Viscount Rattel Study Room, Magwurt Castle

0900, 18 Mar 2025

Viscount Rattel gasped incessantly every time he read a report regarding the construction progress on the south side of Magwurt City. He had a hard time every time he tried to understand how a slum turned into a classy residential area in a short time.

The construction on the south side of Magwurt City was not finished yet, but Viscount Rattel could already imagine the final result.

Streets that were neat and smooth with a clear separation between the road for pedestrians and vehicle users, complete with road signs, lighting, and a public transportation called a tramcar.

Tramcar had two types of carriages. A passenger car with a capacity of 52 seats or a freight car with a capacity equivalent to 10 carts. Currently the tramcar operated singly, but when sufficient electricity could be generated 3-4 cars could be combined and operated as a unit.

Buildings for housing were also built massively, five stories high, stretching along the block which averaged up to 1.6 km, complete with a clean water system, lighting, and a garden which was also a playground for children.

The residential buildings, which were called apartment blocks, were divided into smaller rooms with a capacity of 6 people and already accommodate bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens, bathrooms, and washing areas.

Amethyst Merchant designed each apartment block to be able to accommodate 10-12 thousand people, but for now each apartment block was only occupied up to 80% of its capacity for the sake of equal density.

Under the apartment block, a three-story emergency shelter was also built, complete with logistics storage, medical room, lighting and clean water systems, and other basic necessities.

Some residents who have moved to apartment blocks claim that their new residence feels like heaven. In a way, Viscount Rattel was understood their feeling. Because Magwurt Castle also tasted the renovations carried out by Amethyst Merchant.

Now, Magwurt Castle was equipped with an electric powered lighting system, that allows a fire-free lamp to glow brightly with the push of a small button called a switch.

When Viscount Rattel became acquainted with the magic lighting system, he had to press the switch over a hundred times before he was sure he wasn't dreaming.

The residents of Magwurt Castle were also introduced to super clean and sparkling bathrooms, comfortable bed, chair massage, and super clear mirrors. Including all kinds of things that Amethyst Merchant personnel call the 21st century standard of living.

In short, now Magwurt Castle felt like another world. Sometimes, Viscount Rattel still had to peek out the window to convince himself that he was in Magwurt Castle.

Magwurt City now also had educational facilities where the teachers were personnel from Amethyst Merchants, who were happy to spend their spare time teaching the children or other residents.

On a continent where 98 out of 100 populations were illiterate, an educational facility was tantamount to a blessing that fell from heaven. Moreover, the teachers in these facilities were very professional and sincere. They even wholeheartedly encourage adults who were hesitant or embarrassed to come, so they had confidence to study with their children.

Viscount Rattel let out a deep breath before looking at Tuscan Region's higher-ups sitting in front of him.

"Until now, we haven't seen the military capacity of TF Amethyst, which is the parent organization of Amethyst Merchant. But I feel we have seen enough other potentials that can be used as a basis for determining our attitude."

General Khartoum calmly said, "Amethyst Merchants do refuse to share military technology, but it is still far better than the Kingdom of Makai who refused to help us. So allying with them is a logical option."

Jeve Rattel who was in charge of the food reserve added, "Amethyst Merchant helps us get out of the famine as well as achieve food stability for the next decade, not to mention other assistance. So it is only fitting that we ally with them."

Viscount Rattel nodded in satisfaction before turning to Maine Rattel who was in charge of the finances.

"Maine, what do you think?"

"I agree we have an alliance with Amethyst Merchant, but can we find a way to take part in the sugar factory, brewery, and whiskey factory they're building."

Viscount Rattel and the rest of Tuscan Region's higher-ups instantly let out a deep sigh.

They had seen how Amethyst Merchant's sugar cane fields were flourishing, and the granulated sugar they produced had higher quality than the sugar imported from the 1st world authority outside of Amstell Continent.

They have also sampled the beer and whiskey that Amethyst Merchant would produce. The beer and whiskey taste amazingly delicious, and the planned sale price was much lower than similar products circulating around Tuscan Region.

After a deep sigh, Maine said, "Without me explaining any further, you must be aware that their three factories are goldmine. Unfortunately, the three factories don't need new land that we can use as investment entry points."

Viscount Rattel tapped his fingers on the table before saying, "We can use the gold we previously received as land lease payments. If necessary, we can also extend the land lease and add the payment to our investment."

Maine nodded slightly. "That's what I'm going to propose. But will Amethyst Merchant accept it?"

"I will try my best." A determination flashed in Viscount Rattel's gaze.

For Tuscan Region's future, Viscount Rattel was willing to do anything, including begging and humbling himself if necessary.

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