Chapter 65: Chapter 65

Seeing that Sokram didn’t offer any further explanation about the situation inside, no one pressed forward.

Instead, Sokram turned to the Grey Hunters and Goldenmane, his tone calm as he spotted his practiced businessman grin, “Grey Hunters and Goldenmane, please join me. I have something important to offer you.”

However, noticing their hesitation as they glanced around at the City Lord’s family and the Mistress of the Purple Pavilion, he reassured them confidently.

“Don’t worry. The City Lord’s family is like my own; we share many common interests. As for Lucille and the Purple Pavilion, I can assure you that my secrets are their secrets too.”

Lucille raised her glass toward Sokram and nodded, confirming his words.

This gesture impressed not only the wolves and lions but also Liaranna and Brunhild.

Brunhild leaned closer to Hilda and whispered, “What did I miss?”

“A lot, haha,” Hilda teased, offering little more than a cryptic grin.

Nirmal and Kayn joined Sokram at the table.

To emphasize his sincerity, Sokram summoned a dagger, made a small cut on his hand, and let his blood drip onto the floor.

He then recited an oath of secrecy and honesty before beginning his presentation.

The action surprised the two elders but also signaled that they should listen carefully before reacting.

Sokram summoned several sealed scrolls and placed them on the table. “These are the techniques I mentioned to Kan, Kiana, and the twins."

Nodding toward his teammates who watched the scene close by, "These are highly efficient techniques of guided cultivation for training tamed beasts up to the level of Reformed Existence. As you know, any beast that reaches that stage will awaken and be acknowledged by the Records, rendering guided cultivation useless after that point.”

The two elders’ eyes widened in shock as they examined the techniques.

“So these really are guided cultivation techniques…” Kayn muttered under his breath.

Nirmal’s expression shifted to one of greed as he stared at the scrolls.

“All the way to Awakening? An awakened, tamed beast is worth ten to twenty times more than an ordinary one!”

Sokram continued, anticipating their curiosity.

“I’m open to selling these techniques to your clans, but I propose a deal to maintain balance between our three businesses.”

At the mention of 'three businesses,' the elders exchanged confused glances.

Sokram elaborated, “I’ve entered into a partnership with Mr. Oliver, the manager and owner of the Southern Gates Stables.”

Alpha Grey Fang nodded in understanding but asked cautiously, “And what exactly do you propose?”

Nirmal mirrored his tentative demeanor, waiting for Sokram’s response.

“I propose that the Grey Hunters assume the monopoly of mounted wolves, be they Dire Wolves, Great Wolves, or any canine mounts, and also the bears, at the North Gate Stables. Meanwhile, the West Gate Stables, which belong to the Goldenmane clan, will hold the monopoly on horses and all equine mounts and any occasional reptile. Finally, we, the Dracnakrid, will take control of the birds at the Southern Gates Stables.”

As Sokram spoke, the elders’ expressions shifted from astonishment to concern.

Sensing their unease, he pressed on. “I understand there may be some losses initially, but I promise you, and remember, I’m under oath, these techniques will make it worthwhile. Additionally, all the horses, bears, reptiles, and wolves currently in our stable will be gifted to you if you agree to exchange your wolves and horses with each other at cost price.”

Nirmal narrowed his eyes, suspicion evident in his tone. “What’s your angle? You’re offering far too much and asking for nothing in return.”

“Oh, right,” Sokram replied, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “I assumed it was obvious. First, I want to fortify the bond of friendship between the founding families for the sake of Eversnow. Second, I aim to strengthen my family’s presence in the city. If we unite, we’ll drive the East Gate Stable out of business, allowing my fellow Andronys…”

At this, Madalyn joined the table, “…to swoop in and buy them out cheaply. While the Androny family isn’t involved in the mount business, they do operate Livestock Transportation Caravans, and they would benefit greatly from acquiring the East Gate Stables. And having a reputable Caravan in the city would benefit Eversnow even more, especially our unaffiliated merchants, boosting our economy.”

“But if they tried to purchase it now,” Sokram continued, “it would require spending far beyond what’s considered fair. After all, the Steelheart family from Icedpeak City owns that business and dominates the market here in Eversnow. They overprice their subpar-quality mounts, making more profit than our three stables combined, correct? And how do they do that? Because, despite being overpriced, they are still cheaper than yours.”

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Despite their frowns, neither Nirmal nor Kayn could deny the truth in his words.

Nirmal frowned and spat, "That is only because they use alchemy to boost and mutate those beasts they sell."

Kayn nodded. "And be it wolf or horse, the mounts they sell never last long, dying either from diseases or during the hunt, often costing the hunters their lives."

Seeing an opportunity, Sokram pressed further.

"So I say we unite against the outsiders. I’m willing to offer these techniques to you for free if you join me..." He glanced at Madalyn and joined hands with her. "No, if you join us in this endeavor. What do you say?"

From a distance, Brunhild observed the scene and muttered, “Yep, he’s an Androny, alright.”

Her comment drew a few giggles, lightening the mood.

Kayn, however, wasn’t entirely convinced. “And what if we simply wish to buy the techniques instead?”

Sokram had anticipated this question and responded without hesitation. “Then I’d sell you the weakest techniques, use the strongest for myself, push both of you and the Steelhearts out of business, and share the four stables with the Androny family. Remember, I’m under oath.”

His words were cold and definitive yet devoid of hostility, which prevented the elders from feeling provoked.

Still, Nirmal noticed something. “What do you have against the Steelhearts?”

"What isn’t there to hold against them?! Have you seen any of their shields in the city?!" Sokram retorted, his tone slightly sharper than intended, "Sorry... Sigh."

Letting out a sigh, he composed himself before continuing. “All of Norwinter knows war is imminent, yet they continue to overprice the second-rate meat they sell through the butchers. Did you know they now own nearly all of them? And they’re doing the same with mounts, overpricing the very tools our soldiers and merchants need most during these critical times.”

To drive his point home, Sokram heightened his performance.

He held his breath, clenched his teeth, and increased his heart rate to project genuine anger. “They’re vultures!"

Sokram bashed his fist on the table; the ferals could see his anger was genuine.

"Profiting off our misery while living lavishly in the south of our country, safe from the dangers faced by our soldiers who risk their lives to protect their businesses. So I ask again: What isn’t there to hold against them?!”

Nirmal studied Sokram thoughtfully and chuckled. “Heh, you sound like the old folk in the clan.”

Liandra, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. “But that means he’s right.”

Liaranna nodded in agreement. “The old wolves would side with him, too, and so would Licarus.”

Kayn concurred. “Spoken like a true son of the north, a loyal son of Eversnow.”

Madalyn seized the opportunity to tease him. “And sold like an Androny, too.”

Brunhild joined in, grinning proudly. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel※fire.net

“That he did, perhaps a bit too much for my taste, but his love for Eversnow proves he’s a Dracnakrid at heart.”

While those of the younger generation around looked at Sokram with complicated gazes, he was younger than most of them. And yet his heart and sense of duty were unmatched by any of them.

While the Andronys looked at Sokram differently, as if tens of their steps toward succession wouldn't amount to one of his.

Nirmal and Kayn exchanged glances and nodded.

Kayn spoke first. “Alright, we’re in, but it must be stated in the contract that if your techniques show no results within two months, the deal is off.”

Sokram summoned three copies of the same blood contract and motioned for Brunhild to approach, since he couldn’t sign by himself and Hannah was inside.

“Read these carefully. These are contracts of partnership. Instead of two months, I’ve stipulated that if you don’t see proper results within three weeks, not only is the deal off, but I’ll capture and tame fifty beasts for each of you, for free.”

Brunhild’s eyes widened. “Son! That’s too much! And too little time.”

Sokram shook his head, his resolve firm. "No, I need to do this much. Look at the situation: two elders negotiating with someone as young as I. Even as the future patriarch of the Dracnakrid, I have little fame to my name, while they have much more to lose."

"That’s not entirely true, especially since we, the Andronys, are backing you up. Mom said those techniques you developed are good enough to be offered to the King."

Sokram understood her point but countered gently.

"How can I, as a dragon in my own lair, use another’s name as backing? I’m no dragonling without wings. I’m thankful for your trust, but I’m doing this as the future head of the Dracnakrid."

Madalyn frowned but conceded. "Stubborn. Still, you’re an Androny, too."

Sokram nodded. "Yes, I am an Androny too, at least the human part of me is. But I’ve told you before: I’m not a spoiled brat hiding under my grandmother’s skirt."

Madalyn sighed, unable to argue further.

His cousins and uncles, however, were very irked by his statement, though they couldn’t refute it.

To ease the tension, Kayn interjected. “Heh, you’re as stubborn as her father.”

He pointed at Brunhild, whose prideful grin was unmistakable. “Let me read this carefully and discuss it with the head of the Greyfur. Though I’m the alpha of the hunters, I still answer to him.”

Nirmal nodded in agreement. “Yes, I’ll need to review this thoroughly and consult with my elder brother and our council.”

Sokram smiled gratefully. “Thank you, elders. I hope we can embark on this endeavor together for the sake of our city. If you need a demonstration of the technique, let me know, and I’ll either visit your stables or host you at the Southern Gates Stables.”

They saluted each other respectfully before returning to their respective tables to eat and drink.

Sokram felt the weight of his cousins’ and aunts’ glares but ignored them. He had already warned them earlier: They’d better step up their game.

Afterward, Sokram briefly conversed with his guests and teammates.

Luke apologized for his earlier behavior, and Sokram responded kindly.

“Just remember to give those on the same side the benefit of the doubt. It’s easy to confuse a rabbit with a horned hare,” Sokram told him, repeating the wisdom Luke had once shared with him in his previous timeline.

Sokram went back inside to check on Amber and her family.

To his delight, they were laughing and joking comfortably.

Margiory had that unique ability to win people over, a trait that made her a very successful merchant.

She met his gaze with a knowing smile and asked, “So, how did it go?”

“Good, very good, actually. Here?” Sokram looked around.

Lucy, Savannah, and Amber seemed to regard him even more fondly than before.

Amber’s family appeared more relaxed but also looked at him with newfound respect.

He could only imagine the stories his grandmothers might have shared.

“Well, that girl is yours, but her family is now under my ‘skirt,’” Margiory quipped with a teasing grin.

“You heard that, huh?” Sokram scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed.

Margiory waved off his concerns. “Don’t worry. I’m proud that you’re paving your own path.”

Yet her expression betrayed a hint of longing, and Sokram could see she wished he would depend on her more.

“Don’t worry, Nana. I rely on you a great deal..." Sokram consoled her.

He sat beside her and, while holding her hand, met her eyes. "...but as a dragon, I need to spread my wings.”

His gaze was as firm as his convictions.

Margiory took solace in knowing that of all her children and grandchildren, Sokram would soar the highest, just as his name stated.

Though saddened by how quickly he was becoming independent, she couldn’t help but feel immense pride in him.