330 Gratefulness (1/2)

Chapter 330: Gratefulness

Translator: Kris_LiuEditor: Vermillion

After a year, Arthur now looked even fatter. His belly was so big that it almost burst out of the front of his vest. He was wearing a beret of the same color as his vest, and he behaved in a rather casual and comfortable manner in front of Lucien.

In Holm, no matter if it was hot or cold, dressing formally was always important for these gentlemen. They either wore suits or tuxedoes, and sometimes the hunter's outfit. It was impossible to tell the seasons from what they wore.

However, the magic robes that Lucien and other sorcerers wore were very different. These robes could automatically adjust the temperature and humidity inside to make the wearers feel rather comfortable. Lucien thus wondered if these gentlemen would have a heat stroke in the south in Gusta Empire or Brianne.

”Welcome back, Evans.” There was a lovely smile on Arthur's face.

Because of their cooperation on Holm Mineral and Harvest, Lucien now was closer to Arthur.

Taking off the top hat, Lucien handed it to Leo. Then he smiled and said, ”Arthur, you're the first one coming over! I haven't told other of my friends yet that I've come back.”

”Keep your hat on, Evans. The prince is inviting you to his party. I'll tell you more on the way.” Arthur rubbed his hands excitedly, ”In the past year, the several versions of Jinkela have received a very warm response from the market. We've been making a lot!”

Lucien was a bit confused, ”To the party? What's the party for?”

”It's a party for uniting the nobles who are very open-minded toward sorcerers.” Arthur explained briefly, ”After seeing the big success of Jinkela, the nobles all want to work with sorcerers to seek for more profits in the field. Also, they're very curious about you.”

Lucien did not respond immediately.

Seeing that, Arthur thought that Lucien might not want to go probably because he was not good at socializing, so Arthur said to him, ”Evans, it's a great chance for you to know more important people. In Rentato, these nobles have lots of resources in each county. Although I understand that, as a sorcerer, you probably don't care, knowing more people and having more connections can do you lots of favors in the future and save you trouble. Also, those nobles more or less have connections to some senior-rank mages.”

”I see. It's very kind of His Highness.” Lucien grinned, ”Let's go now.”

Although what Arthur said was true, in fact, as the student of the Lord of Storm, Lucien did not need the nobles to get to know the senior-rank sorcerers. However, Prince Patrick was Natasha's uncle, and he had helped Lucien a lot with the company, Holm Mineral and Harvest, using his own resources and wealth, so Lucien believed that he should go to show his appreciation.

Also, working with the great nobles and making common citizens become accustomed to the use of magic was important to the further development of the Congress and was efficient to weaken the Church. Lucien sincerely regarded himself as part of the Congress, so he would like to do the favor.

...

With a long blast of the whistle, the magic steam train started to rush forward faster and faster in an unstoppable manner.

”Although I've been on this train many times, every time I see it speeds, I still feel beyond impressed. The train has really changed our lives by shortening the distance between the two cities. Especially the freight train… it has greatly lowered our transportation cost of the ores from the mines. Evans, I still don't understand why the Congress keeps saying no to us on extending the railways. It has been several years… but we currently only have less than ten regular routes,” said Arthur a bit bitterly.

Lucien grinned, ”Like you said, what a great resource it is! And of course, the Congress would like to seize it in its own hand. I believe that the royal family can see the value as well.”

To build railways in Holm, one must obtain the permission of the royal family. Thus, the royal family had been making a lot from it.

”That's right! The railways… the trains… are all resources.” Arthur curled his lips, ”His Majesty takes care of this project in person, or we probably still can try…”

Soon Arthur pulled back his drifting mind and took out an envelope, ”Evans, for the first year, because we were during the primary construction period, we did not have the dividend. Until the recent eight months, after our successful promotion, Jinkela has become very popular. This is yours. We pay you monthly, as you're a sorcerer.”

Lucien opened the envelope and saw a small paper pad in it, on which there were a magic and an arcana imprint. His dividend was 13,000 Thales.

Eight months, 13,000 Thales… That was more than a thousand a month. If Jinkela was also successfully promoted in the other three countries, it would be possible for Lucien to earn over ten thousand Thales monthly. At that time, he would not need to worry much about the cost of being a senior-rank mage.

Obviously, what was behind a senior-rank mage was lots, lots of money. One should at least be a very wealthy count to support a senior-rank sorcerer.