Imperial Crown

No wonder Judra reacted so strongly.

The content of the document is that Raven will provide Judra with 5,000 gold coins within two years.

The price is that once Judra becomes a baron, not only will the Eagle Beak Mountain Mine and Thousand Needles Jungle be returned, but the [Grey Mountain Mine] will also be transferred to the Eagle Territory!

The reason why Ironforge can support a third-level knight like Angel on the scale of a barony, and can even make everyone in the most elite 100-man [Ironforge Legion] wear chain armor is because they have their own The iron mine has its own smelting and casting factory!

Exported weapons, chain armor, and plate armor are the most important source of income for the Ironforge Leader.

It can be said that once the Gray Mountain Mine is lost, the Iron Furnace Leader's income will plummet by half or even more, and the annual loss will be no less than thousands of gold coins!

Anyone who signs this contract will undoubtedly be the biggest sinner of the Wharton family. It is not too much to say "selling territory for glory".

Raven accepted the paperwork without getting angry. Through the previous contact, he had completely figured out Judra's character.

He is arrogant, conceited, has a high self-esteem, and at the same time he has a deep sense of inferiority. His regard for self-esteem and reputation is almost pathological. He clearly desires the title desperately, but he behaves as if he doesn't care at all.

To describe it in two words, that would be——

distortion.

To deal with such a person, you have to help him save face.

To put it simply, Judra wants to be a bitch, and Raven wants to help him erect the arch.

"How can this be regarded as sacrificing the interests of the family, Mr. Judra?" Raven sighed, with deep regret: "Baron Angel was indeed a qualified nobleman when he was young, but now that he is old, in the What I did during my enthronement ceremony—to put it bluntly, it’s a fool’s errand—if you hadn’t made a prompt decision, the Wharton family would have become the laughingstock of the entire Nord province!”

"As for your brother, Mr. Mark, with all due respect, he is not a qualified heir."

Raven's tone was filled with deep sympathy: "I have been pampered since I was a child, addicted to alcohol and beauty. Not only did I get pregnant with the maid before she was engaged, I even sent people to Goldsmith Town to buy Angel's Tears at a high price, completely ignoring you now. The awkward relationship between my two families.”

"Is such a person really suitable to inherit the title of the Ironforge Lord? Isn't letting him inherit the title the greatest harm to the Ironforge Lord and the Wharton family?"

Raven's words hit Judra's pain point. The latter's originally angry face calmed down a lot, and he said with a sneer: "I don't know where you heard the rumor from, but the reliability of this news is just like the information on your paperwork." The 5,000 gold coins are just as thin. Even if you search out all the Eagle Leaders, you won’t be able to get that much money!”

"Then I'm afraid this news is true." Raven said slowly: "Although I don't have so much money now, don't forget, I still have Angel's Tears in my hand, and I recently took back Goldshire. ”

Judra pursed her lips slightly. He had tasted the deliciousness of Angel's Tears. Mark would rather annoy Angel than buy it, which further confirmed this. Angel's Tears can indeed bring a steady stream of wealth to the Eagle Tie.

"...Even if what you say is true, what can you do?" Judra sighed helplessly: "Who will inherit the title will ultimately be decided by my father."

"That's why I want to help you." Raven shook the document in his hand: "Mr. Judra, I think you already have all the qualities to become a lord. You are calm, elegant, and noble, just because He didn’t get fair treatment, so he couldn’t show his abilities in front of Baron Angel.”

He took a step forward, and his low and magnetic voice penetrated into Judra's heart like a whisper in a dream: "As long as you can show enough ability, let everyone in the territory - the knight, the housekeeper, the head maid, And the soldiers are impressed by your generosity and let them serve you, then I think Baron Angel will also change his mind. "

Judra's brows jumped wildly, he already understood Raven's hint.

Money, lots of money.

In his opinion, there is no one in the world who cannot be bought with gold coins. If there is, then the offer is not high enough.

A large amount of gold coins were thrown down, and every important person in the baron was tied to his chariot, making them realize who was the one who could bring them benefits.

In this way, when Angel is dying, even if he wants to name Mark as his heir, no one will recognize his decision - a will is only useful if everyone recognizes it, otherwise it is worse than a piece of waste paper .

At this moment, Judra was indeed moved, but he still shook his head: "Baron Raven, you are indeed a good lobbyist, but I still can't promise you. The Gray Mountain Mine is the foundation of the Ironforge Territory. The Don family cannot afford to lose it."

The most important thing is that once he signs the contract, his leverage will be in Raven's hands and he will be able to manipulate it.

At least before officially becoming a baron, Judra had no chance of resisting.

Raven understood his concerns and said instead:

"How could it be a loss? You just leased the Gray Mountain Mine to me for fifty years! And the output of the Gray Mountain Mine can be supplied to Ironforge at the market price in the future. Even though you will have to buy more ore at that time, It saves money, but it also saves labor.”

"But the income of Gray Mountain Mine is not lower than that of Shimmering Gold Town." Judra said with a sullen face: "Five thousand gold coins for a fifty-year lease is still too low."

Raven chuckled in his heart.

This Judra is really good at building a memorial archway!

I just proposed a deal, but he knew how to take advantage of it, limiting the focus of the conversation to the Gray Mountain Mine, completely ignoring the personal dependence attached to it.

Not only did he save face, but he also started bargaining, which is really a classic aristocratic style.

Originally, 5,000 gold coins were just a bottom price, and Raven didn't intend to bribe him with this: "Then how many gold coins do you think Mr. Judra think is appropriate?"

"10,000 gold coins." Judra said without blinking: "I think this is a suitable price."

"If it was fifty years ago, it would be true, but the Gray Mountain Mine has been mined for too long, and no one knows how much reserves are there." Raven bargained: "7,000 gold coins."

Judra's eyes flashed with dissatisfaction.

No matter how nice it sounds, once this contract is signed, it will be his biggest weakness before he truly succeeds to the baronship. It can be said that he has almost put his entire life on this.

But Raven, this scoundrel, refused to pay even 10,000 gold coins. This is simply a humiliation.

"It's not just about the Gray Mountain Mine." Judra emphasized: "It's about my 'reputation'. 10,000 gold coins, not a bit less!"

Raven was almost laughed out of anger. Reputation? What kind of reputation can be worth 5,000 gold coins?

The bitch has set up a memorial archway, and she really thinks she is a good family?

Raven sneered and shook his head, saying, "Mr. Jude, if you insist on doing this, I don't think Mr. Mark's 'reputation' is worth so much money, right?"

Jude's face tightened: "What do you mean?"

"It's very simple." Raven sneered: "I've figured it out now. Instead of supporting you, it's better to invest in Mark, who has a better chance of inheriting the title. At least there will be no pressure to be neighbors with a waste!"

"Sorry for wasting your time, Mr. Jude!" Raven made a prompt decision and turned away.

Seeing Raven threatening him so blatantly, Jude's breathing suddenly became heavy. He clenched his fists and almost wanted to rush up and beat Raven up!

But he couldn't do it, and he didn't dare to do it.

He was originally at a disadvantage in the fight. Once Mark got Raven's financial assistance, he would never have the possibility of inheriting the Iron Furnace Territory again!

If Raven had threatened him like this before, he could just walk away, but now his ambition was completely aroused by Raven, and he clearly saw the vision of sitting on the throne of the Baron.

If we really give up, it would be really... unwilling!

"Baron Raven!" Judra suppressed the humiliation in her heart and took a deep breath: "9,000 gold coins!"

Raven's footsteps did not stop.

"8,000 gold coins!"

Raven paused and continued to move forward.

Just as his hand was about to touch the door, Jude shouted loudly: "7000! I agree!"

"Oh! How can this be possible!" Raven turned around with a polite smile unique to nobles on his face: "I was just about to go back to the carriage and change the number on it to 10,000. I didn't expect you to be so considerate."

"In this case, I am not an unreasonable person. Then 8,000 gold coins, Mr. Jude, what do you think?"

Jude knew that this was Raven making certain concessions to appease his anger. He didn't want to bear the so-called kindness of this alms, but he was reluctant to give up the 1,000 gold coins, so he could only nod heavily in annoyance: "Then 8,000, but this agreement must not be announced."

Raven blinked: "As long as you fulfill the contract, of course!"

Taking out the ink prepared in advance from the carriage, the two signed their names on the agreement respectively.

A small box of gold coins was placed in front of the two.

Raven said: "This is the first fund, 200 gold coins. Starting from next month, I will provide you with a fund on the 5th of each month, at least 200 gold coins, no upper limit. In short, within one year, I will give you the same amount of gold coins as in the contract."

"If the amount is not enough by then, I will not acknowledge the contents of this document." Judela's face was not very good, just staring at the carriage that had not moved for a long time.

Raven did not care about his attitude, stood up and saluted with a smile: "Then I will leave first, Mr. Judela, I hope you have a good time tonight."

"Wait." Judela stopped Raven who had just turned around: "Why?"

"Why?" Raven turned around and asked.

"Why spend money on me?" Judra asked in a low voice: "Don't you need to build your own territory and improve your strength?"

Raven raised his eyebrows slightly, a little surprised that Judra could still maintain enough rationality at this time, and responded in a deep voice: "Because by the end of the year at the latest, the Nord Province will be in chaos. I hope that by then I can have a solid ally to share the pressure of the Eagle Territory with me."

"What?" Judra looked at Raven, smiling angrily: "Baron Raven, I know you don't want to tell the truth, but there is no need to use such illusory words to prevaricate me!"

"If you think so, I can't help it." Raven threw down a scumbag quote and turned back to the carriage:

"Time will verify my answer."

After saying this, Raven sat back in the carriage, and as Angel raised his whip, the carriage drove on the road back to Eagle Castle.

"Whatever happens, I'll tell you that Judra will definitely agree to my conditions." Raven reached out and took Denise into his arms, leaning against the side of the car with a smile on his lips.

Denise said nothing, but studied Raven.

She found that she could not see through this man more and more.

He was lustful, hypocritical, shameless and greedy, but since she returned to Eagle Castle, almost everything Raven did exceeded her expectations, but he always succeeded.

Especially today's conversation made her even more frightened.

The rhythm of the entire conversation was completely in Raven's hands. There were times when she thought the negotiation would end in breakdown, but Raven's precise control over people's hearts firmly locked Judra in place.

From belittling, to complimenting, to the final manipulation, it was all done in one go. Judra was like a sparrow, trapped in it, thinking that it was flying, but never able to escape from Raven's grasp.

This skill is precise and sophisticated - Raven, is he really only twenty years old?

"How on earth did you do that?" A question flowed from Denise's mouth.

"Want to know?" Raven smiled and pointed at his cheek: "Kiss me and I'll tell you."

"Or, should I kiss you?"

With that said, he moved forward himself.

He was greeted by Denise's soft palms and a whispered complaint: "Angel is still outside."

"Oh...I understand!" Raven showed a meaningful smile and leaned his head on the side of the car.

Denise rolled her eyes at him and asked in a low voice: "I still don't understand. Angel is still very strong and the Eagle Territory's finances are so tight. Why do you want to support Judra at this time?"

"That's why, you can only be a businessman, but I can become a baron." Raven said with a smile: "Come on, Denise, if you can't figure this out, how can you become the Meng City Chamber of Commerce?" Where is the president?”

At the same time, Judra was still sitting on the stone chair on Halberd Rock.

He looked at the box of gold coins in front of him, clenched his fists tighter and tighter, and his breathing became heavier and heavier. He stood up and kicked over the stone bench, and cursed:

“Son of a bitch!!”

Damn Raven!

A gangster from a lowly background, who accidentally obtained the title of baron, was able to boss him around and guide his life in a condescending manner.

"What the hell!"

With a bang, fiery red fighting energy burned on his feet, and with one fierce kick, the stone bench was turned into rubble.

It's all Mark's fault!

If it weren't for him, why would he, a noble noble with upright roots, have to be insulted by a guy like Raven and look up to such a scum! ?

At this moment, Judra looked at the gold coins on the table with hatred in his eyes. He pulled open his collar, swung his fist and punched it!

Bang!

The box flew out and landed on the ground. The golden coins were scattered on the ground, and some of them had even been smashed and bent.

After venting his anger, Judra's mind slowly calmed down. He walked over and squatted on the ground, straightened the box, and collected the gold coins back one by one like a defeated rooster.

If you want to inherit the title of the Wharton family, these gold coins are essential.

Only by becoming a baron can he wash away the shame of today, be proud in front of Raven, and regain his self-esteem buried deep in the dust!

The baron's son? So what, if you don't become a baron, you won't be considered a true noble.

In this world, only nobles are considered human beings.

The rest are cattle, horses, pigs, dogs, chickens and sheep!

Judra didn't want to be an animal.

While collecting the gold coins, he whispered to himself: "There is absolutely no way it is Raven. A guy from a pariah background cannot have such a long-term vision and start planning to seek benefits for himself from now on."

"It must be Denise's intention. She must want to support me. Raven just took the opportunity to get in the middle and rip me off. It must be like this!"

Thinking that the gold coins in front of her were provided by Denise, Judra's movements suddenly became faster.

"Wait, Raven, when I seize the position of head of the family, I will definitely snatch Denise over!"

After packing up the gold coins, Judra shouted loudly: "Arden!"

Soon, there was a sound of footsteps, and Arden came up with a dozen soldiers: "Lord Judra!"

It’s said that it doesn’t feel bad for a son to sell his father. Since it was not his own money, Judra directly picked up ten gold coins and stuffed them into Arden’s hands: “This is for you.”

Arden said happily: "Thank you for the reward, Mr. Judra!"

"Everyone, come here!" Judra shouted, and the remaining soldiers gathered around.

Judra took out gold coins and put them into their hands, one for each person, no more, no less.

Amidst the constant thanksgiving, these soldiers looked at Judra with eager eyes!

Judra said: "I don't care whether you heard what happened here today or what you heard. Otherwise, I will take back everyone's rewards. Do you understand?"

Everyone shouted in unison: "Understood!"

Among the stars and the moon, Judra showed a proud smile on her lips.

Raven, just wait, then you will see what a terrifying opponent you have spent money to cultivate for yourself!

In the next few days, Judela's life was very comfortable. Although he was still guarding the city gate, the soldiers at the city gate looked at him with respect and admiration.

For these soldiers, they didn't care who was orthodox, but who made them live better was too intuitive.

Of course, Judela didn't give every soldier a gold coin. Iron Furnace had a population of more than 30,000, and there were more than 1,000 ordinary private soldiers. Not to mention that he couldn't give them all, even if he could, he wouldn't waste the money on these ordinary soldiers.

But taking out a little to improve their lives, more meat and a glass of wine for every meal, is enough to make them grateful.

The three neutral knights and the elite soldiers [Iron Furnace Legion] are the key targets to be conquered.

Of course, Judela also has to take into account the improvement of his own strength. If he can break through to the third level in a few years, then even Angel will no longer be so blatantly partial.

On the sixth night after Judela returned to Iron Furnace Town, an unexpected thing happened.

"My lord, Knight Laoqi is here to visit!" Yaden reported.

Judela's eyes lit up: "Let him in!"

Laoqi is the only second-level knight in the entire Iron Furnace Territory besides Judela, and he is loyal to Mark. If he can be bribed, the balance between the two will be greatly tilted.

Soon, heavy footsteps sounded, and Laoqi pushed the door open: "Lord Judela, please open the city gate, this is the Baron's warrant!"

Judela took the warrant, but did not check it, but cast his eyes on the woman who came in behind Laoqi: "Are you...Fenli?"

Fenli, Mark's personal maid, the woman who was pregnant.

Shouldn't she have been secretly executed?

The woman trembled and nodded gently.

"Lord Angel said that the baby in her belly is the blood of the Wharton family after all." Laoqi said: "I will find a remote place to keep an eye on her until she gives birth, please open the city gate, sir."

Judela felt that the blood in her body was cold in an instant, and only her heart was still beating.

Father, I was branded as a traitor for your sake, and you didn't even think of doing anything to redeem my reputation!

But Mark, for his own momentary pleasure, did such a dishonorable act, but instead of punishing him, you protected him in every way, and even loved him so much that you wanted to protect his bastard.

They are both sons, but the difference is really so big?

Is your preference so blatant?

"Lord Judela?" Laoqi's voice sounded.

"Oh, sorry, I was a little distracted." Judra showed a tolerant smile on her face: "Do you need me to prepare another carriage? Fenli is pregnant after all."

"Thank you for your kindness, but it's not necessary." Laoqi was surprised by Judra's attitude and replied with some surprise: "Lord Angel said that the carriage is easy to be tracked, I will take her away on foot."

"Then there is no need to open the city gate so loudly, send it down in a hanging basket." Judra said: "Of course, for safety, it is still Knight Laoqi who will turn the rope wheel yourself."

Laoqi took Fenli away. A few minutes later, the two figures left the city wall and disappeared into the night.

Yidan came forward: "Sir, do you need me to follow?"

"No, Yaden is a storm knight, you can't catch up with him." Judra said: "Go back to stand guard..."

"Sir, really..."

"I said go back to stand guard!" Judra turned his head, his voice was high, his nose was red and almost bleeding, and the whole person was like an angry beast!

Arden accepted the order and left the house quickly.

"Father..." Judra clenched his fists, and sticky blood spurted out from his fingers: "Since you don't treat me as your son..."

Just when Judra was angry at Angel's partiality, Raven was immersed in a peaceful dream.

With the help of the temperature control array, he can sleep in a soft bed wrapped in a quilt in the hot summer, and will never be woken up by the heat in the middle of the night.

"Ah--" Raven yawned and got up from the bed, walked to the window, and saw the workshop that was about to be completed at first sight.

When it comes to the roof-sealing stage, it is not just about having a lot of people. Stonemasons and carpenters need to work together carefully to create a stable structure, and there must be no mistakes, otherwise it is likely to build a dangerous building that may collapse at any time.

According to the current progress, it will take at most five days to be put into use-in fact, some raw materials have been transported to the warehouse where the roof has been completed, ready to be used at any time.

The door was opened, and Petty walked in with soft steps: "Baron."

"Change your clothes." Raven walked to the bronze mirror.

Petty began to carefully put clothes on Raven, and said as she put them on: "Baron, this morning, Priest Lux sent a message, please come over."

Raven frowned slightly. His Elvish language has indeed improved in the past few days, but he is not yet able to recite a hymn fluently.

He didn't want to embarrass himself in front of Lux, so he has been somewhat reluctant to meet Lux recently: "What's the reason?"

While tying Raven's belt, Petty said: "It is said that...

The matter of the mage potion has made some progress."

...