Ten months passed to change withering autumn into cold winter. It was rare for Vermillion city to experience snowfall, but this year turned out to be special. The streets of the city were full of people doing their daily activities, and children playing in the snow. The people were happy to get relief in taxes because snow interrupted production and work, and taxes were lowered.

But this winter was also important for Zain. In the past ten months, he managed to find a good place for a factory. Although it was on the outskirts of the city almost out of its territory, it was a place disconnected from the general public, very less people roam here providing much secrecy. As it was an empty area which would have much room for growth in future, more than a hundred acres.

Zain had gone all out for the construction of it. Built six huge buildings including types of equipment, with different purposes each focusing on a single task of Winery. With this, he had also built a big enchanted storehouse for the finished product, worker quarters and a Manor for himself. His Manor also held an underground laboratory for him. All this and recruiting 200 workers with raw material for seven batches had made him spend more than half of 'his' money.

He called this place 'Goldflow valley'. As he thought this place would be where most of the wealth of the Bane Dukedom will be found. He wanted to build it into a business city.

Now the empty patch of land was bustling with life. Workers doing their jobs, as Zain had let them bring their families and most of them have, Zain made adjustments to the area where worker quarters were located by opening a small market. Employing other members of their families to make wine bottles and engraved boxes for bottles.

It was a normal afternoon of winter with dim sunlight. Six buildings were operating with full strength. The first two are responsible for refining the raw materials and getting rid of anything unwanted. The next two are for processing raw material and fermentation. And the last two are for ageing and bottling.

Zain has already turned nine eight months ago. But one could never predict his age, he looked as if he was an eighteen-year-old. Everyone who knew his age was shocked by this development.

Currently, he was sitting in his study with his eyes closed with many things running through his mind. The first batch of wine was almost complete, he was soon expecting to receive the first serving.

'Clack'

A boy of age eighteen entered the room with a box in hand. He was wearing a butler's outfit. He had above-average looks with a strong body. His gestures gave off the vibe of a mature person. This was Chris, the only son of butler Morris. He walked up to Zain's desk put the box on it and bowed without making a single sound.

Zain opened his eyes to see a beautiful box placed on his desk. The box was almond white colour with a red stag engraved on it. He opened it slowly, a red glass bottle was placed carefully on white padding to avoid it from breaking.

Chris was quick to take two wine goblets and a cork opener out from the crockery rack. Zain passed the bottle to him. Chris opened the cork and a mesmerising fragrance filled the room. He poured wine into a goblet and took a gulp. Waiting for some minutes after making sure it wasn't poisoned, he poured a drink for Zain.

In the past ten months, Chris has gained Zain's trust. He would do every task to the best of his abilities. Never disappointing Zain even once. Although it was Zain's project, but he was the one who did most of the work from getting raw material to hiring workers all of these tasks were single-handedly done by him. Zain just had to instruct him.

Zain began testing of the wine. He took a little sip of wine before passing it back to Chris. He was still a kid, so he wasn't able to handle this strong wine. A small gulp was enough to make his headache for a week or so. But it took his sheer willpower to avoid the temptation of drowning the whole bottle down his throat.

This wine was really addicting. Zeidan would specifically send a messenger to get a progress report. He couldn't wait to get the wine. Zain was really pleased by the results.

"Chris, what do you think of this wine?"

"Young master, I have accompanied my father and lord Duke to many noble gatherings and parties. But I have never tasted anything like this. Even its fragrance could suppress all of their so-called top-quality wine."

Chris's voice showed that one gulp of wine had taken its toll. As his tone was a little weird.

"Prepare some bottles of wine and a carriage. I am personally taking it to my father. In my stead, you will be in charge till I return. Also, inform Raina about it, she will accompany me."

Soon all the preparations were done and Zain left in the carriage alongside Raina and some guards.

______________________

Few hours after Zain's departure, at Vermillion city.

Zeidan was waiting for Zain in his study with Morris at his side, he had already got the news about Zain's arrival. Soon his son entered the room with Raina in tow.

Zain and Raina bowed to him, after Zain's hand gesture Raina brought forward the wine box. Zeidan was surprised after seeing the beautiful box. He picked it up before inspecting it a bit and then opening it. Morris brought forward a goblet and poured the wine in it for Duke. As it was brought by Zain it would have been rude to check it for poison, so refrained from it.

Duke Zeidan was still enjoying the delicate and mouthwatering fragrance of wine. He took the goblet and gulped it down in one go. The heavenly taste of wine was making his body shiver. It was truly the queen of all wines he had ever tasted. It took him a few minutes to come back to his senses.

"I award you 100 acres of land of Winery and its surrounding. You can now do everything freely without needing my permission. It's your land. And also a hundred thousand gold coins including a title of baron. Kid, this stuff is really addictive."

Every single soul in the room except Zeidan was shocked to the bone. This Duke was well known for his stinginess when it comes to money. If not for saving a face, he would have even fought with hawkers for a single gold coin. But he gives all those generous rewards without even a need to do it. This speaks volumes of praises for wine. Zain's eyes shined, he knew that he struck a gold mine but didn't know it also had rare gems hidden in it too.