Chapter 1236: Art of Compromise and Unexpected Wealth
" There's actually not much profit in just one Jade Court. However, the resources accumulated by each long-lived species over the years are a considerable amount of wealth.
" The awkward part now is that the coup of Tyraste succeeded, and the Legendary Evil Art Masters couldn't stir up trouble. It's inconvenient for the Legendary Mages to help.
" If they could act at will, I personally think that Lord Ronan or his wife Qin Wuyue would be closer to becoming the new master of Jade Court."
At this point.
Fandral's voice was much softer. He said to Matthew cautiously,
"What I'm going to say next is all groundless gossip. It can't be taken seriously. I'm just casually saying it. Just listen to it."
Matthew revealed a look of understanding.
Fandral continued,
" Due to their geographical advantage, Chen and Ronan are the most likely to become the new masters of Jade Court after the collapse of the regime. Edmond is also very close.
" But Chen's heart is on the ocean. He seems to have no interest in land.
" As for Edmond, he probably reached some sort of agreement with Ronan. I heard that in the recent Seven Sages 'decisions, no matter what Ronan suggested, Edmond would immediately raise his hands to support it.
"It is also because of this and the power of returning from the astral plane that the Ronan couple have recently shown their strength and taken a lot of benefits in one go.
" Everyone in the Alliance is very curious. What benefits did Ronan promise Edmund to make him so supportive?
"There are even more rumours in this area. I don't dare to say anything. If you want to know more details, you have to ask around yourself…"
Matthew looked regretful.
However, he knew very well that Edmond's support for Ronan was probably related to his loitering around Ronan's house!
He must have done something to harm Ronan.
However, he could also gain Ronan's understanding afterwards.
It could also be considered to have brought out the art of robbery and compromise to the fullest.
"How about this…
" You can report this to the parliament. I will restart the project, but it will have to wait until April."
Matthew pondered and gave Fandral a clear answer.
Fandral waved and said,
"No worries.
"I was planning to inform you in advance. The official invitation documents are still on the way.
"It's mid-March now. It'll be April in a few days."
Matthew nodded and said,
"Yes.
" This notice is too sudden. The window for me to recruit apprentices and official mages is too short.
"I'm worried that I won't be able to recruit enough people."
Fandral comforted,
" Don't worry. The Alliance will give you the green light.
"All the major magic academies in the south are open to you. You can even get in touch with Baiyan City.
"Oh, right."
He suddenly thought of something and paused for a moment before saying,
" In addition to the researchers and assistant apprentices, I suggest you choose at least two assistants."
Assistant?
Matthew thought for a few seconds and gradually came back to his senses.
" First, the benefits of an S-rank project cannot be shared by one person. If you can let others benefit from it, they will most likely return the favour. You know this very well."
Fandral smiled and said,
" Secondly, once something happens, there will be people who will fight with you. Although this is a small probability event, it's not wrong to share the risk with more people, right?
" Thirdly, given your background, I suggest that you pick two deputies from the academic faction. This way, you can balance the opinions of the other higher-ups in the Alliance towards you. I know you definitely don't care about this, but people have to leave a way out for themselves when they're down and out. Who knows, you might be able to use it one day?"
As he spoke.
Fandral laughed and said,
"Of course, it's best if you never use it."
Matthew shook hands with Fandral solemnly.
"Thank you."
Fandral's words were quite sincere.
Ever since the Alliance assessment, this mature and slick middle-aged mage would give Matthew a lot of useful pointers every time they met.
Although he knew very well that the other party was not simply showing kindness, Matthew himself was very pleased.
At this moment.
Matthew inadvertently caught a glimpse of a very hidden badge on Fandral's chest.
That was the badge of a first-class member of the Silver Council!
Matthew was surprised.
He had also investigated Fandral's background before.
His parents were commoners, and he was an academic mage. He had outstanding talent in magic, but he was only average among the outstanding people. He did not have any great background.
He had some connection with Edmond, but he was not a core member of the Snake Mountain Gang.
Under such a background.
Unknowingly, he had been promoted to a first-class member of the Silver Council.
Matthew had never heard of him making any great contributions.
Perhaps it was simply because he had managed his connections well.
In comparison.
Last year, the female mage who was in charge of Matthew's assessment with Fandral seemed to have disappeared for a long time.
"How is Miss Alice?"
Matthew could not help but ask.
A trace of sadness appeared on Fandral's face.
"She's dead.
"In the second half of last year, she couldn't accept the complicated paperwork, so she chose to resign from her previous position and return to Black Suo Mountain to continue being a member of the law enforcement team.
" During the riot in the Hot Spring Prison, she was too brave and charged at the front. She used magic to heavily injure several snow maidens, but she was accidentally attacked by the monsters. In the end, she couldn't be saved…"