| It's just universal law that the most equitable arrangements turn out to be the most truly prosperous and beneficial for the world." | ||||||||||
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Villa Arbore has a rather sizeable courtyard, but with clear intent of purpose. There's a cacophany of noise as numerous people have taken projects upon themselves and are utilizing the courtyard space to use for work. Here there's a sculptor, an anvil off to the side has metal being struck. Men and women alike, and in fact there's a group in mixed company having a debate about the constuction of a trebuchet.
The cascade of sounds and their echoes fade once a person passes through the house's doors. In fact, the difference is palpable, quiet as it is, with only the expected quiet murmur of a thriving household. And anyone who enters and looks of import is greeted properly by one of the house servants, with inquiry as to how they may be helped.
*
The Conte di Necchi has arrived in full regalia today in meeting with a house on par with his own: there's dignity enough in his jewels worn casually on his hand and the greatcloak that drapes from his back, mixed with a touch of humility in the dark, drab colours of the di Necchi's ermine and black. Informing a servant of a particular request in the Arbore estate, the signore is now being led to meet with the nobility of that house.
*
He's shown to a study, as full of small and intriguing contraptions as it is with books, offered wine, and within moments Hanno - no wait, not Hanno, but Elizabetta arrives. "Conte di Necci, welcome to our home." She drops a curtsy, and then clasps her hands serenely in front of her. "Now. How may Arbore aid you today?"
*
Vittorio doesn't seem all too bothered about not meeting the Conte himself, bowing to Elizabetta with a depth that just falls short of the right length for a head of Matora's great houses: and straightens his posture to be upright and proper, spewing forth meticulously chosen words: "Signora. I believe I have a mutually beneficial relationship to propose," he turns down the wine — for now at least, and cups a beardless chin.
"Perhaps the houses of Arbore and Necchi have not been the most natural of allies," he begins frankly: "But I believe that as much as we are the masters of inland grain and crops, you are the proponents of the finest technology and mechanical instruments."
"So," he rattles off: "I propose that in exchange for superior ploughs and horseshoes — and even technologies as rare as the wine press — the Arbore may be leased a vineyard or farm on which they may collect tax in the form of agricultural wealth."
*
"That is quite out of our baliwick." says Elizabetta, crossing to the desk and taking a seat. She unstops the ink, plucks up some paper, and begins to take notes. "An intriguing notion for expansion and I can certainly present the notion to my brother. But the success of a farm or a vineyard depends on so many uncontrollable factors, such as the nature of the weather and the composition of the soil, is that correct?"
*
It does not take much for at least a few… cracks to appear in Vittorio's demeanour, frowning a bit at Elizabetta's response. But then he sighs and continues: "Think of it as an investment of agriculture, signora. With your new tools to help the industry, the yields can only grow bigger; your stake and share in the agricultural market will but increase because of the tools you have supplied. Some years crops fail, but in the long run… I could even include agronomists and stewards in any contract if you are so uncertain of the feasibility, signora."
*
"My brother will need to consider the premise of the propsal before any agreements are made regardless," Elizabetta smiles attentively toward Vittorio. "But the more information he has, the better. How would the process of deciding which property you would offer be enacted? Would we be given several to consider? Would we have an opportunity to inspect it?" Elizabetta does not take details for granted, her gaze direct.
*
"Yes," the Conte continues boldly. "There are several properties held directly in the name of the House di Necchi we are willing to part with for an agreed-upon time, and you and your servants are more than welcome to inspect every inch of the property; every records of the land's previous yields, too. It is also sizeable enough, I assure you, as a reward for your house's fine handiwork and industry, signora."
*
"If you would be so kind as to have sent over the yield records accountings of the three most lucrative ventures, I will be happy to convey the other to Hanno." Eizabetta says, after a moment's scribbling. "If you like we can see if we can provide a more productive machine for aiding in threshing and the like. I can't promise; engineering is not my forte. But a wine press is certainly within our more immediate accessibility." With that, she looks up at him. "If your messengers are prompt, I believe I can have an answer for you within a week. Would that be acceptable, my lord Conte?"
*
Vittorio does let the hint of a smile creep up his mouth, now. "Certainly. To tell it true, signora, I did much hope you'd have something else up your sleeve other than the wine press. With this new threshing machine, I'd truly be indebted to you… ah, not that I do not wish to make an agreement that favours us all." He extends a hand to shake with Elizabetta, "To a week's time then, signora?"
*
"Well of course you'd want to give yourself the advantage in any deal you made. I wouldn't fault you for it, as I'm trying to do th same thing for my family." Elizabetta's smile blossoms into something more genuine than the polite ones previously offered. "It's just universal law that the most equitable arrangements turn out to be the most truly prosperous and beneficial for the world." She rises, and extends her own hand in turn to give his a sturdy shake.
*
"Quite, quite," Vittorio returns the genuine look but does become a little solemn: "In Avicorse or much of the Empire, a house's land is near everything," and there's a wistful look in his eye: "But we now must keep up with the rise of wealth through sheer commerce in great Matora if we are to prosper. Yet it shall be through this new technology, I think — that will set standards for even agriculture much higher than all the rest of the world. And is not something that's good for all Matora, good for -all- the great houses?" He's rambling a bit now, but perhaps that's just a side-effect of being well-contented in his deal…
*
Well. The progress of the deal, at any rate. No agreements have been made, but he has a willing House. Coming around the desk, Elizabetta moves to his side and gestues gacefully toward the doors of the study. "Let me see you out, good Conte. I think you will find that amongst Arbore, we regard technology to be a fundamental element of lifting all of Matora to greatness, and for all men and women. I look forward to working further with you, and if you have questions about our processes you may visit any time."
*
"Hm," he thinks solemnly, and then, "I wish you well, signore. Until next time." Bowing just a touch deeper — he makes his departure and his journey back to his own estate.
*