- Fantasy Lord: Start with Daily Intelligence
- FLDI Chapter 146
In the study, Rachos spoke with unwavering determination, his gaze fixed firmly on Thor, showing no sign of hesitation.
After a night of turbulent thoughts, he had already made up his mind.
At this moment, there was no changing it.
Seeing Rachos’s resolute expression, a smile appeared on Thor’s face.
“Rachos, I knew I wasn’t wrong about you!”
“Well done!”
Thor’s smile widened, and his voice carried approval.
Although he had prepared for the possibility of Rachos leaving, Rachos’s decision to stay was undeniably a great advantage for him.
The rapid development of the Eagle Trade Association was largely attributable to Rachos’s efforts.
His capabilities were unparalleled, even among the Assad family.
Such a talent was invaluable to Thor.
“My Lord, here are some strategies and plans I drafted last night. Please have a look!” Rachos said, handing over the handwritten manuscript.
“This time, if we seize the opportunity, both the territory and the Eagle Trade Association will experience unprecedented growth.”
Excitement flushed Rachos’s face as he spoke.
“Alright!” Thor nodded, taking the manuscript.
The writings were disorganized, clearly hastily compiled.
But Thor didn’t mind. He quickly focused on the content.
Rachos stood quietly, waiting without interruption.
Time passed slowly.
Thor flipped through the manuscript page by page.
At first, he skimmed quickly, but as he read further, his pace slowed.
He occasionally frowned, paused to read carefully, or even revisited previous pages for a more thorough examination.
Morning sunlight gradually turned to noon.
Finally, Thor finished the last page and set the manuscript down.
But he remained silent, his brows furrowed in deep thought.
Rachos began to feel uneasy, uncertain of Thor’s reaction.
Eventually, Thor looked at him and spoke.
“Rachos, isn’t this plan a bit too aggressive? The western territories are quite far from the Eagle Territory. If anything goes wrong, it will be hard to manage.”
Thor’s expression was filled with concern.
Rachos’s plan laid out a comprehensive development strategy for the Eagle Territory and the Eagle Trade Association.
While Thor found most of the arrangements impressive and promising, one aspect of the plan made his brows twitch.
Rachos proposed acquiring and occupying mines abandoned by fleeing lords.
These powerful noble lords, eager to flee, would likely be more than willing to sell their lands at low prices. By purchasing these lands, the Eagle Trade Association could secure its claim, avoiding disputes with other lords once the territories were vacated.
This would also significantly expand the association’s scale and output.
Thor was initially dazzled by the prospect.
The plan seemed as seamless as Rachos described—smooth acquisitions leading to immense benefits.
However, Thor quickly realized a major flaw.
The western territories were too far from the Eagle Territory. Even with the Eagle Trade Association’s resources, managing such vast and scattered mines would be nearly impossible.
“My Lord, it’s true the Eagle Territory may struggle, but the Eagle Trade Association might not!” Rachos responded earnestly.
“The Eagle Trade Association?”
“Even with the knights you brought, we have fewer than ten knights. Managing one or two locations is feasible, but controlling many would be impossible,” Thor countered.
“My Lord, while the Eagle Territory has limits, the Eagle Trade Association can expand.
“With just 10% additional shares, we can double the association’s size, perhaps more. Controlling over half the western province’s mines wouldn’t be out of reach,” Rachos explained with conviction.
Thor’s brows arched in thought.
“Expand the Eagle Trade Association?” he muttered, considering the possibilities.
“My Lord, I’m even willing to contribute an additional 2% of my shares. Other members could also give up some shares. Securing 10% more shares is entirely achievable,” Rachos added.
Currently, Rachos held just 6% of the shares. Giving up 2% would leave him with only 4%, a reduction of over 30%.
Yet, Rachos believed it was worth it.
The association’s growth and resulting profits would far surpass his current stake.
Thor was taken aback by Rachos’s sacrifice but saw the logic in his reasoning.
Indeed, with everyone contributing, securing 10% or even 20% was feasible.
Even with reduced profits per share, the association’s expanded influence and strength would be worth it.
After careful thought, Thor composed himself and suppressed his excitement.
“This matter cannot be decided rashly.
“Contact the other members of the Eagle Trade Association for a meeting to finalize this decision,” Thor instructed.
“Yes, my Lord!” Rachos agreed eagerly, confident in his plan’s acceptance.
“Set the meeting for three days from now. I’ll write to my brother and Bablus to seek their input,” Thor concluded.
“Yes, my Lord!” Rachos bowed and left, his excitement barely contained.
Thor, deep in thought, picked up his quill and began drafting letters. Moments later, two letters were complete.
“Karin!” he called out.
The sound of Thor’s voice resonated.
The maid, Karin, quickly entered the room.
“Deliver these two letters to Rayne. Have him ride Nia immediately to the western territories and hand them to my second brother and Lord Bablus,” Thor instructed.
To ensure swift communication, he even arranged for Rayne to personally ride Nia.
With Nia’s third-tier speed, the journey should take no more than three days, allowing for a round trip within seven days.
“Yes, my lord!”
Karin responded promptly and retreated.
Meanwhile, Rachos swiftly relayed Thor’s decree.
By the following day, the five pioneering lords had received the message.
Thor’s invitation left them puzzled.
Four of the lords set off immediately for Eagle Territory, but Joz Anubi hesitated.
“Young Master Joz, we must leave. If the divine reckoning descends, the entire northern province will become a land of calamity,” an elderly servant urged anxiously.
“Fort, let’s go for now,” Joz Anubi replied softly after a moment of indecision.
“Young Master Joz!”
The elderly servant tried to protest but was interrupted by Joz.
“Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep Lord Thor waiting. Besides, attending this meeting won’t take much time. If necessary, we can hand things over to Lord Thor and minimize our losses.”
The elderly servant opened his mouth to argue but ultimately sighed and nodded in agreement.
Before long, Joz Anubi also set out.
On the morning of the third day, all five lords of the Maine Alliance arrived.
As they greeted one another, their expressions were filled with curiosity.
The last time they had been summoned was due to matters concerning the Eagle Trade Association. This sudden meeting called by Thor once again left them speculating.
They exchanged thoughts, most assuming it had to do with obstacles to the association’s development.
Only Joz Anubi remained silent, his brows furrowed as he refrained from joining the conversation.
While the other lords were highly interested in the Eagle Trade Association, Joz had little concern.
With the divine reckoning looming, he felt that even his lands were at risk, let alone the trade association.
“Lord Joz, is something troubling you?” Baron Valmi asked, noticing his distraction.
“No, not at all,” Joz quickly replied, masking his thoughts. “I was just wondering why Lord Thor has summoned us this time.”
“It might be about the Eagle Trade Association.”
“Possibly. I heard trade in the western region has faced some disruptions recently, with profits dropping significantly this past month.”
“Hmph! I’ve always said we should crush a few troublemakers to demonstrate our strength! This is the northern province, not the interior!”
The others voiced their opinions, their lively discussion echoing outside the castle.
At that moment, Rachos appeared.
“Rachos?”
The sight of him took everyone by surprise.
It had been a long time since they had last seen Rachos.
“Gentlemen, this way, please. The lord has been waiting for you,” Rachos said with a smile, gesturing toward the entrance.
The five lords nodded and followed him into the castle.
Rachos led them to a spacious conference room, where Thor was already waiting.
“Lord Thor!”
Upon seeing him, the five lords bowed respectfully, careful not to show any sign of neglect.
“Gentlemen, my apologies for summoning you on such short notice,” Thor said, returning their bows before addressing them.
“There’s no need for such formalities, Lord Thor!” they replied, shaking their heads.
“The reason I’ve called you here is to discuss an important matter,” Thor said, his eyes scanning the group as he took a deep breath.
His expression grew serious, and the atmosphere in the room became heavy.
Seeing Thor’s grave demeanor, the five lords exchanged glances, sensing the gravity of the situation.
If Thor was taking it this seriously, it had to be something significant.
Joz Anubi’s heart stirred as he speculated about the reason, though he remained silent.
His silence, however, didn’t stop others from speaking.
“Lord Thor, has something happened?” Baron Pape couldn’t help but ask, his anxiety evident.
All eyes turned to Thor, waiting for his response.
(End of chapter)