Seeds of Ambition: Unveiling Business Ventures

Nathan joined his parents for dinner that night, the anticipation of his upcoming birthday adding an air of excitement to the evening.

Rodrick, with a warm smile, inquired, "My son, with your birthday approaching in three days, have you thought about what kind of gift you'd like? Perhaps a new sword, given how diligently you've been training with Barch lately."

He playfully continued, "Or have you managed to form your first core star yet?"

Nathan, thinking it was okay to share his achievement, replied, "Yes, Father, I've already fully formed my first core star a few days ago."

Rodrick's surprise was palpable, but it quickly transformed into excitement. He saw the potential for greatness in his son, the kind of genius that could shape the kingdom's future.

Regaining his composure, Rodrick said, "Ah, yes, of course, my son is always full of surprises. But for now, let's set that matter aside. Tell me, what would you like for your birthday?"

Nathan had a clear idea of what he desired. He recognized that before he could enhance the kingdom's power, he needed to strengthen both his financial and personal abilities. One way to do this was by establishing his own business and merchant caravan for inter-kingdom trade. This would not only boost his own finances but also contribute to the prosperity of the kingdom.

With a determined expression, Nathan responded, "Father, for my birthday, I wish to establish my own business company and launch a merchant caravan under my name. I believe this will not only help me grow but also contribute to the kingdom's prosperity through trade."

Rodrick's eyes glinted with pride, recognizing the wisdom in Nathan's request. He nodded approvingly and said, "Very well, my son. Your request is not only ambitious but also aligned with the interests of our kingdom. I will support you in this endeavor."

Nathan felt a surge of happiness and gratitude. He knew that with his father's backing, he could turn his plans into reality and continue his journey toward making both himself and his kingdom stronger.

Nathan recognized the potential to introduce innovative products in this world by replicating items he had seen on Earth. Among his ideas were creating paper, pottery, and fabrics for clothing using techniques he learned during his time on Earth. His expertise in crafting extended to constructing a handloom machine for fabric production, a skill he had developed during a middle school project. His curiosity and past experiences with documentaries further fueled his knowledge of crafting a variety of items.

For his business venture, Nathan needed initial funds and a dependable team to manage affairs. To secure these resources, he considered purchasing slaves from the market, as they would be loyal to their buyers due to magical marks placed on them. These marks ensured their compliance and prevented them from causing harm. Nathan also intended to employ skilled craftsmen to produce tools and teach them the necessary techniques for crafting the desired products.

Approaching his father, Nathan shared his plans, stating, "Father, I have a proposal. I wish to establish a business company. In order to get started, I require a sum of money and individuals you trust to manage funds and oversee various aspects of the business. Additionally, I would appreciate some of your knights to ensure the safety of the caravans that will transport our goods to different kingdoms for trade."

Rodrick listened intently to Nathan's proposal, recognizing the potential benefits of his son's business venture. He acknowledged Nathan's determination and vision for the future and replied, "Nathan, your ambition and foresight are commendable. I will provide you with the initial funds you need and select individuals from my trusted circle to assist you. As for the knights, I will assign a few to safeguard the caravans during their journeys. Your determination is a testament to your commitment to our kingdom's prosperity, and I am

proud to support your efforts."

Rodrick's initial shock at Nathan's desire to start a business company quickly transformed into admiration for his son's determination and ambition. Recognizing the potential value of this experience, he decided to support Nathan's endeavor. He assured Nathan of his decision and began making arrangements to facilitate his son's business plans.

Rodrick informed Nathan, "I will instruct the treasurer to prepare the necessary funds for your business by tomorrow. As for someone to assist you with managing funds and affairs, you can rely on my personal butler, Winston."

Summoning Winston, a distinguished and experienced butler, Rodrick explained the change in his duties. Winston, a sixty-two-year-old gentleman with an air of sophistication, accepted the new responsibility with grace and respect.

Rodrick assured Nathan, who looked a bit skeptical, by sharing Winston's impressive background. He revealed, "Winston has been by my side for over twenty years, helping manage the kingdom's financial matters and assisting with various responsibilities. He also has experience in teaching recruits as part of the royal knights."

With the pieces falling into place, Nathan's plan to establish his business company was set in motion. After dinner, he retired to his room, his mind buzzing with excitement for the future and the possibilities that lay ahead.

The morning after, Nathan received the funds promised by his father, totaling a thousand gold coins. Holding the money with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, Nathan felt a sense of wonder at the unfamiliar currency, having spent most of his life within the castle walls without much exposure to the outside world.

Accompanied by Winston and a few personal guards for protection, Nathan headed to the bustling capital market to embark on his mission. Sitting in the carriage on the way, he took the opportunity to ask Winston about the currency system and denomination used in this world, acknowledging his lack of knowledge due to his sheltered upbringing.

Winston patiently explained, "Young master, in our world, there are four types of coins used, each with its own name and denomination. These coins include copper, silver, gold, and platinum, and their values are as follows:

*Ten copper coins equal one silver coin.

*Ten silver coins equal one gold coin.

*Ten gold coins equal one platinum coin."

Arriving at the market, their first order of business was to secure a building for Nathan's business venture. They purchased a two-story building with a store on the ground floor, a warehouse at the back, and an office on the second floor, complete with elegant wooden furniture that exuded an antique charm.

With the building secured, Nathan and his party proceeded to the slave market, where they intended to acquire personnel for the upcoming caravan. Upon reaching the bustling market, Nathan sought out the largest slave trader named Rion, prepared to initiate the process of selecting slaves for his venture.

Upon learning that the prince was at his humble shop to inquire about purchasing slaves, Rion eagerly rushed to the entrance to greet them. Rubbing his hands together with enthusiasm, he bowed slightly and greeted Nathan with a grin, exclaiming, "Welcome, welcome! What an honor to have the prince grace my humble establishment."

Nathan, while not entirely pleased by Rion's behavior, confidently addressed him, "I'm here to purchase around sixty to eighty slaves for now, and if I find them satisfactory, I might consider more in the future."

Rion, ever the merchant, inquired further, "Certainly, prince. May I ask the purpose for which you require the slaves? Are you in need of workers for labor, farming, or perhaps other purposes?"

Nathan specified his requirements, "I need slaves experienced in trading as well as strong individuals for laborious tasks."

Curiosity piqued, Nathan asked Rion about the origins of these slaves, wondering if they were captured in warfare. Rion's reply shed light on the matter, "While there are some war prisoners among them, their number is relatively small. Most individuals here are those who, unable to repay loans, are compelled to sell themselves into slavery to settle their debts."

Rion continued, explaining the circumstances of some who voluntarily became slaves out of necessity, "And then there are those who choose to become slaves as they lack the means to support themselves and opt to rely on the sustenance provided by their buyers."

With a sigh, Rion shared his empathetic perspective, "It's a tough life for slaves, your highness. I do feel for them, but as a merchant, my priority is to make a living."

Nathan listened, gaining insight into the complex reality of slavery in this world, even as he continued with the task at hand.

With a calculating grin and hands rubbing together, Rion wasted no time in presenting Nathan with his top offerings. Gesturing toward the cages, he began his pitch, "Prince, allow me to showcase my finest products. On the right, you'll find a collection of formidable brawns. Among them are brave barbarians who dared to cross the desert, only to be captured and sold by the Casentino Empire's holy knights in the slave market. You'll also find some soldiers from the Casentino Empire, captured following the war between Valdyr and Casentino last year."

Moving to the opposite cages, Rion continued, "On the left, we have a selection of individuals who were once from territories taken by the Casentino Empire. Others belonged to merchant families or served them, but their fortunes crumbled, leaving them with no recourse but to be sold as slaves."

Rion's words ignited a fierce rage within Nathan, causing him to erupt, "Damn the Casentino Kingdom! Attacking weaker nations in the name of their god. One day, I'll annex their entire kingdom and make their king and high pope my slaves!"

However, after regaining his composure, Nathan turned to Rion and declared, "I wish to purchase all the individuals from the merchant families and their servants, as well as those brawns over there. Once their slave marks are in place, send them to this address."

With a polite smile, Rion responded, "Thank you for choosing us, prince. Your patronage is appreciated. Please do come again."

And thus, with a mix of determination and resolve, Nathan took the steps he believed necessary to build his business and strengthen his kingdom.

With his mind buzzing with entrepreneurial ideas, Nathan ventured into the bustling goods street of the market. The array of stalls showcased various wares—fresh farm produce, simple clothes, and other daily necessities. One observation that stood out was the prevalent use of hemp and cotton fabrics for clothing, which, despite their low quality, were common among the people.

Curious about the fabric quality in other kingdoms, Nathan inquired with Winston, only to learn that the situation was similar elsewhere due to the complexity and cost of producing finer fabrics. This realization sparked an idea in Nathan's mind—to create better-quality fabric using his knowledge from Earth, potentially yielding considerable profits.

As he continued exploring the market street, Nathan's thoughts shifted to the prospect of producing sugar on a larger scale. Recognizing the scarcity of sugar in the world of Everdawn, he pondered ways to source and manufacture it, envisioning the potential for significant profits.

Amid these considerations, Nathan's attention was drawn to a young girl's humble stall. The girl, no older than seven or eight, sold wild vegetables and fruits gathered from the forests near the capital's gates. Among her offerings, Nathan recognized a familiar vegetable resembling beets from Earth.

Intrigued by the presence of these beets, Nathan crouched down to examine them more closely. His mind raced with ideas as he realized the potential of using high-sugar-content beets to produce sugar—a valuable commodity in this world. With his entrepreneurial instincts kicking in, Nathan contemplated the possibility of sourcing more of these beets and cultivating them on a larger scale for commercial sugar production.

As Nathan's journey into business and innovation continued, he found himself on the brink of reshaping industries and societies with his creative thinking and Earth-derived knowledge.

Nathan's keen observation led him to a young girl named Aria, who was selling wild vegetables and fruits, including a type of beet with high sugar content that resembled those from Earth. Recognizing the potential of these beets for commercial use, Nathan engaged in a conversation with Aria.

While engaged in a conversation with the young girl, Aria, who was selling the beets. He introduced himself and inquired about the source of the vegetables, as well as their price. Aria explained that she had gathered them from the forest while picking fruits and was struggling to find buyers for the beets. Nathan's interest was piqued, especially given his familiarity with the vegetable from Earth.

After learning her name and the origin of the vegetables, Nathan proposed to buy all of the beets she had and offered a higher price than she was asking. He also promised an additional silver coin if she agreed to guide him to the location where she had found the beets. Intrigued by the offer, Aria accepted and agreed to meet Nathan the next day.

As Nathan and Winston returned to the castle, Nathan shared his plans to seize the opportunity presented by the high-sugar beets. He instructed Winston to ensure Aria's safety, procure a group of experienced farming slaves, and acquire large farming lands in a less-traveled area outside the capital. He also planned to have a fence erected around the land to protect it from unauthorized access.

In addition, Nathan arranged for skilled carpenters to be called to the castle, indicating that he had a specific project in mind. Winston pledged to carry out these tasks within the next two days, reflecting Nathan's proactive approach to realizing his business ideas and improving the kingdom's prosperity.