Chapter 645: Selling the Demon Cage Runic Diagrams (II)
Damian was intrigued by Vlad’s offer, yet he maintained his composure, carefully assessing the young man before him. Countless calculations crossed his mind in mere moments as he silently stared into Vlad’s confident eyes. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured and firm.
"I do indeed want those diagrams. However, the price, we will need to negotiate it further."
Vlad immediately recognized the calculating expression in the elder’s eyes and swiftly took the initiative, asserting his own terms with confidence.
"Actually, Elder Damian, we are on the same side in this matter," Vlad explained calmly, showing a composed smile. "I don’t want a mere one hundred thousand military credits. Rather, I propose receiving a percentage of the net profits of each Demon Cage sold. Specifically, 15% for each Mortal Tier sold, 7% for Champion Tier, and 2% for Guardian Tier."
Upon hearing Vlad’s bold proposal, Elder Damian’s eyes widened momentarily in astonishment. For a split second, his fists involuntarily clenched, revealing the inner tension he felt. However, the experienced negotiator quickly masked his reaction and returned to his usual composed self.
"That arrangement," Damian replied cautiously, "might be somewhat complicated. Allow me to counter-offer with something simpler: two hundred thousand military credits and immediate promotion to the status of Virtuous Count."
Marshal Maximo, who had been silently observing the discussion, raised his eyebrows, clearly taken aback by Elder Damian’s response. A flicker of confusion crossed his normally decisive gaze.
In Maximo’s understanding, Vlad’s proposed percentages appeared minor—only a handful of credits per formation sold. He couldn’t fathom why Damian would reject Vlad’s proposal, even raising the initial payment so significantly.
Although Maximo was unmatched in military strategy, economics and trade negotiations were clearly not his area of expertise. While each Demon Cage Runic Formation would indeed bring Vlad relatively small individual returns, the Marshal failed to appreciate the immense potential scale of the market.