At night, Russell stayed in Cousin Mel's private Small Castle and complained to Mel about Marquis Arno's greed.
"Eighty percent of the profits!" Russell gritted his teeth. "Honestly, if it weren't to ease the Grand Duchy's burden and stop the Scorching Torrent Kingdom from plundering so many grain resources from the Grand Duchy, I wouldn't do this business at all!"
He certainly wanted to sell Rain Dragon Cigars abroad, but if the profits were too slim, he might as well sell them within the Shadowflame Grand Duchy.
In any case, the little cigar production from his territory was more than enough for the Grand Duchy to absorb internally.
But Count Merlin had suggested that he send a hundred crates of Frost Cigars to Marquis Arno and add Rain Dragon Cigars to the trade list between the two nations. The purpose was obvious: sell more Rain Dragon Cigars and export less grain.
So even with only twenty percent of the profits remaining, Russell had agreed.
"That is the price of weakness." Mel sighed as well. "Grandfather was also using Marquis Arno to teach you a lesson."
"This lesson was worth it. I'll remember it day and night," Russell said. "Marquis Arno may be the one bullying me, but one day, I will make the entire Scorching Torrent Kingdom pay for Marquis Arno's greed!"
"Good, that's the spirit! Just what I'd expect from Mel's brother!" Mel heavily patted Russell's shoulder. "When you have time, go to Sancha River Mouth and get closer to Lord Medicarren. Try to ride Lord Medicarren as soon as possible!"
After a pause, Mel declared with high spirits, "When that time comes, the two of us brothers, two mighty Wyvern Knights, will join forces to straighten out the Shadowflame Grand Duchy, help His Highness Shadowflame recover, and restore