Chapter 294 – New Law
This was yet another development I didn’t know about. I decided to stay quiet and wait to see what my colleagues would say. It was Laine who proudly spoke first.
“My contact in the trade department told me it was created specifically to deter the three great companies' influence.”
Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to impress many. Another woman rebutted her.
“Who doesn’t know that?”
Laine frowned unhappily but continued valiantly.
“Then, what about this? This law is only the first one, and they are preparing many more to release progressively.”
This time, a few traders seemed interested, while the majority still seemed aware of this. The same woman laughed with ridicule.
“Is that all you know? How pathetic.”
“What did you say?”
“Here’s what I say. I know about the second law they’re going to introduce, and when they’re going to do it.”
This sentence stirred the participants much more. This was visibly premium information. Knowing a future development in advance was always a good way to get a head start on the competition. Even Laine didn’t seem to know about this. The second woman, who clearly didn’t like Laine much, basked in the attention of her peers for a moment before revealing the piece of intelligence.
“The second law will forbid acquiring or merging with competitors when the market share is already more than 50%. It’s going out in three weeks.”
“Oh… So, first force companies to reduce their market share when it’s already over 50%, and now stop them from growing over that limit again. Good, the trading department knows what it’s doing.”
I finally learned what the first law was all about. With this knowledge of the second one, the goal seemed to be to restrict monopolies. In other words, it was directly aimed at impeding the three great companies. As far as I knew, they each had around 70% of the market share in the specific products they specialized in.
I raised my hand at that time, curious about something. Fuvawi noticed it and allowed me to speak next.
“Yes, Tila?”
I smiled gently before opening my mouth.
“Thank you for the information, both of you. These laws are great, they’re exactly what we need, but how are they going to implement them exactly? How are they going to force the three great companies to respect them? As far as I know, Geola’s policy has always been one of free trade and laissez-faire, hasn’t it?”
I had been afraid my question was naïve, and the answer might be obvious, but many around the table actually nodded.
“Yes, that’s the issue. The trading department doesn’t have any mechanism in place to enforce these sorts of regulations.”
“I heard they formed a team for that specific purpose. The problem is that I doubt the three great companies will listen to them.”
“They’ve grown too big and too strong. They’re not afraid of anything.”
“Plus, Geola’s just a small part of their trading empire. Even if they oblige here, that won’t change anything in the rest of the continent.”
“I’ve heard they’re starting to expand to other continents now.”
“What, is that true? How ominous.”
“What about the Lady? Surely, they wouldn’t ignore her, right?”
“The Lady isn’t active right now. That’s why they’re so unbridled.”
My question started a whole debate. Eventually, Fuvawi clapped his hands, getting everyone’s attention back to him.
“There’s not much we can do about this, everyone. However, that doesn’t mean we’re powerless either. Didn’t we get together tonight for that very purpose? We should strike where we have the power to. Market share, market influence, public image, and so on. In my opinion, anything goes. We can’t afford to be inactive anymore. Whether it’s alliances, sharing information, price cutting, or anything else, we should do it now before it’s truly too late.”
“Well said. Speaking of information, I have something good too. The empire is trying to hide it, but it’s in dire need of money. Now might be the time to loan them some at high interest, or against some specific advantages.”
“Oh, that’s good to know. Then, what about this? Thuk didn’t take their last defeat well. They’re trying to “secretly” recruit high rankers. If you’re into the mercenary business and know the right people, this might be an opportunity for you.”
From then on, information flew left and right. As expected of bigshot traders, most were operating internationally, and they knew a lot of secrets. This was exactly what I came here for. Unfortunately, there arrived a time when I couldn’t continue profiting while staying quiet anymore.
“What about you? Do you have anything to share?”
It was Laine who threw the first punch at me. I knew the time would come, so I had prepared something.
“Technology will start advancing quickly following the introduction of selnic items. I advise not investing too much in older tools and methods.”
My remark quieted the room for a few long seconds. Eventually, someone looked at me weirdly.
“What does that mean? Are you saying we should invest in you?”
“No, not at all. Judging by your reactions, dear colleagues, there seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding about selnic technology. You see, I’ve studied the topic a lot since I’m part of it, and from my understanding, selnic items will lead to mass production.”
“Mass production? What’s that?”
“Exactly what the name says. It means traditional crafts by skilled experts will soon get replaced by mass-manufactured goods.”
“How does that make any sense?”
“That’s why I said selnic technology wasn’t well understood yet. Right now, it’s only a few useful household items, right? But, what if the selnic items are tools instead? And what if that tool allows one to hammer a sword instead of a blacksmith? Or tan some leather? Cook food? Do you see what I mean?”
They all looked at me, bewildered. Some seemed to get the implications, while others didn’t look convinced.
“Is that even possible?”
Read 30 more chapters here: https://subscribestar.adult/dictatelion or here: https://www.patreon.com/Dictatelion