Aurgoth. The nation was built upon the most blessed land there was in Ervilia. There were rich ores of minerals, gold, magic crystals, exotic gems, and other magical metals scattered across the region. Moreover, the soil was fertile- capable of producing at least 10% more crops from the same area of land compared to other nations.

Furthermore, the country bordered three of the other major Kingdoms- Nemphis, Northguard and Darkshore. It was also connected to many of the tier 1 Kingdoms, either directly through its borders, or through the Great Sea at the South. It’s geographical position made it a natural and central hub for trade.

But the ones who drove its vibrant academy was none other than its population. Aurgoth contained the largest population in the Confederation. And the government is active when it comes to supporting to their citizens. This support made the lives of the citizens more prosperous and hence, they were able to give more taxes. The government again used the tax to make the livelihoods of the general people even better. This continuous cycle made Aurgoth the country with the greatest per capita income and the best living standards.

The capital, Aurlith, was a glaring example. Even though the other cities were not on par with Aurlith, it was of no doubt they fared better than cities of the other countries. Some of the major cities might even be on par with the other capitals.

But Aurgoth had one great weakness- their magic crystal reserves. Though they mined out quite a lot of magic crystals every year- it fell short compared to the other three major nations. Hence, it had the least powerful military and circler force.

But that did not matter at all for the Royal family since they were the ones who controlled the circulation of magic crystals inside the country. The royal circlers were a force to be a reckoned with.

And the one spearheading that force was none other than the man sitting in front of Adrian- a war hero, a tier 5 talent, a level 9 circler, a mighty king with powerful sovereign’s aura.

“Is that so?” The man’s face did not flinch, even by a bit. “It is not surprising considering that the borders in the Confederation are open and anyone can migrate freely.”

“Of course.” Adrian laughed. “The Confederation was formed by our ancestors to create cooperation and solidarity among the member nations.”

“Indeed.” The man nodded. “Let’s get straight to the point. Why are you here?”

“For the very reason the Confederation was founded, of course.” Adrian smiled. “We need your cooperation.”

The king squinted. “The Queen is too young. She should wait for another decade.”

“You are not the one to decide that.” Adrian shook his head. “I… ahem… her Majesty, Queen Evelyn Greatwoods is.”

“Hmph!” The man snorted. “We are going through a ‘thunder year’- we can’t spare enough grains.”

“Of course I am aware of that.” The smile on his face grew wider. He guided his right hand into his coat, and brought a folded piece of paper. “That’s all what we need.”

The king further furrowed his brows before taking the off-white coloured paper and unfolded it.

There was a long list cited on the parchment. The middle aged man’s nonchalant face twisted the more he rolled his eyes down and went through the list.

“Preposterous!” The king slammed both of his fists on the table, but the archaic table was barely affected. He subconsciously released his aura again. The list was already as good as destroyed. “Do you think it’s a joke?!”

Adrian was utterly nonchalant at the outbreak of the other party and also the ‘strong’ aura that was pressing down on him.

“Calm down, your majesty.” Adrian said. “We are not asking for too much?”

“This is not too much?!” The man hurled the torn and balled piece of paper on the table. It bounced off the wood and scraped through Adrian’s right ear.

Adrian’s face had that same gentle smile plastered on it, head was unmoved from the original position.

“Why? A lion’s share of every kingdom’s resource are spent on the military. And Aurgoth barely has a militia, let alone a military.” He smirked. “You ‘don’t’ even ‘need’ one. I am sure you can spare at least this much from your bountiful reserves.”

“And what if I don’t?” King Leopold scowled.

“You already know the answer, don’t you?” His smirk turned into a grin.

The man clenched both of his fists hard underneath the table.

“50%.” He said. “I can give you half of what everything you’ve asked for.”

“80%.” Adrian tapped on the table.

“65%.”

“And both of your daughters.”

“WHAT?!”

“I apologise.” He smiled. “You are trying so much not to get detached from you wealth, I thought you are saving them to marry of your daughters. So, why don’t you just give them to me?”

The man gritted his teeth. “75%. I can’t go any higher than that.”

“Fine.” Adrian brought out another paper from inside his coat pocket. But this time, it was a scroll.

King Leopold took the scroll and opened it. It was a contract. He looked at the numbers and his face grimaced to the point of tearing his own skin apart.

The quantities stated were the exact 75% of what was written on that list. He had played right into the youngster’s hands.

Little did he know that Adrian had 5 more scrolls arranged in his pocket- with different percentages of quantities of course.

Adrian brought forth a pen from his pocket and put it on the table.

The king reluctantly took the pen and signed. Later, he took out a seal from underneath his own robes and stamped the royal seal on the paper.

“Thank you!” Adrian took the paper and began to roll it back. “It has been a pleasure doing business with you.” He smiled.

“Hmph!”

“Seems like I have overstayed my welcome.” The Royal advisor stood up. “I will take my leave then.”

The king remain seated as Adrian left the room.

He kept sitting for ten whole minutes. Finally, he opened his mouth- uttering one single word in the seemingly empty room.

“Viper.”