Dungeon of Niflheim

515 Chapter 515: Banking

Frost made his way towards the manufacturing district to meet with some of the workshops owners he didn’t get a chance to visit yesterday as well as the ones who showed some basic interest. Unlike regular shops, workshops were more open to the prospect of a new budding territory, especially one like Frost’s given its close proximity to a dungeon as they depended far more on materials than customers. By setting up a workshop in Frost’s territory they could easily rake in and treat a vast amount of monster materials. The end products could then be transported back to Furano to be displayed in their established shops. Of course, most were still not willing to make any substantial moves until the territory proved itself nonetheless it gave Frost an inkling for the future.

He left for the bank after visiting all the remaining workshops and shops on his list. He hadn’t broached the topic of involving the bank in any of his plans mainly because he knew for a fact it was a pointless endeavour. Frost had no collateral and only a minor reputation that only extended to Furano. The bank’s headquarters even disliked having one of their branches in Furano so why would they open another or even risk providing a loan to help establish an even smaller territory. Frost’s only intention was to seek some minor advice and open up an account to help facilitate the frequent transactions he’d be involved in.

Business owners, wealthy families, territory lords and their extravagant scions rarely used actual coins whenever they make purchases as it would be quite an ordeal to carry that vast amount of gold around whenever they went shopping. Sure they could store it their storage devices but it still took up space, space that could be better utilised. Instead, bankcards were used in leu of coins. The magnificent works of art were connected directly to their owner’s bank account through the wonders of magic and skilled artificers. The cards logged the amount of wealth stored in their accounts and deducted from that number whenever a transaction was made. The deduction would then be transferred to the seller’s bankcard facilitating payment. It was a smooth, quick and thanks to multiple protections making it so that only the owner of the card could facilitate its services was also a much safer alternative. Of course not everyone could gain access to such an advanced service no this feature was exclusive to the rich. A bank card required the customer to have a minimum level of capital in their account in order to be accepted for the service. This was followed by a monthly subscription fee and an agreement that allowed the bank to take a small percentage of each transaction made with the card. The bank really drained their customers as much as they could for using this service but those with unlimited funds could care less. Having a bank card was not only easier it was a clear status symbol that separated the rich from the poor. In their eyes it was a small price to pay.

Frost was currently flush with cash and would likely see a high level of income and expenditure in the coming months, so he was inclined to get one to help facilitate future transactions.

The manager of the bank, Hoggins who he was introduced to by Leo several weeks ago cleared his schedule the moment he was informed of Frost’s arrival, he would handle the young dungeon core personally. After doing a substantial background check on Frost after his last visit the shrewd bank manager came up empty which only deepened his respect. Frost was surely of a very powerful background, his appearance, talents and charisma all spoke of such origins.

“Mr Hoggins it’s good to see you again, how’s business?” Frost opened with some minor small chat and niceties, knowing that these simple exchanges helped down the line when he started talking business.

“You as well sir Frost, I’ve been hearing nothing but good things about you. I’m honoured to be aquatinted with such a young and talented warrior.” Hoggins replied with expert flattery.

The two exchanged a few other pleasantries before Frost brought up the reason for his visit. He didn’t go into much detail in regards to his territory as that played no part in his partnership with the bank. All he wanted was to exchange some of his gold coins for those of lesser value, gain some information on loans and the bank cards.

“I see, so you’re here pretty much as an entrepreneur with a plan already set in motion and a decent level of capital.” Hoggins highlighted the situation in terms the bank could understand.

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“Since you’re not a citizen of the empire, have no residence within its lands and given that you’re a first timer in terms of business at least to our knowledge we can’t offer any sort of loans to you for your current venture, the risk is far too much for us.” He first rejected the loan possibilities completely which Frost fully expected. He nodded in understanding and kept the smile on his face showing he was unperturbed by the rejection.

“Exchanging of gold coins to those of lesser value is a service we offer to anyone regardless of origin though there is a small fee. I’d also recommend exchanging more than 20 gold coins worth given your current venture. The ‘customers’ you’ll be entertaining as well as future employees won’t have much need for gold coins, at least in the interim.”

“In regards to a bank card, given your capital and the recommendation of the Furano family I can offer you a few different cards each with their own requirements.” Hoggins first explained his professional opinion in regards to Frost’s need for lower value coins before placing a couple contracts on the table.

“First off we have the lowest bank card service that we employ called the opal card. This requires a minimum of 10 gold coins in your account and has a monthly fee of 3 silver coins. There’s also a stipulation that each transaction using the card includes a 5% charge on top of the initial exchange e.g. if you buy something for 100 silvers, you’ll be deducted 105 silvers. This card also has a limit of 10 gold coins per transaction, it can’t facilitate anything higher.” This was another reason why the bank cards stood as status symbols. The better the bank card the higher the individual transactions.

“Next, we have the emerald card which is the most common card used by small to medium business owners. The requirement for this one is to have 25 gold coins in your account and comes with a monthly fee of 5 silver coins. The stipulation is also reduced to 4% and the transaction limit is increased to 25 gold coins. We also offer an overdraft facility with this card to the extent of 5 gold coins.” Hoggins thus went through a few of the more detailed clauses of the emerald card as this was the main card he was pushing for Frost.

“Finally we have the next step up which facilitates the large medium businesses, large businesses and more spendthrift noble families, the ruby card. Minimum starting capital is 100 gold coins, and the monthly subscription is 12 silvers. The stipulation is again reduced to 3% and the transaction limit is increased to 100 gold coins. There’s an overdraft service that has a limit of 10 gold coins but comes with an extra month to pay it off before interest accumulates. The ruby card also allows preferential treatment in regards to loans even if you aren’t a citizen of the empire.” Though this card was out of Frost’s price range at the moment the fact that by having it he would be able to apply for a loan spoke volumes. Hoggins probably showed this one so as to inspire him to fill his bank account.

Frost currently had around 60 gold coins with him, a fair bit shy of the 100 gold requirement for the ruby card. The other two cards were within his price range, the opal one seemed to be for the slightly well off people who wished to own a bankcard whereas the emerald one was for real businesses. If Frost exchanged 30 gold coins, he’d still have 30 left, enough for the emerald card.

“Is there any contract to prevent cancelation and how easy is it to upgrade to the next level of card?”

“The opal and emerald card come with a 6-month contract whereas the ruby card comes with a 12-month contract. Terminating the card within the contract period constitutes some pretty heavy fees.” Hoggins answered honestly, not willing to risk his relationship with Frost.

“Upgrading however is very easy, all it takes is a discussion with one the bank tellers and the signing of a new contract, no fees included even if you’re within a contract period for one of our other cards.” It’d be pointless to convolute an upgrade process that netted them more money.

With his questions answered and any misgivings rectified Frost thought in silence for a couple minute before choosing the emerald card as it suited his business scope more than the opal one. Plus he felt put off taking the cheapest option given his status.

After signing the contract an assistant came and took it away while another brought in a contraption that was used to weigh coins. Hoggins himself then took Frost’s 30 gold coins and handled the exchange. In the end Frost ended up with 2100 silvers and 85,000 coppers, making the charge for the exchange 50 silvers.

An emerald-coloured card decorated with silver engravings was delivered to the office a minute after the exchange was complete. With the insertion of his mana the card was bound to Frost making him the sole user. His bank account currently had the 30 gold coins needed to facilitate the activation of the emerald bank card.

Before leaving he decided to withdraw 10 gold coins and place them in his storage ring along with the mountains of silver and copper.

“Guess I’ll go and visit Borris now.”

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