"Your Highness, is this soap?"

Walter’s eyes lit up as he reached out to take one of the soap bars. He had seen the traditional soap, but those were dark and dull, completely unlike this clean, beautiful, and aesthetically pleasing soap.

"Wait, don’t touch it yet." Simon reminded him. "The soap hasn’t fully solidified; it still needs a day or two."

This time, Simon had used a soap-making method similar to traditional handmade soap rather than full-scale industrial production. Industrial soap-making required the use of salt precipitation to speed up the solidification process, but that method required precise control of salt content. Instead of dealing with that, it was simpler to let the soap cool naturally for two days. Besides, the Goldwynd family still needed time to prepare their merchant caravans and ships, so the delay wouldn’t be an issue.

At that moment, Joan also had a fascinated expression, holding her hands over her heart, her eyes sparkling like stars.

After instructing Bjorn to watch over the soap, Simon returned two days later to retrieve a portion of it.

This batch was meant for Eldora, since this was a brand-new product, he naturally had to send some to Lady Isolde. At the same time, the imperial concubines could help spread word of it.

He knew very well that in this era, fashion trends among the common people were often set by the imperial concubines.

"Your Highness, how much do you plan to sell this soap for?"

Two days later, Walter arrived at the prince’s castle to discuss the pricing. Now that the soap was ready, it was time to set a price.

Traditional soap was so expensive that only the nobility and wealthy elites could afford it, and this soap was naturally targeted at the same clientele.

"What do you think, Walter?" Simon wasn’t foolish, whoever spoke first in a negotiation usually lost.

Walter pondered for a moment. "In Eldora, traditional soap is used exclusively by the imperial consorts and is considered a tribute item, with almost no sales among the common folk. To better estimate the price, I had someone investigate the imperial palace purchases traditional soap at 25 caps per piece. But our soap is far superior, larger in size, and lasts an entire month. Given that, I believe 50 caps per bar is not unreasonable."

In modern terms, 50 caps for a bar of soap would be an astronomical price. But times were different, and the value of goods couldn’t be compared directly. In the Eldorian Empire, this soap was equivalent to a luxury brand like Prada or even more exclusive. Given its elite target market, the price wasn’t actually excessive.

After all, he was selling to the wealthiest and most powerful people in the empire.

"Walter, you make a fair point. In that case, I’ll offer a discount, how about 5 caps off per bar?" Simon suggested.

"5 caps?" Walter looked pained. "Your Highness, for Brambleford’s Finest, you gave a discount of 10 caps!"

"But does Brambleford’s Finest ship 1,500 bottles per batch?" Simon countered. This time, he had produced 1,500 bars of soap in a single batch, offering a discount greater than 3 caps would be foolish.

Walter had no retort. Brambleford’s Finest only produced a few hundred bottles per batch, and due to grain shortages, Simon strictly controlled its output.

Unlike soap, which could be produced in unlimited quantities. Even with a 3-cap margin, the Goldwynd family would still make enormous profits through volume sales, both Cedric and Walter were well aware of this.

"Very well, I will discuss this with my father and report back to Your Highness." Walter wasn’t ready to commit without consulting his family.

After sending Walter off, Simon summoned Percival.

"We cannot let the Goldwynd and Chandlier families monopolize the business. Over time, corruption and shady dealings are bound to arise. This time, I will allocate 50% of both Brambleford’s Finest and the soap to our own merchants. Take these goods south and sell them."

"My Lord, why not take full control of the business? That way, all the profits will belong to us." Percival asked. Ever since becoming the head of the commercial division, he had quickly adopted a merchant’s mindset.

Simon replied. "The Four Great Families of Brambleford still hold significant power. Whether it’s enforcing policies or implementing the military farming system, we need their cooperation. If they decide to obstruct us, it will make territorial development incredibly difficult. By sharing some of the profits, they will be more inclined to work in my favour."

Percival nodded. "Understood. I will prepare the merchant ships for the southern trade."

Simon nodded in approval and watched as Percival left. His goal in establishing the commercial division was to regain control over trade while preventing the Goldwynd and Chandlier families from price manipulation.

Although he controlled the pricing of Brambleford’s Finest and soap, there was no guarantee that the Goldwynd and Chandlier families wouldn’t secretly inflate prices for maximum profit.

By involving his own merchants, he ensured that both families would restrain themselves.

Not long after Walter left, he returned with an answer, just as Simon expected, the Goldwynd family agreed. Only a fool would refuse such a lucrative business opportunity, especially since their profits would rival those of Lothair’s ventures.

First, Brambleford’s Finest, then perfume, now soap. Simon was determined to focus on these three products, particularly soap, which would be mass-produced for maximum profit.

Thus, he planned to dedicate the winter season to expanding the Workshop District, establishing dedicated factories for brewing wine, making soap, producing perfume, refining steel, and constructing water-powered lathes.

In the future, this area would become the heart of Brambleford’s industrial development.

At the same time, Percival’s merchant caravans, along with the Goldwynd and Chandlier family trade routes, spread across the empire. These products were carried to distant regions, bringing back vast amounts of silver.

And so, in Simon’s first winter in Brambleford, a small butterfly flapped its wings, starting a ripple effect that would transform the entire Eldorian Empire.

---

Eldora, the Imperial Palace

"Your Majesty, did you use the soap last night? Ah, you wouldn’t believe it, it felt incredible while bathing! It’s like all my past baths were wasted!" One of the concubines exclaimed.

"Exactly! My skin feels so much smoother and even smells wonderful!"

"And most importantly, it removes oil! My skin gets greasy so easily, but this soap takes care of it perfectly."

"Compared to this, the traditional soap is utterly shameful! I told my maid to throw it away; I’ll never use it again!" Another concubine chimed in.

Empress Gretchen watched the concubines chatter excitedly about the soap, smiling.

This soap had just arrived from Brambleford, sent by Prince Simon. After their previous experience with his perfume, the concubines had eagerly snatched up the soap, and now, just a day later, they were gathered to discuss it.

At this moment, Lady Margaret remarked. "I heard that some merchants in Eldora have started selling soap too. But honestly, how could commoners outside the palace appreciate its true value?"

"Exactly! Lady Isolde said that our palace soap is exclusively provided by Prince Simon. The ingredients are of the highest quality, far superior to anything outside the palace." Another concubine boasted.

Lady Isolde exchanged a glance with Empress Gretchen, who immediately understood her intent.

"The soap sold outside is also from Prince Simon." Empress Gretchen said. "Since Prince Simon is so loyal, we should do our part to support him."

"Her Majesty is right! I’ll summon my sister and tell her that all the imperial consorts are using this soap."

Lady Isolde smiled approvingly. Simon had bribed the right people this time. Gaining the favour of these concubines meant that he now had powerful voices advocating for him in the imperial court.