Lt. Col. Slane's Office, Amethyst Merchant's HQ

0810, 19 Mar 2025

If an economist from China was asked what they think about Africa. They will answer, "A potential market. The people don't have money, but we can help increase their purchasing potential. They want to have an Iphone but the price is too expensive. So we supply them with a more affordable product."

This way of thinking then gave birth to the Belt and Road Initiative.

With full calculations, the economics titan from China helped prospective buyers build infrastructure, shift manufacturing facilities to their countries, and create jobs that grow the international market for their products exclusively.

When Lt. Col. Slane finished studying the intel regarding Amstell Continent, on reflex he decided that Amethyst Merchant would use the Belt and Road Initiative as a business model. And the first Region to receive the Belt and Road Initiative was Tuscan Region.

The scheme proposed by Amethyst Merchant would allow Tuscan Region authorities to collect income taxes from its residents, including rent, tuition, water, electricity, and rates for other public facilities.

The income was not only used to finance the maintenance of various facilities that Amethyst Merchant had built, but was also very sufficient to rebuild Tuscan Region's economy.

Magwurt City residents accepted Amethyst Merchant's proposed scheme with open arms, because it was proposed alongside guaranteed employment with adequate wages.

So even though the residents had to pay rent for housing, use of water and electricity, and other public facilities, they were still able to support themselves and two other people properly.

This scheme was also accompanied by a policy of limiting two children. So that the economic growth rate remains above the population growth rate.

To the residents of Magwurt City who had nothing and were always hungry, the scheme that Amethyst Merchant proposed was no different from a sweet cake that fell from the sky.

They did not receive free gifts, but they were given the opportunity to live a decent and dignified life because that decent life was earned through their own sweat. Moreover, that decent life had a high standard by the standards of the Amstell Continent.

In addition, Amethyst Merchant also provided relief by covering income taxes and public facilities rates for the first 6 months. So Magwurt City residents could buy various urgent necessities or make small savings.

At the same time, Magwurt Social Bureau was established to ensure that children and the elderly who did not have family members at their productive age could still live properly.

In short, Amethyst Merchant not only acquired Nouel farmland massively, but also opened a potential market.

With great attention, Lt. Col. Slane was studying Tuscan Region economic statistics for the past week, and he subconsciously smiled.

The Tuscan Region was still in the early phase of economic recovery. Therefore its residents' purchasing potential had not reached the highest point yet. Even so, their buying capacity showed significant growth.

"If the Belt and Road Initiative is successfully implemented in the Tuscan Region, then the business model will be successful in other regions as well."

Lt. Col. Slane smiled cheerfully, while at the same time one of his bodyguards walked into the room.

"Sir, Viscount Rattel wishes to see you."

Lt. Col. Slane immediately nodded. "Invite him to come in."

- - - - -

Lt. Col. Slane took a deep look at Viscount Rattel before responding to the alliance proposal that he had put forward.

"The alliance is a good deal, but why would the Tuscan Region want to participate in the factory we built? Isn't the economic scheme we proposed going to provide a good income for Tuscan Region?"

"Yes, it is. However, every time I think of the crisis we've had over the past few years, I am encouraged not to miss any potential income. Ser Slane, I assure you that Tuscan Region will do everything in its power to repay Amethyst Merchant's kindness."

Lt. Col. Slane was pensive for a moment before calmly saying, "Ser Viscount, there seems to be a misunderstanding. So allow me to once again explain the position of Amethyst Merchant, and apologize if I use straightforward language."

"No problem, please."

"Amethyst Merchant is not an angel, but investors. What we do for Tuscan Region is not based on goodness, but cold calculations. You are renting out the land and we pay for it with food, gold, and various assistance.

Therefore, if Tuscan Region wants to participate in the factory we are going to build, there must be a commensurate return. Because the alliance we hope for must be based on the principles of equal footing."

Viscount Rattel's heart was beating fast. Lt. Col. Slane's words at a glance were cold. However, he realized that what Amethyst Merchant wanted was a strong and dignified ally, not a weak ally who tended to lean on.

That's why Viscount Rattel was very happy. Because this was the first time a party that was far stronger than Tuscan Region was willing to forge a relationship based on equality.

Viscount Rattel firmly said, "I understand and am ready to exchange the gold we received with the participation rights in the factory that Amethyst Merchant will build. I'm also willing to extend the land lease for 25 years and add the payment to the participation rights."

'This is what TF Amethyst needs. Allies with a powerhouse-like mindset.'

Even though his face looked casual, inside Lt. Col. Slane felt an overwhelming joy. He immediately made a brief calculation.

"The gold you return is equivalent to the land lease for 12.5 years, and will give you a 6% participating right in Amethyst Merchant's first three factories. An additional 25 years of a land lease will increase the participating interest to 18%."

Seeing Lt. Col. Slane only needed two breaths to make a calculation, Viscount Rattel stuttered. Moreover, the participation right was much smaller than what he expected.

"Ser Slane, I'm sorry if I have the courage to ask. But why does it seem the participation rights are too small?"

Lt. Col. Slane did not feel offended even though Viscount Rattel doubted his calculations, he calmly explained.

"Ser Viscount, I think you underestimate the potential of three factories that we will build. But I have no objection and it is still not too late if you want to cancel your participation."

"Ser Slane, for the whiskey and beer factories I may not have realized the highest potential. However, I understand the potential for sugar factories, and decided not to withdraw the request for participation rights."

Lt Col. Slane nodded slightly, and the details and legalization of Tuscan Region participation rights were immediately discussed further.

Tuscan Region had the right to send representatives to Amethyst Merchant, and to know any plans related to the three factories to be established.

However, the authority in management, human resource selection, financial, and marketing rests entirely with Amethyst Merchant. Advice from Tuscan Region representatives will be considered, but not absolute.

Following the participating right, Tuscan Region was entitled to a profit of 18%, which could be received in liquid form, used to increase the participation rights by up to 30%, or invested in another factory that would be established at a later date.

Viscount Rattel realized Lt. Col. Slane had just told him that Tuscan Region representative would just sit around without real authority, but relief still filled his heart.

"I gladly accept."

Viscount Rattel and Lt. Col. Slane then shook hands with a smile from ear to ear.

- - - - -

Lt. Col. Slane's Office, Amethyst Merchant's HQ

1600, 19 Mar 2025

Not long after Viscount Rattel left, Lt. Col. Slane immediately reported to Harley Quinn that an alliance with Tuscan Region had been established.

An hour later he received a reply from General O'Neil, who congratulated him on his success and reminded him of the consolidation and development plans according to Operation Neptune.

"One good friend in all weather has been obtained. Only nine left, then Amethyst Merchant will dominate Amstell Continent economy."

Murmured Lt. Col. Slane before cheerfully took a sip of the wine in his hand.

*****