Chapter Five: Family Matters

  "Right." At this time, Raymond seemed to remember something and clapped his hands: "Originally I thought that the Haidington guard team helped us eliminate the bandits, and they should also have a share of the spoils. But the three of you are so noble that you don't want anything that doesn't belong to you, so please return that share of the spoils to me, and I'll help you deal with it properly."

  Unexpectedly, they suddenly found themselves in a difficult situation, but instead of being overwhelmed by Raymond, they were outmaneuvered by him. Now facing Raymond's "reasonable" demands, the three Lamberts looked at each other in dismay, with a hint of desperation creeping in.

  Having seen the reactions of the three people, Raymond couldn't help but laugh and turned around to leave.

  "Mr. Raymond, wait a minute, that's not what we meant." Charlotte was in a hurry to catch up and explain, but looking at the three Lamberts' gloomy faces, she hesitated and stayed behind instead.

  Upon hearing Charlotte's words, Raymond waved his hand without looking back: "No problem, please send that batch of spoils to me as soon as possible."

  "Also, I will wait for Mr. Lambert's list of missing items."

  "This...this guy!" The originally confident Lambert was heavily defeated and was so angry that he almost spat out blood.

  Watching Raymond walk away with big strides, Charlotte couldn't help but blame: "Mr. Lambert, why did you do this behind my back?"

  Fan Ning hummed: "Town head, we are just helping you get back what originally belonged to Haidington."

  "Didn't we already decide not to pursue the ownership of those spoils of war?" Morante interrupted.

  "Don't be fooled by that little brat, he embezzled what belongs to us and then uses the money to pretend to be a good person in front of us, don't you think this is too shameless?"

  "That's right, these people coming to Headington is a complete disaster... Cough cough cough." Lambert said with a pained expression, clutching his chest.

  Raymond had helped Hayderton get rid of the robbers just a few days ago, but now he was being called a disaster. The Lambert trio's sudden change of heart was ruthless, and even Charlotte was left staring in shock.

  She said solemnly: "I have already declared the covenant with them in front of all the residents, for long-term consideration, so please don't say that again."

  "Hmph, don't you understand that we're doing this for the sake of Haidingtown's future?" Depelo snorted.

  "Your experience is indeed insufficient, and you've been blinded by that little brat's small favor."

  "It seems that letting you be the town head was a wrong decision after all."

  Fan Ning and Lambert shook their heads in unison.

  As they spoke, the three of them completely ignored Charlotte's reaction and left directly.

  "It's really too much. When Haiton was facing a crisis and on the verge of collapse, none of them dared to take responsibility, but instead pushed you into the position of mayor, while retaining their own power under the name of some committee."

  "After the bandits were cleared, they indeed began to stir up trouble. It seems that now even you want to drive me away, which is simply burning the bridge after crossing the river." Morini said indignantly.

  "Never mind." Charlotte let out a somewhat tired sigh: "I believe Mr. Morant and the others had good intentions, although their methods were wrong. Now that we've finally driven away the robbers, I need your help to revive Haidington, it's really not the time for such pointless arguments."

  "Mayor, but they..." Morini said hastily.

  "Let's just forget about what happened earlier, okay?" Charlotte said wearily, waving her hand, and Morini had no choice but to shut up.

  However, Morini did not see the anger that was being forcibly suppressed in the eyes of this strong woman...

  Manas Island, a small island that was unknown 10 years ago, suspended between the Mozhina and Veronica continents' sea area, is now almost as famous among smugglers, black market traders and pirates as the notorious Freeport Black Market of the Mozhina continent.

  On this isolated island of about 30 square kilometers, Reed has turned it into a thriving trading city after years of hard work.

  The entire island has two fully equipped docks, which are always filled with merchant ships from all over the world. The island is home to residential areas, hotels, hospitals, warehouses, various shops and workshops, as well as a huge market, with complete facilities, and the daily flow of goods and money is an astronomical figure that makes one's jaw drop.

  With this small island as its center, Reid, who is devoted to overseas trade, is gradually stretching the tentacles of the Lovell Merchant Association to various places.

  At this moment, in Reid's villa built on the top of the mountain in the center of the island, he was listening to Javier's report about Haidington.

  "Did it only take one night?" Upon learning that Raymond had cleared out the bandits outside of Haidington in just a single night, Reed couldn't help but laugh: "I originally introduced him with just a try-it-out attitude, but his performance really exceeded my expectations."

  "Yes." Javier nodded: "And their military strength is only half that of the bandits, with extremely minor losses. This point really leaves a deep impression."

  "But..." he went on, "I've found that the people of Haddington Town Committee seem to be very dissatisfied with Raymond, and maybe something will happen in the future."

  "It doesn't matter, that's not what we should be considering." Reid said nonchalantly: "If he can't even make a name for himself in Haidingtown, then it's not worth our attention either."

  "So you have agreed to send a fleet and establish trade with Haidington?" Javier asked.

  Ried nodded: "Of course, my original intention has been achieved. Now I don't have to personally intervene in the internal affairs of the Lavity Federation, and I can bring Haidington into our Chamber of Commerce's trade circle, thereby gaining a foothold on the Veronika continent."

  "Hmph, now I really want to see the looks on those guys' faces in the Ravelt Federation."

  As he spoke, Reed turned to Emile beside him and said: "Go and investigate the geographical location of Haidington and its surrounding trading towns, their special products, production capacity, population size and other information. Also draft a plan for me, I want to know how many ships we should send, what products to trade with them, and how to maximize our profits, as well as how to develop this trade route in the future."

  Emil was a man personally groomed by Reed, and these pioneering trade routes were an essential quality for a qualified businessman. Seeing Reed entrust such an important matter to himself, young Emil's eyes couldn't help but reveal excitement.

  Reid then said to Javier: "After the fleet is ready, you can follow them to Headington."

  Javier hesitated: "Is there anything else you want me to do?"

  Rid said: "From now on, we will take Haiton as the center and gradually penetrate the trade line into the continent of Veronika, so a person in charge is needed over there."

  Javier said incredulously, "You mean you want me to take charge of this trade route?"

  Reid nodded: "Yes, you've followed me for so long, it's time to give you a chance to prove yourself. I think you're the right person."

  When Javier heard this, he couldn't help but feel greatly excited. To be in charge of opening up a new trade route was the greatest honor and test that could be given to a merchant. It was also how Reed had risen to fame, starting from opening up the trade route on the Ice Plateau.

  Now in his 50s, he can still get such an opportunity, how can he not be excited. And Emil was surprised, and then showed undisguised disappointment.

  After Javier left excitedly, Reed suddenly said: "Emil, are you very disappointed?"

  He didn't think that his expression at that moment would be seen through by Reed, and Emile was shocked: "You... did you see it?"

  Ride smiled and shook his head, his eyes full of affection for the young man: "Observe, I've said it many times before, always pay attention to everything around you. If you want to be a qualified businessman, this is an essential point."

  "Yes, I remember." Emile lowered his head, but he couldn't help adding: "But I don't understand why you want to give that trade route to Javier?"

  "Do you think he's unsuitable?"

  Emil shook his head: "No... it's just that for so many years, he has only been doing some trivial small things for you, although he has been promoted to his current position step by step, but before that, he had never been in charge of such an important thing, so..."

  At this point, Emil raised his head and said: "I think I'm the right person."

  Ried shook his head: "Emil, although Javier may not be as talented as you, but after so many years of struggling outside, he has gained the most important thing - experience."

  "With Haidinton as our backing, we will gradually infiltrate our business circle into the Veronica continent. To be honest, I'm not sure if it will succeed either. And in the early stages of development, it will be a long and tedious process that requires enough patience to do a lot of work, which is exactly what Javier's experience is needed for."

  "But didn't you also leave the preparations for this time to me?" Emil said discontentedly.

  "You are the most promising successor I have ever seen, with extremely high talent, but at the same time, you also have the common shortcomings of young people, being arrogant, impatient, and having a strong adventurous spirit. All of these need to be ground down slowly over time. So what you need now is to continue learning from me, gradually accumulating experience."

  "Believe me, you're still young and have plenty of time. Your future achievements will definitely surpass mine."

  Ried said so, Emile had no choice but to say: "I understand. However, sir, can that person named Raymond really make us feel at ease?"

  "Oh, what does it mean?" Reed raised an eyebrow slightly.

  Emil said, "Although he is relying on you to stay in Haidington, after all, it is within the sphere of influence of the Lavierte Federation. If Lavierte puts pressure or offers benefits, it's hard to guarantee that he won't go back on our agreement and defect to the other side."

  Rid smiled and let out a gentle sigh: "I will never misjudge someone, Raymond has ambition, he has skills, definitely not the kind of person who would submit to the Lavierte Federation."

  As he spoke, he stood up and walked slowly to the window, saying: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The days of hiding from the Lavite Federation and secretly doing business on the Veronika continent are finally over. With Haidington, we can gradually expand our influence on the Veronika continent."

  "So, we must fully support Raymond, no matter what he wants, give it to him at a favorable price. This seed that was planted unintentionally has already begun to take root and sprout, as long as it is nurtured properly, it will definitely bear sweet fruit for us in the future."

  It's unlikely that anyone would have thought that this businessman, who grew from a small merchant to a giant, is now using his wealth as a weapon to compete for control of a continent in the trade arena. His vision is far-reaching, and his talent is no less than that of a first-rate strategist.

  And Emil gazed at this idol of his, who was both teacher and father to him, with undisguised adoration.

  Just then, he suddenly seemed to remember something and hastily said: "Right, Your Excellency, the lady has sent a message through someone."

  "What?" But as soon as he heard this, Reed, who had been intimidating just a moment before, was now completely flustered.

  "What...what did she say?"

  "Madam wants you to send her money as soon as possible, this time three times more than last time."

  Lide covered his forehead with one hand: "What's wrong this time?"

  Emile also looked distressed: "Uh... I heard that the product Mrs. Terid made at a great cost this time didn't sell out, and another facility was blown up. Moreover, her guild has newly recruited a batch of mages who urgently need money to cultivate, and also because of the Ice Frozen Highlands and the Beastman War, various raw materials have risen in price..."

  "Alright, don't say any more." Ried interrupted him helplessly: "Sigh, it's always the same excuses. Ever since she established the guild, she has been cultivating new people at all costs. In fact, this guild is basically being supported by me... no, it should be said that it's being supported by the territory's money. Fortunately, Lord Territory doesn't mind."

  "But why would Lord Master be so indulgent towards his wife?" Emile asked in puzzlement.

  Ride let out a deep sigh and said, "You don't know, but actually since my father-in-law's time, the father-daughter duo has been manipulating the lord, it's a terrifying inheritance."

  "So... is it refused?" Emile ventured.

  "Impossible! I don't dare, do you?"

  As soon as this was said, it seemed to recall something extremely frightening, Emil's face turned pale in an instant, and he hastily shook his head.

  "Alright, let's just go with what she said and add double the amount to send over. Sigh, hopefully this time it'll last her a bit longer."

  "Alright, I'll go and do it." Hearing Ried's generosity, Emile couldn't help but stick out his tongue.

  To know, the amount of money that the lady took away last time was enough for a noble to live comfortably for several years. This time she asked for three times as much, and Lord Reed generously added another double, and that number would absolutely make anyone's eyes widen in amazement.

  Such a huge sum, even the four major merchant guilds would have to weigh it carefully. Now, only the wealthy and arrogant Lovell Merchant Guild can take out this huge sum of money as if nothing had happened.

  "Wait." Reid stopped him: "I'll write her a letter myself. I've been away for years, and as a mother, she has no sense of responsibility at all. She's never home, leaving her daughter in the territory to be taken care of by that even more unreliable grandfather. Heaven knows what kind of bad influence she'll get, sigh... it's really worrying me to death..."

  Looking at Reed's murmuring appearance, worrying about his family, Emile couldn't help but think that perhaps all the big shots have an unknown side like this...