TFA1 2.8 - First Friend

Lt. Colonel Slane's Office, Amethyst Merchant HQ

08:10, 19 Mar 2025

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

This way of thinking then gave birth to 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 international market for their products exclusively.

When Lt. Colonel Slane finished studying the intelligence 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 it was Tuscan Region.

The scheme proposed by Amethyst Merchant would allow Tuscan Region authorities to collect incomes tax from its residents, along with the 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.

The residents of Magwurt City accepted Amethyst Merchant's scheme with open arms, because it was proposed alongside guaranteed employment with adequate wages. So even though the residents had to pay for housing, clean water, electricity, and other public facilities, they were still able to support themselves and two other people properly. This scheme also came with a policy of two children limitation. Therefore, the economic growth would remain above the population growth.

For residents of Magwurt City who had nothing and always hungry, Amethyst Merchant’s scheme was no different from a sweet cake that fell from the sky. They did indeed not receive free gifts, but it was an opportunity for a decent and dignified life through their own sweat.

In addition, Amethyst Merchant also provided a relief by covering personal taxes and public facilities rates for the first 6 months, so the 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 productive age could still live properly. In short, Amethyst Merchant not only acquired Nouel Farmland massively, but also opened a potential market for their product.

With great attention, Lt. Colonel Slane was studying the static for Tuscan Region’s growth for the past week, and he subconsciously smiled. Tuscan Region was still in the early phase of economic recovery. Therefore, its people's purchasing potential had not reached the highest point yet. Even so, their buying capacity showed significant growth.

'If the Belt and Road Initiative is working in Tuscan Region, then it will work in other regions as well.'

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

"Sir, Viscount Rattel wishes to see you."

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

---

Lt. Colonel 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 Tuscan Region want to participate in the factories we built? Isn't the economic scheme we proposed had already provided a good income?"

"Yes, it is.” Viscount Rattel took a deep breath before continuing, “However, every time I remember 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. Colonel Slane was pensive for a moment before calmly saying, "Ser Viscount, there seems to be a misunderstanding. Allow me to once again explain Amethyst Merchant's position, and I beg your pardon 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 factories 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. Colonel 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 shares in the factory. I'm also willing to extend the land lease for 25 years to increase our shares."

'This is what TF Amethyst needs, a loyal friend with a powerhouse mindset.'

Even though his face looked casual, inwardly Lt. Colonel Slane felt a sense of 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% shares in first three factories. An additional 25 years of a land lease will increase the share up to 18%."

Seeing Lt. Colonel Slane only needed two breaths of time to make a calculation, Viscount Rattel stuttered. Moreover, the share 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 shares are too small?"

Lt. Colonel Slane did not feel offended even though Viscount Rattel doubted his calculations, he calmly explained. "Ser Viscount, I think you underestimate the potential of our factories. But I have no objection and it is still not too late if you want to cancel your participation."

For whiskey and beer factories, Viscount Rattel may not have realized its highest potential. However, he clearly understood the potential for sugar factories. Therefore, he firmly decided, “Ser Slane, I gladly accept our shares.”

Lt Col. Slane nodded slightly, and the legalization of Tuscan Region participation was 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 in Amethyst Merchant's discretion. Advice from Tuscan Region's representatives would be considered, but not absolute.

By following the shares, Tuscan Region was entitled to a profit of 18%, which could be received in liquid, used to increase the shares up to 30%, or invested in another factory that would be established at a later date.

Viscount Rattel realized Lt. Colonel 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. Colonel Slane then shook hands with a smile from ear to ear.

Not long after Viscount Rattel left, Lt. Colonel Slane 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.

'One good friend in all weather has been obtained. Only nine left, and then Amethyst Merchant will dominate Amstell Continent economy,' Lt. Colonel Slane muttered as he took a sip of his wine.

*****