Sorcery Monarch

Chapter 77: Time Waits for No One

Chapter 77: Time Waits for No One

"We must stockpile enough food and crossbows; we can't produce them for now..."

"Magic materials can begin production, but we're still far from achieving scale..."

"Common weapons and equipment will be the next production target; we should start preparing to find markets for them..."

"..."

Having made up his mind, Matthew glanced at the seemingly balanced accounts and, rather than getting into lengthy discussions with the eager Adam Smith, gave him an approving nod and said:

"You did well this time. As for other daily necessities, we can pause those acquisitions for now."

"Focus all your efforts on purchasing as much food and magic materials as possible. Keep buying heavy crossbows as well."

Though surprised by the lord's continued large-scale efforts, Adam Smith immediately began speculating about the hidden significance behind them.

"Could it be? The rising costs of food and magical materials..."

The quick-thinking Adam Smith felt a chill but also a wave of delight.

He was certain Matthew's judgment was spot on, or that he had access to insider information from hidden channels.

For a merchant, information is as valuable as gold!

Having already invested part of his own fortune, Adam Smith now felt confident this deal was turning into a great profit. Looking into the lord's deep, dark eyes, he shivered slightly:

"Is this my reward from the lord?"

"It must be; there's no doubt..."

"It seems the lord is perhaps pushing me to the forefront, making me a pawn or bait..."

Adam Smith wasn't bothered by this thought. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity.

"This could be a test from the lord. I'll definitely wade into these murky waters..."

Before Adam Smith could finish his thoughts, he heard Matthew continue with his next set of tasks:

"Also, don't stop the recruitment efforts or acquiring supplies; the territory is in desperate need of people!"

"Do your best to recruit a few druids for me as well..."

Everything else seemed fine, but this request for druids gave Adam Smith a headache.

After considering it for a moment, he gritted his teeth and nodded, saying:

"Recruitment is currently on track."

"I've secured multiple channels to steadily gather civilians and refugees from the south. We're bringing in about 2,000 people each week."

"However, druids tend to stick together, making them hard to find and even harder to recruit..."

Seeing that Adam Smith hadn't raised any unusual concerns, Matthew chuckled quietly and said calmly:

"Don't worry, you've proven your capability."

"If you find the druids, great; if not, it's no big deal..."

"From now on, you'll receive 5,000 bottles of blood-replenishing potions every week."

"As for your fixed procurement targets—2 million pounds of wheat and ten heavy crossbows—that will be deducted from the sales of these potions."

"You must spend all of these 2,500 gold coins as efficiently as possible..."