Adrian examined the document lying on the Baron’s desk.
It was beautifully written, with the official seal of House Reinhardt pressed into the bottom corner.
At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary business agreement.
But the more Adrian read, the less he liked it.
Baron Victor Reinhardt watched him carefully.
“Well?” the Baron asked. “What do you think?”
Adrian placed the document on the desk.
“You want exclusive control over the distribution of my products throughout the Western Territories.”
“Correct.”
“And you want the right to inspect my factories whenever you choose.”
“Naturally. I am responsible for the prosperity of these lands.”
Adrian continued reading.
There was another clause.
His inventions, manufacturing methods, equipment designs and future developments would become subject to the Baron’s approval.
He looked up.
“You want ownership of my technology.”
The Baron smiled faintly.
“Ownership is such an unpleasant word. I prefer to think of it as protection.”
“Protection from whom?”
“Competitors. Foreign merchants. Other nobles. Even the Crown, if necessary.”
Adrian leaned back.
“And what do I receive in exchange?”
“Protection, land, access to resources, and the privilege of operating under my authority.”
“How generous.”
The Baron’s smile disappeared for a moment.
“Young man, you should understand something. Your businesses have grown remarkably quickly. You have attracted attention that you are not prepared to handle.”
“Is that a warning?”
“It is advice.”
Adrian folded his hands.
“I appreciate the advice, Baron. But I don’t remember asking for a master.”
The room became silent.
The Baron studied him.
“You are an unusual young man, Adrian Vale.”
“I’ve been told.”
“Be careful that your ambition does not become your downfall.”
Adrian stood.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The Baron did not stop him as he left.
But the moment the door closed, his expression hardened.
“Find out everything about him,” he ordered his steward. “I want to know how much his businesses are worth, who supports him, and where his weaknesses lie.”
The steward bowed.
“And if he refuses?”
The Baron looked toward the window.
“Then we will find another way to make him understand.”
CHAPTER 43: TECHNOLOGY HAS A PRICE
Adrian found Elena waiting near the entrance of the estate.
She had been speaking with one of the servants, but immediately approached when she saw him.
“How did it go?”
“He wants my factories, my inventions and probably my firstborn child.”
Elena frowned.
“You’re joking.”
“Only about the child.”
She looked toward the estate.
“My father warned me about this.”
“Frederick knew?”
“He suspected the Baron would try something. Their business relationship is complicated. Lucien Blackthorn has been supplying some of the Baron’s estates for years.”
Adrian stopped walking.
“How closely are they connected?”
“Close enough that I wouldn’t be surprised if Lucien recommended you to him.”
Adrian considered that possibility.
Lucien had tried purchasing his production, stealing information and undermining his suppliers. When those attempts failed, involving a noble was a logical next step.
“What exactly does the Baron control?” Adrian asked.
“Most of the agricultural estates in this territory. Several mines, transportation routes and a considerable number of soldiers.”
“That sounds inconvenient.”
“Adrian, I’m serious.”
“So am I.”
Elena lowered her voice.
“You cannot fight a noble the same way you fight a merchant. He doesn’t need to compete with you. He can simply make your life difficult.”
“By controlling the roads?”
“Among other things.”
Adrian looked toward the distant town.
His businesses depended on workers, suppliers, customers and transportation. A single order from the Baron could disrupt several of those things.
He needed alternatives.
“Can your family help?”
“My father won’t openly oppose Reinhardt. Not yet. But he may be willing to protect some of our commercial agreements.”
“That would help.”
Elena hesitated.
“There’s something else. The Baron has been purchasing large quantities of metal and timber. More than his estates normally require.”
Adrian turned toward her.
“For what?”
“I don’t know. But Lucien’s warehouses have been handling some of the shipments.”
Adrian’s expression changed.
The Baron wasn’t simply interested in his businesses.
He might be preparing to establish his own manufacturing operation.
“Then he wants my knowledge before he builds his own factories.”
“That is what I suspect.”
Adrian continued walking.
“Technology always has a price.”
Elena glanced at him.
“And what price are you willing to pay?”
CHAPTER 44: THE BARON WANTS EVERYTHING
Two days later, Adrian received another invitation.
This time, it wasn’t for a private conversation.
The Baron had arranged a meeting with several merchants and estate representatives. Adrian was instructed to attend with his business records and a complete list of his inventions.
He immediately understood the purpose.
The Baron wanted witnesses.
When Adrian arrived, he found Lucien Blackthorn seated beside a senior official. Frederick Voss was also present, although his expression suggested he hadn’t expected the meeting to become a confrontation.
“Adrian Vale,” the Baron announced. “Come forward.”
Adrian approached the table.
“Your Lordship.”
“I have considered our previous discussion. I believe we can reach a more reasonable arrangement.”
A servant placed another document before him.
The Baron continued.
“House Reinhardt will provide the capital required to expand your factories. We will purchase your products in large quantities and provide access to our transportation network.”
Adrian glanced at the document.
“At what cost?”
“Your production facilities will operate under the authority of House Reinhardt. All existing and future manufacturing methods will be registered with my administration.”
“And who owns those methods?”
The Baron smiled.
“You will receive a generous salary and a percentage of the profits.”
Adrian almost laughed.
He was being offered employment in exchange for surrendering everything he had built.
Lucien finally spoke.
“Think carefully, Adrian. This is an opportunity most merchants would sacrifice everything to obtain.”
Adrian looked at him.
“I can imagine why.”
Lucien’s expression tightened.
The Baron ignored the exchange.
“There is another matter. I understand you have established a newspaper.”
“The Westbrook Gazette.”
“An interesting enterprise. Its distribution must also be placed under my administration. Printed material can influence public opinion, and I cannot allow uncontrolled publications to threaten the stability of my territory.”
Adrian finally understood.
The Baron didn’t merely want his factories.
He wanted control over the products, the knowledge behind them and the information Adrian distributed.
Soap, candles, printing.
Everything.
Frederick Voss slowly placed his cup on the table.
“Your Lordship, perhaps the terms could be discussed more carefully. Mr Vale has existing commercial agreements.”
The Baron turned toward him.
“Are you questioning my authority, Frederick?”
“Certainly not. I am merely suggesting that existing contracts should be respected.”
Lucien leaned forward.
“Perhaps the young man simply needs to understand how business is conducted in these territories.”
Adrian looked at the document again.
Then he pushed it away.
“I understand perfectly.”
The Baron raised an eyebrow.
“Then I trust you will sign.”
Adrian met his eyes.
“Unfortunately, I won’t.”
CHAPTER 45: A REFUSAL
The room fell silent.
The Baron stared at Adrian as though he had just spoken in a language nobody understood.
“You refuse?”
“Yes.”
“You understand what I am offering?”
“I understand what you’re taking.”
The Baron slowly stood.
“Be careful, young man.”
Adrian remained seated.
“I built my businesses with my own money. I hired my workers, negotiated with suppliers and developed my manufacturing methods. I have never asked House Reinhardt to finance my operations.”
“You operate within my territory.”
“And I pay the required taxes.”
“You enjoy the protection of my soldiers.”
“Then I hope they continue doing their jobs.”
Lucien gave a quiet, mocking laugh.
“You’re making a serious mistake.”
Adrian turned toward him.
“You’ve been trying to purchase my business for months. When that failed, you tried to steal my information. Now you’re sitting beside a noble, hoping he’ll do what you couldn’t.”
Lucien’s face darkened.
“Watch your tongue.”
“Then stop giving me reasons to use it.”
Frederick closed his eyes briefly.
He knew the situation was becoming dangerous.
The Baron raised one hand, and the room immediately quieted.
“Adrian Vale, I have offered you wealth, protection and influence. You have rejected all three.”
“I didn’t reject them. I rejected the conditions attached to them.”
“Then perhaps you believe yourself powerful enough to stand without protection.”
“I believe my workers deserve to keep what they’ve helped build.”
The Baron walked around the table.
“Your factories are located on land governed by my authority. Your employees live under my laws. Your goods travel along roads maintained by my administration.”
Adrian stood.
“And none of those things makes my inventions yours.”
For several seconds, neither man spoke.
Finally, the Baron returned to his chair.
“Leave.”
Adrian nodded.
“As you wish, Your Lordship.”
Elena wasn’t present, but Frederick followed him outside.
“Adrian.”
He stopped.
“You should leave Westbrook for a while,” Frederick said quietly.
“Why?”
“Because you have embarrassed a powerful man in front of his allies.”
“Should I have signed?”
“No. But you should understand the consequences.”
Adrian looked toward the estate.
“Then I suppose I’ll have to prepare for them.”
Frederick lowered his voice.
“The Baron rarely accepts a refusal.”
Adrian continued walking.
“Then perhaps someone should have taught him to.”
CHAPTER 46: THE ARREST
The trouble began before sunrise.
Adrian was reviewing the previous day’s production reports when several workers rushed into his office.
“Mr Vale!”
Peter entered first, breathing heavily.
“Soldiers. They’re outside.”
Adrian stood.
“How many?”
“At least twenty.”
He walked toward the main entrance.
A group of armed soldiers had surrounded the factory. Their commander stood in front, holding a sealed document.
“Adrian Vale?”
“That’s me.”
The commander unfolded the document.
“By order of Baron Victor Reinhardt, Lord of the Western Territories, you are hereby summoned under suspicion of illegal industrial operations, tax evasion and possession of restricted technical materials.”
Adrian stared at him.
“Illegal industrial operations?”
“You are required to surrender yourself for questioning.”
“Show me the evidence.”
“The order is sufficient.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
The commander stepped forward.
“Do not make this difficult.”
Behind Adrian, workers had begun gathering.
Thomas looked frightened. Sarah clutched the inventory ledger against her chest.
Peter moved closer.
“Sir, what should we do?”
Adrian raised one hand.
“Nobody does anything foolish.”
He turned back to the commander.
“I will cooperate, but I want a copy of the charges and an inventory of anything you intend to seize.”
The commander looked irritated.
“You are in no position to make demands.”
“I’m not making demands. I’m asking for proper documentation.”
Two soldiers approached and seized his arms.
Sarah stepped forward.
“You can’t just take him!”
“Stay back!” one soldier shouted.
Adrian looked at her.
“Sarah, keep the financial records safe. Don’t hand over anything without a written order.”
He turned toward Peter.
“Keep production running if they allow it. If they don’t, make sure everyone receives their wages.”
Peter nodded reluctantly.
Thomas stood silently.
Adrian noticed his expression.
“Thomas.”
The young man looked up.
“Don’t do anything stupid. Protect the others.”
“I understand.”
The soldiers began escorting Adrian away.
As they reached the main gate, he noticed a familiar carriage waiting across the road.
Lucien Blackthorn sat inside.
Their eyes met.
Lucien smiled.
Adrian understood immediately.
This wasn’t an investigation.
It was retaliation.
The carriage moved forward slowly, disappearing around the corner.
Adrian was taken toward the Baron’s administrative prison.
Behind him, his factory stood surrounded by soldiers.
His workers watched helplessly as their employer was dragged away.
Then a system notification appeared.
[WARNING: HOSTILE POLITICAL ACTION DETECTED.]
[Your enterprise is facing an external threat.]
[New Emergency Quest Available: Protect the Foundations.]
[Objective 1: Prevent the permanent seizure of your manufacturing knowledge.]
[Objective 2: Preserve your business records and intellectual property.]
[Objective 3: Secure the loyalty and safety of your employees.]
[Failure may result in the loss of your enterprise.]
Adrian looked at the notification.
For the first time since arriving in this world, he faced an enemy who could use soldiers instead of merchants.
He slowly clenched his fists.
“All right, Baron.”
His expression hardened.
“You wanted to play this way.”
He looked toward the distant estate.
“Let’s see how much it costs you.”