That evening, in the Crimson Mage Tower.
Li De was in a good mood after just finishing socializing. He had originally thought that tonight's attempt to build rapport with Rom would be an uphill battle—it was difficult to win the trust of a noble with mere words alone.
However, things progressed far more smoothly than he had imagined. Li De offered a few ideas to this love-struck noble youth, and after sharing a few drinks, their relationship grew much closer.
Their conversation was uneventful, typical of interactions between nobles, leaving Li De in a pleasant mood.
He summoned Laurent, the overseer of the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild, who had now almost become his errand runner.
But there was no helping it. There were too few people he could rely on in Green City. The apprentices in the Mage Tower were mostly inexperienced youths who hadn't yet faced the harsh realities of life, making them unsuitable for many tasks.
Li De was also unfamiliar with the people in the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild, so Laurent remained the only person he could trust to get things done efficiently.
"Laurent, starting tomorrow, procure a batch of cotton, fabric, and farming tools. Prepare quantities for eight thousand people."
Hiss~
Laurent sucked in a sharp breath after hearing this.
Supplies for eight thousand people? Was Lord Li De planning to go to war?
"Lord Li De, because of those accursed Beastmen, prices for supplies have surged recently. If we can wait, it would be best to act next spring after the Beastmen retreat."
Li De waved his hand dismissively, his tone brooking no argument.
"No, Laurent. Just complete the task."
His gaze was as piercing as thunder, exuding an undeniable dominance.
"Spare no expense."
These four words spoke volumes.
Laurent trembled, his heart filled with trepidation as he looked at the imposing figure of Li De. He suddenly felt a sense of estrangement—Li De's recent approachability had almost made him forget that this was a high-ranking mage lord.
This man held his fate in his hands; life and death rested on a single word.
Cold sweat soaked through his clothes. Laurent, oh Laurent, who gave you the audacity to question Lord Li De?!
Panicking, he quickly responded.
"Yes, Lord Li De. Your command is the direction the Golden Wheat Merchant Guild will follow. No matter what, even if you wanted weapons for warriors, I would procure them."
Li De gazed deeply at Laurent.
"Laurent, work hard and don't disappoint me."
Afterward, his tone softened. "Your daughter is fifteen, correct? If you perform well this time, next year you may send her to the Mage Tower to study magic."
Laurent's heart was a mixture of surprise and disbelief as he stared at Li De.
"Lord Li De, I… the priest from the Temple of Life said my daughter lacks talent and isn't suited to becoming a mage."
Li De smiled faintly.
"Don't play these petty tricks. Recently, the Mage Tower has developed a new magic potion capable of helping someone break through to become a Formal Mage.
You've already seen Vina and Karu.
If you earn sufficient merit, your daughter may also have the chance to receive this potion, worth three hundred Gold Pucks."
Laurent's face immediately lit up with a broad smile.
"Lord Li De, you see truths clearer than the goddess herself! I swear to the Goddess of Life, I will complete every task you assign."
"Go now. First, contact the sellers, then return for the Gold Pucks."
"Yes."
"If you encounter difficulties, you can seek help from Rom of the Alex Merchant Guild. He'll assist you."
Li De casually added this reminder, but Laurent stiffened, his gaze toward Li De growing even more reverent.
Rom would help? Though spoken lightly, Laurent understood the weight of those words. That was the son of a Marquis! He hadn't expected their relationship to develop to such an extent after just one meeting.
The handsome visage of Li De grew increasingly mysterious and commanding in his mind.
Watching Laurent leave with renewed vigor, Li De smiled faintly.
A carrot and a stick—an old tactic, but undeniably effective.
People were naturally lazy. Though Laurent had been diligent in his work recently, Li De sensed a lack of initiative and ambition in him.
Now, with the motivation of his daughter potentially becoming a Formal Mage, Li De was confident that the man would put forth twelve times the effort to work for him.
All he had to offer was a vial of Mana-Infused Blood, and that too in the distant future.
To him, the cost was nearly negligible.
Capitalist Li De was quite satisfied.
However, the shortage of manpower once again left him feeling constrained.
Whether it was Dawn City or the Crimson Mage Tower, there were too few people he could rely on at the moment.
Dawn City could wait—for now. Once the human population increased, they could expand the number of vampires by next spring.
But the Crimson Mage Tower was different from the vampires. Raising humans required significant time and resources—they couldn't gain the innate talents of an upper-tier race simply by becoming vampires.
It was time to inject some fresh blood into the Crimson Mage Tower.
Gazing out at the pitch-black night sky, Li De fell deep into thought.
The next day.
An exciting announcement spread throughout the area near the Crimson Mage Tower.
The Crimson Mage Tower planned to recruit a group of Mage Apprentices and a group of Merchant Apprentices.
Of course, the former was the primary source of excitement, while the latter was largely ignored.
Goddess above, this was the Crimson Mage Tower! There were fewer than ten Mage Towers in all of Green City. Aside from the three Grand Mages, only five High Mages possessed their own towers.
And the Crimson Mage Tower in their district was one of them.
Becoming a mage lord—
What an enticing prospect!
The thought of one day rising to become a revered mage lord sent countless hearts racing.
Families with children aged ten to twenty were especially frenzied.
The usually quiet square outside the gates of the Crimson Mage Tower was packed with people. Several apprentice mages tasked with disseminating information were surrounded by a throng of eager individuals.
"Mage Lord, my daughter is only thirty-two! She has magical talent—can she become your apprentice?"
"Only recruiting those aged ten to twenty? My son is only three, but his magical talent would surely impress the Goddess of Magic! Esteemed Mage Lord, please let him try—I beg of you!"
"I… Esteemed Lord, what about me? I'm certain I have mage potential! Please, consider me!"
"Master, here are five Gold Pucks. If you can get my daughter into the Mage Tower, they're all yours!"