THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

"What do you mean?" David asked, confused.

"I mean, coming up with such a good market strategy at your age is quite impressive," Seraphina complimented him.

"It\'s nothing," David shrugged. "The real challenges come with the people in power, like dealing with taxes and other bureaucratic obstacles," he explained. "That\'s where you come in," he added, a smile curling on his lips.

"Why me, though? You could hire people with your status," Seraphina asked, resting her head on her palm.

"True," David agreed. "But I\'m looking for people I can trust, not just because of money. Additionally, I plan to keep my identity as the true proprietor of the business a secret."

Seraphina nodded, absorbing David\'s words. "So, more work for me," she concluded, feeling a headache brewing from the responsibilities she would take on. Still, she couldn\'t deny her interest in the business.

"Exactly," David confirmed. "Together, we can make this venture a success."

Seraphina felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. This venture was risky, but the potential rewards were too enticing to ignore.

Seraphina\'s eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, we dominate the confectionery and bakery business?" she asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

David grinned, his eyes glinting with ambition. "A chocolate empire is just the beginning," he replied, his voice low and measured. "The cocoa bean is a versatile ingredient. It has the potential to revolutionize not just the confectionery market but the entire food, beverage and domestic markets."

Seraphina clasped her hands together, her gaze drifting downward as she processed David\'s revelation. The possibilities swirled in her mind, each one more exciting and daunting than the last. David\'s vision was grander than she had ever imagined, and the weight of its potential settled heavily on her shoulders.

"You don\'t have enough status to own such lands. Are you planning to acquire a count title?" Seraphina probed, trying to dissect David\'s strategy.

"I\'m not planning to grovel before the queen for land," David declared, shocking Seraphina with his blunt disregard for the queen of the Solarain Empire.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "And how, pray tell, do you propose to acquire land then?" she asked, her scepticism evident.

"Simple. We start small with the land I can acquire from my father, the earl," David explained. "Then we conquer Terranon\'s Eye," he added, his tone relaxed despite the gravity of his words. The name \'Terranon\'s Eye\' hung in the air, heavy with implications.

Seraphina shot up, slamming the table. "Are you nuts?" she demanded.

"Probably, but calm down," David said, trying to soothe her.

"What do you mean calm down? How are we going to conquer a floating dungeon of a dead sovereign? This plan is complete madness!" she protested, sitting down heavily.

"I\'m not saying we conquer the floating island now," David sighed. "We start small. I\'ll provide a way for the next steps."

Seraphina, still in shock, conceded with a reluctant nod. "Fine," she muttered, realizing that David\'s determination was unyielding.

"Right now, we need a mage who can either increase soil fertility or enhance plant growth," David declared, his gaze steady and focused.

"Impossible," Seraphina interjected abruptly, her tone tinged with frustration.

David raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And why is that?"

Seraphina leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "As a witch with the class title of mage, I\'m very familiar with all manner of subjects," she began, her voice carrying the weight of experience. "Green wardens, who specialize in nurturing plant life, are exceedingly rare. Even more so, the process they employ takes an extensive amount of time.

They need to study each type of crop meticulously to stimulate its growth spurt."

David listened intently, absorbing every word. Seraphina continued, her tone growing more resolute. "Moreover, no green warden would willingly agree to relocate to a place like Terranon\'s Eye just to cultivate land. The costs involved would be astronomical, likely equivalent to the annual budget of a small town."

David nodded, processing the information. Before he could formulate a response, Seraphina leaned forward, her eyes narrowing with a spark of insight. "However, alchemists might be a more viable option."

David\'s curiosity was piqued. "Reason?"

Seraphina\'s face brightened with enthusiasm. "Alchemists are driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and mastery over their craft. They specialize in concocting potions and elixirs that can either enhance crop growth or improve soil fertility. Their expertise in these areas is well-suited for our needs."

David was visibly impressed by her knowledge. "So, you\'re suggesting that instead of seeking out a green warden, we should focus on finding a skilled alchemist?"

"Exactly," Seraphina confirmed. "Their passion for experimentation and discovery could be leveraged to achieve our goals more effectively."

David contemplated her suggestion for a moment, a smile slowly forming on his lips. "Well then, finding a capable alchemist should be our next step."

Seraphina nodded in agreement, her earlier tension easing. "It sounds like a solid plan. I\'ll start researching potential candidates."

As they discussed the details, David felt a renewed sense of determination. The challenges ahead were significant, but with Seraphina\'s insights and their combined efforts, the ambitious vision for their venture seemed more attainable than ever. The road to success was far from straightforward, but the prospect of overcoming these obstacles fueled his resolve.

David stood up, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Now that we have our plan, I\'m heading back to Eldoria," he declared, his voice resolute. He turned to Seraphina, his gaze unwavering. "And you will be coming with me."

Seraphina\'s eyes widened in shock. "Young Lord, you do understand that I am a witch," she explained, her voice carrying a note of caution. "Witches aren\'t exactly on friendly terms with the nobility, even though we are granted citizenship like any other person within the land."

David raised his brow, he had forgotten that part in the novel, fucking racial discrepancy wherever you went, David breathed out, but did that really matter, no. He wanted Seraphina and he would have her by her side and do everything in his power to make her comfortable and safe.

****

A/N:

1. Green Wardens are a type of mage who specializes in protecting and nurturing nature. They are often depicted as guardians of forests, wildlife, and natural environments. Their abilities might include:

- Controlling Plant Life: They can summon and manipulate vegetation to aid in defence or healing. e.t.c

2. Eldoria is the central town where the Earl resides.