Although not the richest, but in terms of business influence, the Sterling family is definitely the Number one. And they are also a part of the Royalist faction. Although, I highly doubt it's out of loyalty.
Even in my old world Earth, Businessmen were always buddy-buddy with the government and the banks. One gives them contract and Legal efficiency while the other gives them Money.
In the same way, Having a good relation with the Ruling Family gives them a huge advantage in business.
But unlike on earth, where Government and banks both show favoritism towards the Tycoon families, In here Both the governments and banks are under the control of the Royal Family, the very hand that is also responsible for signing their permits.
And The Royal family is at the Top, at least on the surface. So The sterling and most of the other business families have no other way but to stay 'Loyal' to the Royal family.
We live in a monarchy, where the mark of capitalism is not as deep as it is on earth.
Of course, If the sterling family really does try to misuse the privileges granted by King, They will get what they deserve, ...maybe ?
regardless, While getting their support as an ally would be a huge blessing but I very believe that offering only one game won't be enough to secure that.
And aside from all that, I don't trust businessmen, Even if my Dad was one himself. I make deal with them only when its either one of these two cases.
One, I have nothing to loose by making the deal, even in the worst case scenario,
or two, I have the upper hand in negotiation.
And right now, both conditions are satisfied.
"So," Andras said, leaning back as the garden shadows lengthened. "What is it that you want, Your Highness?"
"The better question, Marquis, is what can you offer?" I countered, my voice level matching his.
"Money?" he asked, testing the waters.
"If you intend on Buying the rights from me, then you can forget it." I have no intention of selling the rights when i don't even know how much profit will this bring to him and how much does he think this board game is worth. It will be my loss.
"Thought so.... Then, are we discussing Royalties or Shares?" he asked, his tone shifting into one of genuine professional respect. "Which one shall it be?"
"Hmm..."
Royalty or shares huh...
Honestly, the option of Shares is more appealing, they would make me a part-owner of a Sterling venture, giving me a foothold in their business empire.
But shares also brings visibility, audits and corporate drama to your doorsteps. And its tempting only for people who are interested in business, since, it would allow them to be a part of the major sterling business empire. Which Businessman wouldn't want that, right?
But, I am not one of them. I am just after the money. So...
"Lets go with Royalty, Marquis" I answered.
"Royalties, huh... yes, that's a cleaner choice for a Prince," he mumbled, his narrowed golden eyes looking towards me. "And how much are we talking?"
"How much can you give?" I asked back.
Rule number one of the corporate world: always let the other party speak the first number whether you are getting or giving. Since It sets the ceiling and the floor.
"Hmm... How about thirty percent?" he offered. It was a low-ball, but a respectful one.
"How about fifty?" I replied, raising an eyebrow.
"That's too much, your highness. lets go with forty, then"
"Alright, Forty it is then. Accepted."
"Thank you, Highness" He stood up and extended his hand "Glad doing business with you"
Well that was a quick one. This is why I like dealing with smart people who know how to Save and Respect time. Time of Both theirs and others.
Honestly, He will be the one to handle production, marketing, storage, sales and everything. I am not even the actual creator. Forty percent is basically a steal when In reality he is the one doing all the heavy lifting.
he is being wayyyy too generous. perks of being a prince, I guess.
If I go by the standards of earth, Even ten percent is considered to be a god given gift. And yet he started from thirty. Either the standards of this world is Vastly different or he is just giving me free money by sacrificing a huge chunk of the profit.
I stood up as well and shook his hand "The feeling's mutual"
"Thanks for your kind words, Your Highness" He looked at the board "The nobles are sure to love it"
"Just The Nobles ? Don't tell me You intend to gatekeep this only for the Nobles ?" I asked, my voice tilting into a half-joking, half-probing register.
"Well, of course. that's the plan" Andras replied, sounding genuinely surprised by my question.
his answer shocked me.
"What ? Marquis, Did i hear that right ?" I asked just to be sure
"uh.. yes, its gonna available for nobles. Is there anything wrong ?"
Wasn't this guy supposed to be the genius of the centaury. So, what's with that idiotic decision ?
What's with this short-sighted elitism?
"Marquis, do you really intend to ignore the commoners who occupy over ninety five percent of the entire population ?" I asked in a surprised tone, trying my best not to mistakenly leak the mocking tone as if I'm talking to an idiot.
Andras let out a weary sigh, the kind a teacher gives to a student who has missed a fundamental point "I understand your concern for the masses, Your Highness. But business is not a charity. There are cold, hard reasons for my exclusivity."
"Oh? Pray tell. I'm eager to learn your 'Cold' reasoning." I sank back to my seat and gestured him to do the same. We have much more to discuss, after all.
I might've sound rude. But Right now, That's not important.
He took his seat and looked at my eyes for a bit and said "First of all, While I should not say such things as a noble myself but... Nobles are easier to manipulate in these matters"
"Manipulate ?" I was genuinely intrigued by his choice of words.
"yes, to sell a product that is a want, rather than a need, to a noble, you just need to do two things. First, Make it look luxurious and Second, spread a rumor that a famous noble is using it and turn it into a trend and Boom! all nobles will clamor to buy it."
His reasoning has an undeniable point. Most nobles are stupid like that. The moment a trend starts, they will try their hardest to not miss the wave. As a person from 21st century, I know that feeling very well.
"And another reason for not giving it to peasants, is that most noble look down on commoners. if they see commoners playing the same game as them, they might think that chess is a game of commoners and while We can try to make Commoners our main customer base, there is problem with that as well"
"A problem ?"
"Yes, Commoners are financially more aware and won't buy something unless its something they truly need or they find it too interesting or fun. But entertainment is secondary for them. So, Doing marketing among commoners is harder."
That's quite a detailed analysis and a Valid point of concern.
"your concerns are on point and valid, Marquis. But I don't understand one thing"
"Even if what you said is the truth, commoners still have the number, why ignore them ?" I stated my concern.
"Well lets do the calculation, If we sell one board to 95 commoners in the price of one unit money, we get 95 * 1= 95. But if we sell 5 nobles at the price of 20, then its 20 * 5= 100. No matter how big commoners are in number, you can't make much profit with luxury goods from them. my calculation is based on the best case scenario for commoners and the worst case of Nobles. and If we make chess a commoner's product, some nobles might even reprimand me later." He explained
"Hmm... But all these calculations are based on the assumptions that chess won't be much popular among the commoners and that in case if it does get popular, then the sales from Nobles will be affected, Right ?" I stated the key points.
"you understand quickly. Yes, that's basically it."
"I see... well, I hold a different opinion and I might even have a solution, Would you like to hear ?"