Imperial Crown.

Chapter 176 This person looks like a dog

It was an afternoon in late July, the sun was high in the sky, and perhaps it was too hot, the cicadas' chirping was weak, but the chirping of birds was clearer.

In the study of Eagle Castle, the window was open and the sunlight slanted in, casting a rectangular spot of light.

At this moment, Raven was sitting on a recliner in the shadow, fan in his hand, eyes slightly narrowed, staring at the sky outside the window in a daze, enjoying the tranquility of the summer afternoon.

The sky was clear blue, and the clouds were floating lazily, constantly changing their shapes. At first glance, they looked like a dragon, then suddenly turned into a giant, and then into a castle. The castle grew legs and rolled into a ball of Yuanxiao.

call--

A gust of warm wind blew in through the window, bringing with it the fragrant scent of jasmine, which dispelled the somewhat stuffy air in the room and made Raven feel a little sleepy. He couldn't help but yawn.

Xiaobai, who was curled up beside Raven's legs, seemed to be infected. He also raised his head, opened his mouth wide, and couldn't help flapping his wings.

Raven touched Xiaobai's head. The horned eagle narrowed its eyes, turned its neck, and rubbed Raven's palm, as obedient as a dog.

Letting go of his hand, Raven picked up the wine glass on the small table beside him and took a sip of Angel's Tears. The sweet and cold wine flowed into his throat and he let out a comfortable sigh.

All he lacks is a semiconductor and a chatterbox, and he'd look like a retired old man.

But even without semiconductors, people can still tell stories.

Fiona sat on a chair, her light silver hair tied into a ball at the back of her head, revealing her smooth forehead. The glasses on her nose were as thick as the bottom of a bottle, making her eyes look bright.

She was wearing a white shirt, a gray women's suit on the outside, and straight pencil pants. Her legs were together, with a thick book on her knees.

Just like a young teacher telling stories in kindergarten.

She picked up a page and said in a steady and clear voice: "...This is how later generations evaluated Keynes III."

"He drove into the capital of the Nicholas Empire surrounded by a convoy and flowers, witnessed the demise of his lifelong enemy, and finally spent his old age in the ruins of the enemy's country."

Raven's fanning hand froze for a moment. "Wait, didn't Cairns III lose the Fourth Battle of Khavaria? Did I just miss a part?"

Fiona shook her head: "No, Baron."

Raven rubbed his chin. "What about 'driving into the capital of the Nicholas Empire surrounded by a convoy and flowers'?"

"He was captured. The king's captive offering was of high standard."

"...witnessed the demise of his lifelong enemy, Nicholas II of the Nicholas Empire, who died before him?"

"Yes. By the way, His Majesty Cairns III witnessed the famous coup d'état, through which Insa I ascended the throne and founded the Insa Empire."

"..." Raven was speechless for a long time, then shook his head and said, "How mean!"

The last sentence, living out his old age on the remains of his enemies, means that Keynes III was in captivity and died in the Insa Empire.

When intellectuals start to insult others, they are really good at it!

Raven stretched, curled his legs slightly inward, and slumped in the recliner in a more comfortable position: "Go on."

However, not everyone can enjoy the leisure of summer and stay at home like Raven listening to stories about the history of the empire.

For example, at this moment, Gul'dan and Hyde are riding side by side under the scorching sun.

Their meeting on the road could not be called a coincidence.

Gul'dan, who was walking in front, deliberately slowed down, and Hyde also caught up tacitly.

Although the Fox family and the Slater family are fighting fiercely, they have to maintain superficial harmony.

Moreover, the two of them knew each other's goals very well, so they needed to coordinate in advance to avoid being raised by Raven and being defeated one by one.

According to Hyde's expectations, the two should have been discussing in the carriage at this time.

Unfortunately, after the meeting, Gul'dan showed a rather arrogant attitude, and sent someone to call Hyde to meet him in his carriage in an almost commanding tone.

Whether because of his personal pride or the reputation of the Slater family, Hyde would not agree to such a request.

Gul'dan did this out of selfish motives.

In the previous war, the one who stood out the most and gained the greatest benefits was Raven; and the only one who was awarded the title of Viscount was Hyde.

But Gul'dan is already in his thirties, and Raven and Hyde are only in their early twenties!
So it would have been fine if they hadn't met, but when they really met, the jealousy hidden deep in his heart drove him to do such a twisted behavior.

Conversation was necessary, but since no one wanted to go to the other's carriage, they could only ride side by side.

Hyde held his head high, riding a white warhorse, with short golden hair and a set of gleaming silver armor, looking like a legendary paladin.

Gul'dan also held his head high and chest puffed out without giving in. The black enchanted plate armor combined with his serious expression gave him a rather calm temperament.

Unfortunately, science in this world had not yet sprouted, and Gul'dan did not know the principle that black absorbed light. After riding with Hyde for just a while, he was already sweating profusely.

Originally, he wanted to act deep and force Hyde to speak first, but now, Gul'dan couldn't help himself: "Hyde, it feels good to officially become a noble, right? Unlike me, I need to wait for a while before I can inherit the family business."

Hearing that this was Gul'dan showing off his status as the earl's heir, Hyde said in a gloomy tone, "I believe this won't take long. Mr. Gul'dan, you don't have to worry."

Before Gul'dan could react, Hyde immediately changed the subject: "This time, Mr. Gul'dan is also going to purchase granite, right?"

Seeing that Hyde took the initiative to bring up the business, Gul'dan nodded and said, "The family castle needs to be expanded and maintained, so I'll take this opportunity to come out and take a look."

"The quantity of goods I want is not small. If you want to build the Viscount Castle, you will need even more."

"Granite is in short supply right now, and Lei Wen is an arrogant guy. If we go there together, it will inevitably make him more arrogant and spend unnecessary money."

A trace of contempt rose in Hyde's heart.

Hyde admitted that Raven was somewhat proud.

But arrogance is not a trait that Raven displays. The truly arrogant one is Gul'dan himself. Perhaps because of this, he labels as "arrogant" anyone who is stronger than him and refuses to bow to him.

However, Hyde did not intend to be Gul'dan's life mentor, but asked: "So what do you mean?"

Gul'dan raised his voice and said, "We have just experienced a war. The Nord Province is roaming with horse thieves and remnants of the Death Hand Cult. Our two families can guarantee the safety of the Griffith family's trade."

Nobles always speak half-heartedly, and sometimes you need to understand them the other way around.

Hyde could understand what Gul'dan said. He wanted to buy Raven's granite at a low price, otherwise he would send people to intercept the Griffith family's caravan. Anyway, the Nord province was in chaos now, so he could just blame it on the horse thieves.

But Hyde didn't intend to do so: "I think the law and order in the Nord Province is very good. After all, it is governed by Governor Montreal, isn't it?"

"Hyde, Raven is just a small baron." Gul'dan's face was a little gloomy: "As the heir of the earl's family, you have to take responsibility."

Hyde said: "Of course, as a noble, you must not only be responsible, but also have principles to maintain fairness and justice."

This is not just a rejection, but also implies standing on Raven's side.

After being rejected one after another, Gul'dan's face became serious, and then he suddenly smiled: "Hyde, you have three lovers, one of whom is your personal maid. She served you for eleven years, and her brother even received the title of knight."

The corner of Hyde's mouth twitched: "Gul'dan, this is not what a noble should say."

"I just envy you. It's very hard to find such a loyal and considerate maid. I heard that you even reserved a room for her in the planning of your new castle." Gul'dan looked at his fingers and smiled. "What a pity it would be if she met with an accident, was defiled, or lost her life, and couldn't live in the new castle!"

This was already a naked threat. Hyde frowned slightly. "...Raven was able to obtain so many benefits before, not just by luck. You want to take advantage of him. Do you think you are more powerful than the Count of Montreal?"

"It's none of your business." Gul'dan looked down at Hyde and gave him an ultimatum: "If you want to live your life well, keep your mouth shut!"

Hyde clenched his fists, but ultimately said nothing.

Seeing this, Gul'dan laughed, tightened the reins and galloped away.

Two days later.

Gul'dan and Hyde came to Eagle Keep, and Raven prepared a sumptuous banquet to entertain them.

The moment they saw the second-level magician certification badge on Raven's chest, Gul'dan and Hyde were stunned.

They didn't expect that Raven, who was only a first-level magician before, was promoted to the second level in just one year!
Especially Gul'dan, his sister Nancy is also a second-level magician, and has always been known as a genius. But even so, it took her three full years to be promoted from the first level to the second level!
Raven's talent was so good that it made him irritable.

Fortunately, both of them had seen the world and didn't stay stunned for too long. They all congratulated each other, but Hyde's congratulations were more sincere, while Gul'dan's words were a bit insincere.

After the greetings, Raven took the two of them to their seats.

The banquet was held at an extremely high standard, with great fanfare, and gave the two men sufficient face as representatives of the family. During the banquet, Gul'dan kept talking, commenting on the pros and cons of each dish, though most of his comments were disparaging, of course.

Hyde, on the other hand, was unusually quiet, and even gave Raven a suggestive look.

Facing Raven, who was only one year older than him, Hyde felt somewhat envious and jealous.

But compared to Gul'dan, Hyde has one advantage, that is, he is clear about his own abilities, and he also knows that his father's vision far exceeds his, so when facing Raven, he also follows the teachings of Earl Talon - to make friends, not enemies.

Seeing Hyde's eyes and Gul'dan's performance, Raven suddenly realized and made some preparations in his heart.

He was a little worried. He had just gained benefits from the Slater and Fox families before, so it was not easy to ask for too high a price this time. But since Gul'dan came with bad intentions, Raven didn't have to worry about it. He had already started sharpening the knife in his heart.

After finishing the dessert, Gul'dan said, "Baron Raeven's hospitality is thoughtful, but Eagle Keep is too small after all. We have many people under our command, so it is inconvenient to disturb you for too long. Let's get down to business."

"I want two thousand dollars of granite."

In fact, the reason why Gul'dan appeared here was at the instruction of Count Montreal. He was here to purchase granite and also to take the opportunity to get closer to Raven.

Before leaving, Montreal specifically asked Gul'dan to curb his arrogance.

But the more this happened, the more Gul'dan became rebellious - why should a mere Raven be taken so seriously?
If everything Raven obtained was just by luck, Gul'dan would not have done so. He knew that Raven gained his current status, power and reputation through his own strength, so he was even more hostile to Raven.

I can't do it, why can you?
Hearing Gul'dan's words, Raven sighed and said with embarrassment, "This... is a bit difficult to handle. Two thousand blocks of granite is the output of one and a half months. Now the granite supply is scheduled until August next year."

Gul'dan showed dissatisfaction: "Raven, don't forget how you got the Snow Maple Territory!"

Raven sneered in his heart. At that time, he and the Fox family could be said to have exchanged interests and each got what they needed. Why did it seem like a charity from the Fox family in Gul'dan's mouth?
"Oh, speaking of this, I have to thank Count Montreal." "I will try to change the order of the goods and strive to deliver them earlier."

Raven lowered his head, as if thinking.

Gul'dan smiled, turned his head and looked at Hyde provocatively, thinking to himself, you are just too timid. Look, now all I have to do is scare Raven and he will obey me, right?
But Raven's next words made his smile freeze on his face.

"Then, how about the end of July next year?"

Gul'dan's breathing became heavier.

The end of July? What’s the difference between that and August!? Isn’t it a year to wait?

There was a hint of anger in his words: "Is this how you repay the Fox family?"

Raven explained, "I respect the Fox family very much and know that your family would not do anything that violates the honor of the nobility. This is to preserve the reputation of your family."

"If you buy the granite in advance without paying anything, wouldn't people say that the Fox family is bullying the weak? I will never allow such a thing to happen!"

Gul'dan was furious. "What's the price?"

Raven knocked on the table.
"You have to pay more."

According to the current market price, a piece of granite costs as much as 17.6 gold coins, nearly three times the price before the war. Two thousand pieces would be nearly 35,000 gold coins.

If I add more money, I don’t know how much it will cost!
Gul'dan finally pulled out his trump card. He cleared his throat and said, "Lord Raven, your dedication to the development of the territory is indeed commendable, but don't forget that no matter how good the goods are, they still need to be shipped out to make money."

"The Nord Province has not been peaceful recently."

Facing Gul'dan's threat, Raven smiled and said, "You really hit the nail on the head. In order to ensure the safety of the goods, I have made some preparations."

As he spoke, Raven suddenly whistled, and with the sound of flapping wings, Xiaobai's huge body stood on the open window.

Gul'dan gasped. "Hippogryph?"

Then his eyes fell on Hyde.

Hippogryphs, especially those that can be ridden, are extremely rare. In the entire Nordic province, only the Slater family raises them on a large scale, but they should have been wiped out by now!
Where did Raven get it?

Hyde was also quite surprised: "Baron Raven, what is this horned hippogryph?"

"My mount, Xiaobai." Raven said with a smile, "I know the road is not peaceful now, but with Xiaobai here, I think we can avoid all kinds of troubles - don't you agree?"

This was of course a bluff. Raven himself would not give up his job as a lord and go out in the sun and wind to scout and lead the caravan. He would not let Xiaobai ride on others either.

In this era, having a flying mount is like owning a luxury car.

And Raven has always had a principle -

My car and my wife are not allowed to be lent out.

Although he had no car or wife in his previous life.

Gul'dan knew that a qualified hippogryph cavalryman could detect the enemy's movements from dozens of miles away and allow the caravan to evade them in advance.

The so-called trade route is the freight route with the lowest cost and the highest cost-effectiveness that merchants have blazed. If you really see an ambush, the worst that can happen is to take a detour. Although the cost is higher, it is better than being intercepted.

What's more, if forced into a corner, the caravan could enter the town to temporarily camp and hide.

No matter how powerful Gul'dan is, he would not dare to allow his subordinates to openly attack other lords' territories!
"...Very well, Raven, you are very well." Gul'dan gritted his teeth.

Raven said: "Thank you for the compliment, I am indeed very good."

Gul'dan was choked up and whispered, "Then how much money do you want in exchange for selling the granite to me?"

Raven said slowly, "I'm not trying to shirk my responsibility. As you know, granite is in short supply right now. The order for reservations has already been arranged."

"People like Viscount Titus of Cambrian County, Viscount Laluen of Seaside County, and Viscount Lancaster of Lanxia County are all waiting. In addition, there is also..."

Gul'dan had a headache after hearing the string of names. He asked impatiently, "Just tell me, if I want the goods within a month, how many gold coins do I need?"

The more anxious Gul'dan became, the calmer Raven became. He raised his fingers one by one, "Wages for lost work, compensation, compensation for loss of reputation, compensation for the mental damage caused by facing the criticism from every noble family..."

"A rough calculation shows that thirty point seventy-four gold coins will be enough. I'll round off the decimal point for you, so it'll be thirty gold coins a piece."

Two thousand pieces of granite, with a unit price of thirty gold coins, the total price is sixty thousand gold coins, which is nearly twice the market price!

Gul'dan's face flushed red. "Raven, why don't you go and rob?!"

"Oh, don't be so excited, Mr. Gul'dan." Raven spread his hands. "I'm not forcing you to take it now. You just need to order it in August next year according to the current market price. I promise to deliver it on time."

Gul'dan took a deep breath. If he was only at the second level, he might not even be able to defeat Eric. He would have taken action by now!

Yes, he could indeed wait another year, but did he have to wait for the sake of the Fox family's reputation?
The Earl's family not only lives by their strength, but also wants people to see that they have strength. This strength needs to be demonstrated at all times and in all aspects.

Everything we use must be the most expensive and the best, and the same thing must be obtained first.

Just like the Slater family, why did they have to give the position of Viscount to Hyde?
This is also a way to show muscle, showing that the Slater family has enough influence in the Nord province and in the eyes of the royal family!

But Gul'dan is the most arrogant and conceited person, and he will never allow the Fox family to fall behind.

Gul'dan was about to speak after a moment's thought, but Hyde, who had been silent all along, suddenly interrupted and said, "In that case, I need 3,500 pieces of granite. I will pay for it at 30 gold coins. Give it to me first, in cash."

One hundred thousand and five hundred gold coins.

Gul'dan glared at Hyde, but seeing Hyde's innocent eyes, Gul'dan could only take a deep breath and said, "Thirty is thirty, two thousand dollars."

"Okay." Raven nodded decisively: "Then the Fox family will be ranked after the Slater family."

Gul'dan was really angry, his voice cracked: "Why?"

"Because Viscount Hyde wants a higher quantity of goods." Raven said, "When doing business, we must speak the language of businessmen. This is the custom on the continent."

"...thirty-two gold coins." Gul'dan quoted the price again.

"Sorry, that still doesn't work," Raven said.

Gul'dan's forehead was bulging with veins. "You said that business should be conducted in the manner of a businessman. Why can't I offer a higher price than him?"

"But Viscount Hyde's total price is higher." Raven said confidently: "He bid 100,500 gold coins. Even if you bid 32, it would only be 64,000."

Gul'dan was speechless, clenched his fist and said, "Then, 52 gold coins per piece, total price 110,000, payable in cash!"

"Deal!" Raven clapped his hands, fearing that Gul'dan would go back on his word. "Someone, feed the young master some bread!"

"No, I'm drafting a contract for Master Gul'dan!"

At this time, Gul'dan's overheated brain gradually cooled down and he felt something was wrong.

what did I do?
Buying granite at three times the market price?
You know, the premium of granite is now more than three times the usual price. He spent more than nine times the price to buy two thousand pieces of granite!
One hundred and one hundred thousand gold coins... You know, the Fox family's annual net revenue is only more than three hundred thousand gold coins!

If it were someone else, he might have regretted it on the spot and not wanted to be taken advantage of, but he was Gul'dan, the most proud Gul'dan, and he couldn't bring himself to do it no matter what!
Therefore, he had no choice but to sign the contract with a gloomy face, and even ignored Raven's attempts to keep him, and immediately got up and left.

boom--

Hearing the sound of the door slamming, Raven looked at Hyde and they smiled at each other.

Hyde said, "Since I have helped you so much, can you please lower the price for me? After all, my viscountship is newly built, and I don't have much money to spend."

Raven shook his finger. "No, that won't work. Thirty gold coins, not a single one less. But I can accept payment in installments."

Hyde's face was a little gloomy. He really wanted to be friends with Raven, but Earl Tyrone had also taught him that one-sided enthusiasm could not be considered friendship. What Raven did was somewhat unkind.

With a pop, Raven opened a bottle of Angel's Tears and poured a glass for Hyde. "Although the price cannot be low, I can guarantee that you will receive the granite no later than Gul'dan."

"Oh?" Hyde's eyes lit up: "You said before that the output of granite is only more than a thousand pieces a month."

Raven's smile was meaningful: "If we don't do this, how can we raise the price?"

That’s right, the method Raven used was the famous hunger marketing before he traveled through time.

Granite is a stone material after all. Its collection does not require much technical skills, and the production capacity can be boosted by just a lot of manpower.

But Raven would never do such a thing as killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

There will always be insufficient production capacity and there will always be demand, so the products can be sold at a high price!

"Then I'll give you 50% of the payment first, and then settle the payment after the goods arrive." Since Raven's concession was enough, Hyde's grudges were gone.

"No problem." Raven's voice was lighthearted and cheerful.

Gul'dan's 110,000 cash and Hyde's 50,000 deposit add up to 160,000 gold coins.

Anyone who suddenly received so much money would be very happy, especially since Raven is short of gold coins and needs money in many places.

It’s like completing a big order right after taking out a car loan. Not only can you pay off the car loan, but you also have enough money left to choose a house. It’s so cool!

Picking up the wine glass and standing up, Hyde raised his glass to Raven from a distance: "You are truly a natural-born noble!"

Raven also raised his glass, then turned his head and looked out the window: "Hyde, what do you think that is?"

Hyde came closer and saw Gul'dan riding his warhorse in a daze, and he immediately smiled.

He felt as good as if he saw his conceited colleagues being beaten by society!

Raven shook his glass: "This guy looks like a dog."

……

(End of this chapter)