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The five clan leaders, including Hagan, expressed their satisfaction, although Hagan did so reluctantly.
“Other agreements are currently under discussion for the River Plains, the Woodlands Clearing, and the Dulman Range. I hope they will reach a positive conclusion in the upcoming weeks.”
More nods of approval greeted his words, the mood in the room buzzing with energy and excitement.
“But if we want to prosper and reclaim our former glory, change needs to go further,” Ravik said. A hush fell over the room as the clansmen eyed their ruler warily. “For generations, we have relied on the trade of traditional resources and the strength of our arms. It’s no longer enough. We need to develop new markets, with new resources, and create demand for new things.”
“Respectfully, Magnar,” Clan Leader Ferux said, “we have tried. Boros, Moktar, and I have turned every stone, literally. You know this. We just have nothing else.”
“Wrong,” I intervened. All eyes turned to me. “You and the two other Jyriak Plateau clans are probably sitting on Braxia’s greatest wealth.”
Snorts and chuckles met my words, the men looking at me like I’d either lost my mind or was completely clueless—or a mixture of both.
“Do you have any idea of the value of your nyrian gems?” I asked, unfazed.
The room burst out laughing, and the glimmer of hope that had lurked in the eyes of the three Jyriak Plateau clan leaders died. I stood up, casting a glance at Ravik not to intervene. He gave me a subtle nod and sat.
“And this is what happens when you let females meddle in the affairs of men,” Hagan shouted. “What do females know about business?”
“Clearly more than you,” I said, with a hard voice. “Every single word that comes out of your mouth displays your ignorance and narrow-mindedness.”
“You dare?” Hagan yelled. Jumping to his feet, face reddened with fury and muddy brown eyes throwing daggers, he looked on the verge of running towards me to bash my head in.
“I dare and double dare,” I snapped back. “Sit down, you fool, and learn from your betters.” Ignoring his gasp of outrage, I let my furious gaze roam over the attendance. “Your females are your greatest wealth, and you don’t even know it. This necklace,” I said, pointing at the one around my neck, “was created by the incredibly talented Vela Grumar. It’s made of nyrian stones, trash according to Braxians. What would you say if I told you I was offered ten thousand credits for the necklace, earrings, and bracelet set?”
Shocked gasps resonated through the room. Eyes bulging, mouths agape, they stared at me disbelieving.
“Surprised? You haven’t heard the best part yet,” I said, making eye contact with as many people as possible. “I told the potential buyer that while this particular set was not for sale, her ten thousand offer was offensive.”
“Why would you do that?” Boros asked, flabbergasted. “That’s an insane offer for those rocks!”
“No, Clan Leader Boros. It is not,” I said, gently. “The beauty, purity, and especially the color shifting properties of the nyrian stones make them easily rival blue diamonds. I told the buyer any set she gets from Vela will be priced at a minimum of twenty-five thousand credits. She accepted.”
The attendance reacted loudly to my statement, shocked and bewildered.
“She would like at least forty unique sets within a month,” I continued, pressing my advantage. “That’s a minimum of one million credits, more even considering some of the stones are bigger and will therefore cost the buyer more. The women of Clan Grumar already have over two hundred sets ready which they’d planned to trade with other clan females during the fair.”
I gave the men a second to digest what I’d said before proceeding.
“I’ve sent samples of the craft work from your wives, concubines, and daughters to Grace Aldriss; you know, the wife of the hybrid so many of you show so much disdain towards,” I said casting a meaningful glance towards a few of the culprits. “She presented them to businesses in the VIP section of Venus Hive. She’s received large orders for the nyrian threads used for embroidering from Clan Curik, and the nyrian bejeweled decorations from Clan Hurwas. They want perfumes and beauty creams from Clan Yagor.”
Pressing my palms on top of the table, I leaned forward to give more weight to my words.
“The fishing clans too are sitting on great wealth. Those non-consumable parts you’ve considered as waste contain the toxins which your females have been turning into healing creams and poultices that are as effective as Soltarin, but without the negative side effects caused by some of its ingredients to the Inugian people. They’ve placed an initial large order, and if further tests prove conclusive, they will want to instate a permanent, regular trade for it. I could go on for another twenty-minutes listing the unique resources you possess. Not all of them will make you rich, but every single one of them stacked together will make a huge difference.”
Looking to the side at the set of tables where the females sat, their faces flushed with pride, excitement, and a bit of wariness, I waved a hand towards them.
“This is your future. Your females have been passing down a treasure trove of knowledge from mother to daughter for generations. As the humans say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You have more wealth than you realize. Stop letting it go to waste.”
I sat back down under the heavy silence as the guests still reeled from all this. Snapping out of it first, Boros thumped his fist twice on his table, imitated seconds later by a few others and then by most of the attendance. A tension I hadn’t realized had been knotting the muscles between my shoulder blades suddenly loosened. I cast a sideways glance at Ravik who stared at me with open pride. He caressed my cheek with his knuckles then stood up.
“As my Ravena stated,” Ravik said, “Braxia possesses greater wealth than we know. We need fresh eyes to be able to see it. For this reason, starting next week, Ravena will occasionally accompany me during my clan tours to help assess what unique assets you possess, if any.”
Approving nods and mumbles welcomed his words.
“As for the orders Ravena received, Anton has rounded up a list of over thirty interested buyers who have consented to come to Braxia to review your merchandise and make offers. They will be here next week.” More excited murmurs rose from the tables. “Anton has volunteered to review all your contracts for free before you enter into any agreements. I strongly suggest you take him up on his offer as he knows the fair prices and will spare you getting defrauded.”
More nods ensued.
