"Brother’s garden has too many vegetables; if we don’t pick them, they’ll spoil. Let’s pick some to eat," Laine said, holding a large bag and picking leaves.

"Brother’s fragrant pig looks really nice; let’s make one into roasted suckling pig."

"Brother’s radishes look great!"

"Since we’re here, let’s pull out some more~"

"Woof woof woof~" Angerong’s two border collies naturally recognized Laine and Surya; they barked a few times and ran over to rub against Laine’s pant leg.

From Angerong’s home, Laine and the others gathered materials for a sumptuous lunch.

Oliver’s wife is a beautiful woman in her thirties, rumored to be Oliver’s second wife, and though she takes good care of herself and doesn’t show signs of aging, she is still utterly outmatched by Surya. Proud to be part of such a private gathering, in the presence of noblewomen, she always holds an inferior status. Facing Surya, she respectfully accompanies with a smile, more like a female steward.

But this is enough for her to boast in her circle for years, Laine thought. Sometimes it’s just like this; the circle of great noblewomen that Surya represents makes all the women flock, but destiny-altering changes are reserved for only a few.

"Surya, how is the situation on your side?" During the picnic, Laine asked casually while holding an orange juice.

Medieval marriages are quite different from many ancient marriages of the Celestial Dynasty known to him from his past life.

His marriage with Surya is truly just between them; married, Laine remains a Count, Surya remains a Marchioness. Their titles are relatively independent, economically free. The female knight owns two villages in Winford Duchy, having complete financial and jurisdiction authority. These villages have nothing to do with Laine, even as the Marquis husband; he has no right to interfere with these villages. The female knight possesses a substantial dowry exceeding twenty thousand Gold Crowns, which also has nothing to do with Laine; its usage is wholly Surya’s decision.

Similarly, if Laine doesn’t want it, Surya has no right to intervene in the matters of his territory.

The merging of titles is impossible for Laine in this generation; it may only occur when their children are born and fully inherit all their parents’ titles.

Oliver thought perhaps this is why most marriages of duke’s daughters are unhappy. Marrying a duke’s daughter means she commands considerable financial power and autonomy, and also receives substantial backing from her family. Thus, any minor spousal conflicts can easily trigger massive upheavals and eventually escalate into a family war, as duke’s daughters aren’t afraid of their husbands. Their husbands often find themselves in a humble position.

Yet this is not seen in Laine and Surya; they can be called a model couple. Laine maintains his strong position while letting Surya manage his territory and help establish her prestige. Surya respects Laine’s guiding principles, slightly debating in some minor matters. These small games between the couple make them enjoy, keeping their relationship close.

Holding power without using it, rather handing it to his wife, is the slyest thing, and what Oliver envies the most. He knows that if he learned by example, within two years, his wife would bankrupt the entire merchant guild.

After the meal, Oliver thought there were no outsiders here and spoke in a low voice, "But my Count, you know, the establishment of the trade station has affected others’ interests."

"Indeed, it has affected others’ interests," Laine replied quietly, holding his glass, "Duke Montfort Fulcard surely is not pleased about this matter..."

"However, he cannot retaliate because Laine saved his life," Surya’s ocean-blue eyes brimmed with wisdom, "This makes him feel uneasy, but it’s good news for us."

"Therefore, we must involve Duke Fulcard in establishing the trade station," Laine said, holding his wine glass, the deep red liquid reflecting his face, "As you said, we must learn to share—share profits and share risks."

"But Duke Hagen..." Oliver remained concerned.

"Leave this matter to you, Oliver. Take the dwarves when necessary; their stubbornness always causes headaches for everyone," Laine said softly, "After all, the dwarves are the largest suppliers and staunchest trade partners for our trade station. Their demands should be met, right? You needn’t overly consider Duke Hagen’s opinion on these matters; he’s not interested. Just gather them for negotiations, let them understand that if a reasonable distribution agreement isn’t reached, the trade station won’t open, and Surya and I will support you."

"Understood," Oliver gained Laine’s guidance, and the merchant felt a bit relieved. He suddenly made a joke, "It’s a pity this big deal didn’t include Hadrian."

Oliver and Hadrian are both Laine’s appointed merchants now; they are allies and competitors, always vying for a bigger share while cooperating externally.

"Hadrian has other important tasks to complete," Laine shook his head, "Have you seen the gold and silver jewels landing on Boldro?"

"Astronomical amounts, my Count," Oliver nodded.

"Find ways to gradually sell them off, exchange for what we need," Laine produced a parchment radiating golden holy light in front of Surya and Oliver, "If everything goes well, this will be yours."

"What is this?" Oliver glanced at the title on the parchment.

"Merchant Wanderer Trade License."

The signature is golden, with dazzling glow flowing between the lines.

"The Emperor Of Mankind"

...I am the signature divider...

"Business Is Business," inside Fugen’s tent, the Emperor was keenly watching many Ancient Saint prophecy tablets collected by Fugen. Using spiritual energy to decipher, Master of Humans seemed to have gained some insight.

Fugen wanted to read something from his revered father’s expression, but the Emperor’s expression remained cold, seemingly only interested in the tablet content reflected in those black eyes.

Master of Humans affirmed Fugen’s achievements, considering an alliance with Lizardmen not unacceptable. The Emperor’s Son Genetic Primarch initially reacted that both sides are enemies of Chaos, naturally cooperating when compelled.

Hmm, just like Kiliman with the Eldar Death God Chosen, as well as Saint Gile with the King of Silence.

In Fugen’s memory, only the one who used spiritual communication to reveal a Net Dao under the Imperial Palace and shouted "Magical Pony did no wrong" and "Friendship is Magic" truly angered the Emperor.

"Business is business," Fugen repeated the Emperor’s words, unsure, "Should we continue cooperation with those Ancient Saint servants?"

"Absolutely necessary; from some perspectives, countless Shilan Demon Toads are using their lives and wills, sealing themselves in pyramids to maintain the Great Vortex through the Great Guardian, preventing Demon invasions," the Emperor frowned, gazing at the tablets collected by Fugen, "On the tablets, many contents have been realized; some prophecies are unclear, but we can still discern some things from them. The Ancient Saints have larger plots on this planet, and we know nothing."

"Those Ancient Saint servants possess immense power..." Remembering the perilous moments when Great Demon Lord Mazda Moody, Fugen said uncertainly, "I don’t know where they come from, but some of their technology still far surpasses ours."

"Indeed, far surpasses ours; even now, your offspring’s hatching still uses my technology, and that technology, precisely from the Ancient Saints’ heritage," the Emperor said coldly, "There’s an Ancient Saint incubating pool here; just right, I can purify it and utilize your genes..."

"Father! You mean?!" Fugen gasped in surprise.

The Emperor shook his head, "But first, let us meet those loyal servants of the Ancient Saints."

With this, the Emperor directly used spiritual teleportation to transport Fugen and himself away.

New World, Lustria, Sun City.

Amidst the protection of dozens of Lizardmen legions, Great Lord of the Shilan Demon Toad, Mazda Moody, noticed the two figures appearing before the Ancient Sun God Pyramid.

The Great Demon Lord’s voice trembled.

"Begin... the Great Plan."