845 Privateer (1/2)

Glass City.

There were numerous factories set up in the outskirts under the gloomy sky. New capitalists went to all lengths to exploit workers, including child labor, to minimize production costs.

It was said that an adult working in such a factory would not be able to survive more than five years, but it was these very factories that brought about the prosperity of Ettoman.

In the downtown area, Gothic buildings stood erect like a forest of towers, and the bell in a huge bell tower sounded to indicate the current time.

There were always people hurrying along the streets. They were wearing black top hats and grey coats and holding canes, which was the mainstream clothing for gentlemen at this time.

A magnificent carriage drawn by two black horses passed over a classical-styled bridge.

Donald opened a window and frowned when he saw a street full of black garbage giving off a foul smell and a seriously polluted river.

As an Ocean Warlock, he hated this kind of place, particularly the behavior that jeopardized water sources.

Unfortunately, he was only an economist that had just risen to fame. He could not make any difference even if he articulated his criticism because it was the trend of this era.

The carriage stopped in front of a manor that was as exquisite as a royal palace.

Birds sang, flowers blossomed, and numerous servants clustered inside the manor.

All of this made Donald feel dreamy, as if he had suddenly left hell and arrived in heaven.

”Are you Mr. Donald?” A butler in a tailcoat opened the carriage door for him and bowed slightly. ”The duke has been waiting for some time!”

This was Duke Ham's house.

Superficially, the royal family ruled Ettoman, but a large portion of the power actually belonged to the parliament and the prime minister.

Of course, the king had great power as well. There was a delicate balance between the king's power and the prime minister's power.

Duke Ham's family not only had royal bloodline, but it was consistently active in the political arena as well. There had been a few prime ministers in this top noble family of Ettoman that had countless political allies.

Since such a great noble wanted to meet Donald, Donald naturally had no other choice but to make it here as soon as possible.

Donald met the contemporary Duke Ham in a meadow.

Duke Ham was a white-haired, energetic elder wearing a loose silk robe and enjoying afternoon tea.

”Mr. Donald… I've heard a lot about you. I had the honor of reading your book, the Wealth of Nations, and found many points in it very impressive!”

After seeing Donald, the duke stood up to welcome him. ”Give my guest a cup of black tea. I've recently hired a new pastry chef, and he's good at making desserts. Try them!”

”Thank you!” Donald expressed his gratitude reservedly and took the delicate ceramic teacup.

The ceramics here were from the Eastern Continent. They had the tint of glaze and enamel, delicate like a work of art.

And the black tea was from another colony of Ettoman—Zealand Kingdom.

And the sugar cube was produced in tropical plantations.

”To great Ettoman…”

All of this seemed to be narrating the rapid growth of a powerful country, as if Ettoman was about to become the king of the world by means of the Great Voyage!

”To our Queen!”

Duke Ham smiled and took a sip of the black tea. ”Mr. Donald, do you know why I've invited you?”

”Of course!” Donald stood up and bowed again. ”I'd be honored to become your personal consultant!”

”That's brilliant… A lot of annoying things have been happening recently. My burden will be much reduced with your help…”

The duke smiled and passed a newspaper to Donald.

Donald received it carefully, knowing that it was to examine his ability.

He calmed down and read the first section.

The printing ink gave off a pleasant fragrance but was not sticky at all, and the huge title was eye-catching—”Outrage! Dearborn Port Plundered by Pirates!!!”