I Became A Black Merchant In Another World

“The port is in sight! We’ll be docking in less than an hour!”

At those words, the crew picked up the pace, preparing to unload the cargo.

“Prepare to disembark! As soon as we dock, get the cargo off the ship!”

“And don’t even think about picking a fight with those heathens just because you make eye contact! If you act up, you’re dead!”

“No drinking here, so leave your booze on board!”

The sailors hurriedly lifted crates filled with goods we planned to sell onto the deck.

Though this could have waited until we docked, preparing in advance meant saving precious minutes on labor costs once we arrived.

“Everyone, listen up! Change into the new clothes now!”

They scowled at the order.

It made sense to be annoyed at being told to change in the middle of all the hustle, but that wasn’t the only reason for their discontent.

The captain voiced his protest.

“Master Fabio, do we really have to wear those heathen clothes? You might be in charge, but this feels like too much.”

Several crew members added their complaints.

The people of the Albanian continent, followers of the Deus faith, and those on the Medina continent, who believe in the Madhbah faith, mutually consider each other heathens.

Telling them to dress in the clothes of a hostile country was akin to ordering them to wear enemy uniforms.

There was, however, a reason for insisting on this change, despite the sailors’ objections.

“The Medina continent is hot and humid. If we don’t wear their clothes, we risk heatstroke. Plus, wearing their attire will help us make a good impression during our transactions.”

In the 21st century, salespeople might have to take clients to karaoke bars and play along with their antics for the sake of business.

It’s not for fun but to support their families.

This world isn’t so different.

Still, forcing them into clothes without adequate compensation would make them resist.

“Four silver coins.”

At those words, every sailor’s gaze turned to me.

“Wear their clothes, and I’ll give you four silver coins each. Wearing heathen clothes doesn’t mean we’re abandoning Deus. We’re doing what we must to survive.”

Honestly, I could give up my faith if it meant getting along with these Madhbah followers.

I’d even join their prayers five times a day and claim their deity is the same as ours.

But in our world, that would be outright heresy, punishable by death.

So, I’ll settle for just making them wear the clothes.

It might seem small, but it could win us considerable goodwill from them.

“If you don’t like it, you’re welcome to stay on the ship.”

The captain gave in and led the sailors to change.

“What are you waiting for? Change your clothes! You’re not abandoning Deus by swapping outfits.”

I even went so far as to respect their culture, a concept foreign to this world.

With this gesture, how could they not like us?

As soon as we docked, I met a merchant who frequently traded with the Medici family.

He wore a broad smile—not the kind reserved for a big client, but something more genuine.

“I’m Hamad bin Al-Sini, running a small trading business here. My family has traded with the Medici family for nearly seventy years.”

“Fabio de Medici, second son of the Medici barony. It’s an honor to meet a senior member of the Al-Sini family.”

“Ha ha! I’m pleased to meet such a capable young man. Please, have a seat.”

I could have just sat down, but to foster goodwill for future trade with Medina, it was best to make an impression.

“First, let me greet you properly. Peace be upon you.”

Al-Sini’s eyes widened, surprised yet pleased as he returned the greeting.

“And peace be upon you as well.”

After exchanging greetings, I took my seat, and Al-Sini showed genuine goodwill.

“In all my years, no merchant has ever shown our family such respect.”

Displaying such goodwill before a trade is a risky move, as it could lead to exploitation in this ruthless world.@@novelbin@@

The now-ruined Bishop Christian was a perfect example.

Still, for him to openly express liking me showed it had an effect.

“A difference in faith doesn’t mean we lack integrity. I wish you peace, and my men are dressed in your style to show our respect.”

In Islamic culture, a woman without a face covering is considered as exposed as someone walking around nude.

A man, on the other hand, might be seen as walking in a Beijing bikini, with his belly bare beneath a rolled-up shirt.

“Master Fabio, you seem trustworthy enough to deal with our Al-Sini family directly.”

By addressing me as “Master Fabio” instead of “Medici,” he was indicating that he’d be willing to do business with me personally in the future.

The victory of a 21st-century Korean’s cultural understanding was apparent.

“I’m honored. I came to purchase spices, particularly cloves and pepper.”

“Of course. How much would you like?”

“A ton of pepper, 500 kilograms of cloves, and 250 kilograms each of mace and nutmeg.”

That amount of pepper and cloves could buy a minor barony.

Though the value was based on Albanian continent prices, it was still considerable.

“We don’t only trade with the Medici family, so supplying that much might be difficult.”

“I’m not asking for free goods.”

I produced a sample of our family’s prized product, seaweed, which could be sold for the price of gold due to its secret recipe.

“This is seaweed. You may have heard of its benefits?”

“I have, indeed. It’s said to enhance a man’s vitality and benefit new mothers. I’ve purchased it from the Medici family before, but I never imagined receiving so much as a gift.”

Though seaweed was more common these days, it was still outrageously expensive.

To be specific, 10 grams could buy a cow.

“Actually, I’m the one who produces it. Rare as it may be, it’s more common in its place of origin.”

In the Qing dynasty, the price of ginseng in Korea was exponentially lower than in China, not only due to demand but also because Korea was the source.

It’s likely pepper is just as affordable in its homeland.

“This box holds enough for 150 servings, about 300 grams. If you assist me, I’ll provide an additional 10 kilograms.”

While that might seem like a lot to them, it’s only worth about one silver coin to me.

But since they don’t know that, they’re bound to see it as a treasure.

“Ah, well then, I can arrange to supply you in bulk. Expanding our market benefits us as well.”

Al-Sini took a deep breath before continuing.

“For us, trust is paramount, so selling more than what was promised is difficult. However…”

He gave me a sly smile.

“If you can deal with some troublesome heathen pirates who’ve been plaguing us, I could arrange for the goods they stole from us to be sold to you.”

In other words, he’s suggesting “double-billing.”

It’s a proposal that benefits both sides.

Not only would I gain more spices, but it would also strengthen our relationship with the Al-Sini family.

Of course, dealing with pirates requires careful planning.

“I’ll do my best.”

I immediately began preparations to gather information on the pesky pirates bothering the Al-Sini family.
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TL note:

Hey readers! ???? As we dive deeper into A Black Merchant In Another World, things are heating up in Fabio’s world of cunning deals and high-stakes alliances. I hope you’re enjoying this thrilling ride through the intricate webs of noble politics and merchant maneuvering as much as I am.

Remember, your thoughts and reactions help shape this journey! Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite moments, predictions, or even just say hi! ???? Your likes and shares are the best way to support and keep these chapters coming. Can’t wait to see where Fabio’s ambitions take us next—so stay tuned for more twists and turns ahead!