Flash to East Flash to West (3)
For Hoffman, it was a moment of intense irritation.
Valentino.
Muriel.
Vincent.
While traveling around the Three Kingdoms, the fact that Count Fabius was there every time touched her heart.
Besides, didn't everything work out according to Dmitry's wish?
In my heart, I wanted to get rid of my smiling face, but now I have a more important purpose, so I forcibly swallowed my anger.
Viscount Vincent said.
"It is true, there was no one who would postpone the appointment, so we had to arrange a three-way meeting inevitably. It seems like you're looking for me for the same purpose anyway, would it be okay if we continued talking like this?
Contrary to the polite way of speaking.
The inside was obvious.
When he emerged as a hot potato due to the iron industry problem, he tried to inflate his ransom by inviting his rivals, Count Fabius and Hoffman at the same time.
Viscount Vincent was clever.
His expression, as if he did not know the truth, was pretentious, but his wealth did not allow anyone to point out the truth.
So was Hoffman.
Normally, they would pressure their opponents with the name of Golden Bank, but now a thirsty person digs a well.
'Come, I will follow your will.'
smiled inwardly.
The fact that the opponent was a snob was an advantage for Golden Bank.
Hoffman said.
"I think Viscount Vincent is a bright person in the world, so he knows how things are going. Dmitry's relationship with Golden Bank ended. We have no intention of restoring our relationship with Dmitry through any negotiations in the future, and that is the same with Golden Bank's 'partners'. In fact, as a person who seeks reasonable trades, this situation is very inconvenient. I don't know if it's harsh to say which one to choose, but I came here to convince Viscount Vincent.
this.
Viscount Vincent showed a troubled expression.
However, the strangely sparkling eyes knew that conflict was the catalyst that caused the ransom to skyrocket.
so that.
Hoffman offered a definite reward.
"Stop dealing with Dmitry. In return, I will accept the Vincent family as a member of the 'Golden line'."
* * *
Viscount Vincent's eyes widened.
" Are you really, serious?"
Yes.
"Huh."
golden line.
It meant a great privilege.
Golden Bank, which has led the finance of the Salamander Continent from a long time ago, recommended joining the Golden Line to partners with a guaranteed future.
A world beyond borders.
In the sense of looking in the same direction as Golden Bank, they gave the Golden Line members jaw-dropping privileges.
Just like right now.
"As you know, joining the Golden Line means sharing the future with Golden Bank. If you accept my offer. In the future, we will assist you in any business the Vincent family handles. We will purchase the products of the product at a low price, and we will introduce distributors belonging to the Golden Line to reduce costs consumed in the distribution process. of the transaction will be promoted."
One stone two birds.
No, it was more than that.
Even with simple calculations, I couldn't tell how special a benefit this was.
"Golden Bank is a lender. We plan to set the interest rate on the amount previously loaned to the lowest interest rate, and to members of the Golden Line, we can lend business funds only with credit. To be honest, I am proud that there is no opportunity like this. Among the factions that joined the Golden Line, there were not only those who were wealthy from the start. However, they showed a steep growth every year or two. What would happen if the Vincent family entered the realm? The wealthy of the Frankish kingdom. This is an opportunity for the Vincent family, who is called the great wealthy of the kingdom unity, to leave the well and expand into the great sea. I want to assure you that you should seize this opportunity."
It was a daunting proposition.
As a merchant, it was against common sense to refuse to join the Golden Line.
but.
The situation of the Vincent family had to calculate a complex problem.
" I agree it's a really good suggestion. Perhaps no faction will reject Hoffman's offer. However, there are issues that we must consider. The Vincent family is a faction that operates in the kingdom unity. The political issue cannot be overlooked, as all the bases are right here in the Frankish Kingdom."
Cataclysm.
The world has changed.
In the past, there was no need to worry about the political problems of the Frankish kingdom, but the war between Dmitry and the Kronos Empire changed the situation completely.
The Frankish kingdom bet on Dmitry.
But what will happen if the Vincent family, who is active in the Franks, joins hands with the Golden Bank, who opposes Dmitry, the head of the Kingdom Federation?
It's over.
Great pressure would come, and the infrastructure in the Franks might disappear at once.
so it was awkward
At first, when Hoffman asked to meet, he knew this was an opportunity, but it wasn't a matter to be rushed to.
My mind was intricately intertwined.
Viscount Vincent wanted to make this opportunity a definite advantage, so he set up a snob precipitation to meet Count Fabius and Hoffmann at the same time.
"Hoffman's proposal could undermine our foundation. How are you going to solve that problem?"
passed the problem
If you give me an answer, I will accept it, otherwise I will start a conversation with Count Fabius.
Hoffman laughed.
It was as expected.
The opponent was a snob, so that was nice.
"It's a simple matter. Come out to the sea. How long do you plan to work in the small well of the Frankish Kingdom? Kronos, or Valhalla. We will prepare the foundation for the Vincent family to take their place. I don't mean to abandon the Franks. But by broadening our options, we will provide a solid foundation for the Frankish kingdom to withstand any external pressure."
It was the perfect solution.
Enter the Empire!
It was an amazing word.
Viscount Vincent couldn't contain his lips twitching at the conversation that went on like this.
"Count Fabius. What do you think of Golden Bank's proposal?"
shifted his gaze.
Although his heart had already been inclined towards Golden Bank, he still had to listen to Dmitry's proposal.
through competition.
Could you possibly get a better offer?
By the way.
"It is a good condition for me. Take your chance, Viscount Vincent."
The remarks of Count Fabius, who spoke with a grin, poured cold water into the heated conversation.
* * *
It was embarrassing.
That's the kind of thing you say you come to persuade at the best.
Viscount Vincent asked.
" Are you saying you don't mind if I work with Golden Bank?
Yes.
Count Fabius leaned on the sofa.
Sipping the tea with a relaxed face, he looked at Viscount Vincent's face stained with embarrassment.
"Dmitry cannot match the conditions of Golden Bank. To be precise, I have no intention of granting any favors to the Vincent family in exchange for holding Dmitry's hand."
Okay. If you come out like that... ."
"By the way."
The conversation was cut off.
In response to Viscount Vincent's reaction, which was stained with anger, Count Fabius adjusted his posture and set down the teacup.
"With Viscount Vincent's sincere concern, let me tell you an interesting story. Until Golden Bank got to where it is today. In the process of arguing for the right of interest, conflicts like today have not happened once or twice. Each time, the presidents of Golden Bank said the same thing. Hold on to the golden line. If you share the future with us, you too will face a brilliant future."
Silly, he laughed.
it was obvious
What kind of proposal will Golden Bank make?
Since it was a proposition that could not be stopped knowingly, Hoffman made the same remarks as expected within the expected range.
"Hoffman is right. In fact, there are many successful factions as members of the Golden Line. But did you know that some forces have failed? And what about the fact that these forces have something in common?"
" What does that mean?"
"It means to face reality. Those who failed to become members of the Golden Line. What they have in common is that they joined through 'competition' as it is now. Those who did not accept because Golden Bank sincerely wanted them to join, but conditionally accepted them in order to win the competition. They were discriminated against even within the Golden Line, whether they knew it or not. On the outside, it appears that they are actively fulfilling their promises, but on the inside, they lead the situation so that they have no choice but to wear out."
Looking back on history.
There was a clear precedent.
In fact, the forces that went out like that did not raise their voices and died from the bottom up.
"Me too, Viscount Vincent. Now I know very well that what I said is true. If you ask me to present evidence, I would suggest to look back on history. If so, I'll ask. Do you think the Golden Bank wants the Vincents now, but will keep the same heart in the future?"
"Where the bullshit !"
Hoffman was furious.
He rose from his seat, but Count Fabius' gaze was fixed on Viscount Vincent.
"Dmitry is different. Dmitry never betrays a relationship once established. That is the only condition that Dmitry can promise the 'family Vincent'."
* * *
The atmosphere was strange.
At Viscount Vincent's complicated expression, Hoffman raised his voice.
"Vincent Viscount! Don't be fooled by such nonsense. Golden Bank is a force that has risen to its present position with one credit. We value the words we utter like gold, and we want a future with the Vincent family. Do you not know that joining the Golden Line is a rare opportunity?"
acknowledged
Hoffman's proposal was a great opportunity, but Count Fabius's comments confused Viscount Vincent.
' Count Fabius is right. Cooperating with Golden Bank has to worry about betrayal at every moment, but Dmitry never betrays a relationship once accepted, according to rumors. If so, what kind of cooperation is the future for the Vincent family?'
There is something people misunderstand.
belongings.
Never act recklessly.
Even if the dark inside was criticized by people, they snobbily chose the safest future.
" I will accept Count Fabius' proposal. Vincent wants to share the future with Dmitry."
made a decision
finally.
Belief was important.
Vincent's cooperation with Golden Bank would guarantee great wealth, but what was important to the Vincent family, already called the wealthy, was safety.
The future with Golden Bank was uncertain.
Conversely, Dmitry is leading a new future, and rumors circulating in the world have proven that they can be trusted.
finished.
Even Viscount Vincent was unable to convince him, and Hoffman's patience reached the limit.
Pak!
Clink!
"These bastards!"
turned the table over.
With a reddened face, anger poured out on Viscount Vincent's face.
"Vincent! How dare you say no to my offer? Joining the Golden Line is an opportunity for even the wealthiest of the empire to line up. But you don't know the subject and you turn down the offer. i promise Vincent's future will fall into the same hell as Dmitry in the future. The Golden Bank, this Hoffman, will plunge you into the abyss."
Whoops, I turned my head.
there.
There was Count Fabius.
The culprit that made the situation like this was that raccoon dog.
"Fabius. The day Dmitry falls, I hold you alive... ."
"Lower your voice."
"This bastard is real!"
Moment.
The atmosphere had changed violently.
Count Fabius, who was usually smiling, showed a fierce expression as if he were a different person.
"If you don't want to lose it, shut your mouth. You fucking bastard."