Bear School Astartes

When Lann signed, he found it quite novel. It was his first time signing a formal contract, and once he finished signing, he became a shareholder in a major commodity trade.

As the three of them signed the contract in duplicate, a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd in front of the bank entrance.

Immediately after, Lann and the other two symbolically lifted the signed contract to display it to the outside before they could disperse.

This was merely a public signing ceremony. For the merchants to truly confirm the performance and commercial value of Valerian steel, Airetusa Academy would arrange a special visit schedule for them.

Due to the existence of magic, a productivity that transcends time, the business model of this world is far more advanced than that of a world without magic in the same era.

Lann, Margaret, and Shilton returned to Airetusa together.

Shilton, as an operations manager, was there to make his first home visit to the shareholders he would serve in the future.

Unlike Lann, he did not qualify to enter the upper levels of Airetusa Academy, so this meeting was confined to the first-floor Luoxia Palace.

This was not demeaning, as, in times past, even when receiving envoys from various nations, they were at most received on this level.

It was Shilton's first visit to this world-renowned Magic Academy, and he expressed an appropriate level of amazement and admiration.

"Oh, Airetusa, Airetusa, this pearl constructed by magic."

The Dwarf exclaimed in an operatic tone.

Margaret, as the host, expressed understanding and agreement.

If these words came from a human's mouth, they might seem grandiose. But Dwarves are mostly known to be emotionally expressive, so such exaggerated words from a Dwarf seemed sincere.

Magic is undeniably the advanced productivity of this world, and the usage rate of magic in Airetusa Academy is equally undeniably world-class.

The lighting fixtures scattered throughout the corridors alone were astounding for this era.

After all, even in King Veltrest's Royal Palace, people still needed to conveniently light a candle on a candelabrum at night.

But in Airetusa, even if the architecture was complex and winding, even if the decorations were splendid and intricate, these factors could not affect the indoor lighting.

Adequate and lasting light sources were symbols of wealth and capability in this era.

However, Lann could still feel that the Dwarf was not as shocked as he appeared.

The Dwarf's facial muscle and bone structure were not much different from humans'.

In the genetic memory of the Son of the Emperor, they could easily manipulate the emotions of thousands of spectators in public settings and were adept at perceiving the subtle emotions hidden beneath indifferent faces.

In Lann's observation, this Dwarf Banker was indeed admiring but far from being amazed.

It seemed that even the Dwarves, known for their straightforwardness and fiery temper, eventually became 'adapted' after being a qualified banker and mingling in the human nations for a long time.

Lann didn't dislike this behavior because it meant Shilton cared about the shareholders' feelings and was willing to spend energy making his emotional intelligence work.

"...My current market plan is like this. We should initially ship in small quantities, commission renowned craftsmen to forge a batch of powerful swords and armor with Valerian steel, then place these high-quality armaments in auctions around various locations to make a name for ourselves. Since the academy's production capacity is quite limited, we can't market by stocking in large quantities and impacting the market, so we must go with a high-end publicity route."

"Noblemen and major merchants recognize quality. When they realize these high-quality armaments are held together not just by craftsmanship but primarily by the steel's inherent performance, they will naturally start contacting us for business opportunities and for upgrading their armed forces."

Shilton naturally and adeptly explained to the two laymen.

He was no stranger to serving as an operations manager. In his nearly hundred years of youthful life, he had successfully run four to five trading firms backed by the Giancardi Clan's resources, one of which even had a main store in Novigrad.

He knew well the potential and prospects of Valerian steel, prepared to treat this industry as his lifelong career, and had prepared for a long time beforehand.

Lann and Margaret nodded repeatedly as they listened.

Shilton happily took a sip of the red tea on the table while pocketing the gift Airetusa offered to guests.

It was a small pendant-shaped amulet, not of much use, meant to slightly enhance immunity, and probably could ward off seasonal colds.

Though not cheap outside the academy, inside it was a common item crafted during apprentices' enchantment and alchemy classes, with most test products placed here for use.

The reception room was hence stocked with many of these things, uniformly packaged in exquisite glass boxes padded with small wool pillows, displayed on the table as apparent gifts.

"That's basically the idea. Our product is unique, far surpassing the average market standards of today's products. So there's no need for much cumbersome scheming. As long as we get the word out, there's no worry about a lack of buyers. All the initial strategies are for promotion."

The conversation soon concluded, as meetings between shareholders and managers usually did.

Managers stated their business philosophy and specific directions, shareholders found them feasible, then went for implementation. With periodic reports and accounting, an institution as established as Airetusa has its financial team.

After shaking hands warmly with Margaret and Lann, Shilton eagerly left the academy, ready to make his mark in the business world.

Watching the red-bearded Dwarf's spirited figure, seemingly ready to do great things at any moment, Lann scratched his chin.

"That guy seemed to have casually swiped several more small gifts just now...a big banker like him has a habit of being thrifty?"

Once the outsider left, the composed demeanor Margaret had maintained collapsed immediately.

She waved her hand, and the illusion technique on Lann was lifted.

While sidling up close, sliding her fingertip enticingly over the outline of Lann's armor, she spoke casually.

"Must be a quirk? A leftover of affluence, often found in nobles and merchants. I even heard a head of a major guild in Novigrad often steals things. Though those items together are worth less than a meal for his courier, he just likes it. He'd swipe a wooden spoon even while dining out."

"But Shilton is generally generous. Even before the deal was set, he proactively raised the interest rate on our accounts somewhat."

"Alright, I don't quite get that quirk. Besides..."

Lann gave a sidelong glance at the Female Warlock who was leaning against him and then used a finger to push against her soft cheek.

"Can you settle down first? I was out for quite a while, can't we handle the backlog first and then talk about other things?"

"Why do I feel like you're the one whose hormonal balance was altered by the Grass Trial?"