A Big Deal

Even the dead Lizard Beast weren't wasted. After being salvaged, they were all wholesaled to Baron Cayo.

Those who can wield magic are never poor; they all have the capital to gamble. Magical materials are never short of buyers.

Hudson was quite satisfied with the sale of the forty-odd Lizard Beast for eight hundred gold coins.

Had Baron Cayo not happened to appear, these ugly, foul-smelling monsters would most likely have ended up in the bellies of Beastfolk slaves.

Unfortunately, we forgot to tell Beldens to keep some alive; according to Baron Cayo, the price of a live Lizard Beast could triple.

The reason they can fetch such prices is mainly because swamps are off-limits to humans. Even if people were organized to venture deep into the swamp, it would be very difficult to pull these creatures out from the depths of the mud.

Hudson had no interest in such extravagant magical research. He'd rather spend that time learning Bear Tribe magic from Beldens.

Instant casting without incantations is far more efficient than human magic. Since we're essentially using cheat codes anyway, we might as well go all out.

If he weren't so young, he could easily impersonate Magister with his instant-casting magic.

The main limitation to Hudson's spellcasting level is insufficient mental energy. Magic Power can be obtained through external means, but mental energy is one's own.

Theoretically speaking, even without sufficient mental strength to control Magic Power, it is possible to forcibly unleash more powerful magic, but one will have to bear the backlash caused by the magic going out of control.

Hudson was timid, and ever since he accidentally burned his clothes while unleashing his Skyfire Dance, he stopped all his reckless attempts.

Fortunately, Skyfire Dance's level wasn't too high. If he had been foolish enough to try and cast forbidden Forbidden Spell, he would probably have become "yet another" person who killed himself with magic.

If you're going to use the mental strength of Intermediate Mage, then just use the mental strength of Intermediate Mage. You only have one life; there's no need to risk it just to show off.

"Intermediate Knight + Intermediate Mage + Divine Archer".

With such talent, Hudson could be considered one of the most outstanding geniuses among his peers.

There are indeed more extraordinary geniuses, but they all exist in myths and legends. In the real world, however, a degree of "logic" still applies.

No matter how great one's talent, it ultimately takes time to mature and solidify into real strength. The truly strong are forged in blood and fire; flowers in a greenhouse cannot withstand the storms of life.

After seeing Baron Cayo off, Hudson secretly weighed the gains and losses of this meeting.

The large-scale land reclamation was something that couldn't be kept secret, so it was exposed.

The Dalton Family had no shortage of land; a mere tens of thousands of acres of mountain land was hardly worth their attention.

However, plans to increase grain production must be temporarily halted. Especially in plains areas, Swamp Brand fertilizers can no longer be used.

A bumper harvest in one year can be attributed to chance. But a significant increase in grain production every year cannot be explained by mere chance.

As long as people pay attention, they will eventually be able to increase grain production and connect it with Swamp Brand Fertilizer.

On the contrary, the newly opened mountainous areas can be used continuously. As long as the amount used is limited and the grain yield is slightly lower than that in the plains, there will be no major problems.

The land in hilly areas is not static; the soil quality varies from region to region. If, by chance, fertile soil is developed, then the grain yield will be slightly lower than that on plains.

Perhaps we should plant more soybeans, flax, potatoes... crops that aren't picky about soil. Even if we harvest a little more, no one will suspect anything.

No matter what crops are planted, nothing is wasted. In this vast Mountain Territory, apart from Lord Hudson, who has the privilege of being picky about food, everyone else eats whatever is available.

Potatoes are a staple food, which is not a big deal. As long as they can fill our stomachs, it's not a problem.

Vegetable oil is also a good thing, whether it's used to increase the oil intake of the people or to process soap, it's a major oil consumer, and even a large amount of soybeans can consume it.

Even the residue left over from pressing oil can be used to feed livestock, and some Beastfolk races with good digestive systems can digest it without any waste.

If he strikes the right balance, even if word gets out, people will only marvel at Baron Hudson's good fortune in finding fertile land while clearing land.

Some people have found that using swamp mud could be used as an excuse, suggesting that the soil layer in newly reclaimed wasteland is too thin and needs to be thickened.

The rest will naturally be filled in by others' imaginations. Even if there are some inconsistencies, others will find ways to make them plausible.

While the "Good Luck" hat may easily evoke envy and resentment, the benefits it brings are also quite remarkable.

After experiencing many things, people get used to it. No matter what good things happen, if Hudson happens to her, everyone will think it's normal.

If you don't believe it, go back and look through the history books left by your ancestors. The rise of these "legendary figures" is more fantastical than the last.

From the very beginning, Hudson deliberately amplified the "good luck" label, leading many to attribute his success to luck and preventing him from encountering many unnecessary troubles.

No one wants to invite trouble. If you encounter someone who's exceptionally lucky, even if you don't actively seek them out, you wouldn't deliberately offend them.

Fortunately, Baron Cayo was a magician, and his focus was always inevitably drawn to magic, so he was not interested in worldly technology.

Otherwise, by participating in the steelmaking furnace, the Mountain Territory's biggest secret will be exposed. For a long time to come, the mining area will be the most important industry in the Mountain Territory, and the technology must never be leaked.

Ultimately, there was simply not enough talent; not even a single person capable of discussing important matters. Even though Hudson mobilized all his connections to help find some management talent, the results were minimal.

Truly talented individuals are basically monopolized by the great nobles. Occasionally, a few will emerge, but they are usually among the sons of nobles, and unless the family completely falls into decline, they are simply untouchable.

The core reason is that the Mountain Territory isn't attractive enough to talent. Given Hudson's current resources, recruiting talent is less effective than his "lucky" reputation.

Good luck is an essential condition for a nobleman from the lower class to successfully rise up.

For impoverished noble scions in dire straits who want to turn their fortunes around, betting on unseen potential stocks is also a good option.

Baron Cayo, who set off with a group of Lizard Beast carcasses, turned grim as soon as he left the Mountain Territory. It was as if their previous pleasant conversation had been a deliberate act.

"Young Master, has something gone wrong?"

The accompanying butler asked.

While acting is a fundamental skill for the aristocracy, there are few occasions requiring such strenuous performance. Theoretically speaking, Hudson, who was in the early stages of capital accumulation, shouldn't have been treated this way.

"It's nothing, I just felt a little uncomfortable because I was tricked."

That Baron Hudson is no ordinary man; we must reassess him. His true abilities are far more terrifying than the records suggest.

Upon returning, he sent someone to tell the Earl: I suspect that the Earth Bear is about to reach adulthood, or has already reached adulthood.

A person with both ability and luck is not easy to deal with. From now on, raise the level of attention to the Mountain Territory to the highest level, and pay close attention to this person's suspicious behavior.

If possible, plant as many spies as possible in the Mountain Territory, and don't let them out of our sight.

Baron Cayo said with a solemn expression.

Hearing is unreliable, seeing is believing.

After personally experiencing it, he discovered that the descriptions in the materials were not only not exaggerated, but in some places even underestimated the facts.

The basic skills of dealing with people and situations seem very simple, but few people can use them skillfully before being tempered by society.

Despite the fact that he had seen everything on this trip to the Mountain Territory, Baron Cayo actually saw nothing of value.

Everything he encountered was what the other party wanted him to see. Clearing land was fraught with difficulties, developing swamps was fraught with danger, road construction was arduous... everything was difficult.

An ordinary person might easily be lured across the lake, but after being exposed to the cunning old foxes of the Royal Capital, Baron Cayo was no longer a naive young man.

Since they are all difficult, why bother spending so much money and effort to develop them?

By investing the manpower, resources, and finances consumed in developing the territory into the struggle for the governorship, the Mountain Territory had long since suppressed Baron Ciss.

Before knowing that the position of prefect has been decided, a normal person would choose the prefect position because they can see benefits in the short term.

Territory development can be done slowly; after all, the land is just lying there, it's not going to grow legs and run away.

All these unusual occurrences came to Baron Cayo's attention, leading him to conclude that Hudson had foreseen his defeat in the county seat contest.

Without any specific information, yet able to predict the outcome of the power struggle and the final decision of the Royal Capital based solely on the apparent political situation of the kingdom, how could this be the work of a political Little White?

Even Hudson's decision not to send the bear to hunt the Lizard Beast King was interpreted by him as: restraining desires and being good at concealing one's own strength.

He is full of virtues, and if he becomes an enemy, he will be the most terrifying.

As the dominant power in the Southeast Province, the appearance of such a figure within its sphere of influence naturally warrants vigilance.

"Young master, there's no need to worry too much. The Earl has already made arrangements. We can send him to the clouds, or we can push him off a cliff."

As a pawn, how can you sabotage the Felix Family's plans if you don't have some strength?

Laite County was ultimately too small. Even though Baron Hudson saw through everything, he still had to fight with Baron Ciss.

The reason they are able to remain restrained now is simply because your arrival has put pressure on them.

The calm is temporary. Once the young master's plans in Whitton County are launched, they will surely seize the opportunity to settle the score.

Looking at the menacing group of creditors approaching from Maple Leaf Territory, Baron Keterai felt a chill run down his spine. It seemed this deal was going to be very difficult.

Ultimately, she couldn't muster the aura of someone who's in debt. Kate could only put on a smiling face while crying poverty and playing the victim, explaining how difficult it was to sell Beastfolk slaves.

Unfortunately, the people on the other side were a group of slave traders. People who do such heinous business can have anything, but they can't have any compassion.

"Kate, that's enough. We know roughly who you are. Stop with this pointless act, who are you trying to fool!"

Would you take on this deal if there weren't enough benefits?

Having accepted this deal, one naturally bears the risks involved. Whether you keep the slaves for your own use or resell them, the agreed-upon amount cannot be reduced by a single penny.

"Don't try to fool me here. You don't have to pay. I'll let you go for your father's sake, as long as you break one of your arms."

The middle-aged man's smiling words sent a chill down Kate's spine. One creditor wanted one of his arms; with so many creditors in front of him, wouldn't they be taking all the parts off his body?

But these guys aren't joking. If they say they'll take off an arm, they really mean it.

As for his father's influence, it does have some effect. But the premise is that it cannot involve interests; otherwise, the influence of a nodding acquaintance is simply not enough.

"Knight Roman, my arm isn't worth that much money. You've gone to great lengths, risking your lives to capture slaves deep within the Orc Empire, paying such a high price. You can't just do this for a quick revenge, can you?"

Although I couldn't pay in cash, I offered Ironware as payment for the debt. These things are valuable commodities everywhere.

As long as everyone transports their goods back to the north, whether they keep them at home for personal use or sell them, they won't have to worry about them becoming unsellable.

Even if the quantity is a bit large, it can still be smuggled to the Orc Empire. I've been there before, so I know how profitable it is.

"If I were to lose an arm instead of doing such a lucrative business, I'd be making a huge loss."

Baron Keterai tried to persuade him.

Smuggling Ironware to the Orc Empire is indeed extremely profitable, but the risks involved are proportional to the potential profits.

The kingdom may not care about the smuggling of ordinary goods, but the supervision of strategic materials such as Ironware still exists.

Once caught, not only will the entire family be ruined, but the participants will definitely be finished.

"So, we should thank you for taking care of us?"

Since you're going to take care of me anyway, you might as well go all the way!

You will personally escort these Ironware products into the Orc Empire and hand over the profits to us.

Don't worry, we won't treat you unfairly. You'll get a share of the increased profits.

Knight Roman.

"Roman is right. Kate, since you're so eager to take care of us, then please make the trip yourself!"

Don't worry, we'll take care of your territory. There won't be any trouble while you're away.

When it comes to business, you, Skin-Peeler Beast, are truly formidable. Even after leaving the Northlands, your name still resonates throughout the Orc Empire.

The Eagle-Eyed Elder beside him added insult to injury.

Upon hearing the words "Skin-Peeler Beast," Baron Keterai felt like crying. All he had to do was save a little money, and a bunch of unscrupulous people had given him that nickname.

It makes them seem like unscrupulous businessmen.

You should know that when Kate came to the Orc Empire to do business, it was always a business with no initial investment. He strictly followed the rules of the trade, and never...

"Knight Ziluoshan, this joke isn't funny. If I were to actually take these Ironware deep into the Orc Empire, we'd all really lose everything."

With so many tribes on the Beastfolk frontier, which one doesn't have my wanted poster?

Even if you genuinely went to their door to do business, they probably wouldn't believe you. If a fight breaks out on someone else's turf, it'll be difficult to escape unscathed.

It was all due to youthful ignorance. Baron Keterai was a little too ruthless in order to quickly accumulate wealth in the Orc Empire.

Unfortunately, he was unlucky and offended someone he shouldn't have. This trip south was both to establish a foothold and to avoid trouble.

"Alright, you two, stop teasing him. Look how scared you've made our Skin-Peeler Beast, it's like we're going to skin him alive."

"Alright, Kate. If you introduce us to the Mountain Baron supplies us and help us close a big deal, we'll take the goods."

A gentle voice rang out, and cold sweat broke out on Baron Keterai's forehead. Clearly, the man who spoke now was the most terrifying of all the creditors.

"Lord Longxi, I can introduce you to the Mountain Baron. But I can't guarantee whether the subsequent business deal will be successful."

This guy is difficult to deal with; he only cares about profit. I'm not very familiar with him, so I can't influence his decisions...

"If you weren't familiar with each other, how could you have cooperated so many times? If you didn't have a good relationship, how could he have helped you take on that batch of junk at a low price?"

Kate, you should know I hate being lied to the most. Things have come to this point, so don't even think about trying to pull any tricks on me.

If this big deal is made possible, then everyone benefits.

If you mess this deal up, I guarantee you'll regret ever being born.

Don't blame us for being heartless; you delivered yourself to our doorstep. If you hadn't been so greedy, you wouldn't be in this predicament now.

I was prepared for you to run away and come after your father for the money, but I didn't expect you to have some luck and actually manage to turn a hopeless situation into a thriving one!

Lonxi's words completely extinguished Kate's hopes of struggling. It turned out that Lonxi had been prepared all along, and he was just a pawn.

Thinking back to before he conceived the idea of monopolizing Beastfolk slaves, he seemed to have heard more than once people say how profitable monopolies were, and how the price of human slaves had been driven up to exorbitant levels...

I always overheard it by chance. I initially thought it was a coincidence, but now it seems that it was all arranged by someone, just waiting for him to fall into their trap.

Unfortunately, he was blinded by greed and thought that as long as he monopolized the Beastfolk slaves, he would have no trouble making a lot of money.

Despite constant persuasion from his close confidants, he disregarded everything and gambled away his entire fortune.

Looking back now, how foolish that was. We only saw the profits and completely ignored the word "risk".

It's too late for regrets now. The other side has laid such a elaborate trap; there's no way he can escape.

"Lord Longxi, I am unworthy of your high regard and honor."

If you just want to make a deal with the Mountain Baron, you can just go directly to him. As far as I know, that guy will do any kind of business as long as the money is right.

Like..."

Before Kate could finish speaking, Lonxi interrupted, "Alright, kid, no need to waste time testing me."

We planned this specifically for you? You're being way too arrogant. It was just a side move, but you got greedy and jumped right into it.

In contrast, the Mountain Baron was much wiser. He appeared greedy, but always held firm to his principles. He could refrain from taking a single penny of profit that wasn't rightfully his.

I've tried to outmaneuver that guy several times, but he's always managed to evade me. Now I don't have time to waste, so I have no choice but to ask you, someone I have some connection with, to act as a middleman.