CHAPTER 36: NEGOTIATION

In this isolated area, where resources were scarce, even the strongest individuals had only reached the Abyssal Rank.

Cassian nodded his head. "Yes. Fortunately, we found this treasure ground, and with this pond alone, I’m confident that it could at least produce a few Abyssal Rank Knights even if the pond were to not be supplied anymore."

"So, what’s our family’s plan moving forward?" James asked, genuinely curious. He needed to understand their direction before adjusting his own.

Cassian laid it out in simple terms. For the time being, the Steelheart Family would keep a low profile, quietly building their foundation by making full use of the pond’s benefits.

After that, they would investigate the true treasure ground hidden deeper within the area and act based on what they discovered.

If they failed to claim that treasure, their next step would be to explore the surrounding regions for more opportunities before eventually heading out into the outer world, starting with the great cities located in the heart of the Drakensreich Empire. Their first goal there would be to gather information about the Divine Exclusion Mountain.

"What about you? Have you thought about what you want to do in the long run?" Cassian asked, thinking that James was already an adult, plus he had his own chance meeting with the mysterious old man.

So, even if James wanted to venture outside the world to experience new things at that time, it would be fine, as he believed that he had the ability to protect himself with Nyxrael’s presence.

"I don’t know... maybe just get stronger and experience the world on my own? I don’t want to rush anything. The old man’s gifts will keep helping me grow over time anyway," James shrugged.

His plan was actually just that simple: become stronger and experience the outside world leisurely. Of course, there were some other plans, like growing the Steelhearts’ strength and building his business empire, as he had a lot of ideas since he had the knowledge from the modern world that he could apply in this medieval world setting.

But generally, he didn’t want to rush things, as he had the system, which would help him grow stronger one step at a time with the daily sign-in.

"That’s good. No need to rush... Especially with your unique circumstances." Cassian smiled gently and patted James’s head. "If you need anything, don’t hesitate to tell me, okay?"

James felt a warm feeling in his heart but then suddenly remembered something and said. "Dad, I forgot to mention this. I made a deal with Roselune Village. I promised to send them a Platinum Knight and ten Gold Knights. Can you send them for me since I don’t have my own knights yet? And also... Can you handle the Valtoria Family? They’ve been working with Roselune for generations."

The Valtoria family was a marquess family, and they were under the protection of Grand Duke Lauren, who managed a large area near the Steelhearts’ territory.

"We can help you with that. But the Steelheart Family needs to take a share from this deal, you know," Cassian replied with a faint smile before his expression shifted into curiosity. "But tell me, why are you so interested in that business? Do you simply want to start something of your own, or is there a bigger plan behind it?"

James had once told Cassian that he wanted to visit the Roselune Village but never informed him of the details.

So, James gave a brief explanation about his plan to try to dominate the perfume business in the future.

After listening to his son’s explanation, Cassian was surprised that his son had such a meticulous plan that even he was confident this plan would be successful over time.

Sigh!

"Son, you know how difficult it is for our family to feed and maintain thousands of knights, and—" Cassian began, wearing a pitiful expression while patting James’s head affectionately.

However, James knew what Cassian was up to and instantly cut him off. "How much do you want?"

Cassian didn’t answer directly and mentioned the two blueprints’ deals that were already in the works. "Since we haven’t finalized the terms for the creations based on your blueprints, let’s talk about everything together."

"Dealing with the Valtoria Family isn’t as simple as dealing with any Marquess Family, as you’ve already known. The Valtoria Family is backed by Grand Duke Lauren, one of the top Legendary knights in the entire Grimwald Kingdom. It’s not that we’re afraid of him, but if we ever clash, our true strength would be exposed and the treasure ground might be revealed as well." Cassian explained the things that James had already known with a troubled expression.

"And Grand Duke Lauren himself is also a royal family member. Meaning there’s a real chance we’d end up clashing with the royal family—"

Before Cassian could continue further, James snorted. "Cut the crap, Dad. Just tell me how much you want."

Cassian instantly turned serious and finally answered. "80%."

James opened his eyes wide, feeling shocked about the numbers that his father had spouted.

"No! That’s basically a daylight robbery." James frowned and shook his head.

"How much do you think is fair for your own family, the one that raised you and—"

"One-third!" James instantly responded with a serious expression.

Cassian squinted his eyes, looking at James for a moment before asking with a cold tone as if he had completely changed his stance from talking with his son to someone else. "Please tell me you’re just joking. Or else..."

James felt a chill run down across his spine and instantly blurted out. "40%."

Cassian shook his head as he replied. "Still too low... Two-thirds, and we have a deal."

"You know what? This is going to be my bottom line..." James said angrily as he paused for a moment, then continued with a firm tone as if he were firm and wouldn’t back down now. "Let’s split fifty-fifty. Or—"

"Deal! 50% it is." Cassian directly responded and shook James’s hand eagerly as he thought to himself. ’This is already beyond my expectation anyway. Plus, in the future, I can just make the knights act pitiful by wearing worn-out weapons or doing something in front of James. I don’t believe he won’t take out some money to take care of them.’

James was taken aback by the sudden change. He thought about it for a few moments but then dismissed his thoughts, as he didn’t actually mind having fewer shares.

Because regardless of the outcome, his money would eventually become the Steelhearts’ in the future. The reason why he negotiated with Cassian was actually just for the formality.

At this time, James remembered something and said. "By the way, I’m planning to roam around the Blackfang Mountains to search for something that could be used as an ingredient to increase the quality of the perfume."

"Oh? Let’s go together tomorrow then." Cassian raised an eyebrow and offered to accompany James since the Blackfang Mountains were full of dangers.

"Thanks, Dad." James smiled.

"Now that you mentioned the timing, what about the crown prince’s arrival? Sir Halden told me that he would arrive within a few days, meaning that it might even be as early as today or tomorrow." James asked curiously.