CHAPTER 189: CHAPTER 110: TERRITORY TRANSACTIONS AND THE FINAL INVESTMENT

Master Kote was taken aback by Su Li’s calm demeanor; this was not the usual reaction of a Lord upon hearing of an investment.

Why did the counterpart seem to have anticipated it, without any surprise?

He even suspected that someone in his caravan had leaked the information!

But lacking certainty, he could only continue nonchalantly, "I intend to build a sentry post to the west of the Blood Pine Forest for the territory, approximately 10 Empire leagues from the Blood Pine Forest. This can serve as our future lumber camp and mining site, storing the life necessities for our workers and accumulating the resources we gather."

He emphasized, "Moreover, considering the territory’s support, we can also build several arrow towers and watchtowers beside the sentry post to help the territory undertake surveillance responsibilities. If you plan to station troops here, we can build a camp accommodating 30 soldiers, right on a small hill north of our sentry tower, where we can watch and assist each other."

As a successful businessman, he fully understood how to interact with nobles and Lords.

Before discussing serious matters, giving the territory a small investment and a free donation would greatly enhance the Lords’ favor.

In the following negotiations, the Lord would, due to saving face, yield significant benefits, not overly bargaining.

This investment for the Hesse Territory, the military camp construction for the territory, might not be worth 20 Golden Crowns.

But the benefits gained from negotiations could reach as much as 200 Golden Crowns or even 2000 Golden Crowns!

This tactic had proven effective across various territories.

This is also why he firstly voiced some bad words about the Dwarves. Unlike the unwelcoming Dwarves, he, as a successful merchant, was much slicker and had a considerable liking among many Lords.

Su Li did not mind his small generosity, calmly said, "Haha, then thank you to the West High Merchant Association for the sponsorship. But let me say in advance, if any negotiations involve territory interests, do not expect me to make concessions, okay?"

Master Kote suddenly felt dim—wasn’t this typically a case of stealing the grain and losing the hen?

Golden Crowns, that was equivalent to the annual salary of two official Knights.

He now seriously suspected that the master of Hesse Territory must have known something!

But before he could think it through, Su Li had already spoken proactively, "Master Kote, what you mentioned about the investment shouldn’t be this, right? A dozen Golden Crowns investment, is it worth you using your relationships, even forming favors all the way to Hilude?"

Master Kote promptly steadied his mood, saying, "Oh, Lord, you have sharp eyes like a torch. This is just an appetizer of our investment. We discovered several rich mineral deposits on the Scag Plateau southwest of the Blood Pine Forest. According to the information surveyed by our employed Dwarf mining masters, the explored minerals include marble, iron ore, copper, and other resources, so we plan to purchase the mining rights from you on the Scag Plateau."

Su Li smiled faintly and glanced at him with meaningful eyes, saying, "Your hired Dwarf master wouldn’t deceive you, right? The mineral resources on the Scag Plateau are indeed very rich, make sure to survey carefully so as not to miss any important metals, such as silver ore."

Master Kote’s face instantly reddened, he wiped the cold sweat emerging on his forehead with a handkerchief, and promptly lowered his head, saying, "Lord, you... your reminder is definitely meaningful. We will conduct even more thorough surveys after returning, organizing several waves of Dwarves to explore from different directions to ensure no important resources are overlooked."

Su Li smiled, saying, "Alright then. Since you’ve set your sights on this place, naturally I look forward to it. We are old friends with a deep bond, I’ll quote directly. If you can accept this price, we’ll sign the agreement immediately. If not, let’s drop it to avoid bargaining, which could hurt our relationship."

This was a notice, not a discussion.

Thus, without waiting for Master Kote’s response, Su Li directly stated, "3178 Golden Crowns."

Master Kote’s vision darkened entirely—how did the Lord of the Black Forest know his highest authorized bottom line?!

This was beyond explanation by leakage.

Master Kote smiled wryly, saying, "Lord, I must believe now that you really are the All-Knowing Informant of the Hesse Territory. There are no secrets in front of you."

Su Li smiled while extending his hand, "Pleasant cooperation, Master Kote."

Master Kote deeply extended both hands, gripping Su Li’s firmly, and gathering his shocking thoughts, took a deep breath, saying, "Lord, before departing, let me sincerely reveal my heart. We, the West Merchant Association, believe you will definitely achieve great things."

"Neither the Red Dragon nor the Demon can pose a threat to your foundation."

"Perhaps the situation won’t be smooth sailing, but I believe you will overcome the difficulties and succeed in great enterprises. We, the West Merchant Association, are willing to go through hardships together and achieve glory."

"Next year when we return, I will surely persuade the senior management of the association to bring larger-scale investments and caravans."

Su Li smiled, saying, "Thanks for your kind words, my friend. We at Hesse Territory will always value the friendship with your West High Merchant Association. You know, the thing my territory lacks most is population and talent; I’ve heard that people from the West Territory love adventure, perhaps you could help bring back a batch of talents. If you have a way to help me get some exceptionally talented individuals, it would be a great assist."

Master Kote smiled as he said, "No problem. I do have some channels in this aspect! I have some connections with the Royal Griffin Military Academy in Modheim, and when passing through Modheim City, I will definitely do some promotion for you at the Royal Griffin Military Academy."

"Being able to recruit one or two talents from the Griffin Academy would greatly help your career!"

"But you also need to hurry and raise your rank, even just attaining the title of Baron would attract many Knights aspiring for territories and noble honors to your territory."

Raise rank?

That’s not an easy task.

Su Li felt it necessary to liaise with the nobles of Marle Castle.

After all, they have significant influence in the evaluation of Pioneer Knights.

Though there’s no rush in this matter, the West Merchant Association won’t return until next year; his current priority remains solving the Demon crisis!