Dare The Product Make Demands

[StaolDerg]

To the Honorable Dame Haruko-kama of the Three Hills Industrial Conglomerate,

Allow me to introduce myself: I am Seng Dongyuan, Development Secretary for the city of Vono. In accordance with royal government mandates for industrialization around thirty years ago, the city set aside around a budget of eighteen million Yairen for the construction and development of industrial works within the Tan Feng metropolitan area. While the initial bidding period is now over, the contract awarded to the Imishuri Concern Conglomerate is now being reconsidered following major delays of said Conglomerate to begin construction of the promised concrete and steel mill plants. This the eighth contract to be under-delivered within the last twenty years, and the TAKPOE Office of Development has authorized the city of Vono to choose its own contractor.
It is from this opportunity that I have written to you with an exclusive deal and an invitation to Vono: If your conglomerate is willing to construct the concrete and steel plants that Imishuri Conglomerate was unable to deliver, the city of Vono will award you a contract worth at a minimum of four hundred million Yairen a year for further industrial projects within the city limits, in addition to all original funding for the Tan Feng project. Furthermore, should all projects be completed in a satisfactory manner, the city is willing to provide accommodations for the Three Hills Corporations: Exclusive development rights to the region, exclusive economic rights to sell and purchase in the region, and immunity from certain tariffs on goods.
Most Sincerely,

Seng Donyuan

Development Secretary, City of Vono.

Sekra read- or rather, listened- over the shoulder of Secretary Seng’s aide as they tapped out the letter on the shiny new typewriter imported all the way from Aundui Yio, thoughtfully tapping her chin as the Crown read the letter to her aloud.

Secretary Seng himself was beside her, tentatively reading over the other shoulder of the secretary, unconsciously fiddling with his clothes’ pockets. He was a short person, even in terms of fellow Crown humans like his aide.

“And you’re sure just one corporation will do, Minister? Surely it’d be better to offer such a lucrative proposition to other Kumo firms looking for some good money.”

“One is enough,” Sekra replied simply, placing a hand over the chair of the aide. “The letter sounds good. Have it sent, please.”

The aide bowed and hurried out of the room with the Secretary’s eyes following them out. He glanced at the Minister for a moment, his eyes indecisively choosing between the still-open door and the towering inselni whose hand remained on the back of the chair, serenely looking ahead. He paused for a second, then stepped towards the door and quietly clicked it shut.

“...The mayor. You’re going to kill him?”

“Only if it comes to it,” the inselni responded. “Killing him would leave too many questions for the prying eyes of the provincial government. No, there will be a fire at a volatile materials warehouse that spreads two or three districts in the Songyu District. The city investigation will find a systemic failure in basic safety checks the reason for the accident, and you’ll get your opportunity to have him removed.”

The Secretary frowned. “How big of a fire?”

Sekra tilted her head. “It’ll be containable, but threatening enough to scare people. Some buildings might have their walls scorched a little if the volatiles go off, but the spectacle will be noticeable enough for nearby residents to flee well before any blaze reaches them. In any case, it’ll reflect poorly on the mayor’s governance and his choice to replace that fire station in the lower suburbs.”

The man squinted at the inselni, unsure, but the doorknob of the door rotated once more and he fell silent as the aide returned.

“It is sent, Minister.”

“Splendid.” The inselni turned to the Secretary with her hands folded. “I believe that concludes our business, then. Thank you for your help, Secretary.”

“Indeed, Minister. And I shall meet you again…?”

“I will post you, Mr. Seng. Until then.”

[Sophie]

Dame Nakano Haruko was a young gun in her industry. However, this meant she was on the outs in the majority of the Kumosenkan market, as it was dominated by household names. She had managed a great company all by herself but had essentially hit her cap. It was near impossible for her to grow any further. So when she got the letter from the Development Secretary, she was more than eager to engage. She responded in a short, very unprofessional manner.

Dear Seng Donyuan,

I'm on the way.

Dame Haruko

[StaolDerg]

After getting over the initial surprise of such a blunt response, Secretary Seng's office prepared to receive the Dame at its train station. With a discreet letter sent on its way to the Minister, he hurried off to the train station after his staff in his best dress, hoping to make a good impression.

Preparations were extensive: the platform where she would arrive in would be cleared of the public, and to that extent the Community's leaders had been contacted beforehand to warn everyone that a Kumo of high social class was due to arrive. A fine dining restaurant located in one of the city's many central square would host them first before the meeting, or if she wanted to skip the meal, they would proceed straight to the city's Citadel and conduct the meeting within the large atrium, converted into a meeting hall.

At the platform, Seng nervously tapped his wrist, looking off into the distance where the tracks lead off. If this deal could be secured, not only would Vono's economy grow and become modern like that of Aundui Yio, but unlike the crown jewel of TAKPOE, Vono would retain its autonomy as a traditional Community's heart, able to defy some of the harsh practices brought on by the central government with the support rendered by the city's support of the Broken of Crowns.

He needed this meeting to go right.

[Sophie]

Dame Haruko stepped off her luxury train car with a cigarette in hand. Her attitude quickly got her delivered to the restaurant. "All good business is done over a good meal." The shockingly young dame spoke with her mouth half full of a meal that would cost a full month's rent in the lower suburbs of Aundi Yio. "Now, please, how can I be of assistance to you?"

[StaolDerg]

Trying his very best to ignore the total upheaval of strict manners and formalities he had expected, the Secretary smiled and placed his bowl to the side, reaching for the leather-bound book in his briefcase. "As you know from the letter, the city of Vono wishes to contract your conglomerate for the industrial development of the urban region, as Imishuri Concern has failed to deliver on their promises. As outlined, if you accept and deliver where Imishuri failed, we will award your corporation well more than the original contracted payment of eighteen million Yairen, adjusted for inflation, as well as many exclusive rights to conduct business in the region."

He presented her with the contract papers bound within the book for her to look over, adding, "It is my understanding that Three Hills Corporation is looking to expand its horizons. Well, the city of Vono is home to the Anisera Community, who I represent as a whole. If you would like further business, it would be a small matter to secure rights for the development of many untapped resources within the province-- not to mention the city is more than willing to pay and arrange for expenses such as the housing of laborers, utilities, and even secure exclusive rights to the development and market of the whole area to Three Hills industrial."

[Sophie]

"Well, that sounds fantastic!" The dame cheered with a hearty laugh as she took another sip of her wine. "Only problem is the Yairen took a dive when the Empress kicked it. Investors aren't looking to buy in. They're looking to cash out. Now I'm the only Dame in steel looking to invest in Elenria, but with those bastards on Kabutocho selling every stock like they are on fire, my liquid assets are light." She spoke in stark contrast to the fine steak she was shoving in her gullet.

"So," she continued pulling out a folder of her own. "If you want Haruko Industries to build here, then as you can see by my projected costs and risks, I'm gonna need you to change that eighteen to a twenty-one, with fifteen percent upfront. Once that's been settled, I can authorize the construction of as many forges, foundries, smithies, and even chemical plants as you can handle. Business is down, and I'm looking to grow. We can begin construction by the end of the month as soon as you sign my revised deal."

[StaolDerg]

The Secretary paused for a moment, examining the Dame's terms before slowly nodding. "These terms are amenable, Honorable Dame."

He reached for his pen, satisfied: the initial cost might be a great burden, but the jobs that these industries would provide would pay well, and multiply existing economic values from better wages and growth of efficiency across the industrial sectors. The money would even circulate back into the city and feed more growth of industry and wealth, furthering prosperity. This was excellent, for both sides, no doubt. The best deal possible.

Content, he signed the Dame's proposal, offering his hand to shake hers.

"It is settled then. You may expect the agreed initial payment wired by the afternoon."