Transmigrated as the Villain: I will survive-Chapter 4: The New Market

As the next day dawned, I waited patiently until all of the heads have arrived, as carriages filled with armed men arrived one after another, before me stood four gentlemen and a single lady wearing all black.

Breaking the silence, I spoke with a smile plastered on my face 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

’’I am glad to see how long and far you would all go to see me, it is a great honour to have you all here’’

However before I could continue, I was interrupted by one of the heads

’’ Let us forgo the pleasantries everyone here are gathered for their own purposes so there is no need to prolong this more than necessary ’’

Staring straight at him I continued

’’While that may be true, I never thought of you as someone who would let go of such basic etiquettes Don Joseph even back at the meeting you were the first to leave’’

I saw how a vein visibly appeared on his forehead but as he was about to reply he was stopped by a soft giggle coming his side

’’Cmon now no need to get so worked up’’ said Don Rose smiling faintly behind her black veil ’’ you should by now how nobles are’’

As silence descended after her words, I decided to simply drop the act and get straight to topic at hand.

’’Though I would like to continue this pleasant conversation I can tell that everyone seems to be on a tight schedule as such how about we finish this all in my office and call it a day’’

To my proposal all I got was gruff nod from Don Ferrum which was all I needed as confirmation to get started.

.....

Having arrived at my office I had them all seated with Albert standing on my right.

’’I will start by stating the terms of the contract if any of you have any complaints or add ins then let it be stated after I finish saying all the terms if not then we will continue immediately with the mana oath’’

Taking the silence as affirmation, I started by stating the following terms

1- from now on till the next two weeks all businesses of the 5 heads will be frozen and have its products withdrawn from the black market of the capital

2-The frozen businesses and products will be transported and re-introduced in the Arcane estate under the protection of the household

3- The businesses will start again in the final week of the month

4-if total business does not increase by 50% of compared by the previous month then authority over the estate will be given over to the heads

5- if the business does increase by 50% or more then the ancient pact will be renewed and with 20% of all future profit from the 5 heads will be wired to the arcane family

6- Total profits must be told truthfully and without any change in the accounts written

7- No attempts of assassination to any of the partners who are included in todays dealings be it now or ever

Having stated the terms, I waited silently until one of the heads finally spoke

"What could you possibly be thinking by freezing our businesses?" asked Don Frank looking suspicious of what could I be planning

However, at times like this Nicholos status as a scoundrel truly shines through

" If your businesses suddenly close there would be a shortage of the products and services you provide as such when you reopen the sales would most definitely skyrocket " I said with a look that said I’m the greatest genius of the century.

Seeing how Alberts face paled suddenly while the heads beamed it seems I gave an Oscar worthy performance, after all while they were the largest in their respective markets they were in no way the only ones, a plan like this would never actually work.

’Under normal circumstances that is’

Having finishing that I waited to see if any of the heads would include anything else however surprisingly they all just agreed readily.

’ I thought they would at least comment on 20% of profits’

As I turned around to tell albert to ready the parchment the eldest of the heads suddenly stood up. Wondering what this is about and mentally preparing myself for any attack Don Vincent finally opened his mouth.

’’ ah, I don’t mean any harm I simply wanted to add a clause ’’ he said with a kind smile on his face

’ It was going to well wasn’t it ’

’’ Of course Don Vincent please do say ’’

’’ It is nothing much just that I believe it is only right if we as the heads could choose the next successor of house arcane if your promise of high profits proves to be ineffective ’’

Following his words the other chimed in agreeing acting as if this all wasn’t rehearsed before they all came here.

’These bastards are trying to have me bring in one their own children in the household so they can influence the estate even after my death’

It was an audacious thing to say to a member of nobility that alone could be seen by how red Alberts face has become however I could tell they wouldn’t agree unless I added this in.

’’Fine, however the profit from if I succeed then the profit will increase from 20% to 35%’’ I stated with a sigh.

"It would only be fair" replied Vincent his eyes glowing

Signalling the lightheaded albert I had him prepare the contract and as all 6 of us poured our mana inside the contract was finalized and if anyone of us tried to break the oath then their mana will be destroyed and they will drop dead right there.

Having finished that the heads bid farewell and left immediately to the capital not sparring a single glance back as they walked away.

Suddenly a figure appeared on my right.

"Master do you realize what you have done" albert said his voice trembling

It seemed this was too much even in his standards because of that I felt that I owed him an explanation.

’’ Don’t worry there will be a shortage in the black market because in a weeks time there will be a purge in the capital causing mass panic in the underworld ’’

’And using that confusion a new black market will be born in the arcane estate’