The Count Is Provoked (First Update)

Liszt did not refute the Count's attribution of his success to the nobility of his and Melissa's bloodline.

One had to give the other party some face.

He changed the subject. "Father, what are your thoughts on selling rubber?"

"I tested the rubber you provided yesterday. It truly is an extraordinary item—more impressive than glutinous rice juice, and far more versatile." The Count pondered briefly before saying, "Tulip Castle acquired quite a bit of supplies during the Battle of Iron Hoof Island and is not heavily dependent on gold coins. I can purchase a batch of rubber to ease your pressure."

"Rubber is a specialty of Black Horse Island. Its output is not high, and tapping it causes considerable damage to the rubber trees, so it will not be cheap."

"More expensive than glutinous rice?"

Glutinous rice was a type of grain and could be eaten, but glutinous rice juice was even more useful for building castles. Marquis Ramirez White Glutinous Rice of Leather Island had built his family upon glutinous rice.

"I think it will definitely be more expensive than glutinous rice, because rubber can also be used to build cities. Its construction quality is no worse than glutinous rice juice, and in speed, hardness, adhesion, and other aspects, it even slightly surpasses glutinous rice juice. But rubber is not merely for construction—it can bond any object. Shipbuilding, repairing armor, all of it can use rubber!"

If he had not truly been short on money, Liszt would never have been willing to bring out such a treasure.

The Count looked at Liszt and asked in bewilderment, "Just how many good things are hidden on your Black Horse Island?"

"Well, there are indeed some specialties." Liszt replied calmly. "The main thing is that the development work has been done rather