Hearing that, Laurent was shocked.

"Thirty million? Are you hearing yourself?"

"Yes," Ernest said calmly. "Twenty to thirty million, and can be higher. I mean you are not the only one investing right, you can divide it among yourselves. And I want an exclusive clause where only the Helmarte Soap Works operate in the country for five years, which means I want the permits and licenses of that company revoked. As the head of the merchant guild, for sure you can do that right? After all, you control commerce. That exclusivity clause would ensure that you will earn your money fast. And as for stakes, we can give you about twenty percent."

The room immediately became silent.

Actually, even Hollen looked at Ernest as if he had suddenly grown another head.

Twenty percent.

That was not a small number.

Not at all.

Because ownership represented future profit.

Future control.

Future wealth.

Then Hollen frowned.

"Wait."

He looked toward Ernest.

"You aren’t expecting me to give up twenty percent of my shares, are you?"

"Of course not."

That answer came immediately.

Actually, Ernest had already calculated this before speaking.

The forge owner visibly relaxed slightly.

Then Ernest grabbed a blank parchment from Laurent’s desk and began writing.

Current ownership:

Hollen: 65%

Ernest: 35%

Then he drew another column.

After investment:

Hollen: 50%

Ernest: 30%

Merchant Guild Consortium: 20%

Laurent narrowed his eyes.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Meanwhile Hollen stared at the figures.

"Hold on."

The forge owner pointed toward the paper.

"You lose five percent."

"Yes."

"And I lose fifteen."

"Yes."

"And somehow you’re fine with that?"

Actually, Laurent wanted to hear the answer too.

Because from a negotiation standpoint, Ernest voluntarily giving up part of his own stake was unusual.

Very unusual.

Then Ernest leaned back.

"Hollen."

"What?"

"How much is sixty-five percent of a small company?"

The forge owner frowned.

"What kind of question is that?"

"A serious one."

Then Ernest tapped the paper.

"Right now, the Helmarte Soap Works is worth perhaps ten million riels."

Actually, that was a conservative estimate.

The factory alone represented a substantial asset.

Then there were inventories.

Distribution contracts.

Brand value.

Working capital.

Future earnings.

The real value was probably higher.

Then Ernest continued.

"Sixty-five percent of ten million is six and a half million."

Hollen nodded slowly.

"Okay."

"Now imagine we secure thirty million riels."

Actually, Laurent almost laughed hearing Ernest casually say thirty million as if it were pocket change.

The amount remained absurd.

Still.

He listened.

"Imagine we become the largest hygiene manufacturer in the kingdom."

Then he looked directly at Hollen.

"Would you rather own sixty-five percent of ten million?"

"Or fifty percent of one hundred million?"

Silence.

Actually...

That was a powerful argument.

Because it shifted the discussion completely.

Ownership percentage meant nothing without context.

Value mattered.

A smaller slice of a much larger pie could easily become worth more.

Much more.

Then Ernest continued.

"The mistake many businessmen make is becoming obsessed with ownership percentages. They protect their shares, they refuse dilution, they refuse outside capital, they refuse partnerships, and then they stay small forever."

"Where are you learning it?" Hollen asked.

"I’m just rambling based on observation," Ernest said and then continued.

"I don’t need a passive investor. I need a strategic investor."

That immediately caught Laurent’s attention.

"Strategic?"

"Yes."

"Money is only part of what you’re bringing."

Then Ernest began counting.

"Trade connections, distribution networks, guild influence, political relationships."

If Laurent only brought money, twenty percent would be expensive.

But Laurent brought something far more valuable, speed.

"So, would that be possible, Guildmaster?"

The guildmaster’s eyes moved between Ernest and the figures written on the parchment.

Twenty percent.

Thirty million riels.

Five-year exclusivity.

Nationwide expansion.

Factory construction.

New distribution networks.

Actually, what Ernest was proposing was no longer a business investment.

It was industrial expansion on a national scale.

Several moments passed before Laurent finally spoke.

"I won’t lie."

His voice had become more serious now.

"It’s attractive."

That immediately caught Hollen’s attention.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Then Laurent continued.

"The Helmarte Soap Works is already profitable. However, thirty million riels is not a decision I can make alone."

"That’s understandable, given the stake here," Ernest said understandingly. "How much time before we can expect a reply?"

"About two weeks," Laurent answered.

Ernest nodded.

That was acceptable. The Guildmaster was taking it seriously.

"As for Silver Brook."

That immediately got both Ernest’s and Hollen’s attention.

The Guildmaster folded his hands.

"Officially, I cannot revoke licenses simply because you dislike a competitor."

"That’s unfortunate."

"Yes."

Then a faint smile appeared on Laurent’s face.

"However..."If we finalize this investment agreement. If the Guild Consortium commits twenty to thirty million riels. If the Helmarte Soap Works becomes a strategic industrial partner of the Merchant Guild..."

Then his smile widened slightly.

"I am certain that our inspectors can take a much closer look at Silver Brook’s operations."

He understood what he meant.

"Let’s just say that if they fail to meet guild standards, the consequences would be their own responsibility."

"That’s more like it," Ernest smiled and rose to his feet. "Okay, this should conclude our business."

Laurent stood as well.

"Then I shall contact you once I have spoken with the others."

"I’ll be waiting."

The three men shook hands.

Moments later, Ernest and Hollen exited the Guildmaster’s office.

The guards opened the doors behind them.

The receptionist nodded politely as they passed.

Several guild employees glanced curiously toward them.

Apparently, word had already spread that another important meeting was taking place upstairs.

Neither man spoke while descending the stairs.

Nor while crossing the reception hall.

Nor while exiting the Merchant Guild headquarters.

Only after they climbed into the carriage did Hollen finally break the silence.

For several moments, the forge owner simply stared at Ernest.

"Do you even understand what just happened in there?"

Ernest shrugged.

"We negotiated."

"No."

Hollen shook his head.

"You just asked the Merchant Guild for thirty million riels."

"You wanted investment right? That’s the investment. Now, we can now return to our work peacefully without concerning ourselves with that Silver Brook," Ernest said.