"Hmm, luck is on our side, they all succeeded," Durant responded with a smile.
Man Xiu, still uneasy, touched his chest,
"Magical beasts are fierce, Lord Baron, you must be careful, especially when they grow up."
His voice carried a hint of tremor, his eyes occasionally drifting to the sky.
"No, theyâre gentle."
Durant waved to the sky, and Frost and Thunder responded instantly.
They flapped their strong wings and descended from the sky, landing beside Durant, their scales shimmering in the sunlight.
Just like their mother.
Man Xiu retreated in fear.
"Donât be afraid, they wonât harm you."
As soon as Durant spoke, Frost and Thunder seemed to affirm his words, gently nudging Durantâs hand, moving as docile as a domesticated cat.
Yet Man Xiu dared not take any chances, his eyes wary.
He couldnât help but step back again, keeping what he considered a safe distance from the two creatures.
Durant, a bit helpless, waved his hand to send the two little ones away.
Man Xiu was momentarily speechless, staring at the two figures in the sky.
He suddenly remembered the intense battle between the Black Stone Stronghold and the Two-legged Flying Dragons, the suffocating scene seeming to reappear before his eyes.
The Two-legged Flying Dragonsâ terrifying destructive power was still vivid in his memories.
But now Durant owned two.
Two!
Man Xiu glanced at Durantâs harmlessly handsome face, unable to help but think in his heart,
The future of the Northern Wasteland is bound to change.
...
...
The ingredients at Rod Manor are gradually enriching, and Marthaâs culinary skills are advancing.
This meal to entertain Man Xiu was incredibly abundant, filled with dishes characteristic of the Northern Territory.
Three appetizers, a platter of pickled venison, smoked trout, and roasted quail eggs.
This meal to entertain Man Xiu was incredibly abundant, the table laden with a feast of colors, aromas, and flavors.
Of course, upholding the habit of not wasting, such an exquisite feast was naturally not just enjoyed by Durant and Man Xiu.
Durant, Avril, Lawrence, and little Milly were all present.
Durant also wanted to invite Gang Le, but upon learning he was off to see his lover, didnât disturb him.
Having shared meals with Durant a few times, Man Xiu knew he didnât like discussing business on an empty stomach.
Thus, Man Xiu didnât dwell on courtesy, focusing his attention on the food on his plate, only occasionally raising his glass for a few idle chats.
Neither Durant nor Man Xiu initiated any topic, and the others wouldnât speak up first.
For a moment, at the banquet where clinking glasses should have filled the air, only the sound of cutlery clashing with the tableware echoed through the quiet hall.
Until everyone had eaten nearly enough, Durant set down his cutlery and proactively raised his glass,
"Once again, welcome to our midst, and thank you for your special preparations of slaves and livestock for me."
Durantâs voice was sincere and enthusiastic.
"At your service, an honor indeed."
Their glasses lightly clinked together, and they drained their cups in one gulp.
The maid stepped forward to refill the empty glass, Man Xiu, eyeing the pale red wine, couldnât help but ask,
"The last time we drank, it wasnât this, right? It had a unique flavor, an almost natural freshness."
"This is my brewerâs new concoction, called Forbidden Spring."
Durant, with a mysterious smile, said, "Thereâs a story within it too."
"Oh?"
Man Xiuâs interest was piqued immediately, his gaze flickering with curiosity.
Lawrence beside him also set down his tableware, listening intently.
Durant recounted a modified version of the Romeo and Juliet story to Man Xiu, his voice rising and falling, vividly depicting the poignant romance.
After listening, Man Xiu looked at his wine glass, letting out a deep sigh.
"Fate always loves to toy with the passionate, but thankfully their tragic plight was prevented, and they lived on."
Man Xiu picked up his wine glass and drank it all.
Durant smiled silently, thinking that if he revealed the real ending, it would only break Man Xiuâs heart more.
Lawrence, looking at Man Xiu, shifted his seat closer,
"Isnât it moving, Mr. Man Xiu?"
Lawrence wore a cunning smile on his face, "Perhaps we could make money off this story."
Man Xiu swirled his glass, pondering Lawrenceâs proposal.
Being from a merchant family, he had a keen mind and instantly understood Lawrenceâs intent.
"Itâs an intriguing idea, no offense, just..."
Man Xiu contemplated and said, "This strawberry-scented wine isnât particularly unique, maybe at first we could profit from the story.
But if it sells well, it will soon be imitated."
This world doesnât have trademark protection, brewing wine with an identical taste is difficult, but achieving a seven or eight-fold similarity is doable.
"You are right, Man Xiu, but if everyone sells Forbidden Spring, then that implies success."
Durant raised his eyebrows slightly, continuing, "Moreover, we donât necessarily have to release the entire story at once."
"Your meaning is..." Man Xiuâs eyes gleamed slightly.
"We can break the story into parts, seal each in a barrel, and then sign and engrave my insignia upon it,"
Durant said with a smile, "Even if others collect all my stories, they canât use my insignia."
Wine can be imitated, stories can be copied, but noble insignias cannot be forged, that is the iron-clad rule.
No merchant would dare offend a noble this way unless he had a death wish.
"Thatâs a splendid idea, we can plan this out properly!"
Man Xiuâs eyes shone with excitement, "I want the Oak City agency rights!"
"No problem."
Durant shared the story with Man Xiu, intending to bring him on board.
This type of branding strategy, apart from content, relies on creating hype, the more merchants involved, the better.
Because the insignia rights always belong to Durant, and he possesses more than just the Romeo and Juliet story.
"Thank you for your generosity, hopefully, we can market this beautiful story exceedingly well!"
Man Xiu proactively raised his glass to toast Durant, and they once again drained their cups.
Wild Strawberry Wine doesnât have much alcohol; everyone enjoyed it as a tangy beverage.
Of course, Durant and Man Xiu both understood that everything discussed was just a beautiful plan, with success yet to be assured.
As businessmen, they wouldnât give up any money-making opportunity, after all, testing it posed no risk of harm, at most only a loss of time and effort.
Setting down his glass, Man Xiu suddenly stood up, saluting Durant with elegance and precision.
Then he solemnly said, "My mother, the president of the Oak City Silver Wings Commerce Association, Lisa Silver Dove, sends her regards to you, thanking you for taking care of her son.
And also thanks you for gifting such a precious insignia to a businessman like me."
Man Xiu had mentioned before that the Silver Dove Clan is currently under his motherâs control.