Victor's Shock

"Yes," Smith sighed. While he knew Victor was being somewhat opportunistic, Victor had invested everything in cultivating him, and seeing Victor sell off his assets made him feel bad too.

Colin nodded, then suddenly said, "Brother, tell Victor that I'll be visiting him this Saturday."

"Okay." Smith didn't think much of it and agreed.

The next afternoon, Smith skipped dinner and rode his East Grand War Horse back to Victor's villa outside the city to continue his Knight Training.

On Saturday, Colin woke up early, rented an East Grand White Horse from the stables, and rode out of the city to Victor's villa outside the city.

It was a good day, though the sun was a bit harsh. Colin galloped his horse along the open road, passing pedestrians and carriages. On both sides of the road were endless wheat fields, with countless farmers toiling away.

Will City's wheat was usually harvested in September, and the yield was already becoming apparent. It was shaping up to be a good harvest year, and with the Empire facing a grain shortage, both merchants and farmers stood to profit.

Despite sweating profusely, these hardworking farmers had joyful expressions on their faces.

After a while, Colin arrived at Knight Victor's country villa, surrounded by wheat fields and oak trees. The villa's iron gate was still open. However, unlike last time, the old gatekeeper recognized Colin and directly invited him in.

After entering the gate, Colin saw Knight Victor training Smith from a distance. Smith possessed the Bronze Bloodline but hadn't received any Knight Training before. Although he tried hard to wield the Training Greatsword, his movements were still clumsy.

On the other side, several other Knight Apprentices were training on their own. It was clear that Knight Victor's main focus was on Smith.

The old man trotted over to Knight Victor. Knight Victor turned to look at Colin and called Smith over to greet him.

"Colin." Smith, shirtless and covered in sweat, came over and hugged Colin.

"Brother." Colin didn't mind and hugged Smith back.

"Lord Victor." After releasing Smith, Colin bowed to Knight Victor.

"Colin." Knight Victor gave a slight bow and then smiled, saying, "You two brothers go sit in the living room."

He thought Colin had come to visit Smith, not an old man like himself?

Colin shook his head, put Smith aside, and smiled at Knight Victor, saying, "No, let my brother continue his training. I've come specifically to discuss something with you."

Knight Victor was surprised, while Smith quickly turned and went back to training.

After his surprise, Knight Victor invited Colin into the living room.

A plainly dressed maid brought in two plates, placing down the brewed black tea and a sugar bowl. Colin smelled a different aroma from the Duke Black Tea. He bent down, took a sugar cube from the bowl, put it into the black tea, stirred it elegantly with a small spoon, and then took a sip. "Daof Black Tea from Xilan," he said meaningfully.

Although both were black teas from Xilan, this tea was of a lower grade than Duke Black Tea.

Speaking like that was rather impolite. Knight Victor's expression changed slightly, and he then said with a wry smile, "My family's financial situation has indeed been a bit difficult lately."

Knight Victor's expression turned serious as he continued, "But Colin, no matter what, I will do my utmost to train Smith."

"You misunderstand. I'm not here to mock your financial situation, nor do I doubt your determination to train my brother," Colin said with a smile, putting down his teacup.

Victor was immediately confused. If it wasn't for that, then why did he come? And why did he immediately point out his declining financial situation?

"If your financial situation isn't good, you need to find a way to improve it. Selling off assets is not a sustainable solution," Colin said, sitting with the elegance of a noble, exuding an air of composure. He then smiled, "I've come to visit you to discuss a business deal."

Knight Victor was somewhat dismissive, not because he underestimated Colin, but because the Russell family's previous financial situation was indeed poor. They had no steward, servants, or carriages, and had never been involved in business.

Although Colin Russell had gained some minor renown in the academy and was expected to become a Lifetime Knight of the Empire, he was still just a child.

What kind of good business could such a Colin Russell possibly have?

However, Colin Russell's greatest advantage was that he was the younger brother of Smith, who had the Bronze Bloodline. Although Victor was dismissive, he showed interest on his face and asked, "What business?"

"The most profitable secular business this year is grain," Colin said with a slight smile.

Knight Victor inwardly shook his head. A child was still a child. Everyone knew that the most profitable business this year was grain.

Victor, out of consideration for Smith, didn't say anything too harsh. He just said earnestly, "Colin, the grain business isn't easy. Firstly, Will City has a group of grain merchants, including nobles and wealthy businessmen. It's difficult to get a share of the pie from them. Secondly, I don't have the capital. Thirdly, as far as I know, although this year's grain harvest hasn't happened yet, those grain merchants have already acquired it from the farmers in advance. It's too late to get involved."

"Actually, there's only one problem. Money." Colin shook his head, casually crossed his left leg over his right, and said comfortably, "Before September 1st, I will provide 300 gold coins as capital to establish a grain company. As for you, you can also bring in any Lifetime Knights you know, such as your comrades in the Gale Knight Order. You don't need to contribute any money; you just need to invest your status. I will hold 60% of the shares, and you will hold 40%."

Victor looked shocked, losing some of his composure. "Colin, you're not joking with me, are you? That's 300 gold coins."

Smith, a young Financial Officer working in the Ministry of Finance, earned only a dozen or so gold coins a year. That was already considered a decent job. 300 gold coins was equivalent to Smith's salary for twenty to thirty years.

For a Lifetime Knight like Victor, while he certainly had wealth, producing 300 gold coins in cash would be extremely difficult.

And he had heard that the Russell family was very poor before. If this was considered poor, then what was his family?

Moreover, 300 gold coins could be presented as 3,000 gold coins, or even more, through some clever accounting.

"Lord Victor, as an Imperial noble, I know which occasions are appropriate for jokes and which are not," Colin said with a serious expression, his blue eyes emitting a different kind of aura.