Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 499 The Prelude to the Journey

Moreover, bicycles also require steel to manufacture. Compared to aluminum alloy or even carbon fiber in the previous life, bicycles with steel frames are much heavier, and each one weighs more than 20 kilograms.

The special version designed for larger individuals would probably weigh over 40 kilograms.

In addition, unlike bicycles which can be manufactured directly in a factory, soap production requires an additional chemical production line, which is another expense, involving raw materials and money.

Developing industry and commerce in a territory that is almost completely impoverished is no easy task.

"Let's take it one step at a time," the mage sighed inwardly, speaking calmly.
"To achieve the planned production, we need at least another fifty tons of iron ore; otherwise, it's all just empty talk."

The room fell silent. The group of friends who had been excitedly looking forward to the future were all stunned by the number. It took a while before anyone spoke up.

"Boss, the price of iron ore is currently fluctuating around three hundred gold coins per ton, fifty tons..."

Lawrence didn't continue, but anyone could hear the difficulty in his tone—the difficulty of cooking without rice.

Master Zhang wasn't the kind of miserly old man who clung to gold coins and refused to let go. Since he was boldly delegating authority, the trust and support he gave to the managers were also quite substantial.

From the mage's private treasury, an allocation of nearly seven thousand gold coins was transferred to the territory's construction project and placed under the joint supervision and use of Nancy, Lawrence, and Kegan.

They did not disappoint this trust, and were quite responsible in matters concerning the territory's infrastructure and agricultural development. While they could not be said to have made the most of every penny, there were no major oversights.

During the regular accounting, apart from the occasional suspicious travel expenses to Neverwinter, Mr. Zhang did not find any other discrepancies or omissions.

Hmm, travel expenses? Spending the night at Moonstone Mask?

Damn, they're so particular!

The mage chuckled to himself and didn't take it too seriously, considering the money as a perk. Lawrence, being a man of principle, didn't dare to hide anything.

After more than a quarter of expenses, there were still more than 4,000 gold left in the territory's public account. Compared with the earth-shaking changes in the territory, the towering earthen buildings, the cultivated fertile fields, irrigation canals, mills and other new things, the expenditure of more than 3,000 gold was really worthwhile.

However, this seemingly substantial financial surplus in the territory is nothing compared to the lord's insatiable appetite. What does fifty tons of ore even mean?
Back then, the Xikai Mine only produced about 80 tons of iron ore per quarter.

Good heavens, the boss has plundered the entire quarter's output from an iron mine in two separate trips.
Then, thinking about the more than ten thousand heavy gold coins represented by those fifty tons of iron ore, Lawrence could only manage a wry smile.

The eldest brother usually acts like a hands-off boss and doesn't care about pomp and circumstance like some noblemen, but when he does make a move, he does something big!

"Such a large amount of ore, putting aside the price, even if you have the money, whether the Grand Duke has sufficient reserves is a question. Iron ore is not an ordinary commodity; it has always been a scarce commodity. The entire Baldur's Gate Iron Ore and Blacksmith Guild are eyeing it."

Nancy's question hit the nail on the head, hitting the nail on the head regarding the monk's biggest concern.

“Indeed, so we’ll probably have to prepare for both possibilities. Badkegan, you two will come with me to the Sweet Wine Clan then.”

The mage gave the two dwarf brothers an instruction: although the latter's clan was famous for brewing, which dwarf clan didn't mine and forge?
If things don't go smoothly, I might as well go to that group of short-legged tigers' hometown and beg for their money.

After all, they are partners, and they're not taking things for free; they shouldn't be shortchanged on what they're owed.

Moreover, the lord, who has just been promoted to a sixth-circle mage, has specially prepared an ace up his sleeve, so he's not worried that they won't fall for it.

"One last thing, now that the territory is settled, it's time to bring Grand Duke Iltan's son, Gavial, over and send him to school." The reactions of the people present were lukewarm; apart from Nancy, who showed some concern, the rest were indifferent.

These are all respectable people with status, and even the title of Grand Duke or their former superiors are unlikely to move them.

"It's definitely time."

Nancy pursed her lips slightly, lowered her eyes a little, and looked at the mage beside her again:
“Gavial is now at the age of 18, a wizard. He has only recently reunited with his father and has already gone to a distant land. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

"For better or for worse, we can't make the decision for Iltan. Don't worry too much. Getting away from the Flame Fist's vortex might not be a bad thing for him."

The monk comforted Nancy, then turned and arranged the rest of the itinerary with the others before returning to his study.

crunch~
"come in."

The door was pushed open, and the mage knew who it was without even looking up. After putting away his book, he leisurely glanced at the female thief, whose thoughts were practically written all over her face, and couldn't help but chuckle.

Why worry about nothing?

"I'm wondering, given Gavial's personality and aptitude, is it really a good idea to directly enroll him in the academy?"

"Aren't you underestimating Gavial and Neverwinter Academy?"

The monk's answer was somewhat unexpected for Nancy:
“Gavial spent ten years in the Valley Wind Orchestra and saw everything he needed to. I think he was just overshadowed by his father due to his personality and couldn’t show his true self.”

"Besides, it is precisely because of his mediocre basic aptitude that he should be admitted to the academy. My teaching methods require a high level of comprehension and self-learning ability, which is not suitable for him."

"Only academies, with their open doors and abundant teaching staff, can help ordinary apprentices build a solid foundation."

Seemingly sensing the other person's concerns, the monk spoke more deeply and clearly:

"Why do you think the Grand Duke made him take me as his mentor? Does he really expect him to go far on the path of arcane magic?"

"I can't rule out a bit of wishful thinking, but it's mostly about the title. Since he's my apprentice, it's undeniable that he belongs to the faction of Archmage Tyrantir. Even at Neverwinter Academy, which is far beyond the reach of the Grand Duke, he won't be wronged."

Is the situation at Neverwinter Academy that bad?

"It's not common, but it's also hard to eradicate. Besides, in the eyes of their mentors, apprentices are not much different from cheap labor."

"Everywhere matters about one's background and origins, even in a seemingly aloof place like the Arcane Academy, it's just more secluded."

"Social and academic elites, huh~"

On the one hand, he couldn't stand this kind of operation, and on the other hand, he himself had joined in. Even the most direct line of Zhang, the master, had mixed feelings and could only give a cold laugh.

The mage, who had persuaded Nancy to leave with just a few words, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. How could he not understand the unspoken meaning behind her words?

Thank you, Brother A-Yi, for your monthly pass!

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(End of this chapter)