Part of the Territory
Because the Forest Elves weren't very cooperative until now, and they kept talking about leaving soon, Michael thought about several ways to expand his market and range of businesses. That was also why he included the possibility of working together with other Lords, such as Frederik Kolbenheim and Jacqueline Orlando.
The Barbaric Couple might not be the nicest, and they were quite annoying, but their territories were connected to the mountains and the ocean. By making use of their territory, It was possible to connect their markets and expand their businesses, and wealth.
The time he spent in the Dekalos-Class spaceship showed Michael quite clearly that he could improve a lot, and that it was easier to survive in the Origin Expanse by working with other Lords, even if it was just for the sake of business.