Steven knocked on an old, simple-looking door. "Dad, Cain's here."
"Come in," answered a voice from inside.
Cain entered alongside Steven.
Upon stepping in, he realized it was a study. Its most obvious feature stood out immediately—books, an overwhelming number of books.
The bookshelf behind Joseph Stone was enormous, filled from end to end with volumes. Its height reached all the way to the ceiling, with only the topmost layer left empty; the rest was completely packed.
Joseph Stone—the current patriarch of the Stone family, president of Devon Corporation, and a permanent member of Hoenn's Supreme League Council, representative of the region's people.
A true legend, who in his time had even competed against Juan, the current League president, not only for the Champion title but also for the League's presidency itself.
However, for several reasons, he withdrew from the contest and instead helped Juan administer the Hoenn region in an orderly fashion.
Joseph Stone's true strength was unknown, but according to Cain's estimation, it couldn't be below Drake's level.
After all, he had the strong backing of the Stone family, and according to what his master, Matsuda Takashi, had told him, Joseph Stone's potential in his youth was not inferior to Steven's current level. Without a doubt, he must have been very powerful.
"Mr. Joseph," Cain greeted respectfully.
They had interacted a few times before, and since his master Matsuda Takashi was a good friend of Joseph Stone, Cain didn't see him as a stranger.
"Hahaha, Cain, I'm glad you came!" Joseph Stone stood up from his seat, showing none of the arrogance typical of a great family patriarch.
He warmly welcomed Cain and Steven, though when he got a closer look at Cain, he seemed slightly surprised. "Cain, did you put on makeup? You look a bit different."
Hearing that, Cain felt a little awkward and scratched his head. This father-and-son pair...
"No, maybe I'm just growing up and looking more handsome."
"Hahahaha! Good! The more handsome, the better!" Joseph Stone laughed even harder.
The three sat down in front of the desk. Someone came in, served three cups of tea, and quietly left, closing the door behind them.
"Cain, I heard you want to discuss a collaboration with our Stone family. What's it about?" asked Joseph Stone.
Cain didn't hesitate and got straight to the point. "Here's the thing. I know the Stone family rose to prominence through mining, and among your resources are many valuable minerals. Recently, I happened to obtain a batch of high-quality diamonds. I'd like to sell them through your family's channels."
Upon hearing that, Joseph and Steven exchanged glances and smiled.
They had expected something huge, but it turned out to be just about selling diamonds.
"Well, that's simple. Whatever diamonds you have, our family will buy them all at market price," Joseph Stone said with a smile.
In his view, what kind of diamond mine could Cain have possibly found on his own? The Stone family didn't mind spending that money. Even if they didn't profit, it would still serve as a good gesture toward Cain.
Besides, since he was Steven's best friend, buying some diamonds off him was no issue.
Cain understood the subtext behind his words, but with the growing output of his "Diamond Kingdom," production was no longer something small. If it were just a small amount, Tyranitar and Aggron could have easily consumed it all.
"That might not work... because the quantity is too large," Cain replied.
Joseph Stone raised his eyebrows slightly. "Large? How large? A few tons?"
Cain lifted one finger.
"One ton? That's no problem. It's quite a bit, but still manageable," said Joseph Stone, somewhat surprised. A ton of diamonds was already worth an incredible amount.
Cain shook his head.
"Ten tons? That would already be tricky," Joseph Stone said, feeling a shiver of astonishment.
But Cain shook his head again. "Conservatively speaking, over a hundred tons."
Pffft! Steven, who had been drinking water on the side, spat it all out in shock.
"What? A hundred tons!?" Steven stared at Cain, eyes wide.
And he could tell Cain wasn't joking—he was completely serious.
A hundred tons! In the diamond market, that was terrifying.
Joseph Stone was stunned.
And to think they had called him a poor orphan...
He was a diamond tycoon!
A hundred tons of diamonds—even for a colossal family like the Stones, that wasn't something small. They could absorb it, sure, but doing so all at once could easily strain their capital chain.
Of course, Cain could also sell them through Team Heaven. But their network was still limited, and since diamonds were mineral resources, that would mean directly competing against the Stone family. And at present, Team Heaven didn't yet have the power to stand against them.
Even so, a hundred tons of diamonds would shake the market to its core. Amid that chaos, Team Heaven could quietly establish its own sales channels. With both a public and a hidden route, their resource income would multiply.
"Ahem... If we're talking about a hundred tons or more, then this is indeed a very serious business deal. I originally thought of doing you a favor, but it turns out you're the one doing us a favor. Let's do this: we'll sell your diamonds and take only ten percent as commission. After all, your master and I are good friends, and you and Steven are as well," said Joseph Stone, a bit embarrassed.
But Cain shook his head again.
Steven was about to explain market rates when Cain firmly interrupted: "Sir, our relationship is good, so there's no need to always give me the advantage. Selling diamonds requires channels, marketing, promotion, manpower, materials—it's a big operation."
"Ten percent is far too little. I've looked into it; the usual commission is thirty percent. But I know you wouldn't accept that, so I've decided: it'll be twenty-five percent."
"And don't think of refusing. I'm the one benefiting here—the poor kid relying on the Stone family's strength."
Joseph Stone and Steven were both speechless at his response.
Was that... even a way to bargain?
What a way to negotiate!
In that instant, their impression of Cain skyrocketed.
Steven's admiration hit its peak—he almost wanted to swear brotherhood with him on the spot.
"Hahahaha! Excellent! In that case, I have nothing more to say. The Stone family will owe you one."
"In fact, let's do this: the family will provide the capital, you'll provide the resources, and together with Steven, you'll found a company. Of course, I know your focus isn't on business right now."
"You can set it up and hire people to manage it. Later, if you wish, you can take over yourselves. At least you'll have another project running." Joseph Stone laughed heartily, clearly in great spirits.
Cain and Steven looked at each other and nodded in unison. "Alright!"
(End of Chapter)