In Kingdom Buriek, there was hardly anyone who didn't know the name of Duke Phelite. An economist and trade expert who did not hesitate to rebuke King Buriek XII, when the King intended to double the budget for the kingdom's annual festival.

Seven years ago, Duke Phelite made an economic projection that Kingdom Buriek must be able to produce food and Nouel independently. Because, the trend of trade with Kingdom Makai showed that the Kingdom would experience an economic collapse in 20 years.

That's why, starting from seven years ago, Kingdom Buriek prepared its military power to occupy Sandhur Region. A military campaign that would have succeeded brilliantly, if only an unexpected variable called TF Amethyst had not pop-up at the last second.

Last night, Duke Phelite attended a closed-door meeting at Buriek Royal Hall. During the meeting, Admiral Errez shared every information he got from his visit to TF Amethyst HQ, where at first glance this information sounded like a fairy tale for children.

After hearing Admiral Errez's explanation, one thing that crossed Duke Phelite's mind was, 'Old man Errez's head must have been hit hard on the journey.'

But the problem was, all information regarding TF Amethyst's military capabilities did not contradict the field data that had been collected by Buriek Guard HQ. In short, the two pieces of information complemented each other.

Grand Commander Keraz and Marshal Ducie even took the information brought by Admiral Errez seriously. It could be said that Kingdom Buriek was already halfway agreeing to the ceasefire terms proposed by TF Amethyst.

While the other half step was in Duke Phelite's hand. As a person in charge of Kingdom Buriek's finances and trades, he was responsible for studying the economic scheme proposed by Amethyst Merchant, the trading wing of TF Amethyst.

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Last night, the meeting at the Buriek Royal Hall lasted until early morning. So, after the meeting, Duke Phelite did not immediately study the documents brought by Admiral Errez. He chose to go straight to sleep.

The documents did catch Duke Phelite attention. For they were written on a very white paper, with an easy-to-read and precise font that was neatly bound. However, a tired mind and body could lead to erroneous perceptions and biased judgments. Therefore Duke Phelite chose to restrain himself.

It was only after good rest, nice bathing, and proper breakfast that Duke Phelite entered his study.

"Let's see what Amethyst Merchant has to offer."

Calmly, Duke Phelite reached a document entitled 'Major Transactions in Makai Royal City'. A very provocative title, for accessing the detail of major transactions in a Royal City was as difficult as accessing military vital information.

So it was natural for Duke Phelite to open the document pessimistically. However, as soon as he saw the title 'Chapter 3A - Merry Gold Union and Kingdom Buriek Transactions' at the table of contents, Duke Phelite immediately opened it. A moment later, his jaw dropped as he saw various commodities were listed along with their prices, and the price listed was the same as the transaction made by Kingdom Buriek and Merry Gold Union five months ago.

"Gods in heaven, does Amethyst Merchant have spies in Kingdom Buriek or have they infiltrated Merry Gold Union?"

Without delay, Duke Phelite opened other chapters and made a small note. As a result, he found that Merry Gold Union sold Nouel and food staples at a price 20 times higher than the selling price in Kingdom Makai.

Duke Phelite was aware that Kingdom Buriek had always been rigged by Merry Gold Union, but he had trouble getting exact figures. Intelligence operations had been carried out for years to find out the price difference applied by Merry Gold Union. Unfortunately, the intelligence operation never bore fruit.

But now, the information that he had been coveting for years was available to him with such ease and accuracy. With this data, Duke Phelite could accurately conclude that the economic projections he made seven years ago were very wrong. It turned out that Kingdom Buriek had passed the trade balance three years ago.

This meant that Kingdom Buriek's iron ore was drained at a rate that was beyond the safe line without being able to make a commensurate economic contribution.

Rage instantly filled Duke Phelite's heart, but only for a moment as it was immediately replaced by curiosity.

"Let's see what kind of scheme that Amethyst Merchant proposes."

The answer was, Amethyst Merchant would buy iron ore at a price three times higher than Merry Gold Union, and would sell Nouel, food staples, and other commodities at cheaper prices. In addition, Amethyst Merchant was willing to resell the iron ore they bought in the form of pig iron and steel alloy with a quota of 30% of the total purchase.

Duke Phelite knew what pig iron was, but he didn't know what steel alloy was. However, he didn't dig any further because Royal Blacksmith was checking samples of processed iron ore and some finished products sent by Amethyst Merchant.

"Hopefully this steel alloy has a better economic value than pig iron."

Duke Phelite then studied further documents, starting from fisheries farming, hydroponic farming, to the solar power plants as sources of energy for industries.

Duke Phelite couldn't understand the concept of fisheries farming, hydroponic farming, and solar power plant proposed by Amethyst Merchant, but he understood that if these concepts were successfully realized then Kingdom Buriek could reduce imports of food, which would increase the trade surplus.

Of course, such a fantastic idea not only aroused hope but also suspicion. However, Amethyst Merchant seems to have predicted the worries that would arise in Duke Phelite's heart. They were offering small-scale applications as part of research and development before a larger project begins. All of which would be financed by Amethyst Merchant.

"The war compensation proposed by Amethyst Merchant is indeed very high, but on the other hand it can also be considered as the price for the desperate solution that Kingdom Buriek needs."

Duke Phelite took a deep breath before continuing his whisper.

"This kingdom has an enormous iron ore deposit, but apart from a boon it can also be considered a curse as its land was uncultivable."

Duke Phelite then unknowingly sank into contemplation. Accepting the terms put forward by TF Amethyst meant stopping the supply of iron ore to Kingdom Makai, and this would definitely trigger open war.

"For years, I have had a sincere wish to make merchants and nobles in Kingdom Makai vomit blood. Now, my wish has finally come true."

An ear-to-ear grin, instantly formed in Duke Phelite's lips.

*****