"Lord Count." Jindick bowed slightly, offering Kael a respectful smile. His gaze held a trace of reverence—the rotund merchant knew all too well of Kael's intricate ties to the upper echelons of the Guyi Empire. The Jindick family's survival depended on the Empire's favor, and they'd recalibrated their stance toward Kael accordingly.
"Lord Count, here are your two thousand grain wagons…" The soldierly man beside Jindick also smiled deferentially.
Kael nodded and turned to Jett. "Organize the unloading. Distribute dozens of wagons to aid the city's victims—the rest go to the military barracks."
"At once, my lord!" Jett, brimming with excitement, signaled the hundred soldiers behind him to begin transporting the grain.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their jubilation infectious. For the first time, the citizens lost themselves in celebration, their faith in Kael solidified by his actions. Kael understood: the territory's true rebuilding relied on them. All he could do was ignite their confidence—and this, he'd achieved.
More than enough.
Every earlier rumor dissolved like mist. Someone in the throng began chanting Kael's name, and soon the chorus swelled. His prestige soared; the people now trusted him implicitly.
Kael smirked inwardly. The results were satisfying.
"Silence." He spoke softly—no magical amplification—yet the crowd hushed instantly. Hundreds of hopeful eyes locked onto him, a testament to his authority.
"I announce today the construction of my Arcane Tower! Laifei will hire laborers—all may enlist. Payment: ten gold coins monthly."
Another wave of cheers. Many young men roared in approval. Ten gold was substantial—enough to cover a common family's monthly expenses.
Kael smiled at the fervor. Once built, the tower would catapult his power. An eighth-tier Archmage with a tower and one without were worlds apart.
Across the continent, countless archmages remained tower-less, shackled by empty coffers.
The Arcane Tower's purpose was to concentrate elemental energy and amplify magical power. An eighth-tier mage with a tower could effortlessly overpower a peer without one.
After announcing his plans, Kael departed. The soldiers of Laifei continued hauling grain, the city abuzz with activity.
"Greetings, Lord Count." The portly Jindick bowed with a greasy smile, well aware that offending this golden goose would be folly.
Kael smirked. "Jindick, I take it you've brought good news." The merchant's grin suggested as much.
"Indeed, my lord! The gemstones you provided are of exceptional quality. The Jindick family has decided to offer a premium—purchasing them above market price."
Kael nodded. The Jindicks knew which way the wind blew. After learning of his ties to the Guyi Empire's elite, they'd proactively sweetened the deal.
Jindick produced a violet crystal card, presenting it reverently. "This holds two million gold coins, my lord. Also… I couldn't help but overhear your tower plans?"
Accepting the card, Kael feigned nonchalance. "What of it?"
"If it pleases you, our family could supply rare arcane ores. We're at your disposal whenever—"
Kael's interest stirred. Though he possessed Gangrock Adamantite and a cache of Earth Adamantite from Flamecrest Isle, certain materials still eluded him. Having the Jindicks handle procurement was convenient.
"Agreed." No reason to refuse.
"Actually, my visit isn't just about gems." Jindick's eyes gleamed with shrewdness. "A far larger venture awaits your consideration."
"Larger?" Kael's focus sharpened. The Jindick family dominated commerce even within the Guyi Empire. For such a titan to propose collaboration was… unusual.
"We aim to establish a trade route linking the Guyi Empire and the Mide Kingdom—with you as our partner."
Kael's gaze turned solemn. Opening trade corridors… A goal he'd long harbored.
The only viable route between the Guyi Empire and the Mide Kingdom cut straight through the Laifei Plains—a region currently too plagued by bandits for merchants to safely traverse.
Eliminate those outlaws, however, and the trade route would flourish. Laifei's tax revenues would skyrocket, finally resolving the territory's financial woes.
Kael understood this perfectly. Opening the trade corridor was the optimal solution.
Moreover, with the Jindick family's backing, other merchant clans would inevitably follow suit, further boosting Laifei's coffers.
With that in mind, Kael nodded decisively, giving Jindick a measured look. "Very well. Let's discuss the details in my manor."
It seemed he'd underestimated the Jindicks. Upon learning of Kael's imperial connections, they'd swiftly pivoted to this venture—profiting massively while currying his favor. A masterstroke of mercantile cunning.
"Of course, Lord Count! After you!" The rotund merchant scurried after him.
As they entered the manor, Amelia leaned close to Kael. "I'll stand guard outside." She knew these negotiations demanded privacy.
"Thank you." Kael's gaze softened with affection. Amelia responded with a gentle smile, murmuring, "Gladly."
Her uncharacteristic tenderness struck him. A warmth bloomed in his chest. Once things settle, I must give her the recognition she deserves.
But the immediate priority was eliminating the three major threats plaguing Laifei Territory—eradicating the bandits and establishing trade routes between the two nations!
Amelia stood guard outside while Kael and Jindick discussed the details of opening the trade corridor inside. After some mutual probing, Kael realized the Jindick family had played their cards well. Though they offered assistance, the actual task of clearing the bandits still fell to Kael himself.
Kael didn't mind. In fact, he welcomed the opportunity to test his skills.
However, the Jindick family agreed to provide intelligence—something Kael sorely lacked. The nomadic bandit groups moved like the wind, swift and elusive. The slightest misstep could alert them, so Kael needed to prepare thoroughly before striking decisively.
"Lord Count, this matter requires swift action. Our family will do everything we can to support you,"Jindick said with a grin.
Kael nodded. He knew acting quickly was ideal, but his plan was to move only after completing the Arcane Tower.
"Kael." Just then, Amelia entered. She glanced at Jindick before whispering to Kael, "Finn and the others have arrived."
Finn was here!
Kael's spirits lifted. Back when he left the ancient ruins, he'd instructed Amelia to send a magical missive to Finn. By his calculations, their arrival was right on time.
"Since you have matters to attend to, Lord Count, I shall take my leave," Jindick said tactfully, excusing himself.
Once Jindick was gone, Kael took Amelia's hand. "Come, take me to Finn!"