WEAPON SELLER IN THE WORLD OF MAGIC

The next day, before the breakfast, Mark met the King in private and had expressed his wish regarding the reward.

He asked the King to give him an island that isn't in danger of drowning at the present so that he may develop a manufacturing facility on top of it. He also added another condition that no natives are living on this island.

At first, Mark was a little bit worried when he saw a change in the King's expression but then, he sighed in relief as the king gave him the word that he will acquire it right away but it's just that only the prime minister has a clear idea about the demographics of the kingdom.

Mark patiently waited until the morning assembly at 9 o'clock and was summoned to the court at 10 o'clock once the ministers were done reporting to the King about how their departments are faring now. Some boasted while some requested the King to change the policies.

As soon as Mark was informed by the soldier, he went to the court in haste and everyone abruptly turned their heads as he stepped inside.

He walked forward and stopped a few meters away from the King and greeted him with his fist at the chest before bowing slightly, "Your Majesty."

King Shen Niu got up on his feet and the others followed the suit.

He then spoke out loud, "Despite not belonging to this land, you have done an enormous service to the kingdom. As a reward, I wish to present to you the island of Nanqu, which is under the control of our kingdom for several centuries. From this moment onwards, it belongs to you.

There was another thing. While I was discussing the current internal affairs with Prime Minister Zhu, I heard that Grand Prince Shen had invited Mr. Lu to Lunaris city in the hopes of letting him open the branch here and let our citizens have experience with the unique type of weapon known as firearms, which itself has a lot of different types of weapons.

Using the authority as the King, I give you the Xuan Yi Mansion for your stay and the Tower of Xuan Yi for your business if ever decided to open the store, that is. Whatever the terms are, you can discuss them with Prime Minister Zhu in private."

As Mark thanked the king for the reward as well as for the offer, Zhu Jianhong didn't forget to inform him that the island is currently been inhabited by low-rank Spirit beasts, which is of course not a big deal for a person like Mark anyway.

After receiving the land deed of Nanqu Island, Mark returned to the guest room. He was planning on returning to the Imperial City as Alina told him that Lin Xue stopped by the store.

According to the message, Song Yue's paternal great grandfather had finally returned with Lin Xue and is currently at Song Yun's new mansion to formally annul the engagement.

He ordered Alina to make sure to stay inside the store but he wasn't sure about Song Yue. If she gets tricked by the old man and gets out, then, it is over for her. Even Alina is helpless against someone who is in the legendary realm if the rumor about Song Tai's strength is correct. Hmm, maybe, she can take him on with the divine sword?

Considering that she wasn't the owner, her stats will increase by 10%, making her as strong as a 7-circle.

Combining her own skills and fighting techniques along with the divine sword's skills (She doesn't have any attributes like humans and so, she could use them), Mark thought of the possibility of the female Android going against the Song Clan's ancestor.

Even then, she couldn't last long against such a superior opponent. In that case, he would rather sacrifice Song Yue and protect Alina.

But, for some reason, he doesn't want to do that. Was she that worthy of facing such unnecessary troubles? Clearly, she isn't. He knows that too.

Then Why?

Does he have feelings for her or something? No. Mark might appreciate her beauty but he was clear in his mind that he won't fall in love with anyone to create weakness.

Maybe, it was because she is under his protection. Or maybe, it is because he finds her pitiful. Or it might be because he likes living, eating dinner, and talking with a human.

Mark doesn't have a clear reason but one thing he knows for sure. Not only he will be displeased if Song Yue was taken away in force but will also slightly be disappointed if she leaves on her own.

Then, does that mean he wants her to stay with him forever? Mark doesn't want that too. So, it is a bit complex as he has yet to make up his mind.

While all of this is in one part of his mind, another part is worrying about the quest. Lunaris city is indeed far away from his home. He cannot go back and forth as he wishes. As he was already here, he might as well open the branch and temporarily appoint a manager to complete the quest before returning to the Imperial City of Phoenix.

But, to do that, he needed to wait for the Prime Minister, who will only come and meet him once the morning court session is over.

As a result, Mark could only wait in his room while staying in touch with Alina. In the meantime, he wrote something on a blank scroll.

Roughly about two hours later, the court session was finally over and a royal knight gave Mark's message to the Prime Minister.

As Zhu Jianhong came to the guest room, Mark gestured for him to sit before handing him the scroll. "What is this?" he asked curiously.

Mark replied, "I'm currently tight on time. Here's what can the royal palace can provide me in exchange for opening the branch in this city. Go through it and negotiate on the terms with which you have a problem."

Zhu Jianhong opened the scroll and read the conditions. Some of them were a little bit complicated.

1) The Western Moon Kingdom should formally acknowledge firearms as an official weapon and promote them to the public. As an example, the kingdom can form a firearms division, or even if it is not possible, it is alright.

2) The store should be at a prime location and he will not pay the rent to the landlord.

3) The store should also have a residence for the manager and other employees to sleep in.

4) The royal palace should help him in hiring the employees and all of their wages will be paid by the Revenue Department.

5) The standard wages of the employees must not be less than a civil servant.

6) The royal palace will help him in acquiring atleast 100 barrels of oil per day through various merchants for a cheap price. Of course, it will be paid for by him.

7) Not only the oil but the royal palace will also help him in acquiring the common and rare materials including Damascus Tungsten, Herculean steal, unpolished ether ores, etc… Naturally, he will bear the cost as long as the royal palace helps him by mediating with the merchants for a reasonable price.

8) The store will only sell advanced weapons in the city. That means common citizens with low income couldn't afford to buy them.

P.S: In a case where all the conditions are met, the weapon seller will give priority to the Lunaris city branch and its buyers regarding ultra-powerful weapons.

**

"What do you think?" Mark asked Zhu Jianhong as he read all the conditions and fell into thoughts.