommend their product when I feel like it, and then wait for profit to come in."

"You're a good sport." Was all Edward can say. No matter, Charlton was able to build goodwill from his friends.

--

TBC