Chapter 48 - Forty Eight
The study at the heart of Eric’s dye industry was a reflection of the man himself: organized, tasteful, and serious.
Polished oak shelves lined one wall, displaying not books, but glass bottles filled with vibrant powdered pigments. Bolts of exquisitely dyed silks and velvets were neatly arranged on a large table, and the air carried the faint, earthy scent of indigo and madder root.
Eric sat behind his large uncluttered desk. Aiden stood by his side, ever the professional aide. Across from them sat Count Robert, a tubby, cheerful nobleman with a genuine appreciation for quality.
"I must say, Your Grace, I really do love the royal dye I procured from you the last time," the Count said, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "My daughter’s dress for the summer festival had the brightest, most brilliant glow. Everyone was asking about it. Thank you, Your Grace."
Eric smiled, a gesture of genuine pleasure. "We love to hear such positive reviews about our work, my lord. It is our goal to provide unparalleled quality."
"Indeed, indeed!" Robert continued. "That is precisely why I am here again. I need another procurement. My eldest daughter is getting married, you see, and I want to give her a wedding gift that will be the talk of the kingdom for years to come. I would like two liters of your signature royal purple dye."
Eric leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "A magnificent choice. But may I offer a suggestion?" He paused, allowing the Count to lean in with interest. "What if you get one liter of the royal purple, and one liter of our new lilac dye? A bright, ethereal color paired with a deep, dark one would be a stunning contrast. Imagine the wedding procession, with fabrics of both shades. It would be unforgettable."
Count Robert’s eyes lit up. "By jove, what a splendid idea, Your Grace! Perfect!" He beamed. "What would be the price for such a combination?"
"Ten thousand gold coins," Eric stated simply, his voice even.
The Count’s cheerful expression faltered. He flinched, a slight tremor passing through his portly frame. "Your Grace," he began, his voice losing some of its boom. "Forgive me for saying so, but... the price has nearly doubled since my last purchase."
Eric replied truthfully, his tone reasonable and direct. "Unfortunately, the cost of making our royal purple dye has increased significantly. The rare sea snails we must import from the southern coasts have become much harder to acquire. So, we had to increase our prices to match. It is a matter of supply and demand."