At this moment, the new noble forces led by the White Egret Commerce Association, in addition to developing normally, are also desperately devouring the state assets of Ilya through various means.

Mines, woodland, farmland, state industries, colonial resources... even Ilya's Royal Central Bank.

Their greedy appetite is endless, and they are extremely bold!

At least, the guardian of the Ilya Kingdom, with the title "Stormy Sea Tide," is not dead yet, and if new Titled Knights are born in the kingdom over these years, have they prepared for what comes next?

However.

In Hawkins's memory, Aiven discovered that there were quite a few strange people under Wright's command, with a bluish-white skin and a frosty demeanor, as if they could freeze people.

He guessed that perhaps these guys were the backing of the new nobles.

Although Hawkins had an inheritance of Extraordinary Swordsmanship, his level was at most at the apprentice level, so he might not recognize who these people were. However, Aiven and Milan easily saw their essence.

They were... a group of ghouls in human form!

...

Having obtained the answers they wanted.

The gray robes on the two of them expanded like mist, enveloping their bodies and disappearing in Hawkins's dream realm.

However, in the shallow dream, the only thing that disappeared with them was a bird-like creature, while another was left by Aiven there.

In the real world at Aiven's residence, the two sitting on the sofa slowly opened their eyes, and the coffee on the table was still warm.

Aiven picked up his cup and took a gentle sip:

"Although this guy's experiences were surprisingly varied, there's indeed nothing wrong with him. Most importantly, his capability is outstanding and his potential huge, making him suitable as my proxy."

"It's your business; you make the call.

But according to the divination result, with the star reversed, he should make a good assistant."

Across from him, Milan was quickly switching through a set of Tarot cards, giving his divination result from the perspective of a Prophet.

Before this, because of the rapid rise,

the only civilian department under Aiven was the command room of the privateer fleet, serving as the command center, and also where he maintained the strictest control.

Since the command room inevitably had to exercise the privileges enjoyed by the privateer fleet, managing the core secrets of the fleet.

Although most people there didn't know the true identity of the "White Knight," they all knew that the leader certainly had immense influence and deep connections with the Tulip officialdom.

On the day he returned from the Far Sails Territory, Aiven had already removed sensitive parts from the draft for the establishment of the Mercury Trading Company and handed it to the civilian staff in the command room for them to help him refine it.

In a business cooperation of this level, after the main intentions of both parties are agreed upon, countless details still need to be revised one by one.

Otherwise, when it comes to the specific execution of the project, it would inevitably face endless wrangling and delays, destroying the friendship and rapport that had been painstakingly established between both parties.

It would be better to finalize the details before truly concluding the contract, ensuring a smooth and orderly cooperation in the future.

And with no available personnel at hand, Aiven could only hand the draft using Party A and Party B as placeholders to his command room.

The civilian personnel who joined the privateer fleet were obviously not the kind of people who played by the rules.

Although carefully selected, there were also accountants who cooked the books, office clerks who had beaten up their bosses, bankrupt businessmen, and various other "talents" from different sectors.

If they truly were outstandingly talented individuals, they wouldn't have ended up here under the privateer fleet. After all, this place is not for banks, financial groups, commerce associations... places where business talents should go.

For most of them, the extent of their abilities was likely managing the 2,000 plus strong "Dragon Cavalry Pirate Gang."

So it was imaginable that even with the commander's personal orders, they found themselves at a loss with this kind of draft.

But when they were just about to suggest the commander find someone more skilled, there was a turning point.

The draft was picked up by Hawkins, who had just joined the "Dragon Cavalry Pirate Gang" not long ago, and was promoted to the command room because of his literacy and arithmetic skills, and he easily streamlined it line by line.

Board members, policy management plans, executing personnel, business scope, rights and obligations of both parties, composition of the management team, office location...

He came up with a detailed plan in just one day, even offering targeted suggestions for areas where he was unfamiliar with the actual situation.

Although such commercial cooperation was far from as complex as those in modern societies with prosperous businesses, being able to easily organize such documents was impressive enough, certainly not inferior to the staff team of a marquis.

Such a talent, of course, caught Aiven's attention first thing, hence the previous probing in the dream realm.

Adding one more point this time, that former employees familiar with White Egret Commerce Association's internal affairs were a plus, Aiven had already made up his mind.

...

Early the next morning.

The freshly awakened Hawkins was urgently summoned to the captain's office.

However, carefully tidied up and delighted, as he briskly walked into the office, thinking he'd finally meet his idol, Hawkins.

Didn't see the expected White Knight, but rather another celebrity renowned throughout the Tulip countries waiting for him in the room, a person who by rights should never appear here!

At first sight, Hawkins almost lost strength in his legs and fell limp to the ground out of sheer surprise.

For there stood a tall, young navy officer holding a gilt command saber and wearing a neatly pressed Brigadier General uniform.

Just standing there simply, focusing his eyes over, gave Hawkins a mountain-like immense pressure.

Although Hawkins had never seen the young Brigadier General, during this time, practically every official newspaper and even tabloids within the alliance were flooded with news about this lord.

This was the Tulip Alliance's youngest Rear Admiral, originating from his home country Ilya yet belonging to the Phaletis Kingdom's Military Department—General Aiven Galliot!

Recalling being summoned yet finding no sign of the White Knight, being extremely intelligent, Hawkins instantly grasped the truth.

"Could it be..."

Subsequently, the excited Hawkins forced himself to stay calm and heard from the lord's mouth words as pleasing as heavenly music found only in dreams:

"Mr. Hawkins, as Baron Galliot, Divine Favored Knight, Kingdom Brigadier General, Deputy Commander of the Kingdom's Garrison in the New Continent, and Commander of the 'Dragon Cavalry' Privateer Fleet, I invite you..."

"I am willing, Your Excellency, I am willing to do anything!"

Hawkins was already full of excitement, kneeling on one knee and bowing his head low.

Initially coming to make a name for himself and stand out, Hawkins joined the "Dragon Cavalry Pirate Gang," now at its height of fame with the Tulip privateering license.

Aside from the idol factor, of course, it was to rapidly make his first fortune.

With which, using his wits, he planned to join in the thriving tide of industry and commerce.

When the highly intelligent Hawkins realized that the much-admired White Knight turned out to be that same youngest Rear Admiral of Tulip, something clicked instantly.

For every merchant, this was a dream opportunity; even if it took every effort, clutching this gentleman's coattails was essentially a guaranteed entry ticket.

It was at this very moment that Aiven decided to include such talent in the Galliot family after the dream realm exploration.

"Mr. Hawkins, by the authority of Baron Galliot, Divine Favored Knight, I invite you to be my agent," Aiven pronounced.

"I am willing, sir, I'll do anything!"

Hawkins responded loudly as he stood there, his mind racing at the mention of that title.

Now having been brought into the fold by this esteemed Lord Galliot, a previous commoner like himself could finally hope for some standing rather than being trampled upon and looked down upon.

A third option has opened up for Hawkins, a chance that every businessman dreams of achieving, even if it means betting everything he has.

"Excellent, from now on, you are part of the Galliot family," Aiven declared, sealing Hawkins's new fate.

And with a great and almost reverent fervor, Hawkins proclaimed:

"I accept, Your Excellency. Whatever you want, I accept!"

```

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