NOVEL NEXT Chapter 279.2
Chapter 279.2. Resentment
A fair price. Considering mass production, most would settle for this amount.
“This is pointless. Discussions like this should be conducted between top executives. You are not qualified to negotiate.”
He snorted, showing his contempt. Accepting this deal would bring benefits to the research institute and slightly enhance his power. But that would be the end of it—a mere director of a research institute securing a significant deal. It might earn a mention as an achievement for the year, but nothing more.
That wasn’t enough for him. To rise further, he needed more. Forming a strong connection and securing the backing of Amatsukahara Corporation was essential. That was why he deliberately mentioned Kamishiro Serika and provoked the corporation.
The young man would leave, reporting the details of the negotiation to Amano Sakimori. And then, Amano himself would come to negotiate.
Amano Sakimori was infamous for his cunning and strength, often referred to as a devil or demon king.
He would come, having fully prepared his groundwork, perhaps even bringing evidence of misconduct, just like in a morality tale. This would corner the director and ruin him.
But he knew Amano Sakimori wasn’t a man of justice. If he were, he wouldn’t be labeled a demon king. Amano was sharp when it came to profits and wasn’t above collaborating with villains.
The plan was simple. When cornered, the director would humbly agree to revised terms and then propose this:
“How about acquiring the Nerima Research Institute itself?”
Although 70% of the staff were nepotistic hires with little competence, the remaining 30% were truly talented, making the institute highly valuable.
If he framed it as a cooperative opportunity and emphasized the potential, Amano would undoubtedly agree. With the corporation’s backing, even the Big Three families wouldn’t dare intervene lightly.
Then, as the institute’s director, he’d further entrench himself within the corporation, growing his power over time. Losing the battle but winning the war. He might even send a gift to that irksome Kamishiro Serika as a gesture of goodwill—satisfied by her status as Amano’s wife.
Internally grinning, he waited for Katsuyori to leave. But events took an unexpected turn.
“The patent for magical enhancements—it puzzled me that such a general enhancement could be patented. Turns out, the method is the key. Soaking hemp in ash and separately applying hardening and friction-reducing magic to the fibers and ash. The patent actually pertains to the chemicals and process for impregnating the hemp.”
The man seated beside Katsuyori, a robust and imposing figure, spoke while examining the documents. His precise understanding of the patent sent a chill down the director’s spine.
He had dismissed the man as a mere muscle-bound bodyguard, assuming his rugged physique and deep-set features indicated a military background. But it seemed he was mistaken.
“We’re leaving, Katsuyori. This patent is limited to the chemicals and their application process, as described. It’s deliberately restricted to hemp fibers. Switching to silk solves the issue.”
“Impossible! That can’t be allowed!”
“This patent’s holder knew exactly what they were doing, intentional or not.”
Rising in anger, the director shouted, but the opposing man showed him the specific clauses in the document. The director read them carefully. Though tedious and often overlooked, the details were there.
Indeed, the patent applied solely to hemp, excluding other fibers.
And the holder of this patent—none other than Kamishiro Serika. That conniving girl had laid such a trap!
His hands trembled in anger and frustration. Katsuyori, now amused, reviewed the document again, smirking. Meanwhile, the director’s subordinates began to panic—they hadn’t read the details either. The document preparation had been left to junior staff.
“Let’s renegotiate, shall we? It seems this document, apart from the patent section, is riddled with errors.”
Seeing Katsuyori regain composure, the director turned pale. Abandoning the deal now would mean not just losing profit but missing a critical opportunity to rise.
“How about a 3% licensing fee? I believe that’s a fair rate.”
“Preparing the necessary chemicals will take time.”
This implied that other families might intervene during the delay, but—
“Naturally, we’re prepared to invest generously. As you know, Amatsukahara Corporation has money to spare.”
Those words sealed the deal, like a death sentence. The contract was finalized at 3%.
Later, the director was reassigned to the Historical Records Department.