Chapter 427: Consultation of Interests

The vibrant performances in Golden Feather City continued unabated, while the king and his nobles, after sharing festivities with the populace, returned to the resplendent Golden Feather Palace.

Led by King Bruno, the nobles first paid homage to the shrine of Emperor Olander, then to that of the founding king of Oduin.

Roning was initially puzzled—why would Emperor Olander's shrine be venerated?

Upon reflection, he understood.

When the empire fractured, Oduin and Trecia emerged as powers. Though they each established their own kingdoms, both claimed descent from the Olander Empire, asserting legitimate inheritance. Thus, venerating Emperor Olander was fitting.

According to Lurans' private explanation, the emperor's shrine contained no relics like bones. The founding king had merely gathered some garments and belongings of the Olander family—more akin to a cenotaph.

To Roning, whether they truly descended from the emperor mattered little; what counted was that in those circumstances, they had established legitimacy.

It seemed, across worlds, aspiring rulers needed a suitable banner.

After these tedious rites, the royal family and nobles commenced their exclusive celebration.

Though similar in essence to the public festivities, this affair was undoubtedly more refined—the finest in dining, drinking, entertainment, and spectacle.

Bruno, having busied himself half the day, bathed and changed attire before summoning Lurans and Roning privately.

Despite the private summons, aside from these three, the hall included Crown Prince Garet, Deputy Commander Brower of the Griffon Knights, and several ministers overseeing finance and administration.

Lurans brought along his administrator Albert and treasurer Curie.

The discussion focused solely on the royal family's alliance through marriage with the Wushan Clan.

The setting was less formal than imagined, resembling a matchmaking negotiation.

Topics included Wushan yielding partial rights to a large iron mine, strengthening military support to the crown, enhancing mutual visits and establishment of merchant groups, and offering expedited, preferential port trade.

Talks stretched from afternoon till dusk, covering politics, economy, military, culture, and clan interests.

"Beyond these," Bruno, seated upon the throne, voiced his final cooperative hope, "I hear Roning's light-affinity mages produce two special potions—Awakening and Power Enhancement. I hope Roning permits the royal family to partake in production, securing a share."

Throughout discussions, focus lay on the crown and Wushan Fort. Bruno's sudden pivot to Wubei Territory roused drowsy Roning.

He intended only Awakening Potion for mass sale; Enhancement Potion would mostly serve internal use, with minimal external leakage.

He hadn't anticipated the crown targeting magic potions, especially with the king's direct proposal—clearly denying polite refusal.

After pondering, Roning replied, "Your Majesty, both potions entail steep costs."

Bruno smiled, "Fear not, I seek no gratis. Should you grant half share to the crown, I shall gift Wubei Territory fifteen adult griffons and five juveniles, plus complimentary professional breeders and trainers."

Roning's eyes sparkled.

Bruno had earlier promised griffons to Roning, albeit fewer.

Each griffon's worth soared; this batch likely valued near seven hundred thousand gold.

Yet, seven hundred thousand gold for half future share seemed inadequate.

Awakening Potion alone, Roning planned priced at a thousand gold; seven hundred thousand gold would fetch mere seven hundred bottles.

"Your Majesty," Roning explained, "Awakening Potion ingredients are exorbitant—Spirit Spring water sells a hundred gold per milliliter, Starfire Grass two hundred gold per stem. With auxiliary herbs, costs near four hundred gold."

"Enhancement Potion's Furyflame Grass also costly—each stem four hundred gold..."

Roning divulged ingredients without fear of theft.

For Awakening Potion, light-affinity archmages were indispensable—knowing method proved futile.

Enhancement Potion involved Dream Dew Flower, Crystal Dust, and Pure Essence Water—missing elements caused failure.

Notably, after months scouring Torrent Island, Calada found Dream Dew Flower in a valley. Elron planned cultivation nurseries there.

Garet and finance ministers silently noted these details.

Bruno smiled faintly, sensing Roning implied twenty griffons' worth insufficient.

"Speak, what would secure half share?" he inquired.

Garet added, "Roning, these potions are strategic. War looms; I desire stronger knights. This concerns not only profit but kingdom might."

Roning chuckled, "As vassal, for kingdom's strength, I naturally contribute."

He deliberated, "Thus, I yield half share, provided Your Majesty supplies gratis those mentioned herbs."

Moreover, if possible, I hope Your Majesty arranges kingdom commoners migrating to my territory—as you know, I sorely lack populace.

Bruno frowned slightly. Migration posed no issue, but crown bearing these costs...

Finance Minister Luther Cox smiled, "Lord Baron, these costs are high. Should we provide all materials, you'd net half profit?"

"Incorrect," Roning shook head, smiling. "First, Wubei Territory offers indispensable manpower—without my light-affinity mages, potions remain unrealized!"

"Secondly, Luther, surely you think potions need only these herbs? Remaining herbs cost similar. Thus, Your Majesty supplies half materials; I handle remainder."

Lurans stroked his cane nearby, "Your Majesty, he is your future son-in-law. Surely not expected to provide labor, effort, yet incur losses?"

Bruno laughed heartily, "Certainly not!"

He trusted Roning's words—none foolishly disclosed all required materials; likely omissions involved more crucial elements, doubtless costly.

"Hence, we tentatively agree thus. Later, if unsuitable, we amend."

Bruno finalized, "Regarding Roning's migration, simple. Many cities overpopulated, famine inevitable. Asenor, recruit from various cities, deliver to Roning per metropolis standards."

Roning beamed.

Metropolis standard meant hundred thousand populace—Bruno granting him ten thousand souls!

Recently acquiring Thunderbolt Territory, Roning's registered populace neared three hundred thousand.

Likely upon return, Lurans' final batch would reach Wubei Territory.

Then, achievement [Population Prosperity] completed.

Adding Bruno's batch, though uncertain if next stage achievable, at least Wubei Territory would possess a metropolis of hundred thousand.

With a metropolis, achievement [Conquer Cities] fulfilled.

"Thank Your Majesty's gift!" Roning rose, expressing gratitude.

Earlier, content with current prowess, standing atop Olander Continent's peak.

Since Sophia's arrival, he knew Silver Moon, archmage insufficient—even Sun, grand archmage inadequate.

He felt urgent need for legendary status, thus attribute points and energy essences grew paramount. (End chapter)