Volume 3 Chapter 3 Paper Tests Are Useless, But I'm Extremely Strong In The Field
Just when he felt relieved after assessing Randy, Cedric was currently trying to calm down his slightly grumpy sister, Liz. It was understandable since Liz must have been surprised.
After all, she thought she would finally see her brother, only to find him suddenly pointing a sword at Randy.
Still, it seemed Liz softened her expression, understanding Cedric's feelings, and the siblings were savoring their long-awaited reunion.
"Let me introduce myself again... I apologize for my earlier behavior. I am Cedric von Braubelg, Liza's brother."
Cedric showed a polite bow in front of Randy and the others. His flawless bow was truly impressive. For Randy, it felt like he was witnessing the grace of someone from a higher realm, but he also returned the bow with Cecilia, acknowledging Cedric's noble upbringing.
"Likewise, let me introduce myself. I am Randolph Victor. It's nice to meet you."
"I am Cecilia von Hartfield. Thank you for taking care of my family."
After Randy and Cecilia returned the greetings, Cedric suggested, "Let's keep the formalities to a minimum," and led them to a sofa for a more relaxed conversation.
As they enjoyed some high-quality tea, the 3 of them started chatting about recent events.
"By the way, it seems like quite a few people have come, right?"
Cecilia glanced at the line outside the window, feeling a bit anxious. This was a project involving her family. She had heard that things were going well in the Hartfield and Braubelg territories, but she was still curious about its popularity in the capital.
Cedric, who also looked out the window, nodded with a satisfied smile.
"Yeah, it seems to be going well──"
"Yes. Thanks to your advice."
Cedric smiled meaningfully, and Randy returned the smile, saying, "It seems my ordinary suggestion has been helpful."
""What do you mean?""
Liz and Cecilia tilted their heads in confusion, and Cedric began to explain, "Actually──" He talked about how the sales in the Braubelg and Hartfield territories had been struggling at first.
"But that's already been resolved."
Cedric sighed deeply and added, "Thanks to Randolph."
Seeing Liz and Cecilia still looking puzzled, Randy laughed and started to explain the advice he had given.
To put it simply, it was just about placing testers.
These are products that go directly on the skin. No one would be completely comfortable trying something completely new. Even with the ladies from both families as advertising figures, that would only reach a limited audience.
Plus, they wouldn't know if it would suit their skin.
Even if the prices were lowered for commoners, it was still a bit tricky to buy multiple types on a whim. Of course, the fact that they were also targeting commoners helped attract curious customers.
The sales on the first day were worse than expected. Cedric immediately reported this fact to the 3 families without hiding anything. After receiving the report, Randy quickly suggested introducing testers.
Offering free samples at the store would significantly lower the barrier to purchase. Plus, providing them for free showed absolute confidence in the product.
Free samples could instill confidence that customers would buy and continue using the product. It was a way to show that it was truly a good product.
The effect of this confidence was evident in the scene with the women earlier.
"If we had left it alone, Sir Cedric, you would have noticed, right?"
"Probably... but it's better to act quickly. You really helped me."
Cedric bowed his head with a smile, and Randy hurriedly returned the gesture.
(I see. This is why His Excellency trusts him completely.)
As Cedric lifted his head, he was impressed by Randy's brilliance.
Even as a noble, he had the foresight to think of testers for commoners.
He had the flexibility to immediately act on good ideas from others.
And then...
"By the way... I just saw the Saint coming out of the store earlier."
...the depth of acceptance even for rival forces. With a meaningful smile, Randy said, "Oh, her?" and Cedric looked surprised.
"I didn't think she would come on the opening day... but she's not a big deal, so I won't send her away."
Cedric shrugged, and Randy smiled back, saying, "Of course."
""What do you mean?""
Liz and Cecilia tilted their heads, and Randy and Cedric exchanged glances and smiled.
"Can you explain it to my sister?"
Cedric joked, and Randy said, "Alright, I'll break it down for her."
Normally, one would think that they wouldn't sell beauty products to rivals like Saint or the royal family, but the Marquis deliberately chose not to ban it.
There are several reasons for this, but one of the main reasons is to distract the opponent.
They definitely holds a grudge on Braubelg. So, they probably won't sell popular products at fair prices.
But what if the person you thought would be angry could buy products normally?
──Huh? They're not as mad as I thought? Oh, and their daughter is back, so maybe it's fine?
They might not be completely foolish, but this could ease their wariness towards Braubelg a little.
It's a tactic of pretending to comply while secretly opposing. Randy doesn't think this small move can hide that, but if it can lower their guard even a bit, selling beauty products is a minor issue.
"Another big reason is probably out of obligation to us."
"Obligation to Victor, you mean?"
Randy nodded at Liz, who tilted her head, and continued explaining.
This is a joint business among 3 families, and it started with Victor. Even though they have entrusted the sales strategy, there are no ties between Victor and the royal center. Considering Liz as a civil servant, it can't be said there are none, but there is no open conflict.
The Marquis would never choose a move that could involve Victor, especially given the earlier point about pretending to comply.
"I see... it's quite complicated."
Liz listened with interest, and Randy laughed, saying, "The biggest reason might be that you don't care about Saint at all." In reality, Liz hardly thinks about Catherine.
"There have been many things, but... in the end, there were good encounters."
Randy nodded at Liz's words, suppressing his racing heart, and said, "Yeah."
(That was close. What was with that smile?)
Trying to calm himself, Randy noticed Cedric, who looked frozen with a cold gaze.
(Is he a sis-con...?)
With a wry smile, Randy turned to Cedric and listed reasons for not getting rid of Catherine and the others for sales strategy.
Preventing reselling.
The effort to keep them banned.
Preventing reselling goes without saying. Even if they ban it, people with bad intentions will definitely sell products at high prices. And regarding effort, since they have a physical store, it's nearly impossible to eliminate everyone connected to Catherine. If they were to do that, it would require a lot of effort.
The amount spent on petty annoyances would easily exceed that.
"Also... well, you could say the Marquis has 'deep pockets'."
Randy smiled meaningfully, and Cedric looked surprised for a moment before nodding, "Yeah." It seems Randy's guess was correct. And judging by Cedric's expression, he probably didn't think he was that transparent.
"Not 'offering a tribute', but this works here... that's a terrifying move."
"It's scary how much you notice."
The two shared a meaningful smile, but they didn't say anything more. Further conversation would touch on the true nature of the cunning nobles. It wasn't something to discuss in a place focused on beauty, and oddly enough, they both fell silent at the same time.
One reason Lucian doesn't get rid of Catherine and the others is to show off the depth of his pockets, as Randy mentioned.
In business, one must be fair even to enemies.
Even with rivals, they don't engage in petty annoyances.
The image of the seller is deeply connected to the image of the product. So, they show a generous and fair appearance. But this is, so to speak, a public... general image strategy.
If there is a table, there is also a strategy behind it.
This is greatly influenced by what Randy calls "not offering."
They refuse to give to the royal family, but they will sell to them.
It's not that the Marquis is being weak; rather, it shows that the royal family is willing to bow their heads to the Marquis to buy from him, even if they have to call him as the seller.
Just this alone will make other nobles aware of the Marquis family's power.
Moreover, at that time, their wives are captivated by the beauty products sold by the Marquis. Even their safety is protected by the carriage provided by the Marquis. No one would want to openly oppose the Marquis.
Even if the royal family tries to pick a fight with the Marquis family, the other nobles will just watch. That is, unless some big power is at play.
Anyway, this move is a way for the Marquis to keep the other nobles in check.
For Randy, it's just a "nobles are scary" situation. Honestly, he would prefer not to get involved in such a creepy fight.
That said, Liz and Cecilia can't help but have questions about the awkward silence between the two.
"Um, what does this mean──?"
Cedric winked at the dazed Liz and said, "It means father is kind," helping to ease the situation.
(As expected of a brother who loves his sister)
Randy, with a wry smile, took a big sip of tea and set the cup down.
"Sir Cedric, I still have more to discuss, but you must have things to catch up on with your sister, right?"
Randy stood up with a smile, and Cedric playfully laughed,
"Oh, is that okay? I've heard from my father that you are Liza's important bodyguard."
"That's a joke. With someone as skilled as you, Sir Cedric, and with other bodyguards around, I'm not needed."
Randy glanced back at the woman from earlier, and Cedric smiled happily, saying, "Oh, really?"
"At least for today, you won't need someone like me."
With a smile, Randy told Liz, "You should take your time," then turned back to Cecilia.
"Cecilia, we're leaving now."
"Please don't give orders."
Cecilia puffed out her cheeks and said, "Well then, goodbye," giving a curtsy to Liz and Cedric before leaving the room with Randy.
Cedric, who had been staring at the door where Randy had just left, pressed his palm against his knee to wipe away the sweat and opened his mouth.
"Father really does recognize him."
Seeing Cedric looking happy, Liz nodded proudly for some reason, saying, "He knows how to get things done."
Cedric looked a bit annoyed by Liz's attitude, but...
"He is indeed an interesting young man. Can you tell me a bit more about him?"
...It wasn't long before he regretted bringing up Randy, trying to show off his depth of understanding to Liz.
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