TFA2 1.2 - Copper Ore

Terrek Mansion, Castle Walluo

18:15, 26 Sept 2025

Finally, Lady Yuuri was able to see flameless lamp and other electric mechanisms. Unfortunately, she didn't have time to satisfy her curiosity. Osvik and the three Maesters insisted that the talks regarding cooperation with Amethyst Merchant should be carried out immediately.

In the end, Lady Yuuri complied with their requests. However, she requested that the meeting was to be carried out in the dining room, as she also wanted to accompany Yuuna to dinner. While living in the farmer's settlement Yuuna only ate two meals a day, so Lady Yuuri wanted Yuuna to eat well when she was home.

After bathing, Lady Yuuri then took Yuuna to dining room. Over there, Osvik and the three Maesters were already waiting for her, but she directed all her attention to the delicacy on the table. She was a bit taken back as she found only five pieces of fried chicken wrapped in flour, a basket of finger-sized fries, a plate of thinly sliced ​​cucumbers, a bowl of thick chili sauce, and a drink filled with assorted pieces of fruit.

In terms of quantity, the dinner was adequate enough for a child, but the fried chicken was too plain as a welcome dinner for Yuuna. Moreover, it was not her favorite dish.

'Looks like I was gone for too long that the castle chef had forgot his real master. But for now, I had to let Yuuna eat first,' Lady Yuuri muttered as she suppressed her irritation.

Swiftly, Lady Yuuri then put a few pieces of fried chicken on Yuuna's plate, and she waited until Yunna started eating her dinner before turning her gaze to Osvik.

"Skip the technical stuff, I can read it myself. Tell me what commodity that Amethyst Merchant wants the most."

Osvik firmly replied, “Big Bro Slane has set unlimited purchase quota for Nouel, copper ore, and iron ore.

He already got Nouel from the Regions near Desolate Land's entrance and a few days ago he secured iron ore supply from Kingdom of Buriek."

"So, our only entrance is copper ore?" Lady Yuuri calmly asked.

Maester Rivak immediately replied, "Yes, even if there are a lot of commodities that Amethyst Merchant wants in massive amount, copper ore is the only commodity that we can supply as many as we could almost without competitor.”

"I see. Then, let's prepare the talk with Sir Slane using copper ore as the base."

"But Mom..." Osvik paused for a moment before continuing, "You can't lead the negotiation with Amethyst Merchant."

In an instant Lady Yuuri's left eyebrow rose. "Why?"

Maester Kallep immediately explained, "The day after the peace treaty between Kingdom of Buriek and Sandhur Region is signed, King Buriek XII immediately visited Magwurt City and he is still there now."

Maester Rivak added, "If Milady visits Magwurt City now, a speculation that you try to secretly meet King Buriek XII will arise, and it will cause suspicion from Makai Royal Family.”

After heaving a deep sigh Lady Yuuri said, "I understand."

In Amstell Continent, it was no secret that merchants were bound by the authority where they came from. The bigger the trading companies, the higher the connection and privilege they got. Of course, the privilege had to be followed by a bigger contribution and loyalty.

As a kingdom-level trading company, Merry Gold Union was asked by Makai Royal Family to wage a secret war trade to anyone that they define as their enemy. The example of such request was economic suppression to Kingdom of Buriek. For many years, Merry Gold Union had suppressed Kingdom of Buriek's economic and even tried to destroy it.

It was something that Lady Yuuri happily complied with. As it would lead into a huge profit and ensure the dominance of Merry Gold Union in the entire territory of Kingdom of Makai.

As she put the second piece of fried chicken on Yuuna's plate, Lady Yuuri asked, "Do you have suggestion in mind?"

Osvik instantly and confidently said, "Let me lead--"

"Denied," Lady Yuuri flatly rejected.

"Mom, my relationship with Big Bro Slane is very good. I'm confident I will bring huge profit for Merry Gold Union from this negotiation."

"No." Lady Yuuri took a deep sighed as she muttered, 'So, you want this conversation to take place as soon as possible because you see an opportunity to lead it.'

Long time ago, Lady Yuuri had already decided that she would bequeath Merry Gold Union to Yuuna. First, it was because she believed in Yuuna's abilities. Second, because Osvik would inherit Kandez Region from his father. Everyone in Terrek's family already knew it and Osvik also accepted it because he was aware of his own abilities. Therefore, she was a bit surprised Osvik’s change of attitude.

'Did he forget that every time he leads a negotiation, he is always completely being ripped off if the three Maesters are not with him?' Lady Yuuri took another deep sighed before turning her gaze to the three Maesters. "What do you think?"

"Young Master Osvik has established a tight relationship with Sir Slane, so it is feasible to let him lead the negotiation with Amethyst Merchant," Maester Kallep replied.

"Indeed, somehow, Sir Slane treats Young Master Osvik like his own brother," Maester Rivak added.

"I believe Young Maester Osvik will bring prosperity through the trade with Amethyst Merchant," Master Ciesar concluded.

In an instant Osvik smiled smugly, while Lady Yuuri massaged her forehead. As far as she could remember, the three Maesters had secretly despised Osvik for his idiocy. So, it was hard to believe when the three suddenly changed their view so drastically.

'What in the world is really happening when I'm gone?' Lady Yuuri muttered before asking, "Can we invite Sir Slane to come here?"

"My Lady, I'm afraid it's not a wise choice," Maester Kallep warily said.

"Mom, it turns out that in every aspect, Amethyst Merchant is far bigger than what we wrote in our first report," Osvik added.

Lady Yuuri frowned as she said, "Amethyst Merchant indeed has a high-end product and solid finances. They also have a decent military might. However, even if their potential is higher than what you have estimated, to enter Kingdom of Makai they will need Merry Gold Union’s network. So, we have an equal stand with them, correct?"

“No, we don’t,” Osvik replied in a dead-serious tone.

Maester Kallep immediately added, "We are lucky enough to be able to peek a bit about their agreement with Kingdom of Buriek, and it's not as simple as a trade agreement on a national level.

It's more like high-tech assistance on a national scale, to level up Kingdom of Buriek in all fields. In short, Amethyst Merchant can change the fate of a kingdom and not just a simple trading company."

After a deep breath Lady Yuuri said, "If what you all say is true, I will definitely not let Osvik lead the negotiations with them."

"But Milady!" Maester Rivak lowered his tone before continuing, "It's a huge waste if we don't exploit the good relationship between Young Master Osvik and Sir Slane."

"I need to think about it carefully. For now, let's talk about copper ore," Lady Yuuri firmly decided.

"Mom, let's just supply them with every copper ore we can access. In return, we ask Amethyst Merchant to become our exclusive partner."

"That is one of the main reasons why I can't let you lead the talk with Amethyst Merchant."

In an instant Osvik pursed his lips, while Lady Yuuri was lost in contemplation.

The Arasmus Family was the owner of largest copper mine in Kingdom of Makai. While the second-largest mine was owned by Pavel Terrek, Count Terrek's second son and Osvik's half-brother. Therefore, supplying copper ore was an easy feat for Merry Gold Union.

However, as a merchant Lady Yuuri could not act recklessly without knowing the true value of a commodity.

'As a trading company, why are they targeting copper, and not gold or silver?' Lady Yuuri inwardly asked.

On Amstell Continent, gold was the main currency where Kingdom of Makai and Kingdom of Horrep constantly competed to collect it. Meanwhile, silver was used as the main material for high-value ornaments. As for copper, it was only used as a mix in the coins used by commoners.

"Do any of you know why Amethyst Merchant wants copper ore?"

"No," Osvik replied weakly, while the three Maesters shook their heads.

"What about the number of copper used in the electric mechanism?"

Maester Kallep immediately explained, "Copper is vital for electric mechanisms, but the market for electric mechanisms is only noble families. Meanwhile, the demand for copper that they are asking for is much larger."

"I see." Lady Yuuri took a deep breath before continuing, "It seems the four of you never thought the possibility that copper is vital commodity in the place where Amethyst Merchant came from."

Seeing Osvik and the three Maesters remained silent, Lady Yuuri immediately said, "For the time being, we will release our supply of copper ore in a measured manner, and let's continue this talk tomorrow."

Without many words, Osvik and the three Maesters nodded before leaving the dining room. Lady Yuuri then turned her gaze to Yuuna and she instantly gasped as she found the fried chicken already gone without a trace.

"Hey, did you eat it all?"

In reflex, Yuuna replied with rapid nods and then she said, "Mom, the fried chicken is super delish, spicy, and crispy."

"Do you like it?"

"Yes, Yuuna super-duper likes it."

"I see," Lady Yuuri happily said as she gently wiped the grease around Yuuna's lips. 'It seems there are a lot of things going on in this house while I was away.'

In a happy mood, Lady Yuuri and Yuuna then enjoyed the fries along with the thick sauce, and surprisingly it also tasted good.

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