Warhammer Divine Throne

"I also need..."

Laine was the first to speak about his castle construction plan. He planned to renovate and expand the entire castle, a project so large that it left the merchants in awe. The astonishing cost was almost more expensive than rebuilding the castle from scratch.

Once Laine finished reporting on the first project, he addressed the merchants, "I will first pay forty percent of the project fee and pay fifty percent after the project is entirely completed. As for the remaining ten percent, if no issues arise within a few years, the final payment will be settled."

The female knight was sitting on the side listening. As she heard Laine's plan, a gleam of excitement appeared in Surya's eyes. She thought this payment method was quite good and secure and decided to discuss it with her father upon returning.

The merchants thought for a moment and agreed it was fine. Among them, the most low-key dressed and least talkative merchant spoke up.

This merchant was named Ismail. Though he appeared modest, he was actually a famous wealthy merchant in Brittania, having served as Duke Boldro's steward. His exceptional business acumen earned him the name "Ismail" and independence in business. This year he appeared to be in his forties, with a goat beard, handsome appearance, and his demeanor was very approachable and trustworthy, having an unspoken leadership aura among the merchants.

Under everyone's gaze, Ismail spoke, his voice as gentle as a light breeze, "Baron, your requirements are high, and your payment method is very reasonable, but I wonder how much Baron intends to spend to complete this reconstruction project?"

"How much I spend does not depend on me but on you," Laine's statement was earth-shattering, and many merchants thought it wasn't a signal for them to raise their bids sky-high?

"Here's what I'll do: I'll give you gentlemen some time. Based on my standards, please calculate your quote and write it on a note for me. I will select the one with the relatively low yet reasonable bid and assign the project to him," Laine continued.

What? Initially stunned, the merchants quickly understood Laine's idea.

The Baron was trying to lower the costs as much as possible using this method.

However, the project's profits were so lucrative that hostility quickly arose among the merchants as they cautiously calculated the cost and how much profit they could cut to beat other bids.

Only Ismail remained steady as a mountain. This wealthy merchant, with closed eyes, took the note and wrote down a series of numbers before signaling his subordinate to hand it to Gaspardon. He had the backing of Duke Boldro, and his various costs were far lower than those of other merchants.

With rich experience allowing him to estimate how much profit his peers might offer, and how much he could earn himself.

Indeed, the merchant's bid of 7800 Gold Crowns stood out among the generally 8000-9000 bids, winning the first major project.

"Leave it to me, Baron. In four months, you'll see a brand-new castle belonging to you, transformed and rejuvenated," Ismail said, smiling as he shook hands with Laine. Despite earning less due to Laine's method, there was still decent profit to be made.

"I greatly look forward to it," Laine nodded and smiled, as they officially signed the contract under everyone's eyes.

Watching the scene, Hadrian felt secretly annoyed. The merchant from the Southern Realm knew he couldn't offer as low a price as Ismail because if he were to undertake the castle's construction, he would have to gather materials and manpower from Marinburg, which required hefty customs duties at the borders. Thus, he set his sights on upcoming projects.

"The second project is roads and canals. The farmland within my territory needs irrigation, residents need hygiene maintenance to prevent disease spread, and good roads will allow travelers from afar to enjoy a comfortable journey while also being able to handle more freight needs."

Soon, a merchant from the Kakasong Duchy took on the second project, promising to pave the most convenient roads with stones.

"The third project involves establishing some workshops along the Xinong River to manufacture weapons, armor, and other items." Laine spread his hands, "I have a lot of technology for producing rune weapons, but I'm clearly uninterested and lack the energy to further engage in these constructions, so I offer technology as a stake."

Hadrian's eyes lit up; he knew Laine held many secrets. Hence, the wealthy merchant from the Southern Realm struck a deal with Laine at a relatively high price, and the two sides would jointly set up several manufacturing workshops.

Following this, the third, fourth, and fifth projects, covering various aspects of the Laine Territory, presented many merchants with main earning directions for the near future, and a significant portion of the more than sixty Deities Gold Coins Laine saved up was spent like water. Even the female knight listening on the side felt distressed for him, as not even the Duke of Winford personally spent money as lavishly.

Gaspardon was even more shocked by the Baron's extravagance, as he never thought Laine was this wealthy.

With each sum spent, Laine's expression didn't change at all. The Baron knew that money only truly serves its purpose when spent. Hoarding it would only waste it, and circulating wealth is what brings prosperity to his territory.