Although Yalusel still tried to maintain his usual arrogance, the guilt revealed in his eyes could not be concealed.

Every time she met Aisha by chance, her muscles would tense up at a speed visible to the naked eye, and she would become extremely nervous and panicked, and even choose to avoid him.

There is no doubt that this self-righteous woman not only failed to cause trouble to the other party as she wished, but was instead defeated by the other party in one go.

Today, the Iron Princess of the Kingdom of Cormyr is like a frightened rabbit.

He was afraid that what happened to him on the sofa would be known by other people, especially Zuo Si himself.

Little did people know that Zuo Si had already watched the entire process several times from the perspective of appreciating "art", and even made a detailed analysis and commentary on the various psychological techniques used, the gradual control of rhythm, and the reactions to touching different sensitive parts.

If his previous teasing of Yalusel was more spiritual, then now he could even use a more aggressive method to make this unsatisfied princess completely abandon all her self-esteem and shame within a few minutes.

In addition, compared with Yalusel's nervousness and panic, Aisha seemed completely fine and still maintained her usual image of a restrained, intellectual, gentle and virtuous wife and mother.

This was completely different from the previous time when he had sex with a prostitute, and he had used his rich skills to beat the former without any chance of fighting back.

Most importantly, judging from her extremely stable mental state, she didn't think there was anything wrong with this at all.

It has to be said that it was beyond Zuo Si's expectations that things would develop to this extent.

It was not until he peeped into Aisha's memory and thoughts and figured out her true thoughts that he realized how huge the difference in cognition and habits was between the women of Kalinshan and the women in other parts of the continent of Faerun.

If women in other places regard marriage and husbands as partners, relatives and lovers, they are more inclined to regard them as a responsibility, a contractual relationship and a long-term meal ticket.

For most women in Kalinshan, learning the skills to please men, bearing children, and using their bodies to provide them with various stimulating services are essentially fulfilling their contractual responsibilities.

And men are responsible for supporting themselves until death according to the contract.

Even if one day they grow old and lose their looks and can no longer arouse sexual interest in the men they serve, the latter must still maintain their original supply.

Otherwise, such scum will be hated, despised and excluded by the entire Kalinshan society.

It is also for this reason that when upper-class men in Kalinshan show off their power and wealth, unlike the merchants of Am who like to make charitable donations, they prefer to tell others how many wives, concubines and female slaves they have.

This is not like some superficial men in modern society on Earth showing off their abilities in certain areas.

Instead, it is telling the other party that he can afford to support so many women until they can maintain a decent and even luxurious life until they grow old and die.

Of course, the above situation only applies to rich people.

The wives of poor families should work as well.

But from the moment the wife starts earning money to support the family, her husband loses the right to find a second woman.

Unless the husband suddenly makes a fortune, he can ensure that his wife will never have to work again.

In other words, Kalinshan’s relationship with his wife is more like a transaction than emotion or love.

The reason why women remain loyal to their husbands or masters and tolerate them looking for other women is not that they do not want to pursue freedom and independence, nor that they do not like young and handsome teenagers.

Just to ensure that oneself and future generations can have a good living environment.

After understanding Aisha's underlying thought logic, Zuo Si no longer paid too much attention to the slightly complicated and subtle relationship between the two women.

He did not deliberately expose the truth to embarrass Yalusel, but chose to acquiesce.

Because after a series of preparations, he is finally going to be crowned as the monarch of the Amn Empire.

Even Bernard, who was funding various rebel groups in Sambia and buying up various industries at low prices, came back from afar.

Since the airship has opened a direct air route to Ximen, it is much more convenient for him to come back than to go there.

At least there is no need to cross the entire Dragon Coast plus the West Heartland region, and then take the sea route from Baldur's Gate to Askatra.

When he returned home, this successful businessman in the prime of his life first saw his wife, father-in-law and his best friend sitting in the living room teasing his son.

"Ah! You are back at last, my dear Bernard. I have heard all about your influence in Sembia, and how you manipulate the oligarchs of Sembia."

Babette Nassiwa was the first to stand up and give Bernard a warm hug.

As he grew older, the heir of the Nasiwa family looked much more mature, and he also wore a large number of magical items.

Needless to say, all of this is related to Zuo Si's efforts to promote the popularity of magic.

Since realizing that the previous way of making money through monopoly and expansion was completely unworkable, all the powerful families in Amn began to actively change direction, began to pay attention to training young descendants to become arcane spellcasters, and actively got involved in related industries.

After all, with the sword of Damocles of the "Enfeoffment Order" hanging over his head, continuing to madly amass wealth and becoming richer and richer would be no different from a pig being fattened for slaughter.

Therefore, how to quickly spend some money to remove yourself from the dangerous list becomes a science.

As the Nashiwa family had always been close to Zuo Si and had also carried out a lot of cooperation and interest binding, the Nashiwa family decisively chose to develop in the direction of arcane magic.

Not only did he send the six smartest and youngest juniors to the academy for mage training, but he also signed contracts with them to become middlemen, selling low-level items, scrolls, and potions produced by the academy and the Mage Tower to the residents of the Maztec continent on the other side of the sea.

As the current head of the family, Sir Kelvin firmly believes that as long as he always follows Zuo Si's footsteps, the Nasiva family will never appear on the blacklist that terrifies the upper class of Amn.

To this end, he even sold many of his properties in Ascatla, including shops, warehouses, manors, etc.

Bernard smiled bitterly and shook his head: "Don't make fun of me.

You should know that all this was arranged in advance and I am just an executor.

By the way, I heard that a lot of big things happened in Amn during the time I was away? How did the Council and the Council of Six fail in the power struggle? And how did the Shadow Thieves split into two parts from within? "

There is no doubt that all was well in Am when Bernard left.

But not long after, when he came back again, the place had become completely different.

Whether it was the huge airship floating in the sky, or the market that was prosperous far beyond the limits of cognition, or Zuo Si who once came to Athkatra with him from the south but was now about to become the emperor of the Amn Empire.

Because the changes happened too fast and too suddenly, and Bernard had been away for a long time and had no time to go home.

Therefore, for him, that intense sensory impact was like a complete earth-shaking event.

"My brother, these things are a long story. To sum it up in one sentence, the growth rate and strength of Lord Soth have far exceeded everyone's imagination."

Babette sighed slightly and told him everything she knew.

In particular, the book focuses on the massacre of all the families of Salem, the split and bloody infighting within the Shadow Thieves of Amn, and the recent splitting of more than a dozen powerful families.

About half an hour later, after Bernard received all the information, his face turned pale and he asked in a trembling voice, "What you mean is... all of this was secretly planned and manipulated by Lord Soth?"

Babette shook her head hastily: "No, I didn't say that.

But he is indeed the biggest beneficiary of this series of events.

And I suggest you start calling him Your Majesty.

Because once the coronation ceremony is over, he will become the supreme emperor of the Amn Empire.

Not only that!

He would also form an alliance with the Shane Empire in the south to complete the merger of the two great empires.

Do you know what this means?

This means that His Majesty Soth will become the most powerful and influential person in Faerun.

The power he possessed was simply unmatched by any other noble lord or king.

We must change our previous attitude and show humility and reverence.

因为凡是因为年轻或者其他原因没有这样做的家族，现在都已经或是衰落、或是消失了。”

凯尔文爵士深以为然的点了点头：“巴贝特说的没错。

尽管你跟索斯阁下有着非同一般的友谊，但千万不要把这作为一种依仗。

恰好相反！

你需要表现得格外恭敬才能将这份珍贵的关系维系下去。

还有就是在加冕典礼开始之前，你要尽快送上一份足够珍贵的礼物以表达自己的态度。

正好，我们的船队前一段时间在玛兹特克大陆跟当地土著做生意的时候，用五十套盔甲和一柄魔法长剑换到了一块蕴含着巨大力量，据说是被羽蛇祝福过的黑曜石。

我托人找法师鉴定过，它应该拥有非常高的魔法价值，正是索斯陛下最喜欢的东西。

稍后你就以自己的名义，将其作为贺礼送过去吧。”

“谢谢……”

看到岳父如此为自己着想，伯纳德立刻流露出一丝感动。

毕竟他离开阿斯卡特拉的时间太长了，以至于眼下根本没有头绪、更不知道该如何处理复杂的状况。

“不用客气。

毕竟我们两个家族在很长一段时间内都是亲密无间的盟友，而且你还娶了我的女儿。

接下来，在这场剧烈的变革与动荡中，我们仍旧需要携手合作共同对抗潜在的危险。

如果一切顺利，你和我都会成为这个强盛帝国中最富有强盛的显赫家族。”

说罢，凯尔文爵士举起酒杯一饮而尽，苍老的眼神中透闪烁着名为野心的光芒。

与那些还在想着如何自保的家族不同，他已经明显从左思的一系列政策中嗅到了机会的味道，并渴望成为这个即将崛起帝国的新贵。

相比之下，伯纳德对于权势的欲望远没有岳父那样强烈。

反倒是先跟妻子上楼亲热了一会儿，紧跟着又抱了抱孩子，这才在凯尔文爵士的催促下带上礼物前往行政区的办公大楼。

他已经提前得知，左思今天要在这里会见一位重量级的客人，来自千年王国科米尔的传奇国王亚桑四世。

等赶到的时候发现这里已经人山人海，挤满了来自世界各地的使者，还有贸易同盟的代表。

不过与传说中的英明神武不同，亚桑四世此刻看上去相当的疲惫且心烦意乱，经常会在交谈中出现心不在焉的状况。

如果不是有王室首席大法师在一旁提点、打圆场，现在恐怕已经闹出笑话了。

至于原因也非常简单！ 这位国王陛下被席曼蒙和库尔雷莫斯狠狠的算计了。

当他满怀着战意想要堵住敌人入侵的必经之路时，发现这些敌人早就已经化整为零，以几十人为一队的方式涌入科米尔腹地，根本没有打算正面交战的意思。

无奈之下，亚桑四世只能带着军队围追堵截，尽可能多的消灭这些已经分散开的怪物，进而消耗了大量的时间跟精力。

等回过神来的时候，后方突然传来报告，说有一股强大的怪物军队出现在了首都附近，不仅杀光了前去围剿的军队，同时还点燃了王国境内最重要的几个谷仓和牧场。

超过三分之二用来储备过冬的粮食直接被焚烧殆尽。

数千匹战马和十几万的牲畜要么被杀死、要么被抢走，同时还有村庄和小镇遭到屠杀、焚毁。

原本已经消停下去的贵族，又因为这件事情开始指责国王没有尽到保护平民的义务，还有些干脆不再理会王室的命令，开始关起门来在领地内当土皇帝。

如果不是之前做出过承诺，亚桑四世这会儿正忙着四处救火呢，哪里有心情来参加什么加冕典礼。

唯一让他感到有些欣慰的就是，自己的小女儿雅卢赛尔在这里似乎过得还不错。

不仅脸色红润、身体维持在一名战士该有的状态，同时精神也相当的饱满，并没有呈现出痛苦、沮丧、绝望的负面情绪。

在当着众人的面完成政治表演，说了一大堆毫无营养的外交辞令，最终明确表达科米尔王国对于安姆吞并北方大片土地的认可态度后，亚桑四世这才站起身与左思一起走进整栋建筑最上层，原本属于六人评议会的房间。

当大门砰的一声被关上，这位传奇国王便立刻撕下一本正经的严肃伪装，摘掉沉重的王冠往旁边椅子上一扔，快步走到摆满丰盛食物和美酒的餐桌前，举起装满烈酒的瓶子直接给自己倒了一大杯，用不到两三秒的时间便喝了个精光。

大杯烈酒下肚，他的脸色顿时变得有些发红，紧跟着长长的出了一口气，抱怨道：“呼——终于可以放松下来了。我最讨厌这种又麻烦、又沉闷的场合。那些人的注视的眼神让我浑身不自在。”

“咳咳咳咳！陛下，请注意您的语言和风度。别忘了这里可不是您在科米尔的宫廷。”

首席大法师凡格达·海斯特赶忙把王冠捡起来出言提醒道。

可亚桑四世却不耐烦的摆了摆手：“好了，别总拿那些所谓的礼仪和王室风度说事。索斯可不是那些只会以先祖荣光和自身血脉为荣的家伙，他才不会在乎这些呢。你觉得我说的对吗，年轻人？”

左思笑着回应道：“当然。身为君主，只要在政治上不出错、公开场合表现出自己的风度，私下里根本无需在意礼仪礼节这些无聊的东西。”

“哈哈哈哈！看看我刚才说了什么？”

说话的功夫，亚桑四世又给自己倒了一杯，然后大笑着咕咚咕咚喝了个精光。

在酒精的影响下，他原本不是很好的精神状态逐渐变得亢奋起来。

尤其是略带血丝的眼睛，终于呈现出了传奇战士该有的锐利锋芒。

凡格达·海斯特无奈的叹了口气：“唉——好吧，随您高兴。不过我建议您最好别喝太多，否则要是出丑，丢得可是整个王室乃至科米尔王国的脸面。”

“好啦，别啰嗦，给我点时间，我想跟索斯来一场君主与君主之间的谈话。”

亚桑四世毫不客气的开始赶人。

由于已经跟现任的首席大法师相处了几十年，因此他说话的方式很直接，根本不担心会因为语气或词汇使用不当而惹对方生气。

很快，包括凡格达·海斯特在内的所有随行人员都转身离开，偌大的房间内只剩下了两个人。

亚桑四世干脆直接拿起酒瓶灌了一口，迈步走到窗户旁边，居高临下看着无比繁华热闹的金币之都，过了好一会儿才笑着问：“白手起家从无到有，在短短几年时间内成为一个如此庞大帝国的皇帝。

我想你现在一定很得意，对不对？

其实我在年轻时刚刚继位成为科米尔的国王，当时心情跟你几乎一模一样。

满脑子都装着如何建功立业超越所有人，成为科米尔历史乃至整个费伦大陆历史上最伟大的君主。

为此，我积极拉拢一切可以团结的力量，让那些离心离德的贵族们重新团结在王室的旗帜下。

紧跟着又东征西讨，把王国境内的怪物、强盗和掀起叛乱的贵族镇压下去。

甚至还完成了一件史无前例的壮举，那就是以极少的兵力击败了十几倍于自身的游牧部落大军。

不得不说，那是我人生中最美妙的时刻。

因为仅凭那一次战绩，我就足以将自己的名字深深刻在这片大陆的历史中。”

左思也给自己倒了一杯热茶，似笑非笑的反问：“您这是在给自己的统治生涯做总结吗？ 如果答案是肯定的，那我觉得还是太早了一些。

毕竟作为君主，只有在死亡降临的那一刻，才能做盖棺定论。

而且这种事情也不该由自己或者子孙后代来做，否则很难做到客观公正。

最好是几百年乃至上千年之后，统治的国家已经彻底消亡或者换了一批新的统治者，再由历史学者们给出一个评价。

就像现在的人评价耐瑟瑞尔、伊玛斯卡一样。

顺便提一句，对于成为安姆帝国的皇帝，我并没有你想象中那么高兴、得意，内心之中始终都非常的平静。

因为在我看来，这一切从我产生念头的刹那就已经注定了今天的结果。”

“呵呵，所以在你的眼中，自己取得成功没有一丁点运气的成分。

而是完全凭借聪明的头脑和压倒性的实力，对吗？ 看来你比我想象中的还要骄傲自负。”

亚桑四世忍不住笑了。

因为他觉得，在左思身上看到了曾经年轻的自己，都是一样的骄傲、自负、雄心万丈，渴望做一些骇世惊俗的壮举。

However, this legendary king obviously made a mistake. He did not realize that although Furen was important to Zuo Si, it was far from everything.

The purpose of establishing the West Coast Empire was not to prove anything, but to show a possibility to all mortals and even gods.

As for how long this empire could last, and whether it would eventually decline, collapse, or disintegrate for some reason, Zuo Si actually didn't care much, and he had no intention of establishing a permanent family rule that would last for generations.

After taking a sip of the slightly bitter hot tea, Zuo Si stood side by side with the other party in front of the window sill and said in a very calm tone: "No, Your Majesty, this is not pride or conceit, but a kind of self-awareness from an objective standpoint. Do you know what I hate the most?"

"What is it?"

Yasan IV asked very cooperatively.

“It’s luck!

Because it may make all efforts and hard work meaningless; turn those who should have become inspirational protagonists into clowns who are laughed at by everyone; make people no longer want to struggle, but instead gamble on the illusory probability of luck that is only one in ten thousand or even lower.

I hate the uncertainty of luck, so from the beginning I have been making all kinds of preparations just to deal with the worst possible situation.

After all, friends and family may betray you for personal gain, lovers and sweethearts may abandon you for a new love, and those subordinates who swore allegiance to you may harbor resentment simply because they did not get the reward they wanted.

But there are two things that will never betray you: the knowledge, skills and power that you have learned, as well as the trump cards that you have prepared with great care.

When you have enough knowledge and skills, your own power is strong enough, and you have a trump card that even the gods are afraid of, then no matter how lucky the enemy is, it will be of no avail and they will be easily crushed to death.

Do you think I got to where I am today because of luck?

But the reality is just the opposite.

It makes no difference to me who rules Amn, whether they have the support of gods, demons, or devils, or whether they hold powerful artifacts.

I will still defeat them as I do now and become the supreme ruler of this country, while completing the annexation of large tracts of land in the north.

So like I said before, there is no luck involved, it just depends on whether I am willing or not.”

After saying this, Zuo Si lowered his head again and took a sip of the boiling hot tea, exuding the aura of a dictatorial tyrant with an attitude of "who else but me".

Yasan IV was keenly aware of this. His pupils suddenly expanded, then contracted, and then expanded again. After a long while, he could not help but curse in a low voice: "Damn it! Are the young people nowadays so scary? If you don't mind, can you tell me what exactly you want to bring to this world?"

“Of course it has brought unprecedented prosperity and development.

Why would I go to all the trouble of building a vast empire if I can't do better than you or any other civilization in Toril's history?

As a person with a bit of perfectionism, I have always pursued excellence and I want to do my best.

Also, you don't have to worry about me posing a threat to the Kingdom of Cormyr in the future.

Because the borders of the empire will no longer expand eastward, but will maintain the status quo.

My next goal is to integrate the North and complete my rule over the west coast of Faerun."

Zuo Si expressed his plans and strategic intentions very clearly.

He knew very well that for most small countries and independent city-states, being a neighbor of a superpower would be a terrifying and desperate thing.

Even if the latter sneezes lightly, the former may be seriously affected.

If you are accidentally targeted, apart from surrendering for better treatment, the only option is to fight to the death with the determination to bite the other party hard.

Although Cormyr is not a small country, it is definitely not comparable to the West Coast Empire that is about to rise strongly.

Whether in terms of population, economy, military, or magical research, they are at an absolute disadvantage.

Perhaps the only thing that still has some advantages is culture.

After all, there are quite a few spiritual Cormyrians north of Amn.

Therefore, if Cormier is not given a reassurance, the nobles across the country may not even be able to sleep well, and will inevitably become wary and hostile.

After receiving Zuo Si's promise that he would not expand eastward, Yasan IV was obviously much more relaxed. He took another sip of strong liquor and asked while licking his lips, "Do Waterdeep, Neverwinter, and the Silvermoon Alliance know about your attempt to annex the North?"

Zuo Si nodded slightly: "Yes! I think they should all be clear about it.

After all, I have never concealed anything about this.

He even had several private talks with Khelben, Alustriel, and Lord Nasir.

They all said that they didn't mind being part of the empire as long as it could make people's lives better and their safety more secure.

After all, I have proven my ability to govern through the trade alliance, right? And I adopted economic and cultural integration, not military and forceful means.

Therefore, there will not be any strong resistance. "

"I see. So how do you plan to deal with the relationship with the Kingdom of Cormyr?"

After going around in circles for a long time, Yasan IV finally asked the question that concerned him most.

Right now, Cormier is facing internal and external troubles and cannot withstand any turmoil.

Zuo Si responded without hesitation: "It's very simple. Since you are already a member of the trade alliance and are willing to abide by the treaty, then we are allies. If necessary, Cormier can always get many kinds of support, including military and economic support."

"Oh? You mean I can borrow soldiers, money, food and weapons?"

Yasan IV's eyes lit up slightly.

He now urgently needs a large sum of money, as well as food, weapons, armor and other supplies to appease the emotions of the people at home, and at the same time recruit and arm more troops to eliminate the rampant monsters and enemies as soon as possible.

"Due to the size of Cormyr's territory and economic scale, we can grant you a loan of one million gold coins on behalf of the alliance, with an annual interest rate of 15%.

You can use this money to buy everything you need, or hire soldiers or adventurers.

In addition, you can also apply to the trade alliance to send troops to garrison and protect a certain area.

In short, all of this is already written in the document you just signed."

Zuo Si introduced all the benefits that Cormier could enjoy.

He was really speechless about this legendary king with a resounding reputation.

Because the other party may have outstanding talents and abilities in politics and military affairs, but he knows absolutely nothing in the field of economics.

The treaty to join the trade alliance was not even looked at and was directly thrown to the chief wizard to deal with.

The latter confirmed that there was no problem, and Yasan IV signed and sealed it without hesitation.

"One million gold coins? Only 15% annual interest? Oh my god! I didn't know there was such a benefit! What are you waiting for? I want it now!"

Yasan IV threw down the empty wine bottle and stretched out his big, calloused hand without saying a word.

You have to know that although Furen’s financial lending business does not have the horrific compound interest of nine out of thirteen returns, it is also not a good thing.

The annual interest rate is generally between fifty and seventy percent.

Generally speaking, it can only be used as a short-term cash flow.

If you borrow money for a long time, you will probably soon be unable to pay even the interest.

Therefore, the trade alliance's loan with an annual interest rate of 15% is definitely the best choice, and it is so low that it is unbelievable for businessmen.

It is precisely because of this policy that various towns and even noble lords are trying their best to squeeze in.

In their view, as long as they borrow money and then engage in some production or business, they can 100% make double or even triple the profit within a year.

Therefore, they basically borrow as much as they can, and are even willing to use the family's castles and territories as collateral.

Zuo Si held his head and reminded, "Are you sure you don't need to discuss this with your subordinates and staff? You know, loans must be repaid on time.

Otherwise, if problems arise, the credit rating of the Kingdom of Cormyr will be downgraded.

Not only would it be embarrassing, but it would also require forced takeover of tax revenues as collateral.”

"Well... I'd better go back and discuss it with Vangerda Hester first."

Yasan IV was instantly scared.

Although he was notoriously insensitive to money and finances, he knew that 15 percent of a million gold coins was 150,000 gold coins.

This is a considerable sum considering Cormier's current poor financial situation.

What's more, the royal family of Cormyr still owed Zuo Si himself a debt of 300,000 gold coins.

"Don't worry, you can discuss it slowly. This loan of one million gold coins is always valid. You just need to submit an application in the name of the country."

There was a barely perceptible hint of amusement in Zuo Si's eyes, and he spoke softly to comfort her.

Although the other party was wearing magical equipment that protected him from charm and mind detection, he was still able to keenly sense the financial difficulties facing the Kingdom of Cormyr from King Asan IV's reaction.

This is clearly an opportunity to expand the influence of the trade alliance, and also an excellent opportunity to economically infiltrate and control the country.

Unfortunately, Yasan IV was completely unaware of this, and instead smiled happily: "Thank you! This may be the best news I have heard in recent times.

Although it is a pity to lose the right to mint coins.

But I can already see the huge benefits of joining the trade alliance.

And I'm very much looking forward to seeing those huge airships carrying their cargo descend on Cormyr's capital, Suzal.

Finally, please allow me to thank you as a father for taking in and sheltering Yalusail."

"You're welcome. I personally admire the Iron Princess's character and talents, as well as her beauty that is completely different from that of ordinary women."

While saying this, Zuo Si cast his gaze towards the window where Yalusel, dressed in military uniform and riding a horse, was standing outside the square.

In particular, the tight breeches and corset made of special materials make her plump and curvy figure look particularly attractive.

Some spiritual Cormyrs from the north were drooling at the sight.

Several young men who seemed to be from aristocratic or wealthy families, driven by lust, wanted to come forward to give flowers or show their courtesy, but they only received contempt and disdain from the proud princess.

Obviously, although Yalusel may have lost her royal status, she is still a proud white swan and is definitely not someone that a toad can touch.

"What are you going to do with my daughter? Let her be your lover? I can see that she is hopelessly and madly infatuated with you." Yasan IV asked in a low voice.

Zuo Si answered nonchalantly: “Maybe, maybe not.

Who can tell what will happen in the future?

But there is one thing I can guarantee.

That is, she will live a very happy life, just like now, she can do whatever she wants. "

“Well, maybe you’re right.

Promise me that you will take good care of her and make her happy.

If you do this, I promise that the royal family of Cormyr will always be your most loyal ally.

Even if Tenarestas becomes queen after I die, that won't change."

After saying this, Yasan IV turned around, opened the door and walked out, intending to discuss the loan matter with his staff.

Zuo Si raised the corner of his mouth with a sinister smile, and stood there muttering to himself in a voice that only he could hear: "Ally? No, dear king, I don't want the friendship and loyalty of the Cormier royal family.

But a puppet and vassal who completely obeys my will.

Yalusail is the key to achieving this goal.

I assure you that she will be very, very happy as the rightful queen of Cormyr..."

Before he finished speaking!

A familiar, slightly plump figure walked in from outside the door, put one hand on his chest and bowed respectfully.

"Bernard? When did you get back?"

Zuo Si raised his head and looked at the other person up and down in surprise.

After not seeing him for more than a year, this extremely talented businessman had obviously gained a lot of weight.

It might be because when he was in Sambia, he had to go to the oligarchs' homes to attend various dances and banquets every day, so the food was so good that he suffered from serious overnutrition.

Especially the large protruding belly and the chin that would reveal four layers of wrinkles when smiling, all filled with delicious fat.

"I just got back. I heard that you were going to hold a coronation ceremony to become the emperor of the Amn Empire, so I came here specially to give you a gift to express my gratitude. From now on, I will change my address to Your Majesty instead of Your Excellency."

Bernard is obviously a very smart and smooth person, and he expressed his attitude without any psychological barriers.

At his wave of the hand, the servants quickly came in carrying a heavy box and placed it carefully on the ground.

The moment it was opened, a piece of obsidian weighing two to three hundred kilograms appeared in front of everyone.

"This is……"

With the special vision granted by the silver fire, Zuo Si immediately realized the extraordinary nature of this stone.

Bernard quickly explained, "It comes from the Maztec continent. According to the locals, it was blessed by the feathered serpent, so it is very precious and rare. I thought you would like it, so I brought it here."

Zuo Si nodded slightly: "Yes, I really like it. It should be able to be used to make a powerful magic item."

"I'm glad you like it. In addition to this gift, I also brought information about the civil war in Sambia. Would you like to take a look?"

Bernard took out a notebook that was three fingers thick and filled with accounts and tiny handwriting.

It goes without saying that this is all aid to the various rebel forces, as well as a large number of industries that were acquired at almost bargain prices.

In just a few months, the merchants of Amn had bought up almost half of Sembia, except for those towns and lands still under the control of the oligarchs.

"No, thanks."

Zuo Si waved his hand indifferently.

As the cyberpunk city on the other side of Hell develops better and better, Mirrodin, which has a large amount of metal resources, will soon be in his hands, and he no longer cares about this little profit.

Bernard immediately pretended to be touched and bowed: "Thank you for your trust.

But I think it's better to report it.

According to current calculations, when the Sembia Civil War is over, the total value of the land and various industries we currently control will reach hundreds of millions of gold coins.

Of course, there is no way to monetize all of these things.

Especially large amounts of land, mountains, forests, lakes and rivers.

According to the previously agreed profit sharing ratio, you can get about 70% of it.

Because many of the families involved no longer exist..."

Before he could finish his words, Bernard suddenly felt an indescribable fear and trembling in the air.

He turned his head suddenly and saw a half-elf tiefling with horns on his head and a long thin tail behind him appearing at the door.

The guards outside seemed to have not noticed the intruder at all and continued to stand there motionless, obviously under the influence of control and charm spells.

The tiefling ignored the businessman who was shocked and frightened. He walked up to him with graceful and light steps, stood on tiptoe, licked Zuo Si's cheek with his pink tongue, and said in a half-joking tone, "Dear Soth, it's not easy to meet you."

"You are...Gracia?"

Zuo Si instantly confirmed the true identity of the half-elf tiefling in front of him through the special aura of the layer lord.

(End of this chapter)