Lastly, people who knew the value of information were always prepared with alternatives and were sensitive to 'opportunity cost'. Therefore, it was possible to drive another person's psychological decision-making by appropriately mixing attractive alternatives or by manipulating the order and combination of alternatives.

This bargaining technique was somewhat underhanded, but it worked. It was a way for home shopping channels to navigate and succeed in the complex Korean consumer goods market and gain positive consumer sentiment in the 21st century.

It was also a war-time strategy for negotiation experts who dealt with smart players.

'Once we divide them into two… Is it now time to compete?'

Biyeon concluded her thoughts as she walked into the discussion room.

Episode 3. Book 1: Happiness – Chapter 7

Dongyoung and Dongha were organizing their thoughts in the lobby area and restroom before entering the formal conference room.

'I don't really understand this place.”

'I've never seen such a strange bathroom… How was it made like that?'

'By the way, this has become difficult to negotiate. To start discussions on negotiations already…'

The original purpose of their visit was thrown out the window. In its place, they were starting discussions on high-level negotiations. They felt dizzy and uncertain about their positions after this whirlwind proceeding.

The agenda to be negotiated had already been drafted and proposed.

In short, they didn't have much time, and important items needed to be resolved first. Of course, the two from the Dong-Myung Clan weren't properly prepared. That said, they couldn't complain. They couldn't reveal that they weren't ready. Furthermore, their rivals, the two from the Ki-Jang Clan, were waiting for their turn right next door… Anyway, what they could only rely and depend on now was their usual mental ability and quickness. They'd have to at least beat out the Ki-Jang Clan.

Dongyoung and Dongha came up with a mission before going into the negotiations.

First, it was necessary to find out the background and reason for why the Han-Sung Clan and Dark Guilds were cooperating. The unexpected cooperation of these two powers may create a significant variable in the Dong-Myung Clan's northern strategy, and it was not known what effect this new partners.h.i.+p would have on the fragile power game that existed currently in the north.

Second, they needed to find out how Count Essen was able to do business on equal terms with the Han-Sung Clan and Dark Guilds. They must also thoroughly investigate the background of the man and woman who worked behind the scenes to create this unusual partners.h.i.+p. In particular, they were tasked to understand the two's main skills and their strengths and weaknesses. If they were to pose a threat to the clan, they would have to be forcibly removed.

Third, they should review projects and proposals where the Dong-Myung Clan may possibly partic.i.p.ate, and make sure to partic.i.p.ate. If necessary, they were to promote the establishment of a regional Dong-Myung Clan office in the territory. In the future, the clan needed to prepare for the possibility of Count Essen's estate becoming a colossal business center for the Han-Sung Clan.

They also recalled elder Dongye's request. He had spoken to them right before they left. He was the only clansman who had met San and Biyeon before.

- I won't be able to stop you from carrying out the duties a.s.signed by the clan, but if you're not sure of something, don't be rude or disrespectful. I can't tell you the details because I've made a pledge with them but keep this in mind. They are not people we should make enemies of. Especially, in front of them, never use the electric shock skill, and if you can, try to learn their skills. - 

Dongyoung and Dongha understood the difficulties of this a.s.signment. They weren't the first convoy sent by the clan. However, all the previous convoys brought back insufficient or unsatisfactory information and results.

It was also burdensome to know that the Dong-Myung Clan was not the only clan to have sent diplomats on this type of information gathering a.s.signment. It was no coincidence that they met representatives from the Ki-Jang Clan and the Imperial Family on the road here. It was more accurate to say that all the sensitive groups who lived off of information were converging to this place.

As such, the movement of the Han-Sung Clan, who dominated the imperial court and the empire's military, was always attracting attention. Dongyoung cracked his fingers.

'We will need to negotiate hard to get a seat with this developing area and its people. We can't allow the Han-Sung Clan to run away with all the benefits.'

***

Two people, San and Biyeon, entered the conference room.

Soon after, the meeting began and continued at a breakneck pace. The meeting was frighteningly fast and swift. Their way of speaking was something that Dongyoung and Dongha had never contended with before. The entire meeting was a series of shocking situations. The questions came in straightforwardly. San and Biyeon's ambiguous att.i.tude brought out more poignant and determined responses from the two Dong-Myung clansmen. It was to the point where their faces were flaring red.

The process was overly efficient. There was no splendid diplomatic rhetoric, and there was no ritual backstabbing or poking around. They didn't dance around the main issue, throw out traps to find out the intention of the other person, nor reiterate the same things over and over to find flaws in one's argument. The tone was sound, and they talked about various points in a neatly summarized way.

“I have read your requirements carefully. First, I will answer your clan's questions. Count Essen enacted and promulgated the following laws last year. Although the establishment of clans in the territory is free, five requirements must be met and constantly observed. First, the warriors dispatched from the clan must obey the laws and rules of the territory… Second, discrimination between clansmen are prohibited… Third, taxes must be paid by the clan… Fourth, any use of force must be granted prior permission by the Count… Fifth, volunteer activities within the territory are regularly requested… Finally, commitment to these items is to be made public at the temple through a vow. 100,000 Tongbo are to be deposited at the Diana temple as a margin. Please note. We are commissioned to act on behalf of the Count for this contract. Do you agree to these conditions to establish a local chapter of your clan in our area?”

“…”

Dongyoung and Dongha had their mouths wide open.

Biyeon immediately followed.

“For reference, there was no other clan than the Han-Sung Clan that accepted these conditions.”

“I think I need time to think.”

“How long before you can give us an answer?” 

“I have to ask the clan…”

“Don't you have the right to decide?” 

“Yes, I do, but…”

“Then, I'll understand your hesitation to mean you have no intention. The Han-Sung Clan has announced plans to continually expand training centers in our territories. We will approve it. Then the next agenda item is…”

“Ah-, wait. I will accept!”

“Okay. On to the next agenda item. The hunting business is jointly invested and operated by Count Essen and our “San & Yeon Academy”. The Han-Sung Clan and Dark Guilds are allowed to hunt for one year according to an existing contract. The first year will be up in three months, so they can change the terms of the contract at that time. If you wish to partic.i.p.ate, please give us details regarding your licensing payment amount. For reference, last year, the Han-Sung Clan offered a five-year contract with 500,000 Tongbo payment per year and a proposal to send 100 of their clansmen to ensure safety in the Count's territories, but we negotiated and reached an agreement on a one-year contract. Do you wish to partic.i.p.ate in this endeavor as well?”

“…”

“For your information, this area has the only pathway that connects to the boreal forest in the north. The boreal forest supplies the Alchins, Algons, Alpins, as well as the rare Archons. There are also rare species of beasts that have not been widely known previously. Of course, these rare species are only found in the Essen territories. There are also a few Archons that appear each year. Archon bones and leather fetch a high price. Currently, the Han-Sung Clan monopolizes the hunting grounds,” Biyeon explained.

“What was the reason for the Han-Sung Clan to advance into this place?” Dongha asked, staring at Biyeon's eyes. Dongha's temperature was rising. Her tone was also becoming straightforward.

“They only wanted a monopoly on hunting.”

“Are you telling me that they are investing so much just for a beast hunt?”

“No one ever asked you to believe in my words. If you're not interested, shall we just move on?” Biyeon asked with a smile.

“Do you think the hunt is worth it? The Han-Sung Clan is interested in the hunting grounds that much?” Dongha asked while looking into Biyeon's eyes. It was like they were having a staring contest…

“There is more than enough reason…”

“Why? What's the reason? Is there a reason why the Dong-Myung Clan should not know?”

“Have you tried asking the Han-Sung Clan?”

“…”

Dongyoung and Dongha's eyes met. Asking was an impossibility.

“Who is the Han-Sung Clan selling the goods to?” Dongyoung asked San this time.

“They probably aren't selling anything.”

“Are they consuming the goods themselves? Are these goods dangerous?”

“I believe so.”

“How dangerous?”

“Very and extremely.”

“Who is it dangerous against?”

“For all warriors except for the Han-Sung Clan, especially, the larger martial art clans with the most warriors.”

“Is it related to Awakened Warriors?”

“I won't tell you.”

Gulp- A terribly awkward silence ensued.

“How do you know of this?” 

“Because I showed it to them myself…”

“Can you show it to us?” 

“Impossible.”

“Why?”

“There are trade secrets and credit issues, so it's difficult to explain beyond that. The Han-Sung Clan's contract expires after 3 months. Once the contract expires, it needs to be renewed. I can explain more to your clan then. Only those who know the value can obtain valuable items, right? We also think that it's dangerous for the Han-Sung Clan to monopolize too much. Well… there's no hurry right now, so we'll be able to show you the value and danger of Archon goods in three months. Of course, some old fogey in the Han-Sung Clan may be jumping around pulling out his hair if he could hear me now…

“How are you going to select the licensee for the hunting grounds?”

“First-come-first-serve. We'll negotiate with those who present their proposals first. If the conditions are the same, the organization who presented their proposal first will have the advantage.”

“What if we do not submit a proposal?” 

“You'll regret it.”

“You'll make one of the Absolute Clans regret not investing in the hunting grounds… Do you think it's possible for the two of you?”

“Your clan will suffer a lot more damage. It's hard to build up one's reputation, but isn't it very easy to break it down? The Han-Sung Clan seems to understand this pretty well, no?”

After a brief moment of thought...

“The Dong-Myung Clan would also like to submit a proposal. The proposal terms are…”

***

The negotiation meeting had just finished for the Dong-Myung clansmen. They stepped out of the conference room half dead. Gibin and Giyoung didn't know or understand what had just happened inside the conference room. Even though the meeting had only gone thirty minutes long, the mental and physical exhaustion was clearly written on Dongyoung and Dongha's faces. Their lack of energy and life wasn't only because the negotiations were difficult, but also because the outcome of the negotiations couldn't be predicted.

As the Ki-Jang Clansmen stepped into the conference room...

“So… did you come to seek revenge for Marquis Norian?” San asked lightly. In this round, San started with the questioning.

“We're not that silly and shortsighted,” Gibin answered, taking the initiative to answer. He, too, was a man who was wise and shrewd.

“Certainly, you're less silly than the Ki-Jang representatives who came before you.”

San laughed.

“What does that mean?”

Gibin narrowed his sharp eyes. 

“Did Captain Kinu not speak to you about us?” 

“He told us to be careful,” Gibin growled.

“Yeah… Since you've been warned... you should be careful.”

“…?”

“Don't start poking around… I'm already ticklish and itchy from all the poking and prodding from our many visitors. Can you retract your aura? Biyeon, how long have our negotiations gone for this guy to be like this? Who is this young friend?”