NOVEL NEXT chapter 12
12 – 12. Start-up
Just focus on reaping profits without interfering in management.
“In the end, it’s this, isn’t it?”
Sienna, who received Alan Maydorff’s counterproposal, stroked her hair and pondered.
It was a habit she had developed when facing important decisions.
It started when she executed the maid who stole her necklace at the age of twelve.
While it is common to simply punish and drive away maids who steal, Sienna killed the culprit after much consideration.
Of course, she didn’t do it herself, but ordered her subordinate to do it. The expression of the maid begging for mercy still remained vivid in her mind.
It wasn’t for fun, of course.
“I can’t let them take away what little I have left. It’s the same even now.”
It was amusing to watch people’s surprised faces as they struggled, or to observe them cautiously, trying not to offend.
But Sienna’s fundamental motivation was to protect her wealth and rights.
Whether intentional or accidental, she couldn’t tolerate anyone infringing upon them. In some cases, the opposite could be somewhat tolerated.
“Is Alan trying to take what’s mine?”
Well… not exactly.
His proposal seemed somewhat reasonable at first glance.
“I will allocate 49% of the shares. Me having 51% is necessary to maintain control.”
“I will listen to your advice, but I will make the decisions. Your Highness will agree that it’s the most efficient way.”
“I know Your Highness’s wisdom better than anyone. But isn’t there something more important than this op*ium business?”
Although it was bothersome that Alan had 51% and she had 49%, ultimately, all the troublesome matters were conditions that he would handle. She just needed to provide some support and receive money in return. It couldn’t be considered a bad deal.
“It’s not a bad thing to support Alan.”
It wasn’t something to boast about, but she had no one around her.
Well, if you really wanted to count, there were many. There were 500 people working in the Thames Palace where she resided. But soldiers, servants, and slaves couldn’t be considered close aides. There was no one who could be helpful in the succession competition.
The usable resources had already been taken by her sister, Victoria, and those who hadn’t been taken yet remained as spectators, saying, “It’s too early to discuss the next generation.” Most of them were those who distanced themselves from Sienna.
In the end, only trash that no one wanted to be near lingered around Sienna.
If Alan could elevate his status through business in this situation, it would be a welcome development.
In an era where even commoners could receive the title of Marquis if they earned money well.
Moreover, Alan possessed not only wealth but also power. Who would dare to disrespect an expert, especially one of the highest caliber, who earned a lot of money? If Alan succeeded, perhaps he could even cover up his notorious reputation.
However, there was one thing that bothered me when I agreed.
‘Can I really trust and entrust this person?’
Giving decision-making power to someone else kept bothering me. Alan could change his mind after achieving success.
Even though betrayal was unlikely since we were in this together, there was a possibility of suddenly acting pricey. Just looking at what he hid about op*ium and sylibin made me skeptical.
No matter how much I thought about it, 49 percent ownership was not enough.
‘I need evidence. Proof that he won’t turn his back on me.’
While contemplating, something caught Sienna’s eye.
It was the sword that Alan used.
Come to think of it, he was a knight.
In an era dominated by guns and cannons, the pride of those who rose to prominence with just a sword was beyond imagination.
That pride sometimes manifested in distorted forms. There were many articles derogating naval officers as “those who lacked the qualifications to become knights and therefore enrolled in military academies.” Even elite officers often looked down on knights.
Perhaps Alan was no exception. He mainly used a mace instead of a sword, and while he often defeated opponents effortlessly, he still had some pride.
‘This can be verified with this.’
It might be a bit harsh for Alan, but it was necessary.
With determination, Sienna spoke up.
“Alan, it’s a good proposal.”
“Thank you. Please go on.”
“I should be the one thanking. But leading a business will bring you various troubles. You may clash with people you wouldn’t normally talk to, and there might be times when you have to say unpleasant things to them.”
“You make a valid point.”
“Claiming to be my bodyguard background should resolve most issues. However, that’s not what you want, right? You want success in your own name.”
“Yes.”
“Then, it seems appropriate for you to temporarily set aside the identity of a knight and live like that. Don’t you think so?”
It was a statement thrown as a request for a commitment, expecting the readiness to do so if he was truly going to run the business independently and had no intention of allowing Sienna’s interference.
“…Yes. I understand what you mean.”
Perhaps because he was quick-witted, he immediately grasped the meaning.
Though his expression seemed calm, Alan didn’t appear entirely comfortable with the assessment.
He hesitated while reaching toward the sword belt, closed his eyes, and even sighed. It might be due to the attachment to the time spent honing his sword skills over the years, and perhaps the reluctance to toss away even the knight’s pride.
But the hesitation was brief.
Alan soon took action.
“Understood, my lord. I never intended to take Dumville lightly.”
Taking the sword from its sheath, he carefully placed it in front of Sienna. There was a seriousness about him, as if stating that he had no intention of offending the lord’s feelings.
“Why are you giving me your sword?”
“I’m entrusting it for a while. To show my commitment.”
“…”
“It doesn’t simply mean giving up a sword. I won’t use the sword for a while. …You might not know, but I’ve been training diligently since I was five. You must understand what it means for someone like me to temporarily abandon the sword.”
To this extent? Sienna’s eyes widened.
“I’m sincere. This is not just a simple side job for me. I will succeed and become a strength for you, my lord.”
Adding this, Alan thought of a faint smile. It seemed like he was willing to offer any proof of loyalty if needed.
At this point, Sienna had no choice but to acknowledge it.
“Here, putting more pressure is meaningless. It will only create resentment.”
In a different situation, it wouldn’t be strange for someone to feel insulted and declare retirement or exile. However, Alan accepted even that and proved his loyalty.
“Understood, Alan.”
Sienna wasn’t foolish enough to distrust a confidant who had even sacrificed his sword.
**
The verification ended more easily than expected.
Right after offering his sword, Sienna called for a meeting and had an agreement written.
They agreed on a 51% to 49% stake ratio, and Sienna provided 600,000 talers in cash and a slave for simple labor. In response, I contributed op*ium (although Sienna provided it). We also reached an agreement on role allocation and financial management that favored me.
“As you know, there is a small palace in the western part of Thames Palace. You can use it if you want.”
“Yes. And what do you think of the company name being Maydof Pharmaceuticals?”
“Great, Alan.”
I even added my surname to the company name.
That concludes the agreement. After exchanging pleasantries, I left the office feeling satisfied.
“To be honest, I was expecting even more extreme demands.”
I had even considered pressuring Sienna as a duke in the worst-case scenario. Like using Empress Yeonhwa, who was infatuated with Silovin, or Princess Anais, who was cornered. Fortunately, we were able to reach a peaceful agreement without going that far.
Of course, that wicked woman didn’t suddenly become kind.
Perhaps Sienna didn’t know that I would give up the sword. Wouldn’t that be denying my own identity? Maybe Sienna felt burdened and tried to return the sword to me, but…
“It’s alright, Your Highness. I hope you will return the sword to me after our business is on track. For example… yes. When there is a demand for our company to go public. Although we won’t actually need to raise funds like trading companies, it will be a measure of success.”
I casually handed the sword over to Sienna while speaking vaguely like this. I hope she feels at least a little sorry for me, even if the expectations aren’t high.
I didn’t feel any regret.
Of course, the original owner of this body was a diligent inspector. Even on the day he killed a despicable person, he finished his work with martial arts and practiced swordsmanship in his spare time.
Due to my ingrained habits, I also found myself dry and in need of training, so I visited the training ground. I was surprised when I unconsciously wielded the sword and demonstrated my skills.
“I’m grateful for having a strong body, despite the other conditions being the worst.”
Given the nature of my business, there are times when violence is necessary in any form.
At that time, it was not a sword but a blunt weapon that I used.
The Morning Star I held at the time of possession, the convenient mace, or even a hammer would suffice. It would be fine to acquire something new this time.
Coincidentally, all the weapons I experienced in my previous life were blunt weapons. I once held a club and staged a protest by ransacking my parents’ office, and I was also hit by a wrench wielded by a victim who had been robbed of all his possessions by my father. It wasn’t a pleasant memory.
However, my concern for weapons was short-lived.
Because soon, I would be scattering something much more dangerous into the world.
And I would even be getting paid for it. If I let my guard down, I might find myself in a situation that can’t be resolved with a mere cudgel.
“I need to stay alert if I want to survive.”
Officially, I will be acting as the CEO of “Medoph Pharmaceuticals,” but that could actually make me more vulnerable. It’s intentional, but my personal safety is at stake.
To overcome this danger and pursue my business, I had several tasks to accomplish.
The first step was to recruit manpower to serve as my subordinates. It required some risky resources.
Fortunately, I had one person in mind.