The table, scarred and weathered from years of labor, held a modest feast: bread, salted meats, and a jug of wine. The scent of sawdust and sea air lingered in the room, a stark contrast to the opulence of the Dominatus Villa, where negotiations like this would typically take place. Here, every detail spoke of practicality over luxury, a reflection of its occupants' struggles.
Victor, ever composed, reached for the wine. His tailored silks shimmered faintly in the dim light, a quiet testament to his station. He poured himself a glass first, taking a deliberate sip to assure everyone present that it was untainted. His dark eyes betrayed nothing as he set the cup down, signaling the start of the conversation.
Vesperus, the retinue responsible for Victor's finances, leaned forward, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.
- We have a proposal for you.
he began, his tone calm but assertive.
- We wish to acquire this shipyard and secure your services exclusively for the young Lord Victor. We understand you owe the Cinna Household a debt of three hundred thousand sestertii. We intend to clear this amount entirely in exchange for ownership of the shipyard. Furthermore, we will pay a ten percent premium above the market price for each ship constructed under your labor.
Belisarius narrowed his eyes, the weight of the offer settling over him like a shroud. He took a measured sip of wine, his brow furrowed in thought. Glancing at his sister, he noted Amalia's composed yet sharp gaze fixed on Victor. The proposal was generously liberating, even. With his debt cleared and a stable client, he could rebuild his reputation. "This deal could save me," he thought, hope flickering in his chest. "A second chance, granted by the gods themselves. They haven't abandoned me yet."
He cleared his throat, ready to accept, when—
BONK!
Amalia's wooden spoon met the back of his head with a sharp thwack.
- Idiot brother!
she snapped, her fiery gaze silencing him mid-sentence.
- This is why you shouldn't be running a business! Stay quiet and leave the talking to someone with sense.
Belisarius shrank back, rubbing the sore spot on his head, as Amalia turned her attention to Vesperus.
- Dear lord.
she began, her tone sharp but respectful.
- your offer is generous, but I must point out some concerns. While three hundred thousand sestertii clears the debt, it leaves us with little room to improve the shipyard's capabilities. Producing high-quality ships will require more investment. Furthermore, an exclusive contract limits our client base, tying our livelihood to your survival. No offense, young lord, but any misfortune that befalls you would cripple us.
Victor's expression remained impassive, though a flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. Vesperus, however, stiffened, caught off-guard by the rapid barrage of questions. Clearing his throat, he attempted to regain control.
- While your points are valid.
he said, his voice steady but strained.
- we can offer additional advantages. We will handle the procurement of materials and provide designs for the ships. As for pricing, the cost will align with market trends, ensuring fair compensation.
Amalia's lips pressed into a thin line.
- Handling materials is a start, but setting prices purely based on costs is a trap. Why settle for cost-based pricing when speculation drives profits?
She leaned forward, her voice sharp.
- Consider the bireme—a few years ago, they sold for one hundred thousand sestertii. Today, they fetch nearly two hundred and thirty thousand. While construction costs have only increased by fifty percent, selling prices have surged by two hundred and thirty percent. Your proposed model would limit our profits while the market thrives.
The room fell silent, tension crackling in the air. Vesperus's confident facade faltered as he struggled to counter her arguments. Victor, observing the exchange with quiet interest, set his cup down and spoke.
- Enough.
His voice, calm yet commanding, cut through the discussion. All eyes turned to him.
- Let us simplify matters.
He leaned forward, his dark eyes locking onto Amalia's.
- We will settle your debt with the Cinna Household and provide an additional fifty thousand sestertii as a starting fund. For three quarters of the year, your shipyard will focus solely on fulfilling our demands. The remaining quarter will be yours to pursue other clients. This arrangement will last five years. By the end of this period, you will have trained at least two additional navicularii of my choosing. Once the shipyard expands to accommodate the construction of three ships simultaneously, you will regain full autonomy over your operations, barring exclusive designs.
He paused, letting his words sink in.
- During this time, we will supply materials at ten percent below market price, ensuring competitive profitability. All I ask in return is a detailed drawing of a bireme for my own use.
Amalia rested her chin on her hand, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Victor. The offer was remarkably fair—perhaps too fair. "What's your game?" she wondered, unwilling to trust such generosity at face value. Still, the terms provided a clear path forward, one that granted them both stability and eventual independence.
- Bring the papyrus
she finally said, her tone measured.
- We can finalize the terms once we've reviewed them in writing.
Victor's lips curved into a faint smile. Reaching for the wine, he poured another glass, raising it in a silent toast.
- To new beginnings.
he said smoothly, his words carrying both promise and enigma.
- Shall we?