In the Carson family's expansive fiefdom, within the opulent confines of their sprawling manor, Galen sat in the grand reception hall, patiently awaiting the arrival of his hosts.
The manor's architectural style, much like that of Stromgarde itself, echoed the grandeur of the ancient Arathor Empire, a legacy stretching back a thousand years. The exterior was characterized by its simple, unadorned elegance, while the interior was designed to be bright, spacious, and comfortable. The primary building materials consisted of carefully selected, minimally processed century-old logs, and massive stones, meticulously chiseled into precise, rectangular blocks.
Standing behind Galen, their presence conveying a sense of quiet authority, were Gandalf, Omar, and Kimir Carson. Varokal, Fardel, and Flar, meanwhile, were overseeing the establishment of the army's encampment on the grounds outside the manor.
Kimir, the young heir to the Carson family, was diligently directing the manor's servants, ensuring that everything was in order to properly receive His Royal Highness the Prince.
Galen and his entourage had departed from Stromgarde and arrived at Carson Manor in the late afternoon. The manor was abuzz with activity, as preparations were underway to transform the grand banquet hall into a fitting venue for a welcoming feast in Galen's honor. Galen, noting that there was still some time before the banquet and that some of the invited nobles were still en route, had suggested that the heads of the Dabyrie, Newall, and Carson families gather in the reception hall for a preliminary discussion.
Before long, Earl Dabyrie, Viscount Newall, and Viscount Carson entered the reception hall together. The three nobles had arrived at the manor ahead of the main party, utilizing a portal conjured by the powerful Earl Dabyrie after Galen's army establishment ceremony. Upon their arrival, Baron Carson had immediately begun overseeing the arrangements for the evening's grand banquet.
The nobility of the Kingdom of Stromgarde, Galen knew, could be broadly categorized into two distinct groups.
The first group consisted of the first-generation nobles, whose lineage traced back to the time of the Arathor Empire, a thousand years prior. Their ancestors had been granted their titles and lands by Emperor Thoradin Trollbane himself, and they were true nobles in every sense of the word, possessing significant power, extensive territories, and their own private armies.
After the Trollbane family ascended to the throne, the most powerful among these first-generation nobles was the Marquis of Northford, whose family held dominion over the rich and fertile lands of Northford Farm, a region of immense agricultural importance.
The second group comprised the nobles ennobled by the Trollbane royal family in the aftermath of the Arathor Empire's fragmentation. Following the empire's collapse, most of the lords had migrated to the more prosperous northern regions, leaving the southern continent, including the Arathi Highlands, largely deserted. The last surviving scion of the Trollbane bloodline had journeyed south, eventually establishing a new kingdom in the verdant Deadwood Forest.
The Arathi Highlands, however, were not entirely abandoned. A small but resilient population remained in Stromgarde, clinging to their ancestral home. At that time, the commander of the Stromgarde Guard, a distinguished general of the Arathi Empire named Duke Trollbane, refused to abandon the land. He vowed to protect Stromgarde and its remaining inhabitants. Many of the warriors under his command shared his resolve and chose to remain, pledging their loyalty to the Trollbane family.
It was from this core of loyal warriors and determined survivors that the new kingdom of Stromgarde was born. To repopulate the depopulated land and solidify the Trollbane family's rule, a new wave of land grants and title bestowals was initiated. Earl Dabyrie, Viscount Newall, and other newly ennobled lords, primarily wealthy landowners, rallied under the banner of the Trollbanes, becoming the pillars of the newly established Kingdom of Stromgarde.
It was this history that Galen considered as he awaited the arrival of the three nobles. The Dabyrie family, in particular, had a long and unwavering history of loyalty to the royal family. This steadfast allegiance was a key factor in Galen's decision to seek their cooperation in developing the mines.
Had Galen chosen to approach the Marquis of Northford instead, he knew that he would have faced not only the vehement opposition of his father, King Thoras, but also the wrath of his ancestors. The very stones of the Trollbane family crypts would have trembled, and the spirits of his forefathers would have risen from their graves to throttle their unfilial descendant.
In this era, the king was essentially the most powerful among the nobles, a position of authority and respect that earned him the additional title of "king." He was, in essence, the first among equals, the leader of a coalition of powerful lords.
The Trollbane family of the Kingdom of Stromgarde had, over generations, consolidated their power, gradually eclipsing even the influence of the first-generation nobles like the Northfords.
During Thoras's reign, the kingdom's population and military strength had experienced a resurgence, nearly rivaling that of the third-ranked Kingdom of Gilneas. Galen shared his father's ambition to elevate Stromgarde to even greater heights. He had no intention of allowing the Northfords to gain power and potentially challenge the dominance of the crown, making his own path more difficult.
Galen's wait was not long. Soon, Earl Dabyrie and Viscount Newall, led by Viscount Carson, entered the reception hall.
A new round of negotiations was about to commence. Galen possessed the mining rights but lacked the immediate capital to begin operations. He desired a substantial sum of gold coins to invest in his base, rather than waiting for the slow trickle of revenue from mined ore. The nobles, on the other hand, were willing to invest gold coins to secure the mining contract. They had the resources, the manpower, and the established networks to efficiently convert the raw ore into valuable gold coins, promising significant profits.
The interests of both parties aligned perfectly.
"Your Highness," Viscount Carson began, speaking on behalf of the group, as the owner of the manor and a man with extensive experience in mining ventures, "we have discussed the matter and reached a consensus. We are prepared to jointly invest in the restoration of the mine's production, including the recruitment of miners, the acquisition of necessary tools and equipment, and the provision of adequate security for the operation. In return, we would only require that Your Highness's Scarlet Flame Army provide assistance in repelling any troll incursions that may threaten the mining operations."
He paused, then continued, "We are willing to advance you an immediate sum of 50,000 gold coins. In addition, we propose that you receive a 30% share of the mine's annual profits."
Whether motivated by genuine loyalty to the royal family or impressed by the display of military might during the earlier parade, Galen recognized that the nobles' offer was generous and sincere.
However, Galen believed that he could secure even more favorable terms. While a share of the annual profits was certainly desirable, a larger upfront payment would provide him with the immediate capital he desperately needed.
"I appreciate your generous offer," Galen replied, his tone measured and thoughtful. "However, I believe we can arrive at an even more mutually beneficial arrangement. If you were to increase the initial investment to 100,000 gold coins, I would be willing to accept a slightly smaller share of the mine's annual income. You must understand," he added, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency, "that the Scarlet Flame Army has only recently been established, and I also have plans to develop the southern mining area. I currently lack the necessary funds to cover these substantial expenses."
Having obtained King Thoras's permission to investigate the historical output of the Southeast Mines, Galen knew that his request for 100,000 gold coins was not unreasonable.
For the three noble families, restarting the northern mining area represented a lucrative opportunity. The initial investment, encompassing personnel costs, equipment acquisition, security measures, and the 100,000-gold-coin payment to Galen, could realistically be recouped within the first year of operation, promising substantial profits in the years to come.
The three nobles exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful. Finally, Earl Dabyrie stepped forward, indicating their agreement. "Very well, Your Highness," he said, his voice firm. "We have a deal. You may remain here at the manor for a few days while we gather the necessary funds."
"I am grateful for your cooperation," Galen replied, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Viscount Carson, I would also like to request your assistance in procuring provisions for a thousand men for half a month. The expenses for these supplies can be deducted from the 100,000-gold-coin payment."
"That is a small matter, Your Highness the Prince," Viscount Carson assured him. "The banquet is now prepared, and we would be honored to have you join us.
"Thank you, Viscount Carson," Galen said. "If you could also arrange for a room for me, I will join you after I have had a chance to change my attire."
"Of course, Your Highness the Prince. Please, allow me to show you to your quarters."
And so, a significant transaction was concluded in the reception hall. Both sides had demonstrated a willingness to compromise, prioritizing mutual benefit over short-term gains. It was more than a simple commercial exchange; it was a carefully orchestrated political arrangement, laying the foundation for future cooperation and prosperity.
Galen knew precisely what he would do with the 100,000 gold coins. He would convert them into 200,000 units of gold for his base. However, he understood the importance of balanced development. He would not inject all the funds into the base at once. While the base was undoubtedly the primary engine of his productivity and power, he recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to his long-term goals.
The evening's banquet, while undoubtedly a lavish affair, held little genuine appeal for Galen. However, having just finalized a major business transaction with the Carson family, he felt obligated to attend, to show his appreciation for their hospitality and goodwill. Several of the noble ladies in attendance were young and beautiful, but they failed to ignite any significant interest in Galen.
Despite possessing the physical maturity of a twelve-year-old, Galen's soul was far older, tempered by years of experience and a more mature perspective. He was capable of controlling his impulses, of resisting the primal urges that drove younger men to pursue fleeting pleasures.
Following the banquet, Galen retired to the comfortable room that Viscount Carson had prepared for him. His troops would remain at the manor for the next few days, awaiting the transfer of the agreed-upon gold coins.