"If you cannot provide us with the OakHill barony, which other domain might you be willing to cede, Duke James? We have little interest in military engagements and would significantly prefer administrative responsibilities," Cervantez conceded, a hint of resignation in his voice as he acknowledged that their top priority, the Oakhill Barony, was currently out of reach.
"Why this fixation on administrative duties? I fail to comprehend your motives," Duke Jerome interjected, his brow furrowed in confusion. "If it is wealth you are after, I could offer each member of your guild a substantial salary, far surpassing what you might accumulate through bureaucratic roles, and spare you the myriad complexities that accompany such positions."
"May I interject, Duke?" Luke interposed, bridging the conversation between Duke James of the West and Cervantez with a respectful tone.
"By all means, Vice Guildmaster," Duke James granted, nodding slightly as Luke exchanged a reassuring glance with Cervantez, blinking twice to signal his confidence in handling the negotiations from here on out.
"Our preference for administrative over military roles stems from a desire to expand our guild's influence alongside nurturing the assigned territory. We envision establishing a robust operational base, diversified not solely in martial endeavors but also in commerce, trade, and other varied sectors," Luke explained, his voice steady and persuasive.
"By assuming administrative control of a barony, we aim to erect an academy not only for drafting and training baronial soldiers but also for cultivating our guild's members and private forces. This dual-purpose institution would serve as the cornerstone of our future ambitions, providing us with a stable platform to foster both our guild and the region's prosperity."
"Moreover, we are committed to a symbiotic relationship with the locality, enhancing life there as we fortify our own position," Luke continued, his explanation resonating with an air of sincerity, albeit deviating from Cervantez's original intentions.
"Hence, if we can be granted administrative rights over a region rather than a military contract, it's our understanding that we will be able to develop our guild better and it shall align better with our future ambitions.
However, we would also not neglect the local life, turning this into a win-win for both parties involved," Luke said, concluding his speech as Cervantez gave him a wide grin.
The reason given by Luke was far from the truth, however, it sure sounded convincing to hear.
Duke James, feeling impressed by this answer, remarked warmly, "No wonder my son holds you in such high regard, Knight Skylion." To which Luke responded with a modest bow, appreciating the compliment.
"I believe we should award them a barony, Father. Even if their primary role is administrative, we can still summon their forces in times of conflict. They would be Oath and Contract bound to support our duchy's defenses in times of need," Jerome advocated, earnestly persuading his father to endorse the proposal.
"A visionary leader accompanied by a skilled deputy—indeed, the prospects of the DarkSky Guild appear promising," Duke James mused, his gaze thoughtful as he contemplated an appropriate barony to assign for their administration.
"What about the Wheat Fields barony?" he suggested tentatively. "It's a smaller domain, lacking significant industries, yet is abundant in manpower, which could align well with your developmental plans, provided you are willing to invest in the necessary infrastructure."
However, Cervantez promptly dismissed the idea. The Wheat Fields barony, under the stringent tax regulations of the duchy concerning agricultural produce, generated minimal revenue.
Assuming control over such a financially stunted territory would require years to cultivate into an economically viable state—years that they simply did not have.
Cervantez paused, his mind racing as he swiftly recalibrated their strategy.
He knew that the success of their guild hinged not just on administrative control but on securing a territory that offered both economic potential and strategic value, which was why he fancied his shot with the Silverpine Barony, a region known for its rich mines and bustling trade routes.
Unlike the Wheat Fields, Silverpine had the infrastructure and resources that could immediately bolster their guild's coffers and influence and it was a territory which could be defended properly when the major war broke out.
"Your Grace, might I propose an alternative?" Cervantez began, his tone measured yet confident. "The Silverpine Barony offers both the resources and the strategic location essential for our plans. It boasts active silver mines and is situated on key trade routes that connect several major cities.
Administering Silverpine would not only ensure a rapid growth in our guild's wealth but also allow us to significantly contribute to the region's prosperity."
Duke James raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the shift in discussion. "Silverpine, you say? It is indeed a valuable territory, but it's also crucial to our duchy's economy. What guarantees can you offer that the prosperity we currently enjoy from Silverpine will not only continue but expand under your administration?"
Cervantez nodded, understanding the Duke's concerns. "We are prepared to invest heavily in the local infrastructure and expand the existing mining operations. Furthermore, by improving the trade routes and increasing security, we can enhance commerce, which will lead to an increase in revenue not just for our guild but for the entire duchy.
We would also maintain and possibly increase the current tax contributions to the duchy's treasury."
Duke James considered this, turning to his son Jerome for his input.
Jerome nodded as he thought that the proposal made by Cervantez was very fair. When a guild entered an administrative agreement with a territory, the guild became the 'Lord' of the territory, however, it also came with significant responsibilities.
According to the Empire's laws, if it was detected that the guild did not properly administer the territory, then they could be stripped off the lordship and forced to pay heavy penalties, with the top management facing criminal charges.
Plus, an administrative agreement came with a defacto military understanding which made the Barony liable to answer any war calls if the situation demanded it.
Under such circumstances where the administrative rights of the guild could be stripped away by the Duchy at will, they really did not have much to lose by trusting the DarkSky guild for once and letting them prove their worth.
"It sounds like a promising venture, Father. With the DarkSky guild's commitment, Silverpine could indeed thrive more than it currently does." Jerome said, supporting his dear friend Skylion in his future endeavors, as Luke flashed him a thankful smile for the support.
After a moment of contemplation, Duke James leaned forward, offering a decisive nod. "Very well, Guildmaster DarkEmperor, we will grant you administrative rights over the Silverpine Barony. Let this be a test of your guild's capabilities and commitment to our duchy. Should you succeed in enhancing Silverpine's prosperity, it will prove beneficial for all involved."
Cervantez bowed deeply, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Thank you, Your Grace. We will not disappoint."
"Indeed I hope you don't…. Let's discuss the specifics later though, there are already too many ears trying to discern the details of our private conversation" Duke James said, as he tacitly stopped Cervantez from discussing anything more in this setting.
Cervantez smiled at the Duke and slowly took his leave alongside Luke as he had already accomplished his goal from this Royal Gala.
While the guild could not get their hands on the Oakhill Barony which was their first priority, they did get the second best Barony afterwards in the Silverpine Barony.
While the silver mines in the region were slightly harder to expand, Cervantez felt that with the right increase in manpower mixed with the surge in silver demand during times of war, the guild could definitely fulfill all their ambitions with proper management of Silverpine Barony as well.
"Well done Luke. You and I make for a great team. Without you having coaxed Jerome months ago and your timely explanation about why we want administrative rights, this deal would have genuinely fallen through...
Your quick thinking is what saved us today" Cervantez said, feeling extremely proud of Luke as he gave him a double thumbs up.
"Of course, DarkSky is my guild too. I'm the vice guild master after all" Luke said, as Cervantez's grin only widened listening to these words.
Of all the members he recruited, only Luke was the one who did not fail him so far.
Not only did he manage to foster a healthy relationship with Jerome and end up top of the class in knight's academy, he also managed to qualify up till the quarterfinals of the guild and help enhance the social image of the guild on the forums.
There were many things that Cervantez wished to control in his second life but failed to achieve.
Even with his future knowledge there were many events that did not play out how he hoped they would, however, his appointment of Luke to the position of the Vice Guild Master was not one of them.
Feeling as if it was the best decision that he could have made, Cervantez felt extremely satisfied with Luke and his development within the game so far.
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/// A/N - Yayy! We have finally hit the 200 chapter mark! Let's go guys! ///