Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 733

"Raising value and sustainable profits? You plan to adjust shipment volumes to drive up market prices? But if you do that, when the production facts come to light, you'll face severe criticism."

"Your point and concern are valid, Lord Shia. But please rest assured. The method I intend to use to increase value isn't about manipulating market prices, but rather expanding the pearl market and creating further demand. And establishing a 'new culture' that generates semi-permanent sustainable profits."

When I answered fluently, Shia frowned and looked at Vene.

"Vene. I can't keep up with understanding this, what about you?"

"I didn't understand at first either. But once you grasp it, I think this plan is like betting on the winning horse."

"Like betting on the winning horse, huh. Lord Rid, could you explain the plan's specific content a bit more?"

"Of course."

Nodding, I signaled Capella to hand Shia documents marked 'Confidential' on the cover.

These were the pearl cultivation plans I had prepared in advance.

"I'll use these to explain step by step."

"Understood. Please proceed."

As Shia looked curiously at the documents he'd received, I began speaking.

Once pearls start emerging from the Rabbit Tribe territory, the market should react immediately.

And they'll desperately start investigating where in the Rabbit Tribe territory the pearls are being produced.

But at this point, we must never reveal the fact that we've succeeded in 'cultivation.'

It's crucial to only answer that 'an area where pearl-bearing shellfish can be collected in large quantities has been found.'

Next, we'll establish grades and release pearls for nobles and commoners into the market.

"W-wait a moment. I understand establishing grades for nobles, but why would commoners need expensive pearls?"

Apparently not understanding the explanation, Shia furrowed his brow and leaned forward.

"You're right, currently commoners basically don't need pearls. But what if a culture emerged where pearl rings became essential when men propose to women?"

"A culture where pearl rings are essential for proposals? That's absurd, there might be some culture of giving gifts during proposals even among commoners. But I've never heard of any culture of giving 'pearl rings' throughout history, East or West."

"Yes, that point is also correct. Currently, looking across various countries, there's no culture of giving pearl rings. Accordingly, we will create that culture from now on."

When I smiled, Shia was dumbfounded.

Soon, as if a headache had started, he held his forehead, leaned his elbows on the table, and spoke.

"...Could you explain in a way that's easier to understand?"

"Certainly. Then I'll provide additional materials."

Signaling Capella, he politely handed over 'a certain magazine.'

Shia checked the magazine's cover, then flipped through the contents before closing it with a snap.

Then he narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"What is this childish picture book called 'Flowers and Love'? You're not seriously planning to create a new culture with this, are you?"

"No no, that's exactly it. Actually, that's a magazine gradually gaining attention among young ladies in the Empire."

"Wh-what...!?"

When I answered immediately, Shia's eyes widened.

For him, who doesn't know about manga, it's understandable that the magazine feels like a childish picture book.

By the way, I haven't obtained permission from the villainess Valeri who likely operates the magazine's publishing company, but if I invest under the name of 'advertising fees,' she'll definitely cooperate.

Though she might see through my intentions.

"Of course, it's not just that magazine. We'll invest in various writers, actors, publishers to create 'romantic stories between men and women' through stages, novels, magazines, oral traditions - every possible medium. And at the scene where the story reaches its climax, we'll have the man give the woman a 'pearl ring.'"

"Wh...!? Y-you plan to orchestrate something that large-scale?"

"Yes. Because creating culture means exactly that. The first to be affected will be the noble class, but once the admiration permeates to commoner women too, we'll release pearl accessories that commoners can buy with one to three months' salary. If things go well, pearl value will be widely recognized from nobles to commoners, demand will increase, and if the culture takes root, we can expect permanent profits. How about it, isn't it a good plan?"

"Ah, ahh..."

When I narrowed my eyes, Shia's eyes became dots and he was speechless.

Actually, this proposal has precedent with 'diamonds' in my previous life.

Diamonds, which were expensive due to rarity from low production, once faced predicted price crashes when large-scale mines were discovered.

At that time, 'a certain company' created a plan similar to what I'm proposing to Shia, recruited investment, and bought up all diamond mines one after another.

Then that company successfully established the culture of 'diamonds as engagement gifts' worldwide using novels and stages, while maintaining value by adjusting annual diamond circulation.

As a result, they generated enormous wealth and became renowned as a global company.

Well, in my previous life, I didn't have anyone to give diamonds to anyway.

I have control of the situation, but maybe I should push a bit more on this matter.

I cleared my throat and began with "If..."

"If the plan progresses completely smoothly, for the next several hundred years - no, even lovers a thousand years from now will be influenced by us. Don't you think that's a story with some romance when you consider that?"

"...The next several hundred years, a thousand years from now. What is this. Lord Rid and I are seeing different scenes - completely different."

When Shia muttered in astonishment as if squeezing out the words, Vene agreed with "Yeah..."

"We're barely managing with things like 'how to sell more of what we have' or 'more efficient selling methods' - just our own territory's matters. Meanwhile, Rid is looking down on the entire continent from a high position, trying to create culture and new markets that will continue into the distant future. That imagination is just extraordinary. It's beyond ordinary people's thinking - that must be why he's called unconventional."

Saying this, Vene leaned forward and looked straight at Shia.

"Old man, I'll state this clearly. Common sense will change dramatically in the coming years. The winning horse at the center, leading the era, is undoubtedly Rid and Baldia. That's exactly why Sekmetos dragged Rid into the Beast King Battle and mentioned future marriage talks between the Beast King and Baldia."

After declaring this in a strong, clear tone, she looked around at everyone present.

"Chris and the Christina Trading Company here, Amon and the new Grand Duke family - they've already bet on the winning horse. And right now, we're at the brink of either grasping or missing a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bet on the winning horse.'"

"...Transformation of the era, huh."

After a brief pause, Shia muttered weakly with deep emotion.

"Exactly as his nickname suggests, Lord Rid is indeed an 'unconventional prodigy.' I finally understand what Vene meant by betting on the winning horse."

By the way, aren't both of them overusing this 'winning horse' thing about me?

Well, it's fine though.

Saying this, he lowered his eyes to the documents I'd given him and nodded "Understood."

"Lord Rid, let me also promise full cooperation with all our resources. If you need anything, just say it."

"Thank you. Then, may I make one request right away?"

"Yes, what is it?"

I cleared my throat and spoke formally.

"The most important part of this plan. To demonstrate pearl generation, could you prepare 'White Magic Butterfly Shells and Black Magic Butterfly Shells' for me?"

"...!? Understood. I'll have them prepared immediately."

Shia stood up with a serious expression and called to the guards in the hallway.

Well, I've obtained the Rabbit Tribe's full cooperation, but the next demonstration should seal the deal.

I'm looking forward to seeing Shia's surprised face.