The Kingmaker System-Chapter 143 - 142. Allies Or Foes (1)

The golden marking of a roaring Dragon carved on a black obsidian was the insignia that I had chosen for myself and the name of my choosing was Dragon.

It was time that the world would know that the Dragon was once again taking its rightful place. And the beginning of it was the Underworld.

Speaking of which, the three Heads now sat in front of me while I was given a chair.

Apart from Izkar and Herot the other three regions which connected and made Underworld was Froish, Syndrill and Shadowcliff.

Froish was managed by Lord Hawke also known as Count Wallace Nash.

Syndrill city was located in the West controlled by the Snake or the Count Peter Erkens and also the guy who was my next target here. Why? Because he was related to the Queen.

Yeah, I had beef with her because she needed to learn to control her greed.

The Shadowcliff which was situated in the Northeast was operated by the man named Lord Devil, it was quite close to the Frosthail so, sometimes it was often under attacks by the rogues. Strangely enough, nobody knew what the real identity of this man was.

I could feel strong mana emanating from him so, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued by his presence. His mana was a bit different something which I hadn’t ever sensed before. It would be fun to see what kind of person he was and I was sure he had the same thoughts as mine.

"Hey, system." I called, "I can see anyone’s attributes, right? Then, show me this guy’s attributes."

[Request Denied.]

"Eh?"

"Show me this guy’s attributes." I thought again.

[Request Denied.]

"Why the fu-"

[The Host cannot see everyone’s attributes even after having Mana Eyes.]

"Nani?!"

[There are a few people whose attributes and powers are beyond the Host’s range. The Host’s mana is still lacking which is why the Mana Eyes cannot be omnipotent and the Host cannot see everyone’s attributes.]

I clicked my tongue against my teeth making Devil who was talking look at me.

"Is something wrong, Lord O-Dragon?" He asked.

I liked this guy, he knew how to read the room and act accordingly but my concern wasn’t only my limited vision but also the current topic of conversation.

The concerning thing was the fall of trade of slaves as Douglas Clark was a kingpin of that business. Without his intervention it was impossible to smuggle slaves and keep the trade going. Now, I guess these bastards were expecting me to take that place.

"I wonder why I am included in this conversation?" I spoke up.

"I’m not the kind of person who earns money by selling kids or women."

"But Douglas Clark-" Snake started.

"Is dead." I snapped making him scowl at me.

"I thought since you guys are the Heads you could have some sensible topics to discuss but I guess you only know how to make money using others."

"Money is made by using others, Lord O-Dragon. Nobody has the magic stone mine like you." Snake said and I tilted my head to one side.

"Is slave trade the only creative option for you then?" I asked.

"You talk as if you don’t do it!" The blondie was starting to get agitated and I could feel the air around starting to grow thicker influenced by his mana.

"I don’t."

"You-"

"Lord Snake, just a moment," Hawke spoke up intercepting Snake and then looked at me.

"Is there any other option that you could suggest then, Lord Dragon?"

"Industrial revolution." I spoke up making the three to look slightly confused.

"Pardon?"

"I understand that underworld is a dark well where crimes thrive but it’s not necessarily an option to use slave trade for that."

"Then, what should we do?"

I leaned ahead as I had their attention and spoke up, "Educate them."

"What?" Hawke gasped, frowning at me.

"Lord Dragon, are you serious?!" Snake shouted and I looked at him.

"Wait, let him finish." Lord Devil spoke up as he leaned ahead placing his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers in front of his face as his dark eyes were fixed on me.

"I’ll take one of you as an example to explain it better and I guess Lord Hawke can be a better one for that,"

The said man straightened up as I continued.

"Apart from this casino, your territory is rich in producing cotton so, you have an established business in fabric producing, but have you ever thought of expanding it?" I asked.

Hawke cocked his brow at me, "I don’t want to mix my Underworld business into my family business, Lord Dragon."

"I’m not asking you to, it could be a branch. The one that can extend out of Sestia."

"Out of Sestia?" He asked.

"Yes, Mordino for example."

"Mordino... is currently not in the state to become a good market, Lord Dragon."

I smirked, "Well, since it’s me I guess I could let you in on this top secret information."

The words ’top-secret’ made the other two lean ahead as well.

"His Majesty is planning to open a Magic Gate that would connect Mordino with Sestia."

The three jerked back and their audible gasps resounded across the hall.

"A Magic Gate?!"

"Are you delusional?! His Majesty would never-"

"I’ve received an Imperial Order to finance it and the Mage’s Tower is already set out to build one on the orders of His Majesty."

Except for Lord Devil the other two seemed extremely agitated as they looked at each other and then at me.

"So, I would ask you to prepare yourself because the trade is going to start again and if you are smart enough then you would know how to make use of this opportunity." I spoke up.

"The slaves that you think of only as commodities can become a driving force that could make top quality products if you educate them well and provide them with the proper facilities then, you will see how it affects not only you but also for your future generations."

"How... How could His Majesty...?" I could hear Snake having a crisis while Hawke seemed as if he was pondering on it.

"But, the people won’t wear anything made by slaves." Hawke said.

"I’ll take responsibility for that," I said making him frown.

"What- How?"

"My Oasis Foundation will adopt them give them citizenship and educate them in the schools make them into the normal citizens and then you can reinstate them into your industries as your workers. But beware, they will be taught about finances so, you will have to pay them accordingly and not mistreat them or... they might return to the Master who treats them well." I explained making Hawke straighten up.

"We-We can educate them ourselves." He said and I shrugged my shoulders.

"Your choice, I wasn’t going to charge you of their education or other living facilities." I said making Hawke’s jaw slacken.

"Y-You... Are you serious?"

I smiled, "I wouldn’t lie, but, I’d expect you to not forget me when I need help."

"What kind of help?"

"Depends, but don’t worry, I’m not the kind to ask of something that is beyond your capabilities." I said and then smiled as I recalled Silas’s words.

"Besides, someone had just recently told me that I have a knack for bringing out the potential even from the most useless people."

Hawke’s eyebrows twitched and I smiled, "I have a few business ideas for myself and you all could be benefited from them as well if you are willing to accept the coming change." I said.

Hawke and Snake looked at each other while Devil kept staring at me.

"And if there’s nothing else then, I shall take my leave. I have no interest in discussing the kind of businesses which would go against my morals so, I hope you enjoy your evening gentlemen." I stood up and turned to leave.

"No, wait. There’s one more thing," I turned back and placed my hands on the table.

"Since I was busy for the past month I had assigned my people to look after Herot but surprisingly enough, they suffered from various ambush attempts."

The tension grew thick in the air as my Dragon’s Presence whipped around menacingly forcing the other people’s mana to submit.

"The reason why I’m telling you this is because, I’m a bit sensitive when it comes to my people. I take it personally if anyone tries to harm them and... Douglas Clark can be the best example for what happens when someone tries to hurt someone who’s under my wing."

"Wha-"

Their eyes widened and Snake almost got to his feet hearing that.

"I’m investigating on who it is that dared to attack my people, and once I find them... They can count their last days." I smiled.

"A-Are you threatening us?" Snake asked.

I looked at him, "No, I’m just telling you the perks of being associated with me. I can fight alongside you and turn your enemies into dust but, if I’m your enemy then..."

I let the unspoken threat hang in the air like the tension that was making the air tremble. Our Manas were clashing in the background and I could feel my Dragon’s Presence overpowering them all.

"Lord Dragon, are you suspecting us of those attacks?" Hawke asked making me smile.

"I’m just letting you know so that if you find any information you will let me in on it. Since I’m a part of the Underworld now." I said making Snake glare at me.

"So, now that I’ve said what I came here for, I’ll take my leave. Good night, gentlemen." I said as I turned and walked out of the hall followed by Drac.