Tennessee faithfully relayed my words.
It seems the other party was puzzled.
"Would Americans really buy such expensive fabric?"
Worry not.
America is truly a kingdom of consumption.
If not available, they borrow, and if there's nowhere to borrow from, they might as well rob a store… anyway!
Their purchasing power is top-notch globally.
The question is whether there are luxury brands that can handle BQ and fabric, right?
"If you want, I can connect you to an American luxury brand."
"American luxury?…"
Of course, it has to be Ralph Lauren!
Did he read my expression?
Tennessee quickly adjusted the handset.
The call did not last long.
Once you give in to a threat, only more unreasonable demands follow.
The ranch owner changed his mind for that reason.
In the end, they agreed to hand over all the stock, and Faber even received a stamp on the contract.
"Neat."
Perhaps they trusted my distribution network, but it must have also been greatly influenced by the direct call from the heir of the Grosvenor dukedom.
From making the connection to the guarantee.
Tennessee really did a great job.
As I sent him a loving glance,
"What are you looking at like that?"
He responded with his characteristic prickliness.
"Jeez, bossing people around first thing in the morning."
"Should I have gone to your room instead?"
He didn't exactly say no, but his expression was clearly reluctant.
Well, I should go and see.
I'd have to cram everything into the closet again.
Just thinking about it is annoying.
But that reaction was fleeting, and he suddenly changed his tone.
"So, how long do you plan to delay?"
"Delay what?"
"Transferring shares is also a partnership, let's build a friendship first. What, do I need to stick around for 10 years?"
Ah, that.
'Well, it's not like it's a free transfer.'
I'm planning to pay a fair price.
Especially since I've connected him with rugby, BQ, and even a ranch, this level of rapport should suffice… Hmm.
"Fine. How much do you want?"
It seemed to be an unexpected answer; Tennessee's eyes narrowed slightly.
"How much can you sell?"
"That depends on what you put up."
"You said you didn't need money?"
Nodding.
"Still the same?"
At Tennessee's words, I nodded again.
***
At the same time,
Lukash had been looking for a real estate agent since morning.
"I want to look at some stores."
"You must be in a hurry. Coming right as the doors open. Please have a seat. Would you like some coffee? Or perhaps tea would be better. Just a moment, please."
As the kettle on the stove began to steam, the owner brought over a teabag.
The mug was soon filled with the fragrant aroma of tea.
"It will be clean."
"It tastes good."
"Where would you like to look?"
"The best location possible."
"Oh, you must be wealthy."
At the owner's words, Lukash gave an awkward smile.
"How big are you thinking?"
"As big as possible."
"Oh, definitely wealthy. Looking for a large shop in a prime location…"
"It would be even better near Piccadilly Arcade."
"Piccadilly? That's a battleground for luxury fashion."
"…"
"Do you work in fashion by any chance?"
"Something like that."
As soon as he finished speaking, the owner scratched his cheek.
Then he took out an old notebook and began to rummage through it.
"Where's your current business?"
"Why do you ask that?"
Avoiding the question, the owner lowered his glasses to his nose and looked intently at Lukash.
"Did you come from the Savile Row area?"
"I just want to see some stores. Do I need to bring a business license?"
At Lukash's words, the owner closed his notebook.
"You must have had a reason for rushing in this morning."
"What I need is a store."
***
Last time, when the investment topic came up, I had told Tennessee that I needed something more than money.
Maybe that's why.
As soon as I finished speaking, Tennessee quickly pulled out a folded piece of paper from his shirt pocket.
A London map, slightly smaller than a notebook.
Oh dear.
Seeing that he even brought a map, it looks like he was really prepared.
"Look."
Interestingly, there were red circles marked in various places.
"See the red checks? Those are all owned by our family."
It was like owning the entire Gangnam District in Seoul.
Indeed, every place in London that was worth something was marked with a circle.
"Choose."
"Can you give it if I choose?"
"Transferring ownership isn't easy. It involves complicated procedures. But leasing is possible, without any special costs."
Of course, that would require the Duke's permission… But Tennessee seemed confident that wouldn't be a problem.
"I don't intend to evict any decent tenants."
"Oh, even considering humanity?"
"Even if the contract expires, we'll generously take care of the key money."
"Don't worry and choose. I'm not a stingy person."
He smirked.
"Would this place be okay then?"
Oxford Circus.
It was like the Cheongdam-dong of Seoul.
"Is that enough?"
Nodding.
"Tch, you should have said that earlier."
Really? Then let's move the conversation forward?
"We'll check the equity value annually and lease it based on that. You agree?"
Suddenly, the conversation turned professional.
Maybe that's why Tennessee's face blanked for a moment.
But that was only for a moment; he quickly returned to his sharp, aristocratic demeanor.
"Of course, I agree."
"When can the lease start?"
"Don't worry. I'll sort it out today."
After Tennessee left.
The map he had left on the desk was still there.
It wasn't a real estate map and was smaller than an A4 paper, so I couldn't determine the building from it right there.
But.
What was he relying on, leaving so confidently?
After all, it wasn't like we had signed a contract.
"I have nothing to lose anyway."
I'll solve it today… I quietly scratched the back of my head.
***
That night.
Tennessee cut a leave pass and headed home.
He could have gone on the weekend, but then he might have to spend a day there.
"What brings you here?"
At the tutor's question, Tennessee showed a faint smile.
"I have something to tell my father."
"Is it because you are running for student council president?"
'Oh. I had forgotten about that.'
But it wouldn't hurt to say that was the reason for his visit.
"You knew about it."
"I have ears too."
"…"
"His Grace was very pleased. He has been quite content since you enrolled in the royal school. Thanks to you, I received commendations as well."
"I guess you'll hear more praises when I return?"
"Indeed, I look forward to it."
Shortly after, Tennessee and the tutor headed to the reception room.
Meeting his father, he first bowed his head.
As the tutor said, the Duke seemed to be in a good mood.
Tennessee gathered his courage and spoke.
However, he lacked the courage to meet his eyes, so he fixed his gaze on the Duke's belt.
"I would like to try running a business."
"A business?"
"I would like to try the clothing business."
The Duke slightly opened his mouth, as if he had guessed something.
"Is this because of the invitation from the Harris family?"
Everyone seems to be making assumptions today.
Each one had a plausible reason.
"It's not just because of that reason, but it did give me the courage."
Emboldened, Tennessee added more.
"Even with just that level of insight, they are setting the stage. What's stopping me? It's reassuring, in a way."
Then,
"Maintain your dignity."
The tutor interjected as if to caution him.
"These are people who, respecting His Grace's honor, have sent personal invitations. It would be prudent to hold your tongue."
After Tennessee nodded,
"So, what exactly do you want from me?"
At the Duke's question, Tennessee stepped forward.
"Give me an entire street."
"…!"
It's like a toddler asking for a sports car—who would allow that?
It's naturally a picture of refusal.
But Tennessee didn't come unprepared.
"I'm not just starting out."
"What?"
"I've thoroughly prepared, and I've already achieved some results."
"Some results?"
The Duke adjusted his posture upon hearing his son's words, as if the answer could change the outcome.
"Have you heard of the brand Ultimate?"
"Of course, I'm well aware. But what does that have to do with you…?"
Before the Duke could respond, the tutor interjected.
"Don't tell me you're involved with that?"
Eyes wide.
The tutor's reaction was unprecedented, and soon interest sparkled in the Duke's eyes.
Of course, Tennessee was not entirely at ease as he spoke.
"I hesitated many times but—Ultimate is a brand I launched with a peer."
"…!"
If the results weren't substantial, permission would never be granted.
Tennessee continued.
"One of my peers is savvy in business. So I came up with the ideas, and he handled the operations."
"So, your collaboration with John Green was also your…"
"Of course. What could those newcomers achieve without my help?"
Unspoken words.
Yet, this was precisely the image the family desired.
Indeed, the tutor shrugged as if to take credit for all.
The tutor, barely containing his excitement, asked,
"So, even the marketing strategy of producing limited quantities to create demand was…"
"As I said, the ideas were all mine, and my peer just handled the operations."
At that point, the silent Duke spoke up.
"You kept a business secret from your father, why?"
"I didn't want help from the start."
"And why do you seek help now?"
"Carrying the Grosvenor name, once I start something, I must reach the pinnacle to be satisfied."
But there remained one last issue.
The plan was to demolish all the shops on that street and build a building.
Perhaps that's why.
The Duke asked if he'd rather receive a building instead.
Tennessee carefully replied,
"I'd prefer to create a street infused with exquisite taste rather than a bland building."
"Really… Are you confident?"
"Absolutely."
At Tennessee's words, the Duke curled his lips into a big smile.
As they left the reception room, the tutor quietly followed and asked,
"Shall I prepare a meal?"
"What time do you think it is? I've already eaten."
"What did you have?"
"Well…"
After a noncommittal reply, the tutor launched into a long speech.
For nobility, even meals are training… all important conversations happen over meals… a gourmet course with wine, practiced daily with strict etiquette…
Stories he had heard enough to grow weary of.
But there was no point in objecting—it would only prolong the conversation.
"I'll bear that in mind."
Tennessee simply nodded quietly.