An imitation, so what?

The time for harvesting coffee beans had come.

Due to the first cultivated field yielding more produce than before, it seemed like they could ship more this time.

What surprised them was that the merchant's purchase price remained almost unchanged from the previous season.

"This time, the production has significantly increased, but we still haven't caught up with the demand, so we can't lower the price. However, we can ship more than before, so I believe the demand will continue to grow."

Merchant Vasco predicted the sales of 'coffee' for this season.

"Will it continue to grow?"

Ryu's anticipation soared.

"Yes, it seems that the Commerce Guild headquarters also plans to promote it in the royal capital area, so the demand will keep increasing."

Vasco patted his chest and showed his enthusiasm.

“Now that I think about it, a few counterfeit products have appeared.”

While Vasco was expressing his determination to leave the rest to the Commerce Guild without consulting.

"Counterfeit goods!?"

Farza and Ryu were surprised.

It seemed like someone had tried to copy them.

"This 'coffee' is a patented product of the Landmark family, so that is not allowed. However, these imitation products had a slightly lower quality..."

"Lower quality?"

"The fake products included the Landmark family's patented design, a crossed sword and laurel emblem, on the packaging, and they even claimed to have obtained permission from the Landmark family as the source”

Farza and Ryu looked at each other.

“However, they were immediately removed from the market by the Commerce Guild because the beans were immature due to early harvesting and the processing was rough, resulting in a taste far inferior to that of the Landmark family's product. 'The merchants who bought them has also been sanctioned in light of the penalties."

“So, where is the shipping source?”

Farza inquired.

"...They came from the neighboring Elanza Barony,"

Farza and Ryu sighed.

It was him again.

"It seems that Baron Elanza personally ordered his subjects to collect crops in the forest right after harvesting. According to the merchant we dealt with, he claimed, 'I received permission from the knight vassal, and, originally, I taught them how to do it. Don't worry,' and they believed him."

"Truly, Father, the quality is terrible.”

Ryu expressed his disbelief.

Farza sighed again.

"I'm thankful for the Commerce Guild's swift response. For now, I have no intention of allowing the shipment of 'coffee' to anyone other than Mr. Vasco without consulting him. We will handle Baron Elanza on our own."

After thanking the merchant Vasco and seeing him off politely after concluding this season's contract, Ryu and Farza sighed together once more.

"What should we do..."

"What should we do indeed..."

Attempting to sell subpar products using the Landmark family emblem was truly a disgraceful act.

This time, they were saved by the Commerce Guild's quick response, but they realized that their family's reputation could be tarnished. After all, their trading partners for 'coffee' were affluent nobles, and a single misunderstanding could potentially destroy the Landmark family.

This matter required a strong protest and response.

They would also need to report it to their distant relative, Count Sugoella.

In the following days, Farza personally went to Baron Elanza's territory to protest, but he received a cold reception.

It seemed there was no intention of remorse.

So, they decided to report the situation to Count Sugoella.

Upon hearing the details, Count Sugoella was appalled.

"Very well, I will speak to Elanza. Staining the Landmark family's reputation could also affect the Sugoella family's prestige, after all."

And so, Baron Elanza was summoned by Count Sugoella and sternly reprimanded, with a strict order to go and apologize to the Landmark family.

Well, he hadn't actually come to apologize yet.

It seemed that Baron Elanza, considering the knightly vassal beneath him as a junior, had merely sent a letter suggesting that they reconcile.

After Farza handed Ryu the letter, Ryu advised.

"Father, it's a waste of effort to engage with him any further. Let's just ignore it."

Farza chuckled and agreed with the advice.

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