Capítulo 57: The stockholders' meeting
The duke and Eliseline acted as if nothing was off, but they were definitely nervous. Savine was silent, as she listened to the conversation of the bishops.
<Are they really so helpless that they need to offer 70% of their profits?>
<I know. I feel like we can push them for more!>
From the loud voice, Savine knew it was the stout man.
<But since they're starting with a 70% offer, they're showing us their sincerity. I certainly wouldn't feel very happy about myself if I had to beat someone who's on the ground.>
<But what's the use of us being sincere with them? It's not like they can drag themselves off that mud just because of these inventions?>
<If they borrow our name, they'll definitely be able to do that.>
<…>
<How impressive are these inventions, anyway? Even if we sell them to the craftsmen, it's not like they can immediately start making money for us. And the wind-blowing device as well. Who would be willing to buy such a niche product?>
<If we can get one of the higher-ranking nobles to buy them, the others will definitely follow the trend. Also, you underestimate the frivolities of the nobles.>
<Even if they're not popular now, they'll definitely be popular eventually.>
<…>
<Should we try to recreate these inventions ourselves? How hard could it be? They're just spinning metals right?>
<Activate it.>
The products resounded one by one.
<What's this thing?>
<They didn't demonstrate it. Maybe they forgot about it?>
<That can't be… It's definitely something functional. There seems to be two of those mana motors inside it and they're spinning slowly. There's some kind of thin sheet wrapping around them??? They're extremely small.>
<Is there any button on it?>
<I can't tell.>
<Just leave it… we'll get to the bottom of it later.>
<…>
<Can any of you recreate its spell at least?>
Savine could hear the bishops' many attempts.
…
<It's not impossible, but it's hard to keep the metal in place. I also don't know how to keep it working by itself…>>
<We'll get the hang of it eventually.>
At that point, the pope spoke up.
<The products are impressive, but the new type of registrar is what impresses me the most.>
<…His Eminence is right, so far, no one's been able to make a registrar that doesn't need a mage to recast the spell. Without the new registrar, it would be impossible for us to sell these to the public in the first place. Even if we teach the commoner mages to recast the spell, that way, the secret will be out in no time.>
<How did the Fest duchy, of all the places, manage that?>
<I remember Eliseline was a genius without peers at the Academy. I believe this is one of her inventions. …Sigh, it's a shame she's born in that duchy. Anywhere else, she could've shown off her abilities freely.>
<What if we offer her to join us?>
<It's impossible. Who knows how many people asked to be her patron in the Academy? Even the Sovereign's people once offered her a chance. She refused them all.>
<…>
The cardinal interjected again.
<Anyone recognize the girl?>
<Oh, the white-haired girl. …No. There shouldn't be anyone in the ducal family like that. Who was she?>
<She was dressed as a priest, so I assume she's from the temple. Maybe she's Eliseline's disciple?>
<That seems likely. In that case, she must be talented.>
The discussion soon died out after that. The bishops did not seem to think much of Savine. A few rounds later, they arrived at the main question.
<Then… should we accept them?>
<Naturally. No matter how we cut it, it's a winning deal for us. The only thing we lose are the prices for metal and wood, but that's a small price to pay.>
<Yes, and it's not so hard to deter the other duchies from Fest. Though our relations with them might sour a bit, we can raise our public image by helping people regardless of their images.
<I think we can push for 80%. Even if we don't get it what do we have to lose by trying?>
<Their goodwill? It's not like everything in the world runs on money?>
<Bah, if you're so scared to look bad, I'll ask them in our stead.>
<What if they head towards the Palace because of you? The Sovereign is known to be merciful. He even spared the traitorous Second Prince, if he sees the benefits of these items, he won't hesitate to help the Fest duchy. I hate to admit it, but his protection is much more effective than ours.>
<They're the far off Fest. They shouldn't know the happenings of the capital and think they'll be rejected by the Sovereign no matter what they say. Since they came to us first, it's obvious that's the case.>
'Oh?'
<…>
<Your Eminence, your decision,> the cardinal said.
<Let's invite them back in. I'd like to speak more. And cardinal Arbel, please try to probe them further.>
<Understood, Your Eminence.>
A couple minutes later, Savine and the rest were ushered inside again. The pope's eyes were calm as always, but the others were assuming a fierce expression. Savine could only smile at their show of strength.
PENSAMENTOS DOS CRIADORES 
POW
POW a short chap
Presentes
-- Presente
recebido Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder