"Not employment, Madam Shylock," Eridanus corrected the older Triad member. Words held power, and he did not want to demean or lock his own position to definitions and technicalities. If the issue ever arose, he wanted the words to be on his side, which was the reason behind his correction. "We are looking for a mutually beneficial partnership; a relationship that both of us would like; a contract, if you will."
"We currently have expertise in Magecraft, and other various disciplines such as Auristics, Shielding and Glyphing," He continued. The vantha was obviously referring to himself, for he knew that at least that he was reliable in that regard. "Of course, we are currently a little low on members, but our guild's rank will ideally swell up to include all areas of disciplines. What I am asking is for Magecraft operations to be outsourced to us, with possible expansions in the terms for other disciplines to be included as we get bigger and more experienced."
He nodded gratefully to Alluvia, sensing her subtle display of support. He knew that she was generally a reasonable person, and his main obstacle would be the calculative businesswoman. That was fine, for that meant that Shylock spoke business. Business was logic, and was a question of numbers for the parties involved.
He could speak numbers and logic if that was required.
"Thank you for the question, Alluvia," He replied. Though he was answering her question, he was actually subtly directing his response to Madam Shylock, for he knew that she would be most interested in his answer.
"It is a question of profit and reliability. The Government constantly strives to reduce costs in its budget, yet a certain quality must be maintained, and reliability in its contracts. I shall now address each of these concerns."
"I acknowledge that as a new guild, we have not built up a stable and trustworthy relationship with the Government unlike your other contracts. However, I vouch with my character, honour and reputation that the guild - as long as I maintain control over it, and I most definitely will - will be a hundred percent reliable and trustworthy. How much my personal character is worth, I am pretty sure your worthy intelligence networks would already know regarding my contributions to the events in Winter, the aftermath of the events in Spring, and my continued efforts for the Government throughout."
He was of course, referring to the Prophecy that brought him from Sunberth, the various building and clean-up operations in the midst of the Monster invasions, and his dedicated efforts as an employee of the Department of Illusions.
"As a result of this reliability, I will also guarantee a minimum quality in our work, subject to a benchmark set by the Government. We are competent in our work, though not necessarily the best in our fields. However, the repetitive work you most likely need does not require complete mastery, merely something that works to your specifications. That refers to the minimum quality I spoke of, and in this regard I feel that we are fully qualified in handling the work."
"We are also willing to work below market costs, and that should reduce the costs in your budget. I believe that we will get to the negotiation of the actual value if the Triad gives the initial approval. However, instead of just talking about costs, let us realize that business is also about profit. Let us proceed to a cost-benefit analysis, and I hope to show you why forming a contract with us, as opposed to your current contract-holders, outperforms in this statistical manner."
"The cost, of course, is the actual financial costs involved, combined with the switching costs associated with the transferral of your contract with your existing contractee(s) to us. However, let us take into account the guild and our future. We aim to create a cutting edge facility in research and development, and we all know that profit lies in monopoly - in this case, monopoly of knowledge. Consumers will flock to buy products and services they cannot get elsewhere, while scholars and scientists seek our community to further exchange ideas."
"The benefit from this would be increased volumes of trade with Alvadas, which translates to various spill-over effects. Merchants need to use the docks, and they need a place to sleep and eat. More money will in essence, come flowing in, and everyone else benefits. The advanced technology and magic that we will be developing will no doubt spill over as well, letting Alvadas and its citizens live at a higher standard of living compared to the rest. The increased 'brain-flow' of talents will lead to a greater value and quality in intellectual exchanges, which will benefit both the science and arts sector in the city, making Alvadas much more vibrant."
He geared his speech in both logical and emotional ways so that he could add methods of persuasions for both Alluvia and Shylock. What he needed was not grudging support. No, he needed full support and approval from both members, and so he could not afford to alienate either.
"Now then, with all these concerns addressed, will not not agree that awarding the contract to us would be in your best interest, my best interest, and the best interest of the city and its citizens?"
