Pioneer Lord: A Leisurely Imperial Life

Chapter 199 The Difficulties of Three Families

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Richard then realized what was happening and almost instinctively raised his hand to pinch her smug little nose, which was practically pointing to the sky.

But out of the corner of his eye, he saw Paul and Melanie talking in hushed tones, so he could only reluctantly withdraw his hand, his tone full of indulgent helplessness.

"I just don't want you to have unnecessary blood on your hands."

Upon hearing this, Lucy proudly raised her chin slightly, like a flower in full bloom.

"The frozen rose drinks only the morning dew on its petals and cannot swallow the blood of the weak."

Looking at her charming and lively appearance, Richard felt a surge of heat in his heart and wished he could kiss her on the spot, but due to the occasion, he could only suppress the flutter in his heart.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Lucy turned to Paul and Melanie and invited them to Frosthold for a chat. Paul and Melanie naturally had no objections and gladly went.

The soldiers began to pull the noose, and the vagrants and criminals who were being used as substitutes struggled and writhed on the rope, emitting faint cries, but everyone ignored them.

...

According to the etiquette of the nobility, when a host invites guests to the castle, they must first be arranged to bathe and cleanse themselves to wash away the dust of their journey and change into appropriate and luxurious formal attire before they can officially meet.

Richard enjoyed a relaxing bath at Nicole's service, and finally, led by a castle maid, arrived at the back garden.

Melanie changed into a burgundy deep-necked long dress that accentuated her alluring figure, while Paul changed into a black velvet tuxedo, looking elegant and refined.

The four of them enjoyed the Silver Star wine that Paul had brought in the back garden and had a good chat about the current situation in the North.

Paul spoke of the downfall of several lords in the eastern North with a wistful tone, as if it were none of his business.

Melanie, however, was more concerned about the disruption to trade routes caused by the blockade, complaining that several of her excellent shipments had been delayed on the road.

When Lucy spoke of the Blackwater Territory's plight, she sighed deeply, seemingly feeling that the Grand Duke had gone too far.

Fortunately, those present were all nobles from the far north, far from the great purge. Despite their complaints, they all appeared relaxed and at ease.

After a few drinks, Richard's initial awkwardness with the two newly acquainted noblemen lessened considerably.

Suddenly, Melanie put down her wine glass, leaned forward slightly, and the deep neckline of her dress revealed her ample bosom to Richard.

"Baron Richard, now that your Chiffon Commandery has the Storm Moon-class Rock Armored Earth Dragon guarding it, it has the ability to protect itself. I'm very curious, how many gold coins did it cost to forge that full set of magical armor for it?"

Richard dared to bring the Great Wall out, knowing its equipment was an unavoidable topic, but he had already prepared his explanation and calmly smiled:

"It did cost a lot, but I also want to thank the Snow Deer and Snow Fox for being the first to buy my farming techniques, which gave me enough funds to buy them suitable magical equipment."

Upon hearing this, Melanie sighed, feigning distress, and said with a hint of reproach:

"You're quite the smooth talker, always saying the nicest things. But did you know that shameless Baron Black Bear actually took advantage of Grand Duke Frostfolk gathering his vassals in Blackwater Territory to sell your technology in public for a hundred gold coins a set? If I had known that, I should have waited to buy it and saved a lot of gold coins."

Paul nodded with a wry smile, his tone full of disdain for Baron Black Bear.

"Baron Black Bear's actions are an insult to the dignity of the nobility. However, the technology that Snow Deer and Snow Fox bought at a high price will probably take three to five years to recoup their investment. This deal is really not worth it."

Richard knew perfectly well that nobles valued their reputation and credibility more than their lives. In a transaction where money and goods were exchanged, no one would go back on their word, no matter how painful it was; that would be more shameful than losing money.

Baron Black Bear's act of reselling technology in front of a group of nobles offended many lords who had purchased the technology outright, and he will never be able to wash away this stain for the rest of his life.

The snow fox and snow deer's half-serious, half-joking complaints were simply a reminder to him:

Hey! Handsome guy, we were there for you when you needed startup capital the most, so you have to remember this favor!

Indeed, the territories of snow deer and snow foxes are relatively small, with each family owning only a few hundred thousand acres of farmland. It's not that they don't want to expand, but rather that they lack suitable land for cultivation.

Snow deer earn extra income through trade with ferret merchants, while snow foxes, with their several large natural hot springs, as well as their upscale brothels and gambling dens, have become famous winter resorts in the North.

Of the three families, only Frost was relatively normal, but even they had to rely on the royal family and Frostfoam's support in the early stages to gain a foothold.

The harsh environment of the far north meant that the lords there had to find alternative ways to survive, so it was understandable that they wanted to ask for a favor.

...

Just as Richard was pondering how to give a response that was both dignified and practical, Lucy beat him to it and bluntly exposed their thoughts.

Melanie rolled her eyes at Lucy and said in a coquettish tone:

"Lucy, we're allies in the same boat, how can you side with outsiders and undermine us? You don't give your sister any face at all!"

Despite this, there was no real anger on her face; rather, it looked more like a friendly banter between close friends.

Richard suddenly realized that Viscount Brad had paid an additional, hidden price to facilitate the deal.

However, he wasn't a stingy person. It was Brad's business to make extra contributions, and since Snow Deer and Snow Fox wanted Chiffon's favor, he was happy to oblige.

Chiffon Territory, hiding behind the Black Pine Forest, wants to establish a stable foothold. But frost alone isn't enough. If they can integrate into their small circle, it's much better than having two more enemies.

Moreover, he did indeed have something he was going to take out. Thinking of this, Richard put down his wine glass, his smile faded, and his expression became more serious.

"I will always remember the help I received from Frost, Snow Fox, and Snow Deer. Soon, my farm will yield its first harvest, and I plan to sell some of my crops. Would the three of you be interested?"

The atmosphere in the stone pavilion froze instantly upon hearing these words!

Paul sat bolt upright, nearly knocking over his wine glass, his eyes wide open. It was all incredulous.

Melanie's charming smile vanished instantly, her fiery red lips parted slightly, and she looked shocked. Even Lucy stared blankly at Richard.

It's not surprising that lords sell life crops in private; otherwise, the situation in the North wouldn't be what it is today.

But Chiffon cake is a pioneering field, how could it have produced something so quickly?

How is that possible?!

Keep in mind that summer planting only started last month!

Lucy stood up and walked quickly to Richard, her eyes filled with undisguised urgency and worry.

"Richard, Chiffon is just getting started. You, your army, and your cavalry all need life-giving crops for nourishment. Why not keep them for your own use? Why sell them?!"