Chapter 150: A Proper Talk
Duane wavered in the face of the Count’s intimidation.
After all, what the Count said made perfect sense: "Without sufficient benefits, no one will take your side."
It was the same reason the Brian Clan couldn’t hold onto the Lakefront Secret Realm after Carter’s death.
In the face of sufficient benefits, not only would they refuse to take your side, they would even ostracize you, belittle you, and ultimately, eliminate you.
However, Duane also knew that there was a fundamental difference between the two situations.
The matter of the Lakefront Secret Realm had only involved local Nobility. Moreover, no matter how those below them squabbled, the Royal Family’s rule and interests were never harmed.
But now, Duane was a Baron appointed by King Eric. After Foreign Nobility tried to assassinate him, he had come to the Royal Capital to request the King’s intervention and protection.
Under these circumstances, if His Majesty the King still did nothing, it would truly shake the foundations of his rule.
On one hand, the lesser nobles of the kingdom, especially those near the Akutas Kingdom, would become deeply worried, fearing they too could be wiped out with no one to intervene.
On the other hand, the nobles of Akutas would likewise feel that Pruck’s lesser nobles had no one looking out for them. If they could get away with attacking Black Forest Island, could they get away with attacking other Lords too?
Such a chain reaction would surely cause the Royal Family’s prestige to suffer immense damage, and unrest would follow.
Therefore, Duane was certain that King Eric would absolutely intervene in this matter.
"There is some truth to what you say."
Duane spoke up, "However, interests are not limited to just tangible money and resources."
"Providing me with protection strikes a blow against the ambitions of a foreign nation. It also displays the might of royal authority and wins internal support. These are the intangible benefits, and they represent one of the Kingdom’s core interests."
Kais fell silent.
’To be honest, even though Natalia had mentioned more than once how different Duane was, I still underestimated this Baron who isn’t even seventeen. He’s shown no sign of wavering in the face of my thinly veiled threats, and he’s so certain the King will intervene. It shows he has a clear understanding of Black Forest Island’s current situation. He’s also very clear about what he wants.’
Kais wondered, ’Why does someone like this have such a terrible reputation? Could it be that the campaign to slander Duane was also a deliberate illusion created by Orlando and his ilk?’
"Alright, Duane, we’ve both made valid points. Let’s leave the final decision to His Majesty the King!"
Kais’s tone softened, no longer so dismissive.
"Tell me, what is your purpose in coming to Sea Cliff Castle this time?"
He cautioned, "And don’t give me any nonsense about being grateful for Lloyd’s help."
But Duane put on an innocent expression. "Count, I truly did come this time out of gratitude and to pay you a visit!"
"Then what about that cargo ship in the harbor, the one you seized from Garrot?" Kais asked.
Duane explained with perfect composure, "Since I was coming to visit you, I had to prepare a gift. Besides the somewhat useful Hot Spring Mountain Tea I have on hand, this cargo ship is the most valuable thing I own. Please don’t look down on it!"
"Heh heh..."
Kais cursed inwardly, ’This clever little rascal. He’s still not being upfront.’
"Since you’ve come to me, and I now know about your situation, when you go to have an audience with His Majesty, I will have Lloyd convey my opinion to him."
Kais said, "I will not only advise His Majesty to grant you protection, but I will also support you in demanding compensation from Viscount Freddy of the Starfall Islands!"
Duane hadn’t mentioned compensation to anyone. The fact that Kais brought it up proved he had guessed Duane’s objective.
"However, this comes at a price." Count Kais’s tone shifted, and he didn’t elaborate further.
Duane bowed slightly. "I am immensely grateful that you are willing to speak on my behalf before His Majesty!"
This was as good as securing the Count’s promise. With the Kennedy Clan’s support, the matter would be handled more smoothly, and his Black Forest Island would be that much safer.
Duane’s gift of the ship had carried this very implication, and clearly, the Count had understood.
"As long as it’s a price I can afford, please name it."
Kais revealed a satisfied smile. He stopped beating around the bush; when talking to a smart person, it was best to be direct about one’s needs.
"Regarding the compensation, you only need to provide some evidence and testimony. I’ll handle the rest. Of course, Black Forest Island will get a share of whatever is ultimately obtained."
Duane pondered.
’Logically, as the wronged party, I should be involved in deciding the specifics of the compensation. Now Count Kais is telling me to just sit back and watch. What’s his motive? Is he trying to use this incident to gain some kind of special advantage for himself?’
"Does Viscount Freddy have something the Count desires?"
A flash of surprise crossed Kais’s eyes.
’The Meteorite Iron in the Secret Realm was only discovered within the last month. Even if Duane captured Garrot, he shouldn’t know about it. Yet he guessed my objective from just a few words. His deductive abilities are truly excellent.’
He decided to just admit it.
"Freddy’s Secret Realm contains Meteorite Iron. It’s an essential material for manufacturing high-strength weapons and armor!"
Duane was startled.
’Advanced weapons and armor were in high demand, making Meteorite Iron naturally very valuable. I never expected Viscount Freddy’s Secret Realm to actually contain something like that. What’s more surprising is that the Count actually knows about it. It seems the Kennedy Clan has spies in the Starfall Islands as well.’
Kais continued, "If we really manage to obtain the Meteorite Iron, I’m afraid you would only get a small portion. What do you think of that?"
"I have no objection! But it would be best if you could provide a clear ratio or compensation in some other form."
’I know very well that this claim for compensation relies on the Royal Family’s power. What we can get isn’t up to me to decide. Besides, it’s not like the Royal Family can just ask and the other party will willingly pay up. This will definitely involve negotiations and the threat of military force. In the end, the lion’s share of the profits will be divided among the Royal Family, the Kennedy Clan, and any other powers involved. I’ll be lucky to get a taste. I’m just the catalyst.’
Kais nodded slightly. ’He hasn’t been blinded by greed and knows his place. That’s an excellent quality.’
"Rest assured, I’m not Orlando. My philosophy is that amiability breeds wealth."
Count Kais took the opportunity to slight Orlando, not just to distinguish himself, but also to show Duane that cooperation with the Kennedy Clan would be to his advantage.
He then moved on to the second matter.
"I heard from Natalia that your Hot Spring Mountain Tea is a specialty of Black Forest Island. It enhances a Mage’s Meditation, and not only can its production be scaled up, but it’s not restricted to Mages—ordinary people can make it too."
Duane nodded.
He had revealed this information to Natalia and gifted her a kilogram of Hot Spring Mountain Tea precisely to capture Count Kais’s attention.
His goal in doing so, naturally, was to use the Kennedy Clan to market his product.
For a minor family to possess such a "Magic Potion" was bound to attract jealous eyes. Duane could only earn profits in relative safety by relying on other powers.
"Actually, part of my reason for visiting you this time was to leverage your influence to lay the groundwork for marketing the Hot Spring Mountain Tea."
Duane began his pitch, "Besides enhancing a Mage’s Meditation, Hot Spring Mountain Tea is also an excellent beverage."
"As for the price, it’s only two hundred and fifty Silver Coins per pound. It can brew at least a hundred cups, so I don’t think the Nobility and wealthy merchants would mind substituting it for wine, beer, and juice for a change of taste."
Kais nodded slightly in agreement. He had tried it once; the tea’s flavor was quite good and could indeed serve as a pleasant change.
Of course, what he valued most was the Hot Spring Mountain Tea’s effect on enhancing Meditation.
"How do you plan to run this business?" he asked.
’If the Kennedy Clan can secure the distribution rights, it would be excellent whether we buy it for our own use or sell it. So, I’ll first hear his business model, then find a suitable angle to negotiate a partnership for the greatest possible profit.’
However, Duane was even more direct.
"Actually, in visiting you this time, I was hoping to partner with you to manage the Hot Spring Mountain Tea business."
Duane said with a smile, "The Kennedy Clan’s shipping routes span both inside and outside the Kingdom, and your trade network is very well-established. If you could help market the Hot Spring Mountain Tea on the side, it would save me a great deal of manpower and resources."
Count Kais burst out laughing.
"I knew your motives for visiting me weren’t pure!"
Duane put on an embarrassed expression, as if he’d been seen through. "I wonder if the Count would be interested?"
"Of course!"