Chapter 512 (1/2)

Chapter 512: An Old Friend and a New Friend

Translator: TransN Editor: TransN

There was no doubt that King’s City was a huge treasure trove.

Although it was a rather backward city, and those magnificent buildings meant nothing in Roland’s eyes, it was still the most brilliant pearl in the Kingdom of Graycastle.

In terms of population, the number of noblemen here far exceeded that of other cities—the first thing anyone who lost their rank and land would do was to come to King’s City to seek new opportunities. If landless nobles and knights canonized by the royalty were counted, then the population was even bigger. For example, nearly 20% of the citizens in the Inner City were noblemen. Most of them received primary education and could read and write, making them all potential officials who deserved training in Roland’s eyes. After all, without land and property, they would not resist the new policy too much, and their excellent insight would allow them to accept new things quicker.

In terms of industries, King’s City also hosted the best men of all trades. Besides the merchant and craftsmen unions, it also had the biggest alchemist association and the only astrologer association. Roland coveted these talents and summoned Barov and Kyle Sichi to utilize these men as much as possible.

In terms of wealth, the value of all the collections in the palace was ten times that of Duke Ryan, with gold royals, jewelry, and golden handicrafts filling up several storehouses. This, combined with the properties of the other ministers who fell from power along with Timothy, totaled an astonishing number. If their properties were all confiscated, then the City of Neverwinter would be well taken care of for two or three years. However, Roland did not plan to take away all of the treasures, since it would waste too much time. Besides, he would need a lot of wealth to take over King’s City and maintain its stability. Neither keeping the money stacked up in the basement nor using it freely was meaningful, so it was best to circulate it.

If possible, Roland would love to spend half a year to process all these resources. But compared with King’s City, which lay far in the middle, it was more important to take Fallen Dragon Ridge and the Southernmost Region, which lay next to the Western Region.

Soon after Iron Axe left, one guard reported, “Your Majesty, outside the palace, a businesswoman called Margaret wants to see you.”

Roland’s eyes lit up. “Bring her to me.”

When the businesswoman walked into the hall, he smiled and arose from his seat to welcome her. “We finally meet again.”

“I didn’t expect we would meet in the palace of the Kingdom of Graycastle this time.” Margaret raised her hem and curtseyed to Roland. “You always surprise me, Your Highness… no, now I should call you Your Majesty.”

“It doesn’t matter, the enthronement hasn’t been held, so I’m not the king yet.” Roland waved his hands.

“You’re not anxious about this, and you do behave in a kingly way.” Margaret covered her mouth and smiled. “From now on, there will be business opportunities everywhere in King’s City. As an old friend, you should take more care of me.”

“Of course, even if you didn’t come to me, I’d find you.” He laughed openly. “You may not know this, but Border Town and Longsong Stronghold are going to be integrated into one big city. The steam engine company has opened several more production lines, and the yield will triple. It’ll also produce more new commodities, and I promise they’ll be unparalleled in the Four Kingdoms.”

“I’ve already seen how creative you can be, so we can talk about these things later in great detail.” Margaret nodded. “But that’s not why I’m here today. I want to ask another favor from you.”

“Oh?” Roland asked with great interest. “Tell me.”

“Could… we move to another place to talk?” she glanced around the room and asked quietly.

“If the Chamber of Commerce’s financial resources can’t solve this problem, and now we have to be secretive about it… Has she really encountered so much trouble?” The prince thought for a moment. “Then let’s go to my study.”