Chapter 1186: Sinking Markets and the Seven Towers Controversy

"Lord Collins, are you intending to supply the entire nation of Cormanthor, or even the entire Elf World, with ancient spices from a single territory?"

In Collins's plan, there was indeed such an intention, but he also knew it was highly unrealistic, so when Xia Duo proactively brought it up, he shook his head quite decisively and said:

"I don't have such great ambition, and the elves wouldn't just watch as a single human controls such a profitable business, or even the channels for future enjoyment. Lord Xia Duo, just say what you have in mind!"

"Hmm, then I will speak plainly."

Xia Duo closed the documents in his hand, placed them on the wine table, and pushed them back toward Collins before slowly stating his thoughts:

"As far as I understand, although the Cormanthor spice market is often in short supply, the sources have always been relatively stable. The sudden appearance of a new spice source will inevitably attract investigation from various parties."

"My idea is that we can temporarily abandon the large cities and focus on small cities, or even small towns."

"Elves are prone to luxury, and even Commoners have a significant demand for spices. Starting distribution from small towns will make it easier to hide the source of the spices."

"In this process, we can also investigate the market conditions more deeply in order to formulate a more practical follow-up plan."

"As for the specific approach, I have consulted Patriarch Aoruipusi of the Silver Leaf Family. His reply to me was—currently, the Drow War in Cormanthor has just subsided, and the people are in a difficult period of rebuilding their Homeland. If there could be more spices at this time to add some flavor to life, that would be for the best."

"In Cormanthor, Ivory Pepper and Laurel Leaf are very commonly used, and their production is relatively large, but this does not mean there is no profit."

"On the contrary, these two daily spices are much easier to sell than more expensive and rarer ancient spices, the profit is higher, and most importantly, there is little risk. I suggest we start with these two spices."

After Xia Duo finished speaking, he picked up his wine glass and leaned back against the chair, waiting quietly for Collins's decision. He was not worried that by telling the other party the experience gained from Aoruipusi, the other party would cast him aside and do it alone.

Not to mention that every Senior Arcanist has their own pride, and the framework for cooperation had already been discussed, so they would not easily go back on their word. The nature of this business itself also adds another layer of Insurance to the cooperation.

It is not about whether it can be done, but once the key points are known by the elves, even if money can be made, it would only be the leftovers after being harvested by the elves.

In the end, what they are cooperating on is called "spice export trade," but in reality, it is "spice smuggling" that does not go through the official channels of Cormanthor. Once such a cooperation is proposed, no one will easily cause internal strife.

What's more, the cooperation in the spice business is only on the surface; the more essential aspect is that both sides intend to form an interest Alliance. This point alone determines that Collins will not easily go back on his word.

Of course, Xia Duo would not cast aside Collins to go it alone just because he knew about this potentially lucrative business, even though the seeds for "Ivory Pepper" and "Laurel Leaf" are not hard to find in Netheril.

Cooperation benefits both, conflict harms both; he still understands this principle.

Regarding Xia Duo's suggestion, Collins did not hesitate for long and soon made a decision, "Let's do as Lord Xia Duo says and temporarily use Laurel Leaf and Ivory Pepper as the main export commodities."

"Lord Collins will certainly not regret today's decision!" Xia Duo said with a double entendre.

Afterward, the two raised their glasses and smiled at each other, as familiar as friends who had known each other for many years. As for the specific execution details of the spice exports, the two did not continue to discuss them here.

Such matters can be left to subordinates; later, Collins will send people to the Nan Jing to discuss in detail with Patriarch Aoruipusi of the Silver Leaf Family.

At this moment, the two continued to drink.

Compared to the exquisite Elf Wine, which even has some actual refreshing and nourishing effects, the wine in this small tavern is not very outstanding, and it is even slightly sour upon entry, but it wins in this unique, slightly sour taste.

Xia Duo has drunk countless types of beverages and wines on Earth, and he does not look highly upon ordinary wine in Netheril; he usually drinks Elf Wine for small sips.

But now, this somewhat crudely brewed sour wine made his eyes light up. Setting aside the meeting with Lord Collins, even if he had come here alone, he would be willing to drink a couple more glasses.

According to Lord Collins's introduction, there are few people in the morning, but if it were evening, this place would be almost full every day, and even Great Arcanists would often patronize this place.

Near noon, the two each ordered a portion of roasted meat and a vegetable pie. After eating, they prepared to leave, but before leaving, Collins proactively mentioned the Prayer Ceremony at Glory Plaza:

"Lord Xia Duo should know the reason why the Seven Cities Conference suddenly held a Prayer Ceremony, right?"

"I know, to remove the Demon Aura!"

"Then what does Lord Xia Duo think of the creature known as a demon?"

What does he think? What else could he think?

Xia Duo deliberately paid more attention to Lord Collins's expression, but did not find anything unusual, so he tentatively replied:

"The existence of demons is already beyond doubt, but this creature is too dangerous. I think it is necessary to keep a distance from it, whether it is contacting the creature itself or the Demon Summoning Spell related to it."

"Lord Xia Duo's words are exactly what I think!" Collins immediately expressed his agreement.

But immediately after, Collins changed the subject and revealed to Xia Duo a secret that, strictly speaking, was not really a secret:

"I heard that some people are already preparing to study Demon Summoning, and there is great controversy within the Seven Towers regarding whether to ban demon-related spells. I hope Lord Xia Duo can continue to hold his current view in the future!"

"So that's how it is!"

Xia Duo was thoughtful. If nothing unexpected happens, people will constantly come to ask for his opinion next. Of course, except for the few Great Arcanists of the Seven Towers and the Councilors of the Arcane Union, he can ignore the others.

After all, when it comes to the banning of certain types of spells, the Arcane Union is the leader, and the main discourse power of the Arcane Union is concentrated in the Great Arcanists and Mage Tower organizations behind those Councilors.

An ordinary Advanced Rank Mage, or even an Archmage, has very low discourse power on such issues and can only passively accept the results.

Trying to influence the outcome is almost impossible to achieve.

Even for Xia Duo, as a Senior Arcanist, he actually needs to take a side, and from Collins's words, it seems that Giles Tower is more inclined to study Demon Summoning.

After all, to outsiders, his relationship with Giles Tower is closer. In some situations where Senior Arcanists need to express their stance and participate in voting, standing with Giles Tower is more realistic.

Who knows what the actual situation is?

At least Xia Duo does not support Giles Tower, or anyone or any organization, regarding any proposal in favor of studying Demon Summoning.