King Bernault smiled, this time more genuinely. "You're right, you're right. Soltera doesn't have a large army. There are only ten thousand soldiers in the palace, but I've been working with Jones for security. He supported me in becoming King and helped win the civil war. Jones has seven thousand tough men, but they're difficult to control. That's why I'm considering recruiting new soldiers."
Nico nodded slowly, pondering for a moment before speaking. "Recruiting new soldiers will increase expenditures and drain Your Majesty's treasury. In my opinion, if you want to deploy troops to the southern region near the mountains, it's better to send the soldiers already stationed in the city, along with the Black Tiger bandits. For now, Soltera is very safe. This way, the threat from Mr. Jones can also be reduced."
King Bernault was silent for a moment, then laughed. "Ah, Mr. Tang, you truly are a clever thinker. Let's drink to celebrate this!"
He raised his glass, inviting everyone in the room to toast.
As Nico prepared to leave the palace, his steps were halted by the deep voice of King Bernault.
"Mr. Tang, before you go, allow me to introduce my daughter, Viola."
Nico stopped, turning around with a curious expression. Before him stood a young woman in an elegant gown, her hair cascading beautifully. However, her face caused Nico to freeze for a moment. It was her. The memory of that night surfaced—the injured woman Malik had brought to his home was apparently a princess. Viola, King Bernault's daughter. But why had she run away? Was she searching for her brother? Questions hung in Nico's mind, causing his thoughts to wander.
"Nico," called King Bernault, breaking his reverie.
"Ah, my apologies, Your Majesty," Nico said, smiling and bowing respectfully. "Your daughter is truly beautiful. It's no wonder King Bernault is always surrounded by stunning women."
King Bernault laughed, his deep voice resonating in the room. "You flatter me, Mr. Tang. I've heard that your child is a very successful merchant. Is that true?"
Nico nodded, glancing at Sana, who stood calmly by his side. "Yes, Your Majesty. She inherited her mother's traits—always hardworking and smart in business."
"I see. Sometimes men like us can only marvel at the beauty and intelligence of the women around us," said Bernault, laughing again, this time placing his hand on the shoulder of one of his wives, who wore dazzling jewelry.
After some more pleasantries, Nico and Sana bid farewell to the palace. In the carriage moving slowly, Nico leaned back, glancing at Sana, who was admiring the view outside.
"Sana, you were amazing today," he said, breaking the silence. "I almost didn't recognize you."
Sana turned, her expression shifting to a slight pout. "Are you calling me old, Nico?"
"No. I'm just saying you're... more mature than me," Nico smiled, trying to tease her.
"Don't forget, I'm only a few years older than you," Sana retorted, letting out a small huff.
Nico chuckled lightly, then looked straight ahead. "The relationship with the King is going well. With the bandits too. Now it's time for us to make more money and gather information. I just hope King Bernault clashes with Siferia soon before he decides to move his troops to the Kashgar Mountains. All the fortresses built by the Emperor must be ready before the great battle arrives."
Two years passed. Everything progressed smoothly. The Tang family business thrived rapidly until news of a new empire in the Kashgar Mountains shook the entire region. A new emperor had risen, wielding enough power to challenge Soltera's stability. This information reached King Bernault's ears, prompting him to summon his advisors to deliberate on the next steps.
Meanwhile, Nico's business reached its peak. His food store became a center of attention, with the people of Soltera crowding eagerly to obtain affordable provisions. However, a commotion arose outside—the food stocks were nearly depleted, and new supplies had not yet arrived.
Nico stepped out of his shop, standing before the crowd. "People of Soltera," he called out in a clear voice, "I want you to know something. The cheap food coming from the south—it originates from the Kashgar Empire. However, they have temporarily halted their supplies. Their emperor has implemented a new policy: all transactions must be conducted using Kashgar currency."
The crowd stirred, worry evident on many faces. Nico raised his hand, signaling for calm. "But do not worry. The Tang family's pawnshop and loan house have stored more than 100,000 Kashgar coins. I promise, no one in Soltera will go hungry."
His words were met with cheers. Among the crowd, King Bernault's name was hailed as a hero, though the truth was that it was all part of Nico's scheme. In the palace, this news reached King Bernault, who merely smiled with satisfaction.
"Nico," the King murmured, "you truly know how to win the people's hearts."
But the game was far from over. Nico knew that elevating the King's name was a strategic move for a larger conversation: adopting the Kashgar currency in Soltera. The conflict with Siferia and Riveria seemed inevitable due to this new currency, but Nico had other plans. In a world brimming with intrigue, he needed to be smarter, faster, and more tactical to secure Soltera's future.
As Nico prepared to leave the building to meet Jones, a carriage stopped at his doorstep. From it descended Sani, his confident smile catching Nico off guard.
"Mr. Sani," Nico greeted with a raised eyebrow. "What brings you here unannounced? Had I known, I would have prepared a more fitting welcome."
Sani offered a slight smile, exuding his characteristic grace. "Thank you, Mr. Tang. I won't take much of your time. I know you're busy, so I'll get straight to the point. I bring a message from King Bernault." He handed Nico a letter bearing the royal seal and continued, "The King has learned about the currency change in the Kashgar Empire affecting food trade. He fully supports your decision to use their currency. Goods from Kashgar are far cheaper than those from Siferia or Riveria, so the King permits you to continue this arrangement without needing to consult him further. Furthermore, the King plans to make you part of the royal family. He hopes you will bring your son to Princess Viola's event at the palace next week."
Nico carefully read the letter, his smile slowly widening. "King Bernault is indeed remarkably generous. Please convey my deepest gratitude to him. As a token of my respect, take this." Nico gestured to one of his servants, who promptly brought out a red silk garment adorned with gold threads to present to Sani.
Sani nodded politely. "Thank you, Mr. Tang. I shall take my leave." With that, he returned to his carriage and departed.