Li Huailin thought about it for a while. First of all, it had to do with him. The Marcellus region was so far away from his territory that it basically didn't have anything to do with him. The humans couldn't mine it either, so it didn't matter if he gave it to the dwarves or not. If the negotiations between the two sides broke down, he would probably have to fight the dwarven kingdom, which would be a little troublesome.
"Ambassador Orfg, what is the dwarven kingdom willing to pay for the mining rights?" Li Huailin asked. "Don't tell me it's not for free."
"Of course it is," Orfg immediately said. "In fact, we are willing to deliver 1,600 tons of pig iron to the human kingdom every year. Of course, it's refined pig iron, not hematite that hasn't been smelted yet."
"So you're saying that you'll mine the ore, smelt it, and then give us a portion of it?" Li Huailin asked.
"Yes, Grand Duke. This will benefit both sides, right?" Orfg said.
"That sounds like a good idea. What percentage of the mined minerals will be given to us?" Li Huailin asked.
"According to estimates, after the construction of the hematite mine in the Marcellus region is completed, it can provide about 140,000 tons of hematite per year. After the smelting process, the estimated annual pig iron output is about 90,000 tons," Edwin replied.
"F * ck, you're only giving us 1,600 tons? Are you f * cking kidding me?" Li Huailin said. After a rough calculation, 1,600 tons was less than 2% of the total. The dwarven kingdom had made a huge profit.
"Grand Duke, we still have to fund the construction of the mine and smelting plant. We also have to pay for all the manpower and resources, so I think this ratio is very reasonable," Orfg said. "Also, this number hasn't been set yet. Both sides can discuss it."
"Edwin, do you agree to this plan?" Li Huailin asked.
"Grand Duke, I agree to give the mining rights of the Marcellus region to the dwarven kingdom, but I'm sorry, I can't agree to this distribution plan," Edwin said. Of course, although he was a diplomat stationed in the dwarven kingdom, he still represented the interests of the human kingdom.
"Oh, I see." Li Huailin said, "I also feel that there is a huge difference in the distribution."
"Hmm … I understand Grand Duke's meaning." "In other words, the Grand Duke doesn't object to us obtaining the mining rights of the Marseilleuse region. It's just that we need to discuss the distribution, right?"
"Well, that's about it," Li Huailin said.
"If that's the case, then I'm relieved." Orfgar nodded slightly. The main issue was the mining rights. As long as the Human Empire was willing to sell them, it meant that there was room for discussion. The remaining issue was the price, which could be discussed slowly. However, Orfgar decided to ask Li Huailin first to see what percentage he was prepared to offer. "Then may I ask, Grand Duke, what percentage do you think we need to reach this agreement?"
"Oh, I think around 30% of our annual pig iron production should be enough," Li Huailin said casually.
"Pfft …" "Pfft …" "Pfft …" The three people, including Edwin, choked at the same time. They then looked at Li Huailin in shock. 30%? Did he hear wrongly?
"Grand Duke, did you say 30%?" Orfgar asked.
"Yes, is there a problem?" Li Huailin asked.
"Grand Duke, even if the dwarves invest in mining in our territory, we don't even collect 30% of the business tax, not to mention that we're in disputed territory," Edwin said. Edwin, who was on the other side, said, "What's with this 30%? Do you think the Dwarves are idiots if you want to give them 30% of what they produced?" Even Edwin couldn't bear to watch anymore.
"First, they invest in mining for economic benefits and only take money. Pig iron is a strategic reserve, so it's different," Li Huailin said. Li Huailin said, "Secondly, I don't understand business at all. Don't talk to me about this problem. You'd better talk to Anthony directly. Anyway, if you ask me, I'll say 30%. Give it or leave. As for Anthony, ask him yourself."
"Heh … heh heh …" Orfgar laughed dryly. "As long as the Grand Duke doesn't object to the mining rights in the Marseilles region, it's fine. As for the distribution, we will discuss it with His Highness. Naturally, we will also consult the Grand Duke …"
Orfgar didn't dare to continue talking with Li Huailin because Li Huailin was asking for too much. He was asking for a price that they couldn't accept. It seemed like the Grand Duke of Aquitaine really didn't understand business. It was better to slowly discuss it with the officials of the human empire. As long as Li Huailin didn't object to the mining rights, it would be fine.
After a few more words, Li Huailin turned his attention to the Goblin Merchant called Intel. Orfgar was here to talk about the mining rights in the Marseilles region. This Intel shouldn't have anything to do with it. What was he here for?
"President Intel, you haven't said anything. Are you here to see what I look like?" Li Huailin asked with a smile.
"Oh, of course not. It's just that the Grand Duke didn't talk to me, so I didn't dare to take the initiative," Intel immediately said.
"Then President Intel, what are you here for?" Li Huailin asked.
"Ugh … Actually, Grand Duke, I'm here to discuss business with you. But you just said that you don't know much about business, so I don't know how to start," Intel said, a little depressed.
"I really don't know much about business, so you better make it simpler," Li Huailin said.
"Yes, of course, Grand Duke. But I might have some personal questions …" Intel said.
"Personal?" Before Li Huailin could react, Orfgar reacted very quickly. He immediately said, "Oh, Grand Duke, it's getting late. I still have to prepare for tomorrow's meeting. How about I take my leave first?"
"Oh." Li Huailin finally understood. Intel had something to talk to him about, but didn't want to talk about it in front of others, so he specifically mentioned personal matters. Orfgar was also very tactful and prepared to leave. It seemed like he really knew how to conduct himself. No wonder he was a diplomat. "Then I wish you a smooth meeting tomorrow."
"Thank you, Sir," Orfgar said, then stood up and bowed to Li Huailin before leaving.
"Is the 30% distribution ratio that the Grand Duke mentioned true, or is it a joke to scare him?" Edwin immediately asked as soon as Orfgar left.
"Of course it's true. Why would I leave him alone?" Li Huailin said.
"I thought the Grand Duke was against the mining rights, and especially used a higher distribution ratio to scare him away," Edwin said. "To be honest, the Dwarves can't accept a 30% ratio. I think the Dwarves' bottom line is around 5% to 6%."
"Let's leave this to the ministers to discuss. Anyway, if the Dwarves don't know what's good for them, I don't mind sending troops to fight them," Li Huailin said.
"Grand Duke, please don't say that. The peace between the two countries is very important. We've been on good terms with the Dwarves for hundreds of years, and there haven't been any large-scale wars. It's not wise to start a war over such a small matter," Edwin immediately said.
"That makes sense," Li Huailin nodded.
"In that case, I think I understand the Grand Duke's opinion. The Grand Duke will also attend the court meeting tomorrow, right?" Edwin said.
"Not necessarily, I'm not sure." Li Huailin said, "It's just a financial dispute. There's no need for me to attend. Call me when the war really starts."
"Hehe …" Edwin laughed dryly. "In that case, it's time for me to leave. Thank you again, Sir. If there's anything you need, please let me know."
"Okay." Li Huailin nodded. Soon, Edwin left as well, leaving behind only Inter, who had no idea why he was looking for him.
"What's the matter?" Li Huailin asked, now that he was the only one left in the room. "I'll say it again. Put it in simple terms."
"Yes, Grand Duke." Intel said, "As I've just introduced, I run a Chamber of Commerce. Currently, my main activity is within the Dwarven Empire. The scale of the Chamber of Commerce is quite large."
"My Lord, I've heard of the Serot Chamber of Commerce. It's said that it's one of the largest chambers of commerce in the Dwarven Empire," Legg whispered into Li Huailin's ear.
"Oh?" Li Huailin nodded lightly. "Then, why are you looking for me?"
"Simply put, I hope to rely on you, Sir," Intel said simply. "Rely on you?
Aren't you a Chamber of Commerce in the Dwarven Empire? What's the use of relying on me? I can't control the Dwarves, "Li Huailin said.
"Naturally, I want to develop on the side of the humans," Intel said. "Although the Dwarven Empire is also very large, it is far inferior to the human Empire in terms of both land area and population. As a merchant, I naturally want to rely on the good side."
"Do you want to develop on the side of the human Empire, or do you want to focus on this side?" Li Huailin asked.
"I'm not sure about that. It mainly depends on your opinion, Sir. If you don't agree, I really can't develop here," Intel said.
"Oh? Then, what are you willing to give me? "Li Huailin asked.
"Sir, I have some connections in the Dwarven Empire. As long as you give the order, I can usually get my hands on many of the Dwarven Empire's specialties," Intel said with a meaningful look on his face.
"For example … military cannons?" Li Huailin suddenly asked.
"What?" Legg and the others were shocked.
"This … is just a small matter," Intel said with a smile.
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