The influx of merchants made Brambleford more bustling than ever before. The streets and alleys were filled with traders who had travelled from afar.

After waiting in Brambleford for three days, the merchants were greeted with an announcement that sent them into a frenzy.

A proclamation was posted throughout the city: "All merchants in Brambleford may obtain the method for producing soap from the Patent Office. Further details can be discussed at the Patent Office."

As soon as the news spread, the merchants immediately inquired about the Patent Office, what it was, where it was located and then rushed toward the building, which was situated across from the Governor’s Office.

While most merchants were ecstatic, some were deeply unsettled. As Simon had expected, the Goldwynd family was the first to seek him out after the proclamation was issued.

"Your family can also establish workshops to produce soap," Simon said, instantly rendering Walter speechless. "That way, you can manufacture as much soap as you want."

Walter pondered for a long moment before speaking. "But, Your Highness, with such a massive increase in soap production and merchants selling it everywhere, how will prices be controlled? And what about competition between merchants?"

"I have already thought this through," Simon replied with a calm smile.

Walter had pointed out a fundamental problem of this era: merchant infighting. Many of the merchants who had arrived in Brambleford were powerful figures, some backed by regional lords or high-ranking officials.

Now that they all had access to soap, they would undoubtedly try to monopolize the business within their own territories, barring outside merchants from entering.

This kind of regional protectionism was not unique to this time period; even in modern times, local businesses often suppressed competition from outsiders.

"May Your Highness enlighten me?" Walter asked.

Merchants were greedy by nature, and the Goldwynd family was no exception. They understood that opening up soap production would benefit them, but they were reluctant to give up their control over direct sales.

"A trade guild," Simon said simply.

The competition among merchants would inevitably lead to chaos, making a regulating body essential. Simon’s real goal, however, was to use this guild to transform Brambleford into the Eldorian Empires commercial hub.

Walter didn’t fully understand what a trade guild was, so Simon took on the role of a teacher once again.

[Knowledge Transfer Initiated...]

The guild would regulate product pricing, divide trade territories, and most importantly, extract profits from the merchants. Of course, some aspects of his plan were better left unsaid.

What Simon could tell Walter was that the guild would assign the Goldwynd family an exclusive sales region but they would have to pay a fee for it.

[Knowledge Transfer complete.]

After sending Walter away, Simon began preparations for establishing the guild. All merchants involved in soap production would be required to join. Without guild membership, the Patent Office would not provide them with the necessary technology.

At the Patent Office, visiting merchants were introduced to the concept of the guild.

"Thiery, this prince is quite something. First, he surprises us with a Patent Office, and now he’s forming a trade guild." One merchant remarked, holding a set of technical documents from the Patent Office.

A rotund merchant beside him chuckled and spoke. "Indeed, we mustn’t underestimate him. But no matter what, we have a personal letter from Pri Gerad to him. Surely, he will give us some special consideration, after all, they are neighbours."

"That’s true. Roland mentioned that the prince will summon all merchants tomorrow to discuss the guild. We’ll just wait and see how things unfold. However, I hear that merchants under the command of Prince Aurelia of the Aurelian family, Prince Vael of the Vaelric family, and Prince Dornhal of the Dornhal family have all come as well. The competition will be fierce." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Exactly. And it’s not just the regional lords; several imperial princes have sent their merchants too." He said, glancing at the courtyard of the Patent Office. Groups of merchants, clad in silk robes and adorned with gold, stood in small clusters, each one a wealthy magnate.

The next day, as promised, Simon convened nearly a thousand merchants at the Governor’s Office in Brambleford.

With the immense profits at stake, no one dared to miss the meeting.

Seated at the head of the hall, Simon surveyed the crowd with a smile.

Many of these merchants had brought letters personally written by high-ranking nobles, regional lords, ministers, and even a few imperial princes and princesses, hoping to secure favours.

Simon wasn’t surprised. However, he knew that these letters were meaningless. Given his past reputation for arrogance and defiance, those who sent them likely understood that as well. They merely wanted to show their subordinates that they had tried.

The merchants, seated below, wore a mix of expressions, some smug, some anxious, and some whispering among themselves. Despite their wealth, they were still mere merchants and dared not show disrespect to Simon.

"I’m sure you all know why I’ve gathered you here today." Simon began. "It’s to discuss the establishment of a trade guild."

"May Your Highness enlighten us." The merchants responded in unison.

Simon continued. "You have all come to Brambleford for one reason: soap, Brambleford’s Finest, and perfume. The purpose of this guild is to ensure that all members have fair access to these products."

At these words, the hall erupted with murmurs of excitement and unease.

One merchant quickly asked. "Your Highness, are you saying that not only soap production but also Brambleford’s Finest and perfume will be made available for merchants to produce?"

"No." Simon replied. "The production of perfume and Brambleford’s Finest will remain restricted, but those who join the guild will gain exclusive sales rights."

"That’s still great news!"

"Excellent!"

"Well worth the trip!"

The merchants cheered.

Simon continued. "The guild will function as follows: all members will have access to the products Brambleford offers, but in return, there will be regulations..."

Using the knowledge stored in his system, Simon had already drafted a set of guild rules.

One of the key regulations was that sales territories would be fairly auctioned within the guild. Additionally, all product prices would be standardized by the guild, and a special arbitration office would be established to prevent malicious competition among merchants.

As these concepts were relayed, the merchants were astounded. These revolutionary ideas completely reshaped their understanding of commerce.

For them, it was like a revelation, an entirely new business structure unlike anything they had seen before.

Simon then unveiled a large map of the Eldorian Empire.

"This is the map of the Eldorian Empire." He explained. "Each county and city is marked. The sales rights for each region will be auctioned, with each city serving as a trade zone."

His tone grew firm. "Now, you have a choice. Join the guild and secure enormous profits, or leave Brambleford. The decision is yours. I will not force anyone."

A heavy silence fell over the hall.

The merchants exchanged glances, weighing their options carefully.

For them, this was not an easy decision.