Chapter 517 - 403: The Pirate King’s Treasure, "Mermaid’s Tears," Appears
Chapter 517: Chapter 403: The Pirate King’s Treasure, "Mermaid’s Tears," Appears
Everyone understood the danger that came with possessing a treasure.
What’s more, the item he carried was, in essence, a Life-taking Talisman—one that would drive any power mad with greed.
That night, the lights in Marquis Orlando’s castle were still burning brightly.
Only Raylo, Avril, and Marquis Orlando sat at the long dining table.
"Raylo, you brought in a total of five hundred and eighty thousand Golden Dragons from this auction."
Marquis Orlando handed a detailed ledger to Raylo.
"After deducting the merchant guild’s commission and various fees, your actual take is five hundred and fifty thousand Golden Dragons."
Five hundred and fifty thousand Golden Dragons!
Even though Raylo had braced himself, his heart still skipped a beat when he heard the number.
"Thank you, Marquis."
Raylo said sincerely as he took the list.
He knew that Marquis Orlando’s work behind the scenes had been indispensable to the auction’s success.
"There’s no need for such formalities between us."
Marquis Orlando waved his hand, signaling a servant girl to pour wine for Raylo.
"By the way," Raylo said, remembering something. He pulled a list from his coat.
"These are some of the supplies my Black Stone Territory will need. I’d like to ask for your help in procuring them."
Marquis Orlando took it and glanced over it.
The list was densely packed with all sorts of items.
Iron ore, ten thousand tons.
Refined Iron, three thousand tons.
Grain, five thousand tons.
...
Marquis Orlando’s eyelid twitched as he read.
’This isn’t just procuring supplies,’ he thought. ’This is clearly preparing for a large-scale war!’
"What do you need so many things for?" he couldn’t help but ask.
"Just preparing for a rainy day."
Raylo’s answer was as airtight as ever.
"Black Stone Territory just went through a major battle, and our material consumption was immense. Besides, with Frosty Winter approaching, it’s never a bad thing to have extra food and supplies in reserve."
Marquis Orlando gave him a deep look but ultimately decided not to press the matter further.
"Alright, leave this to me."
He put the list away.
"The first batch of supplies will reach your Black Stone Territory within three days."
After he spoke, Marquis Orlando added with a sigh,
"If Seagull Port were still around, our transactions would be so much more convenient..."
The mention of Seagull Port reminded Raylo of the intelligence he’d received about its reconstruction, and an idea began to form in his mind.
’Perhaps the current situation with Seagull Port presents a good opportunity to bring it under the Duchy’s control.’
The three of them chatted a while longer about the details of territory development before the banquet finally concluded.
Back in their room, Avril went to take a bath.
Raylo stood alone on the balcony, the cool sea breeze washing over him.
His mind was still busy calculating his next steps.
He had the money now.
Next was to recruit soldiers and buy horses, to develop his territory.
He had already decided to implement his military expansion plan the moment he returned to Black Stone Territory.
Beyond military affairs, he couldn’t neglect the people’s livelihood.
Building roads, reclaiming farmland, encouraging childbirth...
There was just so much to do.
Just then, Avril emerged from the bathroom.
She had changed into a silk nightgown, her soft, long hair hanging damply over her shoulders, adding to her allure.
"What are you thinking about?"
She gently hugged Raylo from behind.
"I’m thinking about our future."
Raylo turned and pulled her into his embrace. Breathing in the sweet fragrance of her hair, much of his anxiety and stress melted away.
"Our future will be a good one."
Avril snuggled into his chest like a docile kitten.
"Yeah."
Raylo lowered his head and kissed her lips.
Moonlight appeared at the window with Coal Ball and Lightning in tow, interrupting the couple.
The three little ones had soaking wet paws, clearly having had a good time playing by the sea.
The rest of the night passed uneventfully.
The only thing of note was the three clueless, tactless little creatures sprawled haphazardly between them, leaving not even a sliver of space.