Warhammer Divine Throne

"What kind of wind blew Miss Surya here?" Mr. Laine's eyes lit up.

The gallant lady knight looked particularly stunning today, dressed in a kite butterfly purple chiffon blouse and a pink wool coat; white tight breeches accentuated her long and straight legs, while silver chain ornaments hung from her brown high boots.

"I heard that Lord Laine has gathered the merchants, so I came over to take a look. You don't mind, do you?" The lady knight revealed a charming faint smile, "By the way, I also have a matter to ask of Lord Laine."

"Miss Surya, feel free to speak whatever you need." Mr. Laine dismounted from his horse, always having an excellent impression of the Duke's daughter.

"My matter is not urgent. It's not too late to discuss it after Lord Laine handles his business." Surya calmly shook her head, the smile on her delicate face like the dew of early spring, refreshing to the heart, "If you need more hands, Mr. Laine, feel free to command, I believe I would make a good helper."

"But as a baron, I dare not order around a marquis, dear Miss Surya, please come inside." To the lady knight's slight displeasure, Mr. Laine dismissed her suggestion, straightforwardly highlighting the disparity in their statuses.

I am a baron, you are a marquis, I cannot command you.

The two entered the hall, where many major merchants were already waiting, including Laine's two old acquaintances, Hadrian and Oliver.

There was still a while until the appointed time, so most merchants were whispering among themselves.

"Hello! Mr. Laine... no, it should be Lord Laine now, congratulations!" Oliver was the first to assume a familiar demeanor with Laine, this Imperial Merchant loudly congratulating Laine's promotion.

"Many thanks! Mr. Oliver seems to be doing well recently as well!" Mr. Laine said with a beaming smile, his shrewd appearance making Surya momentarily unable to discern whether this person was a noble Holy Grail Knight or a crafty merchant.

Recently, Oliver has been doing quite well, having quickly gathered hands before Nord closed its ports under Laine's guidance, then heading north to take on extensive reconstruction work.

Laine's reputation was indeed very useful. Many lords greatly trusted him upon hearing Oliver was introduced by Laine. Consequently, Oliver continuously received new tasks, earning a significant amount of gold and silver, then using it to purchase bulk goods to make another fortune back in Marinburg.

Thus, this Imperial Merchant firmly believed only Mr. Laine was his savior, his lucky star. Upon receiving Laine's letter this time, he not only brought his crew over but also planned to relocate his main operations here, intending to take root here in the future.

In recent days, he has been surveying the town and has his eye on a piece of land.

As for Hadrian's relationship with Laine, there's no need to elaborate. Although not as profound as Oliver's camaraderie with Laine, they too had business dealings. Upon receiving the news, he personally led his people to Mr. Laine's castle.

The other merchants had no personal ties with Mr. Laine; despite wanting to greet him, they were all stopped by Tax Officer Gaspardon: "Please wait, wait, gentlemen, the baron has matters to handle, it's not yet the appointed time, please be patient."

As they ascended the castle's wooden spiral staircase, the lady knight curiously remarked, "You seem to be quite welcomed by those merchants? They all seem very enthusiastic about you."

"They are naturally enthusiastic when there's money to be made; they are a group pursuing wealth," Mr. Laine replied with a smile, "Their passion for wealth is no less than knights' thirst for the Holy Grail."

Upon hearing this analogy, Surya slightly frowned her brows, "This comparison... doesn't seem quite appropriate."

"The comparison is quite apt, Miss Surya. Everyone has the right to pursue their dreams. We cannot say that our pursuit of the Holy Grail is noble while their pursuit of wealth is base. You must respect someone who gives everything for their dreams... even if they are an enemy." Mr. Laine continued, "Of course, when meeting on the battlefield, respect means you will do your utmost to defeat them."

These words left Surya pensive, "Respecting your opponent means respecting yourself?"

"That is exactly the point."

Ten minutes later, the baron, along with his tax officer and the duke's daughter who came to observe, gathered in the middle of the castle's first-floor hall: "Gentlemen, you should be aware of the reason you were called here today. I have a significant business deal to discuss with all of you. This deal includes numerous aspects, so please don't rush; let's take our time, one step at a time."

More than a dozen major merchants were seated inside the hall, and upon hearing this, they all nodded: "Please, Mr. Laine, speak clearly."

"First, my castle needs repairs and fundamental renovations; I need to order a batch of cherry wood crafted best furniture, carpets, and various ornaments. Many facilities inside the castle need to be newly constructed and improved, and I also need to establish several new facilities."

"I need a new stable, one that can accommodate pure-blooded Elf Warhorses."

"I also need a training ground, providing an excellent practice arena for my soldiers."

"I need a cellar, one that is deep and large enough."

"A tower, built exactly according to this design blueprint."