Book 9: Chapter 16


    Papa!


    When I returned to the tavern at night, Leahs bright smile and passionate hug dispersed all of the fatigue weighing me down. I hugged her back, while Veirya , who was behind her, also came up and hugged me. Maybe strangle is a better word since my bones were telling me they were going.


    Veirya then handed me a bill.


    Did you two go out to eat today? I inquired.


    Yes, replied Veirya, apanying it with a nod. We. Went out to y. Together. And. Had lots of fun.


    Leah added a bright nod: There are plenty of delicious foods in the imperial capital. Leah loves it! Papa, you didnt join us for dinner tonight, so can we eat dinner together next time?


    Sure, I replied, ruffling Leahs hair at the same time. Im d to see you two so happy. Papas work tonight also went smoothly. Its just that Papa needs to go out again tomorrow. We might stay at the imperial capital for half a month. Afterwards, well go to the South.


    Okay!


    I checked out the bill and sighed in my mind. Lord knows where the two of them went. In one night of fun, the two spent the equivalent of whatmoners would spend in a week. With that said, in consideration of their appetites, they would eat about that much. As a result, I couldntin. Moreover, the two of them were going to be nobles in the future. Although frugality is considered a virtue, if a noble is too frugal, itd lead to people getting the impression that I couldnt earn bread for the family. Sometimes, spendingvishly can be a way to earn respect.


    I concurred with what Sisi opined. A husband should be able to feed his wife. In saying that, I would probably have to have my nose to the grindstone to feed my family. Veirya and Leahs smiles made my efforts worth it, nheless. If Achilles hadnt passed away, hed be the one to carry all the burdens thrown in myp. Unfortunately, it was in myp.


    I began to miss Achilles more and more. Had I not taken on his businesses, I wouldnt have been able to appreciate his brilliance and ability to cope under constant, immense pressure. I suppose having the Queens trust wasnt all that joyous. Countless obligation and endless work was part of the authority and envy of others package. Therefore, the ipetent, presumably, wouldnt earn a monarchs trust. By those standards, Achilles certainly would be a vassal worth Queen Sisis trust.


    Dont you worry, Achilles. While Im still in the imperial city and havent made my move, that doesnt mean Ive forgotten your plea. Ill definitely go to the South; just not now. Without the right opportunity, I cant act on my own ord. Im sure youprehend that logic as a businessman. I wont forget, so dont fret, I promised Achilles in my mind.


    ***


    I hear Lin Dongqing has gone to the imperial capital again, casually remarked Alberts friend.


    The news led to Alberts hand slipping, thereby pouring his hot tea onto the table. The servant to the side swiftly went to clean it. Albertpletely ignored the surprise in his friends gaze and nervously asked, What is he at the imperial capital for?! Did someone visit him?! Did he ask about me?


    Huh? Why are you so on edge? He mustve gone to the imperial capital by Her Majestys orders. She ns to confer him a title of nobility, which is why he went there. It has nothing to do with us. After all, we dont n to get involved with Queen Sisis nobles or businessmen there in the imperial capital. Plus, even though Achilles died for Queen Sisi, she just gave him a small vige.


    So, just Lin Dongqing being conferred a title of nobility? Albert, wearing a counterfeit smile, expressed, Im worried that Her Majesty might abruptly do something to us. Lin Dongqing was able to send every businessman in the imperial capital into bankruptcy on his own. Im seriously worried about him potentiallying here.


    Sure, but Achilles is dead. Consequently, Queen Sisi has to rece him with a new vassal to assist her. Also, ourdy-in-waiting in the pce said that Lin Dongqing is actually Queen Sisis man. By the looks of things, though, its whatever. How would she ever haveid eyes on him otherwise? I must admit that hes quite the man, nevertheless. If its possible, I hope he can join our South businessmens faction. Hes a businessman no matter how you consider it at the end of the day.


    This is good news for me. Achilles is dead; Lin Dongqing is held up there. That means nobody can harm me now. That means everything I did is swept under the rug. Nobody knows what happened. I know I went too far, but whats done is done. Its pointless to say anything at this point. Achilles wont ept my apology, so what can I do? I just want to protect my family, justified Albert, inwardly.


    With regards to the shipyard, it seems that you have quite a lot ofpetitors. The main problem is that you havent acquired the rights yet. Even those with a tiny amount of shares are on high alert. Some are even waiting for the next appreciation to sell their shares for a higher price. Youre suffering a loss if you buy shares now. Thats why the market has reached a stalemate now. How about this: I think the shares in my possession are pretty much worthless, so Ill give them to your hands. In saying that, you must share with me the earnings in the future. That said, give me some cash now. What do you think?


    Once he finished contemting, Albert answered, All right, then. Ill purchase your shares from you at their current worth. Lets split half-half. Ill give you half now, and Ill give you the other half when the bonuses in.


    Deal.


    The South had reached a stalemate because no families were able to afford enough shares to gain the majority shares. Everyone who had shares was waiting for their value to appreciate. Thus, the price of the shipyard was bound to only ever increase, yet had already exceeded what the businessmen could handle. s, the price refused to depreciate. They needed someone who could change the situation in the South by ending the dreary deadlock.