Starting With an SSS-Rank Swordsmanship Talent

Chapter 163: Baron Argus’s Suggestion

”Did you send someone to inform Lord Alaric about this?” Argus asked.

”Yes, my lord. Iʼm sure Lord Alaric has already heard of it by now.” The warrior replied with a nod.

”Alright. You may go back and continue with the investigations. There might be more treasures hidden in this cave.” Argus waved his hand, gesturing for them to leave.

The warriors didnʼt stay any longer. They bowed and left to continue their investigation.

Argus turned his head and noticed the gloomy faces of the lords.

When he saw this, he already knew what was going on in their minds.

”Stop overthinking it.” He snorted.

His words gathered everyoneʼs attention.

Sensing their gazes, Argus said. ”Havenʼt you seen what kind of person Lord Alaric is? If you want a share of that cold iron deposit, then you guys better work for it.”

”Donʼt even think about planning anything shady.” He warned them.

They could understand the implications of his words.

Betraying House Silversword was no different than suicide. They had seen their military power and it was something that their little houses couldnʼt afford to offend.

”Donʼt worry, Lord Argus. We know our limits. We are not stupid.”

”Thatʼs right. We will never betray Lord Alaric and House Silversword.”

…

Meanwhile, Alaric had also received a report about the discovery.

I have never heard of a cold iron deposit in my past life.

He frowned as he tried to remember the major events that had occurred in his past life.

Suddenly, he seemed to have recalled something important.

I remember that the imperial family sent their army to wipe out the orc tribes after Vale was almost destroyed.

In his past life, the imperial family sent a huge army to destroy the scattered orc tribes near the northern borders. It was even led by the second prince himself. Many northern lords were even asked to participate at that time.

Did the second prince swallow the entire cold iron deposit all by himself?

That was the only conclusion he could think of.

Alaric shook off the random thoughts and focused on the matter at hand. He was certain that this could lead to trouble if not handled well. The northern lords might appear loyal now, but he knew that some of those people wouldnʼt hesitate to betray them for the sake of profit.

While he was thinking how he should handle this problem, he saw the lords approaching him, their faces having varying expressions.

Some were excited, some were nervous, and there were also those who looked unperturbed.

Alaric gaze happened to stop at a middle-aged warrior whose armor was covered in blood. This man was an Elite Knight from House Heinrich. He was probably a representative sent as a proxy for Baron Smith.

[Do you want to use Appraisal on the target?]

[Yes] [No]

Alaric clicked [Yes].

Ray [Elite Knight] EXP: 63/1000

Potential: D

Traits: Horseback Riding (C), Spear Mastery (C), Archery (C), Close Combat (D), Hunting (D)

Strength: 90

Stamina: 105

Agility: 139

Vitality: 94

Endurance: 90

Mana: 115

His attributes are very low for an Elite Knight. Only his Agility is somewhat acceptable.

Alaric commented in his mind.

”My lord, I apologize for disturbing you when you have a lot of things to do, but I think we should discuss how we should handle the cold iron deposit.” Argus didnʼt waste any time and went straight to the topic.

Hearing this, Alaric closed the cyan screen.

”I understand.”

He smiled faintly at the old baron and asked.

”Then how do you think we should handle it, Lord Argus? Do you have any suggestions in mind?”

Argus was taken aback, not expecting Alaric to ask for his opinion.

After a moment of surprise, he gathered his thoughts and calmly responded. ”Since you are asking for my humble opinion, then I will speak freely.”

Alaric nodded and gestured for him to continue speaking.

”Everyone in the North is already aware of this orc subjugation mission and we canʼt hide this fact from the empire. This will draw a lot of attention and once news about the cold iron deposit leaks, many will come to claim it for themselves, including the imperial family.”

The old baron uttered with certainty to which everyone nodded in agreement.

”So the first thing we should do is to keep things under wraps. I suggest that everyone here should sign a non-disclosure agreement and whoever breaks the contract will face the collective attack…” The old baron stated a convincing opinion.

”Thatʼs indeed a wonderful idea, my lord. Then how should we divide the cold iron deposit?” Alaric stared deeply at the old man.

Everyone gulped in anticipation. This was what they were worried about and Baron Argusʼs next words might decide how the cold iron deposit would be distributed.

Facing everyoneʼs heated gazes, the old man took a deep breath before he replied. ”How about this, my lord? House Silversword will receive 60% of the total mined ore and the rest will be divided evenly between the rest of us.”

The lords narrowed their eyes upon hearing this. His suggestion was within their tolerated range so no one said a word of complaint.

All that was left was Alaricʼs approval.

The latter rubbed his chin with a thoughtful look.

The old manʼs offer was very generous and it seemed that everyone was satisfied with it.

After a moment of silence, Alaric smiled and nodded his head. ”Alright. Letʼs do that. House Silversword will take 60% of the total amount of ore that will be mined and the rest will be distributed evenly between you guys. In exchange for taking most of the ores, House Silversword will be responsible for the safety of the miners. We will send an army to protect the area. That way, everyone here can be assured.”

The lords could only smile helplessly. He worded it like he wanted to protect the miners, but those with sharp minds knew that it was also a warning for them.