Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 96: Finalizing the deal

Both father and son looked at RIku curiously, and then settled back onto their seats.

"Of course, Mister Riku. If there is anything, please go ahead."

"Before that, Lord Gregor, now that you have had the talisman around your neck for quite some time, what do you think about it?" Riku asked.

"Ah, it is very comforting. The last time I met Vayne, I almost spat blood. This time, though I lost control of my emotions, I did not feel any physical discomfort. In fact, I feel that the talisman is constantly strengthening me and my body." Gregor replied as he held the talisman.

"You are right, Lord Gregor. In fact, I am confident that as long as you keep this talisman on you, you will never face the relapse of the creep." Riku continued confidently

"What? There is such a thing? Then won’t this talisman solve the entire Crimson Creep problem?"

"Yup, that is the plan. We have these talismans and a way to make many more of them. We need to discuss how best to distribute them to those who truly need them. That is where we need your help."

"If this is as good as you say, then we would be glad to help, right father?" Charles spoke, looking at his father.

"Of course, Mister RIku. You just need to instruct us." Gregor nodded.

"My primary goal," Riku explained, "is to get these talismans to as many afflicted people as possible, as quickly as possible. The door-to-door method Elder Borin and the others have been using is too slow and resource-intensive for the scale of this problem."

"We need a more centralized approach," Riku continued. "But also one that ensures fairness. My proposal is this: House Hummer, with its reputation and resources, could act as a primary distribution partner. "

"You want to leverage us to distribute your talismans to the people?" Gregor finally understood where Riku was getting at.

"Yes, exactly that. We will set a tiered pricing structure. For the truly destitute, those with nothing, the talismans will be provided free of charge."

"For those with some means – common merchants, artisans, and the like – a modest price, enough to cover production costs and contribute a little to the overall effort. Say, five to ten silver pieces."

"And for the wealthy," Riku’s eyes held a glint, "the nobles, the high-ranking guild masters, those who can afford the Church’s exorbitant fees but seek a more effective alternative... for them, the price will be substantial. One thousand gold coins per talisman."

Baron Charles whistled softly. "1,000 gold is a steep price, Mister RIku. Though we were able to give out 10,000 gold without any problems due to generational wealth and our successful businesses, many nobles would not be able to afford it."

"It is expensive," Riku agreed. "But the relief these talismans offer is genuine and continuous, unlike the Church’s draughts. The funds generated from these high-value sales will then subsidize the free and low-cost distribution to the poor, and fund the continued production of more talismans by Elder Borin’s smiths."

"The only real issue would be to ensure that the rich are unable to use the talismans that the poor have purchased. However, I have a solution for that as well."

Lord Gregor stroked his chin, a shrewd light in his eyes. "A sound strategy, young man. It leverages the desperation of the rich to aid the needy. I approve."

"Well, since it is a business proposition, there has to be money earned," Riku continued.

"From the proceeds of all sales, after covering the direct costs of materials for the Dwarves: forty percent will go to House Hummer, for managing the logistics, the secure storage, and the public-facing distribution."

"Twenty percent will go directly to Elder Borin and the Dwarves of the Underbelly, for their craftsmanship, their labor, and to help rebuild their community. The remaining forty percent will be mine, but you can hold it for now. I will let you know if and when I need it."

Elder Borin, who had been listening with growing astonishment, spoke up. "Twenty percent for my people, Master Riku? After the cost of materials? This is... beyond generous. It will transform the Underbelly."

"It is fair, Elder Borin," Riku said. "Your people have lived a tough life, and their skill is essential."

"So, my lords. What do you think of this plan?"

Baron Charles and Lord Gregor exchanged a look, then just when Charles was about to nod, Gregor shook his head.

"No can do. Mister Riku."

Charles, Boirin, Lila and Elara were slightly stunned, not expecting this rejection. However, the next words of the old lord cleared their doubts.

"We are just the middlemen for a noble cause. We cannot make any money from this. At most, we will keep 10%."

"Lord Gregor. Thank you for your generosity. However, I do not seek to earn money from this as well. How about this, after giving the dwarves their share, you hold onto the money, and we later decide how we can best use it?"

This time, Gregor nodded decisively. "Master Riku, your terms are more than equitable. We would be fools not to accept such a partnership. We will provide the secure location for distribution, manage the accounts with utmost transparency, and use our networks to ensure these talismans reach those who need them, both rich and poor."

"Then we have an agreement," Riku said, a sense of victory washing over him. This was a major step forward.

As they finalized the initial details, with Charles already making notes and discussing potential locations for a discreet but accessible distribution point, a servant entered the parlor. He carried a small, neatly folded bundle of rough-spun cloth.

"My Lord Baron, Master Riku," the servant said, bowing. "As requested, an article of clothing belonging to the missing footman, Thomas. This was found in his quarters." He presented the bundle to Riku.

Riku took the bundle and unbundled it. It was an old shirt with no extraordinary features. However, RIku was sure that he could use his tracking skills to track down this footman.

Great. Perhaps this person will provide me with more information about the creep.