9 We struck gold i mean copper. (1/2)
Galahad looked at George and simply said.
”COPPER. But how do you know it is copper? Also, do you have any proof of its existence?
George nodded and said.
”Sir, as you are well aware I am able too, to manipulate the element of earth. As such, I can feel the composition of rocks.”
George then took out of his pocket an opaque dark grey rock with a metallic luster and simply said.
”This piece of rock was recently found in the mine and it has a composition of about sixty-five percent copper. It is high yield copper ore.”
Galahad nodded and said.
”Alright, I believe you. But what about the stone for the keep?”
George simply said.
”Not everything inside the mine is copper most of it is still granite. We only just struck copper On the western side both the south and the east sides are still mostly granite”
Galahad nodded and said.
”Okay then, in that case. What is the best way to exploit the mine?”
George smiled and simply said.
”Well, I would like two more whole silver coins for this information, Sire.”
Galahad grumbled while smiling.
”Fine, fine you can have five whole silver coins. What do you suggest then?”
George simply said.
”Well, that is rather simple. Do you know the church of the goddess Ploutia?”
Galahad nodded
George then added.
”Well, one of its core missions is the increase of wealth. As such their temples tend to operate banks, chambers of commerce and even minting facilities. Generally speaking, they are quite the money grabbers. Anyhow bronze coins are made from tin and copper. Where copper is A) the more important metal and B) copper is what is called a noble metal. As such a new copper mine means an increase in the number of coins and a substantial increase in income. Our mine should be able to produce at least a ton or so of copper. You must have in mind that one bronze whole coin is one gram. While one whole silver coin is six point five grams and one whole gold coin is thirty grams. Either way, a ton of copper is about equal to a hundred whole gold coins. Before any of the fees and costs have been added. Anyhow you can probably lease out the mine to the church of Ploutia for fifty gold coins per tone of copper produced.”
Galahad nodded took out five silver coins and gave them to George. Galahad then said.
”You earned them. We are leaving in an hour sharp get ready. Ah, I also need the ore you found in the mine as proof.”
George nodded he then left the stone on the desk and exited the tent.
Four hours later. Galahad and George arrived at Gragon.
George laughed and said
”Cheers Sire I will have a great night thanks to you. Also good luck.”
Galaha nodded and said
”Aye have a good night you earned it.”
Galahad then went to meet his father-in-law he soon arrived at the merchant guild. Where he was quickly let in and informed by the attendant that Veron was out with a client and he would be back in about an hour. One hour later Veron had returned. He met Galahad at the waiting room before his office.
Veron smiled and said politely.
”Oh, greeting son-in-law. How have you been and would you like a drink? We have excellent red Frankian wine and some lovely coffee from Erimos.”
Galahad smiled politely and said.
”Greeting father-in-law, I have been well. Also, I would love some black coffee.”
Veron made a hand gesture towards the attendant and said to Galahad.
”Let's head to my office.”
As they went inside Veron said.
”Please, dear take a sit.”
After they both sat Veron asked curiously.
”So for what reason have you come here?”
Galahad smiled and said.
”Dear father-in-law must there be a reason for my visit? Can't I just be a here to check of your well being?”
Veron smiled and said.
”Of course not my dear son-in-law. But it is simply rare that you would wait a whole hour for my return without a truly important matter plaguing you. After all, you are a busy man you have a fief to oversee and even my daughter and your spiritual parents don't see you often.”
Galahad nodded and said.
”Well, it is indeed true that I have come today with a reason in mind. I would like you to make me an acquaintance with the priest or priestess of Ploutia.”
Veron raised his eyebrow and said.
”If you need money, I can always give you a friendly loan. There is no reason to get in debt with the church. Those people are even worse money-grubbers than us.”
Galahad smiled and shook his head before saying.
”I don't actually need to take a loan. Instead, I am planning to set up a trade agreement with the church. I found a copper vein in my land and I am planning to exploit it.”
Veron smiled and then asked.
”Oh, how big is it? I mean we could probably set up something up with the guild.”
Galahad smiled and said.
”Well, you would need quite some money, after all, you would need to hire a bunch of miners. At least ten in the minimum. Additionally, I heard their church had minting facilities and they could even provide a local banking service. Outside of that, I would like quite a big cut. Are you certain you can give me a big enough cut for me not to go with the church?”
Veron sighed and said.
”I guess you are right. I really can't guarantee a bigger cut and they do come with a bunch of other services. I would take you to meet her after we have our coffee.”
Galahad nodded soon the attendant came with two cups of hot coffee and about an hour later they left to go to the temple of Ploutia. Five minutes later they reached the temple. The differences between the temple of Ploutia and the temple of Lados were quite shocking. The temple of Ploutia was near the market and full of people and bustling with activity. While the temple of Lados was near the keep and almost empty with a serene atmosphere. Furthermore, the temple of Lados was stark and elegant. While the temple of Ploutia was rather opulent and even a bit tacky. Soon Galahad arrived before the priestess. The priestess was a plain blond middle-aged woman with calm brown eyes. As they arrived before her Both Galahad and Veron bowed.
Then the priestess smiled faintly and said.
”Bless you children with prosperity and abundance. Oh is that Dear Veron I almost forgot how you looked like you haven't been here in a while.So Dear Veron, I am curious why did you come here today? Ah, and who is this?”
Cold sweat started going down Verons back before he said.
”Em, your holiness. I have come here today to make you an acquaintance of Sir Galahad my son-in-law.”
The priestess smiled coldly and said feigning happiness.