Chapter 153: The King’s Surprise
The five of them each voiced their opinions on the matter of profit distribution.
Although Natalia herself wasn’t particularly interested in business, she believed that if she was going to do it, she should take it seriously.
Besides, the profit distribution they were discussing wasn’t just a personal matter; she also had to consider it from the Kennedy Clan’s perspective.
After all, the capital, the venue, and the reputation were all thanks to her family’s influence.
Therefore, she initially proposed a stake of at least 35%.
Zelina was in charge of finance and materials, and since the Buchanan Clan ran a cotton and clothing business, she would be providing the initial raw materials.
Sharp was responsible for transportation and sales, and would be using his family’s ships, leveraging the name of his father, Legion Commander Marles.
In comparison, Derek and Duane were contributing more in the way of technical expertise.
However, the main selling point of Time Closet was Duane’s designs. Without them, Time Closet would have no unique features and would be completely uncompetitive.
Duane and the other three had no objections to Natalia’s proposed 35%. To be honest, that percentage was quite low.
As for the division of shares among the four of them, that led to a heated discussion.
After a long while, they reached a preliminary agreement.
Natalia would take 35%, Duane 19%, Zelina 17%, Derek 15%, and Sharp 14%.
The debate between the last two was particularly fierce. Both of their fathers were Celestial Tier Warriors, and both had made contributions.
In the end, because Derek was the heir to a Barony, he ranked higher than Sharp, who came from a Knight Clan. After weighing the strength of their respective families, Derek’s share was slightly higher.
As for the profit distribution plan, at Duane’s suggestion, they tentatively drafted a phased distribution model.
Aside from a portion set aside as a reserve fund, those who invested capital would receive a slightly larger share in the early stages until their initial investment was paid back, after which profits would be distributed according to their agreed-upon percentages.
The next morning, Derek had the contract ready. After the five of them confirmed they had no objections, they signed their names with the Earl as their witness.
A smile played on Earl Kais’s lips as he watched the scene unfold before him.
In his view, while the clothing industry had a decent market, it was a drop in the ocean compared to the Kennedy Clan’s pillar industry of shipbuilding.
So he merely watched from the side, with no intention of getting involved.
Only after they had signed the contract did he speak.
"Seeing you all so full of drive reminds me of my younger self. I was just as passionate back then. Ah, it’s good to be young!"
The current situation had left him somewhat weary. He had handed over many of the territory’s affairs to George, involving himself only in major decisions.
"You are still in your prime, my lord!"
The five of them rose to their feet and thanked the Earl for witnessing the contract, which lent it greater authority.
"Alright, Derek, Sharp, Zelina, you may go."
The three of them took the hint and left quickly with the document.
"How does it feel to be a boss, my dear daughter?"
Kais asked Natalia with a smile. She seemed a little embarrassed.
"Zelina and the others pulled me into it, so I just pitched in a little."
"It’s good to gain more experience. Keeps you from being simple-minded."
Natalia was a bit exasperated. Only her father would call her simple-minded.
’How could he say that in front of Duane?’
Kais then added a word of caution. "While I don’t mind you investing, don’t let it distract you from your main purpose. You have a strong talent for Magic. Your goal is to improve your strength and become a powerful Magic Master!"
"Don’t worry, Father. I’m only in charge of the money and the venue. Derek and the others are responsible for most of the management."
"Mm!"
Kais nodded, then turned to Duane. "Though we are partners and I am not your elder, I’d also like to offer you a word of advice. It’s one thing to have wealth, but it’s another thing entirely to have the ability to protect it."
"You have a good talent for Warrior training. Don’t waste it."
Duane bowed. "Thank you for your counsel, my lord. I will remember it."
His partnership with the Kennedy Clan, as well as opening the clothing factory with Natalia and the others, was all part of his plan to find a great tree to shelter under to protect his existing resources and wealth.
"But you have a good head on your shoulders. You should already know that."
Kais stood up. "Let’s go. We should go see Garrot, and then prepare to set off for the Royal Capital."
...
Pruck City, Cyan Snake Fortress.
Early that morning, Lloyd had received a letter delivered by the Silver Gale. After decrypting it, he successfully read its contents.
"Duane..."
He hadn’t expected to hear that name again so soon, let alone be involved in a matter concerning him.
The news was just so incredible that if it hadn’t come from his family, he wouldn’t have believed it.
"Your Majesty."
As the King’s Clerk, Lloyd had an audience with him every day.
"You’re a bit early today, Lloyd."
Eric didn’t look up. He was busy reading the daily intelligence reports from both within and outside the Kingdom.
Lloyd gave an embarrassed smile.
People always grow weary of doing the same thing over and over. Even a clerk serving by the King’s side would want to slack off a bit after a while, especially since there was rarely anything urgent in the morning.
"This morning, the Silver Gale brought a personal letter from my father. There is something I wish to report to you."
"Oh?"
King Eric put down the intelligence report in his hands and looked at Lloyd in surprise.
The nobility of the Pruck Kingdom was largely divided into three factions: the Royalist Faction, the Iron Blood Faction, and the Neutral Faction.
The Royalist Faction was led by Duke Kelvin Hughes. They staunchly supported the King’s decisions.
The Iron Blood Faction was led by Marquis Sean Smith of the frontier. They were loyal to the King but were constantly seeking opportunities for war, whether it was to strike at other domestic nobles or to expand outward. They were always extremely proactive.
The Neutral Faction was led by Earl Kais Kennedy. They did not easily get involved in complex struggles for power, preferring to wisely protect themselves while minding their own territory.
Only when their own interests were threatened would they stand up and protest.
For example, Earl Kais had people in the Third Legion that was wiped out in the Secret Realm, yet he didn’t join Earl Orlando in making accusations to get a piece of the pie.
"Your father wants to see me? That’s a rare occasion indeed!"
Eric said with a smile, "Tell me, what is it about?"
Lloyd replied, "My father wishes to visit you in the Royal Capital in two days and hopes to receive your permission."
Eric was taken aback. ’What could be so important that Kais would come in person?’ he wondered in shock.
"I’ve told your father long ago that he is welcome in the Royal Capital anytime he wishes. He doesn’t need to wait for my specific permission."
Lloyd bowed slightly. This was a sign of His Majesty’s trust in the Kennedy Clan.
But trust was one thing; proper procedure was another. Kais didn’t want to give anyone an excuse to criticize him over this.
"He is coming this time mainly because of the matter concerning Baron Duane."
"Duane?"
Eric hadn’t expected to hear that name from Lloyd’s lips at all. It took him a full two seconds to even remember who Duane was.
"What happened to Duane? Did he get killed by a Demon Beast on Black Forest Island?"
The King’s brow furrowed. That guess was obviously impossible. Even if Duane had died on Black Forest Island, it would have nothing to do with Kais.
Lloyd didn’t keep him in suspense any longer.
"The Gale Corps, under Viscount Freddy Yalvis—the Blazing Sword of the Starfall Islands—was trading with Black Forest Island. Baron Duane, based on the actual situation, did not sell them sufficient supplies, which incurred their resentment."
"The leader of the Gale Corps, Garrot, led an ambush to kill Baron Duane. Not only did he fail, but his entire group was captured by the Baron."
"Now, the Baron is docked at the Silent Shore with Garrot in tow, preparing to come to the Royal Capital to seek your protection."
An incredible expression appeared on Eric’s face.
"Lloyd, while I’m sure you wouldn’t lie to me, I still have to ask: is this true?"
He had assumed Duane was dead, yet here was this shocking news about him.
"I can hardly believe it myself, Your Majesty!"
Lloyd said helplessly, "But it is indeed true."
"Well now, this Duane..."
For a baron he’d thought little of to suddenly make such a big move was truly unexpected.
’Why did he act so ordinary back at Lakefront Manor?’
"The Starfall Islands, Viscount Freddy..."
Eric murmured the name, and something suddenly occurred to him.
His mind raced, and he immediately realized that Kais’s visit couldn’t be as simple as just escorting Duane.
Connecting this with the intelligence he’d received a few days ago, the King instantly guessed at a possibility.
"Your father is after Freddy’s Secret Realm this time, isn’t he? What did he discover there?"
The Kennedy Clan’s shipbuilding skills were not only top-class within the Kingdom but were also quite famous in the Akutas Kingdom.
The Kennedy Clan’s cooperation with the Starfall Islands was much closer than the Royal Family’s, so there was some intelligence that the Kennedy Clan knew more about than the royals did.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Lloyd couldn’t help but admire the King’s sharp mind.
"According to the latest intelligence, there are Meteorite Iron Deposits within Viscount Freddy’s Secret Realm."
Eric’s eyes instantly lit up.