Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 354 Grass Team
The eight thousand gold coins were the cost price; the hard work of the two masters and Zhang Yuan himself, as well as the resources applied for from the academy, were all excluded.

It was precisely because Zhang Yuan understood this that he wasn't deterred by the exorbitant price, but instead gritted his teeth and asked:
"The initial investment is one thing, but you better translate for me what you mean by 'subsequent costs'? Do you even know what 700 gold per month means?"

When it came to money, Mr. Zhang's voice rose an octave:

"According to the rough estimate by the officials recommended by the academy, the tax revenue from that territory in the first few years would only be around 11,000 gold coins per year. But you, on the other hand, ask for 700 gold coins. I work hard as a lord, and 70% of my income goes into your hands. I've become a beggar."

"Oh, you can't think like that. You have to give up something to gain something. As a lord, don't you need your own army? Don't you need weapons and equipment? Once our factories are built, we'll solve not only your weapons problem, but also your manpower problem. My old Bosh's robot army is no joke..."

The repairman was also getting impatient, pounding his chest loudly and making empty promises.

The louder this guy boasted, the more suspicious Zhang Yuan became, and he turned his attention to the clockwork.
"Master Rito Tripp, what do you think?"

"It is possible to do it, but given the current conditions, there are still many areas that need improvement. Subsequent expansion and upgrades will also be a huge expense. Moreover, Tink's robots have a very low level of intelligence, which is far behind the constructs here called golems."

"Of course, it is perfectly suitable as an arsenal and alchemy workshop."

Clockwork was a kind person who said what he meant. After Zhang Yuan thanked him, he remained silent in thought.

The prospects for this project are undoubtedly bright and promising, but the investment and effort required are also undoubtedly enormous.

His current net worth is only a little over ten thousand gold coins. Throwing eight thousand gold coins into this bottomless pit would be a real blow, so he had to hesitate.

“Your Excellency Chanem, there is something you seem unaware of.”

It was the vengeful spirit who spoke; she had been listening intently the whole time, and spoke in her clear, slightly hoarse voice:

"The projected revenue from the territory is based on entrusting it to others for management. However, if it remains at this level after introducing the production technology of the Keen family, then I think there is no need for this so-called alchemy factory to continue operating."

Before the repairman could say anything, she pointed to herself and said, "Similarly, I am also ashamed to continue serving as the Chief Executive appointed by Your Excellency."

The Vengeful Spirit, whose real name is Cindersha, was born as the first princess of the Pale Nest Royal Court, and the chief in line to the throne. She was tricked in a palace coup and had no choice but to sacrifice her own wings to escape.

To the proud Skywrath Clan, a princess without wings was a disgrace. Senna was completely banished from the Pale Nest, falling into the dust and forced to walk on her own two feet.

These past events are now just a distant memory, but as the first princess, she was at least groomed to be the crown prince, so she still possessed basic political acumen and management skills.

Not to mention that behind this there is a group of big shots locked in the Mad Moon, desperately remotely controlling the micro-management.

They are all powerful figures, some even kings. Wouldn't they be able to manage a mere title and territory perfectly?

Since they were all prisoners with nothing to do in jail, they all had a lot of valuable advice to give regarding the future development of this small area.

"Make that brat immediately switch to necromancy. Only by offering their lives can lowly commoners serve a king." — This was the Skeleton King, now the Wraith Emperor, who had successfully gained weight.

"Pain can cultivate character; any disobedient little brat deserves a good whipping." — This is Akasha, the Queen of Pain. "Who dares to disobey? Chop him down, chop him to death!" — This is the raging troll warlord, nearly driven mad with frustration.

These ingenious ideas gave him a toothache. It was truly Kaguya's good fortune that the little Mad Moon had imprisoned such a group of brilliant minds.

Fortunately, not all of these prison guys are geniuses; there are some reliable people who can offer advice.

"No matter what plans or programs we have, in practice we still need to combine them with the actual situation. Recruiting or training a few reliable administrative officers and agricultural officers is an urgent matter."

Captain Cuenca's opinion made some sense. Although he was the fleet commander, it was easy to see that a commoner without a family background could not possibly reach such a high position.
“A Ranger Guard can be established to patrol the entire territory, protect the administrators and safeguard the security of the territory. I am willing to serve as the leader of the Rangers.”

Luna, who had already arrived in Faerûn, volunteered, seemingly wanting to return to her old profession.

However, Zhang Yuan rejected this plan after consideration. Given their current situation, where they didn't even have many soldiers or horses, cavalry as a military unit...

Of course, it's not a complete rejection, but rather something to be left for a later opportunity.

After a flurry of discussion and debate, they finally managed to establish a basic framework for the territory management model.

The vengeful spirit, Sylvanas, was appointed Chief Administrator, with Nancy as her deputy.

The Tinker and the Clockwork were responsible for the establishment and operation of the alchemy workshop;

Crystal Maiden and Winter Wyvern took on the organizational work of the Mage Guild, learning the arcane system of Faerûn while also assisting Zhang Yuan in some of his magical experiments and research.
Luna Luna has become the leader of the Rangers as she wished, but she will have to wait until her territory develops before she can get rid of the predicament of being a commander without troops.

Talinda remains her ranger captain, still all alone;

Lawrence is nominally the captain of the Wanderers, in charge of intelligence in the territory, but in reality he just stays in the Moonstone Mask, making contacts and gathering secondhand information.

Bard and his half-ogre brothers were designated as the Royal Guard, while Münster and Kegan were appointed as the captain and vice-captain of the territory's guard. Meanwhile, Mars and Tusk were appointed as instructors, responsible for training the Canaanite mob and as reinforcements for any emergency missions they might encounter.

Among the current 1-cost 3-star pieces, there are a total of four warrior-side heroes that can be summoned. The other two are Tiny and Axe. Needless to say, Tiny's size is too large to learn, and you're afraid of accidentally stepping on him while practicing. Axe, on the other hand, was filtered out due to his glorious history.

As a general of the Red Mist Legion, Axe King commanded an army of one man. As for his other comrades, they were either killed by the enemy or beheaded by Axe King. Such a glorious record made others retreat in fear and feel ashamed to join the army.

Although small, it has all the essential parts. It hasn't even taken over its territory yet, but all the functional positions are clearly arranged. However, the shortcomings are also self-evident.

The biggest problem is that no matter how beautifully the pie is drawn, it's still just a pie in the sky.

Thank you to Wind and Waves Man and Swimming Black Cat for your monthly ticket support!



(End of this chapter)