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Chapter 212: Discussing the Novel's Publication
🕑 Added 2024-09-19 06:21:53 +0000 UTCAt this time, Dark Eagle City was not yet prosperous, and the streets were sparsely populated. However, Carlton's words still caught the attention of some nearby people, who curiously stared at Lawrence with great envy.
Those whose strength was not high enough couldn't discern Lawrence's true abilities but envied him for earning the favor of the president of the Dauton Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, a few knights at or above the second level flashed a hint of jealousy in their eyes. Such a young second-level knight would surely achieve extraordinary things in the future!
Lawrence was taken aback. "President Carlton, I cannot accept this gift. Please take back this sword."
He reached out, respectfully pushing the finely crafted golden sword back to Carlton.
Carlton tried to persuade him a few more times but to no avail. Lawrence's firm attitude left him surprised, and he couldn't help but wonder how there could be a knight so pure and unblemished, capable of refusing such an excellent weapon. Seeing the unwavering purity in Lawrence's eyes, Carlton silently admired him. At the same time, he realized that this approach wouldn't work.
Fortunately, his experience was vast, and he quickly changed his strategy:
"Lawrence, you are a true knight, possessing loyalty and purity. Consider what just happened as a test, one in which you have excelled."
He then pulled out a black-and-gold card, adorned with intricate designs and elegant characters, and continued:
"Please accept this discount card. In the future, when you shop at the Dauton Chamber of Commerce, you can enjoy various discounts."
"This..." Lawrence hesitated, but he was about to refuse again when a calm voice came from behind him.
"Lawrence, accept it. You should not refuse President Carlton's kind gesture."
The familiar voice startled Lawrence. He quickly turned around, seeing Rhett, and performed a knight's salute:
"Welcome, Lord!"
The other knights, realizing who it was, also hurriedly shouted, "Welcome, Lord!"
The sound echoed loudly, and the city gate suddenly became bustling with activity.
Rhett walked up with a warm greeting:
"Carlton, long time no see. You look even more spirited than last time."
Carlton's face lit up with a smile, his plump figure and shiny bald head reflecting the light of his wisdom. He warmly replied:
"Count Rhett, your presence is even more imposing. It's truly amazing to see you again."
As they chatted, they strolled into the city, followed by a group of knights and carriages.
Rhett walked at the front, and Carlton, knowing his place, fell back half a step, willing to play a supporting role.
"President Carlton, it seems you've brought quite the entourage this time. It looks like you have some business to take care of?"
Rhett initiated the conversation.
Carlton smiled and said, "You’re right. I’m a businessman, always either doing business or on my way to do business. This time, I came to discuss something with you, Count Rhett."
"Oh? What might that be?" Rhett smiled, feigning curiosity.
"I sent people to investigate before, and I learned that Dark Eagle City is developing rapidly, with tremendous potential.
After reporting to and communicating with the higher-ups, we finally decided to establish a branch of the Dauton Chamber of Commerce here in Dark Eagle City!"
Rhett paused, pretending to be surprised:
"But I’ve heard that no one can serve as president of two branches of the Dauton Chamber of Commerce simultaneously. What about your current position...?"
Carlton quickly replied, "For now, I am still the president of the Twilight City branch, but the higher-ups are preparing to appoint a new president. Once things are finalized here, someone will soon come to Twilight City to take over my duties."
"I see." Rhett nodded, pretending to ponder.
After a moment, he took the initiative to express his enthusiasm:
"Dark Eagle City is a young city, full of vitality and boundless potential!
We welcome anyone who is willing to invest wholeheartedly.
Your abilities are well recognized, President Carlton. I’m eager to see you establish a branch here and make great strides.
In my view, combining our favorable tax rates with your talents will surely make the Dauton Chamber of Commerce a prestigious name here."
Carlton felt relieved, and his smile deepened:
"Count Rhett, thank you so much. With your support, I am confident. Please believe that the Dauton Chamber of Commerce will not disappoint you."
Rhett smiled as well, knowing that the establishment of the Dauton Chamber of Commerce would undoubtedly benefit the development of Dark Eagle City. While tax revenue was one aspect, the Chamber's vast resources and diverse goods would also attract extraordinary individuals—a benefit not to be underestimated.
"Dark Eagle City is currently constructing a district for the extraordinary. The most prosperous and spacious streets have already been completed. Shall I take you to see them?"
"That would be great." Carlton's eyes brightened.
The extraordinary district's construction was even more magnificent than the commercial district. Not only were the buildings more grandiose, but the streets were also wider. In some places, special minerals were used instead of ordinary stone, creating a luxurious feel.
The street lamps along the way used light element devices, providing stronger illumination at night.
The pavement was mixed with fire-patterned minerals, keeping the ground from getting too cold in winter.
Carlton had been contemplating on his way here, initially debating whether to set up the branch in the extraordinary district or the older, busier commercial district.
But after seeing it firsthand, he made up his mind: the branch must be established in the extraordinary district!
The commercial district had its fair share of commoners, but he wasn't interested in their meager earnings. The Dauton Chamber of Commerce would benefit more from catering to the higher-end market.
The scale and environment of the extraordinary district were clearly a cut above, and with his sharp eye, he judged that it would undoubtedly become the central area of Dark Eagle City in the future.
Having made his decision, Carlton displayed the decisiveness and generosity of a president.
Not only did he choose the location that very day, but he also sent people to begin renovations. Meanwhile, he temporarily stayed in a local inn.
After everything was settled, Rhett didn’t hurry to leave. Instead, he accompanied Carlton back to the inn.
A servant entered, carefully pouring wine for the two of them before quietly leaving.
Noticing Carlton's curious expression, Rhett reached into a cream-colored handbag he had brought and took out a moderately thick notebook. He placed it on the smooth table, pushing it toward Carlton.
A smile played on Rhett's lips. "President Carlton, why don't you take a look?"
Unable to resist his curiosity, Carlton glanced at Rhett before shifting his gaze to the notebook in front of him.
As he flipped through the first page, his eyes widened in realization. It was a novel, handwritten, judging by the neat writing and the format.
The Dauton Chamber of Commerce had a wide range of businesses, and with its immense capital and connections, mere bookstores selling ordinary books had little chance of survival. Only the Chamber’s book business had flourished in the various cities of the Kingdom of Jinlun.
The sound of pages turning filled the room.
"A fantasy novel..." Carlton muttered.
Looking up to see Rhett smiling silently, Carlton continued to read.
After about ten minutes.
"So, what do you think, President Carlton?" Rhett asked with a playful smile, pulling Carlton back from his engrossed reading.
"Huh?" Carlton's shoulder jerked, and he snapped the book shut.
He hadn't forgotten that he was in the midst of a conversation with Count Rhett, not reading in his study. A hint of embarrassment crossed his face.
However, the lingering feeling of wanting more gnawed at him. With great interest, he asked, "Count Rhett, may I ask where this novel comes from? Did one of your subordinates write it?"
Rhett shook his head and tapped his finger on his chest. "I wrote it myself!"
"What?!" Carlton was stunned, blinking rapidly as he processed the information. It took him a while to come to terms with it. He had never imagined that Count Rhett had such a talent. From what he knew of Rhett's past, there had never been any rumors of him having extraordinary literary skills, especially considering he had spent most of his time on the southwestern border.
No, it was possible that Rhett wasn’t being entirely truthful and that someone else had written it, and he was just taking credit.
Carlton’s eyes gleamed with doubt. Clearing his throat, he tentatively asked:
"Ahem, Count Rhett, could I possibly speak with the author? Rest assured... I won’t reveal any secrets...
You came to me with this book, likely regarding its publication, correct? But this novel seems quite lengthy, so we will need to prepare for the initial stages."
So you don’t believe me, huh? Do I really not have any literary aura? Rhett thought, both amused and exasperated. He took a sip of wine, meeting Carlton’s expectant gaze, and said:
"I have no reason to deceive you. This book is my own work, titled Coiling Dragon.
If you want to know more about the plot or any additional details, I can tell you."
Carlton blinked, staring in shock.
After Rhett showed him the handwriting and revealed some of the upcoming plot points, Carlton looked at Rhett with newfound astonishment.
"You must be incredibly gifted; your first work is already this brilliant!" Carlton sincerely praised. "It’s better than any fantasy novel I’ve ever come across—it absolutely has the potential to be a massive hit!"
Rhett smiled faintly and said directly, "I need it published as soon as possible."
"That can be arranged. We can start by releasing it in the southwestern border region. I can handle that myself. Then I’ll present it to the higher-ups for nationwide distribution, including in the capital and across the kingdom." Carlton’s eyes gleamed as he continued, "As for profit-sharing, since you’re my good friend, I’ll make sure you get a fair deal.
How about a 60-40 split? You take 60, and we take 40."
Worried that Rhett might refuse, Carlton quickly added, "We’ll handle all the marketing, printing, and distribution, as well as actively combat piracy. With our Chamber’s nationwide presence, this won’t be difficult."
Rhett nodded readily, finding the deal quite fair. The unrealistic profit splits seen in some legendary novels, like 90-10, or even writing out of sheer passion, were far too idealistic...
Relieved, Carlton smiled broadly. A novel could bring in significant profits, especially a high-quality, long-form one.
He grinned, "Count Rhett, here’s to our successful partnership!"
"To our partnership!"
For some reason, the president of the Rose Chamber of Commerce arrived two days later than in the simulation.
Rhett even wondered if they had changed their plans and abandoned the idea of moving the Chamber to Dark Eagle City.
He was meditating in the castle when the butler, Sveta, informed him that a beautiful woman had come to visit.
In the castle’s first-floor hall.
Brittany, the president of the Rose Chamber of Commerce, sat with a slight unease. It was her first time visiting the castle of a fifth-level magic caster, and she couldn’t help feeling a bit nervous.
Rhett observed the woman sitting across the table, a smile playing on his lips. Since he and Nicole had a special connection with the Rose Chamber of Commerce in the past, he felt a special fondness for the Chamber as well.
"Please, make yourself comfortable. This is fruit tea made with fresh fruit by the castle’s maid. Enjoy it at your leisure."
Though the tea was ordinary, Brittany quickly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you for your hospitality, Count Rhett."
She gazed at Rhett, knowing full well that the man before her was no longer the low-level magic caster he once was. In just a few years, he had risen to become a powerful fifth-level magic caster, someone she now had to treat with the utmost respect.
"President Brittany, what brings you here today?" Rhett got straight to the point, uninterested in small talk.
"There is something I’d like to discuss with you." Brittany smiled, her purple hair cascading casually over her shoulders as she spoke politely, "I plan to relocate the Rose Chamber of Commerce to Dark Eagle City. I’ve already chosen a store location here and wanted to inform you."
"Oh? It seems President Brittany came well-prepared and has already conducted a preliminary assessment." Rhett smiled. "In that case, just follow the standard procedures and formalities. The administrative office in Dark Eagle City is responsible for handling such matters."
"Thank you, Count Rhett." Brittany’s smile remained unchanged, and she made no other requests.
"Mutual benefit—there’s no reason not to. I also see great potential in the Rose Chamber of Commerce’s future." Rhett said a few polite words, though inwardly, he was slightly puzzled. Was this small matter really worth a personal visit?
Sure enough, Brittany spoke again:
"I hope to receive your continued support, Count Rhett. I remember that you seemed quite fond of a certain combat aura ring in our store. For this visit, I specifically brought a variety of rings as a gift for you."
Rhett felt a subtle stir in his heart.
In his view, Brittany took out a delicate gift box and opened it. Inside were more than ten combat aura rings, each of a different color, neatly arranged in small slots.
Combat aura rings were a type of alchemical equipment that could enhance the power of a knight’s combat aura or techniques, slightly increasing their effectiveness.
While they were quite useful, they weren’t essential, as most knights preferred long-handled weapons and shields, which offered greater range, more intricate techniques, and similar enhancements in destructive power.
Gazing at the rings, Rhett felt a touch of sentimentality. It wasn’t easy to refuse, so he smiled faintly and said:
"President Brittany, this is a lovely gift. I’ll accept it.
I wish the Rose Chamber of Commerce great success in its business endeavors."
Seeing that Rhett was willing to accept the gift, Brittany’s eyes sparkled, and she quickly expressed her thanks.
She didn’t expect anything substantial in return; on the contrary, she was content. Establishing a connection with the lord would undoubtedly be very beneficial for her future in Dark Eagle City.
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