Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks

Chapter 161: Royal Court Steward


Kurs is indeed an extremely outstanding housekeeper who knows his limits.

If the master is decadent, he won't admonish like a counselor but will seek beauties for Losa, crafting a perfect environment for indulgence—fortunately, Losa does not indulge in pleasures.

He didn't lay a hand on those three Persian female slaves, only tasked them with laundry and castle cleaning.

Kurs, having just been summoned, swiftly immersed himself into helping Losa organize his current assets.

Compared to someone like Andreas, who possesses talent yet requires honing.

Kurs, this experienced relic who once substitute managed the royal court during Vlad's slumber, truly commands confidence.

In many matters, Losa only needs to give a hint, and Kurs can immediately grasp Losa's intentions without needing elaborate explanations.

In just an hour, Kurs completed an inventory of Losa's assets, estates, general output, and required investments.

He closed the account book, his expression serious:

"Sir, your assets are severely in deficit. If your private treasury hadn't been supplemented by confiscated wealth, bankruptcy could have been declared by now."

Not quite.

I can still use my title and land as mortgage to borrow a substantial sum from the Church and Templar Order.

Losa muttered inwardly, outwardly saying: "Surviving this period will see improvement."

Kurs seriously replied: "I think the same; your vision is quite good. Several current liabilities will foreseeably generate significant returns."

"However, the New Habsburg requires the longest cycle for returns; your investments here are somewhat premature."

New Habsburg will not be constructed in a day; even with the most crucial outer wall, it still requires almost half a year to complete.

Even when constructed, without villages established in favor of New Habsburg and the Tree of Life, the castle continues to be a liability.

Initially, Losa believed that as a hub radiating Hebron to Transjordan's Earl's Domain, New Habsburg, even if unfinished, could maintain balanced finances simply from taxes levied on passing merchants and pilgrims.

However, the recovery of the trade route was slower than Losa anticipated.

One critical reason is that Eira Port hasn't been regained. The new lord there is a fool, excessively taxing passing merchants to the point where those coming from the Red Sea prefer detours to avoid this trade route.

Losa nodded: "I admit I was somewhat hasty here; what else?"

"Currently, the blacksmith shop you're constructing on the Jordan Riverbank has the largest deficit among all assets. You seem to have unconditional confidence in the marketability of the new armor."

Losa nodded: "Indeed, I have great confidence. In the worst-case scenario, armor, as a strategic commodity, can be used to arm my soldiers even if sales are sluggish."

Losa believes no one can refuse newer, prettier, and more agile armor that isn't pricier than chain armor.

Knights, who are ardent about enhancing their martial prowess and appearance, hoping to be recognized and funded by noblewomen, will certainly not hesitate to spend every last dinar they possess.

Kurs skeptically asked: "May I daringly inquire, where does your confidence stem from?"

Losa detailed how in "Song of Winter and Fire," he embedded his private goods, making Kurs's face illuminate with realization.

"Sir, this is absolutely a stroke of genius."

"However, I am still not optimistic about the popularization of clothing dyed in Bone Shell Purple; your understanding of human nature is limited. You don't grasp that people often choose the best and most expensive Bone Shell Purple over cheaper, inferior Purple Grapes."

Losa puzzled: "But not everyone can afford Bone Shell Purple clothing."

Bone Shell Purple dye is extraordinarily scarce, which predestines its inability to dominate the entire market.

Kurs nodded: "Indeed, so they prefer wearing nothing—using Church-promoted frugality to persuade others."

"Poor nobles who wear clothing dyed in Purple Grapes will naturally appear inferior compared to wealthy nobles dressed in Bone Shell Purple."

"The lower-class populace won't be willing to pay for this either."

Losa hesitated: "Is...is it like that?"

Kurs earnestly advised: "Your promotional method is incorrect. You shouldn't portray Purple Grapes as inferior to Bone Shell Purple; instead, describe it in books as apparel dyed with rare dyes, rarer and more precious than Bone Shell Purple, solely worn by the Royal Family of 'Westeros'."

"By controlling the dyeworks' output and selling a few pieces monthly, you will surely amass a fortune."

Losa was taken aback: "But, isn't this lying?"

Kurs smiled: "Sir, in our world, there's a popular saying—a successful merchant must be more skilled at extracting than a Vampire."

Losa sighed softly: "Indeed, my perspective was indeed misguided here."

He doesn't quite consider it his fault; rather, his nature doesn't allow selling fabric dyed from grape skins at such a high price when it's clearly less precious than Bone Shell Purple.

Kurs also displayed a slight regret: "This aspect, following the rise of your new book in Jerusalem, is irreparable."

"However, we can approach this in another way, packaging clothing dyed with Purple Grapes as 'an item every respectable gentleman should have in their wardrobe' or 'clothing worn during every fasting period'."

No demand can be generated; with proper guidance, quality and economical Purple Grapes clothing can similarly earn a significant sum."

Losa understood.

Recalling his past life, the first cup of milk tea in autumn; diamonds are forever enduring; gifting BaiGold leaf gifts.

At noon, the chief housekeeper approached Losa with a copy of "Demon Hunter."

"Sir, I have a suggestion."

Losa teased: "Kurs, hasn't the dye workshop been fully entrusted to you? How do you still have time to read novels?"

Kurs remained composed, smiling: "Sir, there are few urgent matters on the territory. Many require waiting for the return of your Court Dressmaker before work can begin."

Dividing land isn't easy.

Jeanne, this negligent caretaker, discovered Andreas had gradually unraveled its crux and simply dumped it all on him, while she and Furinjira lazily returned to the castle.

This is where Jeanne is not as diligent as Hans.

Losa laughed: "Heh, Kurs, I wasn't blaming you, just joking."

"Alright, share your suggestion."

Kurs pointed at the book: "Your idea of leveraging Song of Winter and Fire to market plate armor is clever, but why overlook the treasure within Demon Hunter?"

"What do you mean?"

"Gwent Card."

Kurs explained earnestly: "In the book, since you have already detailed the gameplay, why not simply create it?"

Losa frowned: "I did consider the idea but found the mechanics potentially too complex for this era's people."

Kurs smiled: "No, sir, you will never fathom how strong their learning capacity is at the card table."

"Alright, then I shall delegate this matter to you, Kurs. I'll inform Andreas to allocate funds to you, and furthermore, the print shop shall be under your control."

Losa patted Kurs on the shoulder.

Kurs reflexively frowned, for the tidy suit had become creased at the shoulder from Losa's pat.

"Sorry, it's a habit."

Losa isn't an idiot unable to read people's reactions; he realized instantly something was amiss.

Kurs stated seriously: "Sir, you overstate it; I have a minor compulsion, but there's no need to worry."

Losa sighed: "Alright… Regardless, this matter is entrusted to you; if it fails, don't blame yourself. I believe in your abilities, but perhaps you lack full understanding of this era."

He remains doubtful of Gwent Card's potential popularity.

For Losa, someone who's played card games like 'Hearthstone' in modern times, Gwent Card's rules are naturally not overly complex.

But for those illiterate, struggling to count beyond ten fingers, understanding Gwent Card's numerics poses a daunting task.

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