"What do you mean by being self-sufficient?"

"That's precisely what I mean. We will gain enough supply of food, weapons and other resources so that we won't have to depend on others."

"And how we are gone do that?" Zeidan jumped in.

"Just let me finish."

This was a plan Zain come up with. The most important things for the survival and growth of their Dukedom were wealth and talent. These were the core objectives of his plan. He wanted to gain wealth and nurture new talent in Dukedom.

It had many phases. The first one is, making Dukedom independent so that they don't have to rely on others for any kind of supplies. This also included controlling independent markets and organisations present in their territory which would help them grasp the economy in the whole territory.

Zeidan was quite immersed in his thoughts, imagining numerous outcomes. Finally, after measuring the pros and cons of this plan, he asked one question.

"What do you need?"

After hearing this question a smile swept across Zain's face. He hadn't thought it would go this smoothly after all he was still just a child and who would believe in the words of a child when it comes to these matters? But there was a tinge of hope in Zeidan's eye as he believed that there was something extraordinary about this child of his.

"I need full authority to take major decisions. Of course, it will be in my father's name and I also need five million gold coins. Though I needed more, but this will do for time being."

Zain looked at Zeidan with puppy eyes as if he was asking for a toy. But his father very well knew that the amount he was asking for was comparable to a baron's lifetime amassed wealth. As for his first demand, Zeidan could just stop him if Zain misused his power. So, giving him that authority was a small matter. He rubbed his temple hard, thinking about what action to take for Zain's second request.

"Zain, look I am giving you a chance, it depends on you how you will use it. I don't know why even I am doing this but you give me a vibe that you will surprise me."

"Don't worry, I won't let you down. I need an assistant as well as a guard who can help me."

"Young master, if you're looking for an assistant then my son Chris can help you with it."

Morris was trying to gain the favour of his young lord for his son. It was more so because Morris felt that his young master had a bright future ahead of him.

Then Zeidan summoned one of his personal knights. Soon a beautiful lady came into the room. She was elegantly dressed, her body has developed quite well. Her beauty could leave many ladies of noble households in the dust. She bowed to Zeidan and gave Zain her most innocent smile. But Zain just nodded in acknowledgement and looked at Zeidan.

This behaviour of Zain hurt the pride of the lady. Many noble lords would go crazy after seeing her. Although she didn't like that lecherous behaviour but Zain didn't even bat an eye at her. Normally people when people would see her first time they wouldn't take their eyes off her.

Even Zeidan and Morris were slightly surprised. They knew how the young generation behaved in matters like this. Even though Zain was eight years old, his body growth was the same as sixteen years old and he had read far too many poems and tales to not know these 'things'. But still, he didn't spare a glance at her.

"What happened?"

"Huh.. no, nothing. Meet Raina, she a mage under me. She will be your protector from today on. Do any of you two have any objections?"

"No, father."

"No, my lord."

"Then that's settled. You have ten months to show me good results."

"Got it, Miss Raina please meet me in my room an hour from now and bring along Chris with you as well. And yes, I need to know about good empty plots of land for setting up a winery. I will be there, you can go first. I still have some things to discuss with father."

Raina first looked at Zeidan, when he nodded she bowed and left.

"My beloved father."

"Spit out! what do you need?" Zeidan knew his son very well and that this polite gesture is a facade to cover for Zain's request.

"We have still not discussed how to divide the profit."

"Are you actually kidding me? I have already given you five million gold what more can ask for?"

"Please let me correct that statement, you have invested, not given. And so I will return what you invested and after that, we will share the profit at a ninety-ten ratio."

"Hahahaha.... what a beloved child. No, I will only keep eighty and you can have 20 per cent." Zeidan said after seeing his child trying to give his father more profit he was slightly heartfelt. As he gulped wine, he noticed a strange expression on Zain's face.

"Hey, I am taking 90 percent, you 10 percent profit."

'Spat'

Zeidan spat out the wine and coughed loudly.

"What crap are you spouting? I paid for the investment first-hand. This is daylight robbery."

Tears started flowing out from Zain's eyes like running water.

"You...you don't love.....sob...sniff even though I did all that research for family. But... you.. sniff mad at... me."

After seeing him cry like this, Zeidan thought to let go of the profit.

'I shouldn't be so harsh. He is just a kid. And the money will also remain in our family, so no loss.'

"Okay, okay, I will give you 80 percent at most."

"Sob...really?"

"Yes, I give you my words."

"Haha... Fantastic.."

Zain's attitude took a 180-degree change. Both Zeidan and Morris were baffled by him. It was the first time they have seen this side of him.

"Zain!!"

"Calm down father, you already gave your words. But I will cut you some slack, for coming years' development, I will pay. Happy now!"

Zeidan didn't know whether to laugh, cry or what. He was a Duke and a terrifying one at that and this eight-year-old child was actually cutting him slack. But when he thought deeply if what Zain was planning worked even a little, the profit would be immense. So, he drank back his anger and started discussing other details about sales etc.

After that, Zain left for his room to meet his new guardian and assistant to finalise his plans and execute them.