662 The allure of a quota Part 1 (1/2)

Saleen looked at the women on his left side in astonishment, they had actually said something like that. It was one thing to be enemies with the Holy See and another to be enemies with the Qin Empire.

In the room, most of the people originated from Qin and this relationship could not be simply severed.

Guya suddenly said, ”My king, there is one thing which you have promised. I would like to ask, when will you fulfill it?”

Saleen was bewildered and said, ”What is it?” He did not remember promising Guya anything.

Guya said with a cackle, ”My king, you promised to let my sister lead an army.”

Saleen then recalled that he had promised to make Sharman a general. ”Sharman doesn't have a title, so she cannot participate in the meeting right now. In recent times, I have had to recuperate and I haven't seen this child yet.”

”Sharman is still young, just get her to come over. I will arrange for some people to assist her in understanding the mechanics of leading an army to battle.” Saleen agreed decisively, ”Sharman is the youngest genius I have ever come across.”

When the rest of the nobles heard Guya's words, they came to their senses at the same time. Since they had followed Saleen, they should of course work for him smartly. These four youths could obtain Saleen's trust and a duke title not only because Saleen was recruiting people, but because they were sufficiently ruthless and ferocious.

”Guya had brought whatever power and riches from her family and placed them in Metatrin City. She even allowed her sister to join Saleen's army. We should emulate her!”

These nobles were not stupid. In hindsight, they realized that all twelve earls came from wealthy families and there was a number of youths following them.

”Handing my children to Saleen so that they can battle for him will be much better than keeping them by my side to expand my influence. Saleen needs support. The earlier I render this support, the more substantial the rewards will be. Look at that Aini, he even brought his parents along, he shares the most intimate relationship with Saleen.”

There were simply too many talents in Qin. Even though these nobles possessed genuine capabilities, they could hardly progress anymore. It was different if they followed Saleen. As long as they carved out a remarkable career, they could receive powerful titles and vast lands.

Guya's words roused the other nobles. One by one, the nobles signaled their intention to allow their descendants to follow Saleen and establish a powerful army. Their children, be it the direct or indirect descendants, had received quality education. Many of them had led smaller armies in the past, so it would be easier to cultivate them.

The issue which Saleen had been vexing over was actually resolved with one sentence from Guya.

Saleen had kind of overdone the recruiting of nobles and giving them rewards because he wanted to enrich his influence swiftly. No matter how strong a mage was, they could not replace an army. Alchemy City would have dominated the world already otherwise. The offspring of these nobles had received superior education. Be it managing a city or leading troops, they could easily take on such roles.

That was the good thing about Qin nobles. They spared no effort towards the education of their descendants. Even a baron emphasized this aspect. From the perspective of the Qin people, only intelligent and courageous people would have the opportunity to obtain power and wealth. Lazy and fatuous people deserved to be trampled on.

”Ker… we better discuss the events that will happen in the next six months.” Saleen coughed, causing everyone else to shut their mouths. It was already June, due to the war the lands which needed to be sowed were still barren. The broken-edged barrier also needed to be built. The small towns which were destroyed had to be restored.

The meeting hall fell silent. The nobles waited for Saleen to delegate the tasks as these tasks came with benefits.

These people were in such a hurry to meet Saleen for this reason. The commercial routes which were destroyed by the Holy See needed to be rebuilt and the small towns which acted as resupply stations had to be restored. Even if they did not receive any money, they could obtain a few shops in these places. That would create a long-term revenue stream for them.

”Let's talk about the problem of the shops east of the city. Everyone seated here has at least three shops. My point is, I will only keep three shops selling magic nuclei in the future. Eighty percent of the annual goods will be distributed to all of you.”

In that instant, Saleen's words ruffled the nobles. The previous year, Saleen had controlled all the magic nuclei. Now that he said he was going to give away an eighty percent share, it meant that everyone would have pricing power.

What was Saleen paying? Saleen would receive quite a lot of profits, these nobles had to contribute some funds if they wanted to receive magic nuclei. This also meant that once Saleen's magic nuclei were taken back, eighty percent of the money could be reclaimed.

What were the most valuable items in Metatrin? Magic nuclei and metals. These two items would allow everyone to make a fortune. The mines in Qin were controlled by the imperial family, while the sale of magic nuclei was mostly controlled by Alchemy City.