505: Chapter 505: A Deal from the Royal Family 505: Chapter 505: A Deal from the Royal Family “Has Hawks arrived yet?
Please, show him in,” Zhao Guang signaled discreetly to two individuals.
This was indeed marvelous.
Since the onset of winter, Hawks had not visited, the roads being too treacherous to navigate.
Nevertheless, the Sibar Family had not found themselves in an embarrassing predicant due to this.
On the contrary, as their goods beca scarcer, they began to impose restrictions, and subsequently, prices soared.
Throughout the winter, the Sibar had indeed profited handsoly.
However, they had also offended many people; nurous nobles awaited the spring thaw to personally visit Xuanwu Territory and acquire those goods.
Hence, Hawks must have been sowhat anxious, prompting his premature arrival.
“Please, take a seat.
It has been quite so ti since I last saw you, your grace.
You remain as distinguished as ever.”
A maid ca over to pour coffee for both individuals.
Xi Fei had not co, partly due to the change in her status.
Moreover, Xi Fei, with her Enchantress heritage, might not be well received by all nobles—so might consider it an insult to have Xi Fei serve coffee.
Hawks took his seat without ceremony, adding so chili oil to his coffee before downing it in a single gulp.
This manner of drinking was a sight unique to this world, a true display of abandon.
“No choice, the winter roads are formidable.
This ti, I have brought a substantial quantity of goods.
Horla himself ca too, personally overseeing this batch of slaves—over thirty thousand in number.”
“That is indeed wonderful news; I am in dire need of manpower right now.”
Finally, help was forthcoming—a kickstart to the massive construction, amidst a scarcity of labor.
It wasn’t a lack of population per se, but rather too few who would unconditionally follow my commands.
With this thought, Zhao Guang spoke forthrightly, “I wish to purchase additional slaves.”
“Are you still short on manpower?” Hawks sounded genuinely surprised.
“Didn’t we encounter a multitude of refugees en route here, heading in this direction?
Aren’t all those refugees enough for what Zhao Guang requires?
Too many people would give a headache.”
“The population has indeed grown, but there are too few of my own people; there’s a lack of harmony,” Zhao Guang explained.
Hawks imdiately grasped the situation—Zhao Guang’s own contingent was too small.
With a vast influx of refugees, a mix of various individuals, if one’s own forces were insufficient, these people could form a massive local power, complicating future managent.
After all, governing a domain is not like commanding an army or waging war; it’s impossible to simply eliminate all those who disobey.
“I understand.
I will discuss this with Horla.
However, lately, several domains have issued orders allowing slave rchants to capture fleeing refugees, so the supply of slaves should beco more straightforward shortly,” said Hawks.
Zhao Guang understood the subtext—this ant the price of slaves was likely to drop.
“That would be most appreciated.
As for this batch, I need one million.”
According to the original market prices, one million slaves would cost only a hundred thousand gold coins, which Zhao Guang could easily afford.
Money wasn’t the issue; it was reliable people he lacked.
Buying more and slowly training and assimilating them was the plan.
Although construction was happening everywhere, Zhao Guang did not trust the refugees to take on official duties in those areas.
“Rest assured, I will convey your ssage,” Hawks assured, taken aback by the grandeur of the transaction.
Acquiring slaves was not a significant expense, sothing he could afford.
However, the real challenge was the aftermath.
Maintaining over a million people was not a trivial matter.
But regardless, since Zhao Guang was willing, Hawks did not want to broach that subject.
“By the way, my visit pertains to official business.”
“Is it concerning the trade?
Don’t worry, sa as before, I won’t raise the prices arbitrarily.”
Was this a jab at his own recent price hikes?
Though it was perfectly legal, Hawks felt a twinge of guilt upon hearing this.
“Not that.
It’s about the Imperial Family; the Royal Family is prepared to engage in trade with you.”
“Trade?
What kind of trade?” Zhao Guang pondered his previous letter.
Could this be about Holy Dragon Fighting Energy?
“The King has said, what you want, he does not possess.”
Zhao Guang felt a twinge of disappointnt, but then he heard Hawks continue, “However, the Royal Family has other items of interest.
What do you think about the Sword of the King?” Hawks ntioned sothing Zhao Guang did not understand.
“The Sword of the King?
What is that?” Zhao Guang did not pretend to understand.
Rembering that Zhao Guang was not a traditional noble, Hawks explained: “The Sword of the King is a secret swordsmanship of the Royal Family, a top-tier swordsmanship.
Learning it, you’d need nothing else; it is said to carry one straight through to the Legendary Domain.”
So that was it.
In that case, the value of this swordsmanship would arguably not be lesser than that of Holy Dragon Fighting Energy.
Yet, why had the Grand Princess resorted to using a Big Guan Saber initially?
No matter.
It’s their family affair—why should he bother with that?
“If that’s the case, then I agree to the trade.” Despite his disappointnt, a superior swordsmanship technique could likewise enhance his strength.
Zhao Guang had no intentions of brawling, but to have or lack strength was a different matter entirely.
Relieved by this response, Hawks was content to have completed most of the task set by the King.
“The specifics will be arranged by a designated individual from His Majesty.
However, the King’s request encompasses more than just this—he also wants Anti-Magic Crystals.” Zhao Guang’s widespread use of Anti-Magic Crystals was impossible to conceal.
“Those belong to the Silver Tower; it wouldn’t be appropriate for to trade them casually.”
Zhao Guang wasn’t sure if the Imperial Family knew, but why should he casually part with his possessions?
Even if Anti-Magic Crystals did not impact him directly, they could affect others.
“Don’t worry.
The Royal Family has no intentions of keeping them.
Otherwise, it would be easy for the Mage Organizations to target them.
Besides, the Royal Family lacks sufficient Magic Crystal Stones and Rune Masters,” Hawks reassured.
“The King’s intention is to purchase a batch of Anti-Magic Crystals.”
“Well, since the King has such plans, I have no objections.
However, I’m limited on ti, so the production might be lower,” Zhao Guang conceded.
“His Majesty only needs a certain amount, not enough to arm the entire Empire.
After all, you know the cost of these items.”
Indeed, just the cost of Magic Crystal Stones was exorbitant, let alone the finished products.
Besides, an excess of these items would likewise threaten the Mage Organizations; a delicate balance must be maintained.
The two tacitly ceased discussing this topic, having reached an understanding.
The rest was up to Zhao Guang and the Royal Family.
Hawks preferred not to know too much, as it might not bode well for him.
They skillfully changed the subject.
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