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Chapter 480: This Is Your Vision
To make the Grand Arcanist Cronorman happy.
To hold on tightly to his favor.
To ensure this relationship does not gradually fade.
Besides spending considerable effort on food, Matthew also made it a point to take the Grand Arcanist Cronorman on tours throughout the Bay Territory.
At first, the Grand Arcanist Cronorman was indifferent to the clean and tidy streets, the remodeled golems, and the bustling people.
After all, no matter how fast Bay City developed, at this point, it was still just a large city under construction.
Even if people's living conditions improved somewhat, it wasn't enough to amaze this Grand Arcanist.
But as his understanding deepened, the astonishment and contemplation in his eyes grew more intense.
"Why are there no beggars or slums?"
"Everyone is self-reliant, and everyone must be self-reliant. Naturally, there are no beggars or slums."
"Tell me the truth!"
"Ahem, our goods are cheap. If one person works, the whole family doesn't go hungry. If the whole family works, everyone eats well."
"Especially the children, who are uniformly raised by the territory."
"All children?"
"All children! No exceptions! It's mandatory!"
"Um, wouldn't well-off families object?"
"Why would they object? The education and resources provided by the territory are absolutely the best."
...
"How are these children's resources allocated?"
"There's no need to discuss allocation; that's just a form of exploitation. As long as conditions are met, everyone gets enough resources."
"Enough? Are you saying you want to cultivate every person with potential?"
"If we can achieve that, of course, it's ideal. More than 30% of the territory's income is invested in cultivation efforts. Doing this much is enough."
"This... will be a huge burden in the future."
"No problem. As long as the first batch matures, the territory will gain sufficient returns."
"In reality, there's always been enough resources. It's just that some people don't want others to live well and want to remain at the top."
"Will the academy be expanded further?"
"It must be expanded. Besides the barracks, this will be where the most resources are invested!"
...
"Your Druid greenhouse is fascinating. Can I take on some projects here?"
"I couldn't wish for more. If money can save time, that's the best deal."
"Such bold words. Let me improve... wait... this thing... really isn't simple!"
"Of course! This is the result of the fourth-generation improvement. Just the bonus investment has already reached 400,000 gold coins."
"Uh... interesting. How do you recoup the costs?"
"It's simple—it's all about combining input and output. The additional benefits gained bring numerous extra profits. That's the extra advantage of knowledge."
"Hmm... that works..."
...
"So many Eastern red mulberries. How much gold has Bay Territory invested?"
"The target is set at 30 million gold coins, but with technological improvements, we've already saved 3 million gold coins..."
"Combining these mulberry leaves with the fish ponds really is quite intriguing..."
"The Druid from the Divine Punishment organization said the same. I've heard he's been deeply inspired lately and seems to be breaking past his bottleneck, reaching level 20."
"Druids willing to pioneer? That seems impossible!"
"Why not? Even Paladins can choose different deities. The Druids we've trained can do the same."
"Without inheritance or natural will, their potential ceiling might not be very high..."
"On the contrary, humans and our development are also part of nature. Serving this goal can give them a brighter future."
"Nature?"
"Yes. Why should just forests or wilderness represent nature? The development of all things is part of it."
"Hmm... makes sense..."
...
"Are these factories you modified all powered by magic energy?"
"For now, yes."
"In our material plane, magic energy is the most direct power source. It can change the form or movement of objects."
"If there were other energy sources to replace it and they were more efficient..."
"Then we'll use both approaches. More paths mean more possibilities, avoiding a dead end."
"What made you think of using magic devices to replace manpower?"
"It's simple. They're more capable and can create more value. The extra resources they generate improve everyone's quality of life."
"Distributing the fruits of development to everyone who participates in it?"
"Uh-huh. If the territory gains more resources and everyone creates more but gets less, isn't that just robbery?"
"Haha... fascinating!"
...
The more he understood about Bay Territory...
The more the well-informed and exceptionally wise Grand Arcanist Cronorman felt the territory's development potential was astonishing.
"That's only natural because Bay Territory's development concerns everyone's vital interests!"
Whenever he had the chance, Matthew would instill Bay Territory's development philosophy into the Grand Arcanist.
Until Cronorman gained a clear understanding and started to agree with it, he solemnly said:
"This will also be your philosophy!"
Huh?
Why involve Cronorman?
The reason is simple—he needs a scapegoat!
Matthew's shoulders aren't strong enough yet. As Bay Territory grows larger and more influential...
Policies that clash with other organizations and forces will inevitably spark heated debates.
For those entrenched interests, Bay Territory's rise and development could potentially overthrow their rule in the future.
This is intolerable!
But if Bay Territory's development is tied to the Grand Arcanist Cronorman's backing...
Then, at least for a few years, it can secure relatively stable development opportunities.
In the Netheril Empire, having the support of a Grand Arcanist is the ultimate stability!
Seeing hundreds of students with spellcasting talent excitedly salute him...
The Grand Arcanist Cronorman, who also desired prestige and legacy, gave Matthew a frustrated glare.
Then, he quickly displayed a grandfatherly smile and began explaining to the children.
Faced with their pure eagerness, free from the usual distractions of other spellcasters, even the Grand Arcanist couldn't resist!
Such good kids must be taught well!
Afterward, the Grand Arcanist sought out Matthew.
Upon hearing Matthew's thoughts, he deliberated for only two seconds before decisively agreeing.
However, the Grand Arcanist also made one request.
"A month from now, you and Yaya will accompany me to the Sevinton Council!"
Faced with this sudden surprise, Matthew gritted his teeth and agreed.
Moderate risk, high reward!
He took the gamble!
However, to make full use of this bigwig's abilities...
Matthew cheerfully brought over the blueprints for the Mage Tower.