83: cooperate

In the afternoon, at the residence of Count Lonsen.

Linn arrived for a visit. More than ten of the most elite Star Sea Guards, clad in armor and wielding sharp weapons, followed him into the castle with synchronized, heavy steps. The clanging of their armor broke the usual silence of the residence. Elise, Clay, and Ocean Jack—three Gold Ranks—followed closely behind. Though their full power was not unleashed, their presence made those with keen senses feel a chill in their hearts.

Under the guidance of the guards, they entered the Losen Family castle.

Inside the parlor, Count Lonsen sat in the main seat with a majestic expression. Beside him was Lady Isabella—his second wife, who hailed from a Marquis Family—with exquisite makeup and a standard smile that didn't reach her cold eyes. Payson sat in a lower side seat; when he saw Linn, his back straightened almost imperceptibly.

"Baron Linn has gained quite a reputation lately! Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary," Count Lonsen praised, his tone full of admiration. Compared to Count Alistair, Count Lonsen appeared much older. According to Payson, Count Lonsen had failed in his attempt to Breakthrough to Sky Knight. It wasn't until he was 500 years old that he married and fathered Payson.

A Gold Rank has a Lifespan of 300 years, Earth Rank reaches 600 years, and one can reach 800 years of life at the Sky Rank.

"The Count is too kind; this is all thanks to everyone's support and help!" Linn's tone was slightly respectful, as this was, after all, his good friend's father.

After the initial pleasantries, Linn got straight to the point.

"Lord Count, I have come here today hoping to establish an exclusive and long-term strategic cooperation with the Losen Family in the name of the Star Sea Territory." His tone was calm but carried an unquestionable weight. "The core of the cooperation is simple: the Star Sea Territory will use two types of hard currency—rare potions that can enhance strength and accelerate recovery, as well as a sufficient amount of gold coins—to monopolize the procurement rights for all weapons and equipment within the Losen Family's territory, as well as the exclusive rights for the slave trade."

Count Lonsen's eyes narrowed. Several Family managers also perked up their ears. Potions and gold coins were tangible power and wealth. The value of the potions, in particular, went without saying.

"Specifically," Linn continued, "the Star Sea Territory will buy out all qualified weapons and equipment produced in or passing through the Losen territory at prices higher than the market rate and through a stable supply method. Meanwhile, the slave trade, regardless of the source, will be uniformly purchased and settled by the Star Sea Merchant Guild. In return, the potions we provide will be supplied to the Losen Family with priority and in sufficient quantities, and we can also pay a premium in gold coins."

Lady Isabella chimed in softly, her smile unchanging. "Lord Linn has quite the grand plan. However, such a monopolistic cooperation hands the Family's lifeblood over to a single partner. I wonder if..."

"Risk and opportunity coexist, My Lady." Linn interrupted her, turning his gaze toward Count Lonsen. "But this is not just a business deal. This is a binding agreement to make our interests completely aligned. The Losen Family will gain stable financial resources and potion support that can rapidly strengthen your core armed forces. Meanwhile, the Star Sea Territory will obtain a stable and reliable source of equipment and manpower. This is a win-win."

He paused briefly before throwing down an even heavier bargaining chip. "If the cooperation goes smoothly and trust deepens... in the future, the Star Sea Territory can even consider selling a certain number of warships to the Losen Family. I believe the Count has heard of the performance of our warships."

Warships! Count Lonsen's fingertips tapped lightly on the back of his chair. The prowess of the Star Sea Territory's warships had been no secret along the coast in recent years. If they could obtain them... the temptation was too great. Combined with the massive potion resources, this deal was beneficial to the Losen Family no matter how one looked at it.

Lady Isabella's smile finally faded. She glanced at Payson and said in a cold voice, "Such an important cooperation involves the very foundation of the Family. The choice of the person to execute it is crucial. I'm afraid Payson..."

"Precisely because it is important," Linn's voice suddenly turned hard, carrying the resonance of clashing metal, "it must be led by Payson, whom I trust completely. Cooperation is based on trust, and I only trust him."

Before his words had even finished, the several people behind him faintly released their Aura.

The pressure from three Gold Ranks acted like an invisible hand choking everyone's breath. This small number of people obviously posed no threat to the Losen Family, but being able to pull together such a team in such a short time was impressive. The potential for growth was enough to shock everyone.

Linn acted as if he had only done a trivial thing, slowly picking up his teacup. "As I said, this is not just cooperation; it's choosing a side. I stand on Payson's side. Supporting him is supporting this cooperation, supporting the friendship of the Star Sea Territory, and all subsequent possibilities—including potions, gold coins, and even future warships."

He didn't continue, but the unspoken implications were more heart-pounding than saying them directly. Linn was not alone now; the Blue Silver Merchant Guild, Viscount Nocturne, and even Governor Aldrich were his allies. This was a force that even the Losen Family had to take seriously.

Count Lonsen's face was solemn as his gaze swept between Linn, Payson, and the ugly-faced Lady Isabella. Massive profits, scarce resources, military deterrence, and a promising maritime force... For the sake of the Family, he could only make one choice.

After a moment of silence, the Count's deep voice rang out. "The details of the cooperation can be discussed further. But in principle, I agree. Payson, from now on, you will be fully responsible for all trade dealings with the Star Sea Territory, and Family resources will prioritize cooperation with you."

"As you command, Father!" Payson stood up to accept the order, his voice firm and the light in his eyes reignited.

Lady Isabella said no more, but her fingertips dug slightly into her palms.

Linn raised his cup in a gesture of acknowledgement, a faint smile on his face. "To our solid and long-lasting alliance."

When they left the Count's residence, Payson escorted them to the door and gave a heavy cupped-fist salute; everything was understood without words.

"I've given you the bargaining chips. Now, it's up to you."

"Man, this is no small favor!" Payson was deeply grateful that Linn didn't hesitate to offend the power behind Isabella to stand firmly behind him.

"Why the formalities between us? I brought many resources this time; potions and gold coins are more than enough. List out an inventory over the next few days and I'll buy out everything you have in one go. This will make your position even more stable." Since Linn had finally come to Haige City, he was going to do things thoroughly.

"Right! Linn, you need to speed up the acquisition of Slaves. It might not be so easy to buy them in the near future. The Kingdom is currently developing the Northern Border with great effort. I expect they'll soon move against the Great Wilderness Forest in the north!" Payson reminded Linn.

Linn frowned slightly. "I've heard about this too, but it's also my opportunity. As long as the Kingdom begins a large-scale expansion into the Great Wilderness Forest, I will officially march into the continent." Linn did not hide his ambition in the slightest.

Linn then continued, "Payson, hurry up and improve your status and strength. I'll handle your potions. In the future, we must firmly control the entire Northern Border of the Kingdom, including the eastern part of the Great Wilderness Forest that is yet to be developed."

Payson was also swept up by Linn's Aura. "Don't worry! I definitely won't hold you back. Want to go out and have some fun tonight?" Payson switched to a lewd expression.

Linn knew exactly what he was thinking. "Next time. I still have matters to handle!"

After bidding farewell to Payson, Linn prepared to visit another old friend: Lilith, the branch president of the Blue Silver Merchant Guild in Haige City.

The flag of the Star Sea Territory had been deeply planted into the future of the Losen Family through the most direct means of profit and power.

The cooperation with the Blue Silver Merchant Guild could not be neglected either. In the future, even more Advanced potions would need to be sold to distant places through the hands of the Blue Silver Merchant Guild, as the Star Sea Merchant Guild clearly lacked the capability to do so on its own for now.