CH293 Return II

***

"Yes, of course!" Alex nodded. "But I wish you had told me before allocating funds for the construction."

He gestured lightly as he explained, "The Enclave owns the land. You could have rented it out to businesses willing to pay. They would build the residences themselves while the Enclave collects easy coin. And if they broke the Enclave's rules, you could simply kick them out and seize the buildings for yourselves."

Alex paused briefly before adding, "Still, it's not all bad. Handling the construction yourselves means you'll retain far more control over the place."

"Are residences the only thing you've planned for that land?" he asked.

"Yes." Pinchcoin nodded firmly.

"No, that won't do." Alex shook his head. "You need to issue licenses to businesses. In the months I've been away, I've realised something: products from the Enclave that we see as normal—or even low tier—are considered high quality outside. Items like basic potions, artefacts, or inscribed rune scrolls made by low-ranking craftsmen, which are left rotting here with no buyers, could easily be sold in bulk to the outsiders attending the auction."

He continued, his tone carried on effortlessly magnetically.

"All the Enclave's lower-tier craftsmen who struggle to find buyers should be able to purchase licenses from the finance department to sell their products in designated stalls at the auction grounds. Meanwhile, higher-tier craftsmen, whose wares might not qualify for the main auction, could purchase licenses for proper shops closer to the auction house itself."

"As usual, the Enclave would take a small percentage of their earnings as sales tax."

Alex's eyes glinted as he pressed on. "This way, not only would we squeeze more revenue from the auction attendees, but we'd also stimulate the Enclave's economy by creating a new and continuous inflow of wealth."

His tone sharpened with ambition. "If the Enclave is willing to coordinate with the Palace, we could turn that land into an economic hub of the empire—maybe even the continent itself—where quality goods are traded. We don't even need the goods to be physically present. Agreements can be struck here, and deliveries made later. That would require strong legal and magical assurances, but it's well within the Enclave's capabilities."

Alex didn't forget to tie in a offline template of his Online stores idea which sort to make the most of the Golden Palace's widening logistic network.

At some point, Pinchcoin's familiar notebook had appeared in his hands, and he was already scribbling furiously. He could practically see the mountains of coin Alex's suggestions would generate.

'As expected… he truly is a golden goose of coin,' the gnome thought with dogmatic fervour.

"Alternatively," Alex continued smoothly, "or even in addition, you could introduce fees for entering the land—or perhaps even the Enclave itself—during the event, depending on how petty you wish to be. Then, to stir appetite in the market, add a clause: anyone who purchases goods worth X amount of gold coins from the Enclave or licensed partners will receive limited or even free entry in and out of the area for a set time."

He smiled knowingly. "This way, you won't just profit from the entry fee; you'll drive sales as well. Most people would rather buy goods than waste coin paying for entry."

Pinchcoin's eyes lit up further—if that was even possible. He was exactly the sort of shameless, petty soul who could implement such a scheme without blinking.

Besides, he already had a reputation. Across the empire, he was infamous as a money-grubber. If such a policy were enacted, the world would lay the blame squarely at his feet, and not the Enclave. But what did that matter? His name was already smeared with gold and greed. A little more infamy meant nothing.

As they walked, Alex and Pinchcoin volleyed ideas back and forth. Alex drew from methods he'd seen in the governments of popular entertainment cities in his past life, subtle ways to ensure tourists left behind their wealth during their travels, while Pinchcoin eagerly fleshed them out to fit the Enclave's reality.

By the time they arrived at the Tower Master's office, the "auction district" had transformed—at least in their minds—into a full-fledged entertainment city.

They had even struck a gentleman's agreement: the Golden Palace would take responsibility for developing the land on the Enclave's behalf.

Since both Alex and the Enclave held ownership of the Golden Palace, it was essentially a matter of moving wealth from the left hand to the right. Both parties were more than pleased.

Standing before the Tower Master's office, Alex and Pinchcoin exchanged a look—two conspirators with the same sly grin.

The gnome cleared his throat, then knocked.

"Lady Zora, it is I, Pinchcoin. I wish to speak with you."

"Come in," Zora's calm voice replied from within.

Still wearing their sly smiles, Alex and Pinchcoin stepped into the office. Udara quietly closed the door behind them.

"What do you want, Pinchcoin?" Zora asked without lifting her head from the mountain of documents before her.

But Pinchcoin didn't answer.

Woof!

Instead, Fen barked.

Shock flickered across Zora's eyes at the familiar sound. She looked up, and her gaze locked onto the adolescent snow-white wolf standing proudly before her by the side of the table –tail wagging.

"Fen! You've grown so much," she breathed, leaning forward to embrace the wolf's thick neck.

Her heart skipped. 'Wait… if Fen is here, then…'

Her eyes searched the room—and found him. The youth who, like Fen, had matured much since the last time she had seen him. Taller now, stronger, with his presence sharper, yet undeniably familiar.

Zora rose from the Tower Master's seat almost on instinct, her composure slipping. Before she realised it, she had thrown herself—uncharacteristically—into his arms.

It was often said that distance deepens longing between true lovers. Zora, the so-called Ice Queen, a phoenix amongst women, had never imagined herself leaping into any man's embrace. And yet… here she was.

Though they had spoken every day over their rune phones, though she knew nearly everything about him—even things he himself had yet to realise—she still missed him. Still pined for him.

A wry sigh echoed in her mind as she steadied herself. She couldn't quite believe it. The boy she had once treated as a little brother… the innocent youth whose hair she used to ruffle without thought… was gone.

In his place stood a devilishly handsome young man, already taller than her, who—whether she liked it or not—pulled at the strings of her heart.

Alex, too, was caught off guard when Zora threw herself into his embrace. But the warmth of it told him all he needed to know: he had long since carved a place in her heart.

That unconscious action confirmed it—with her, he had a home. With a teasing smile curving his lips, he murmured,

"I'm back."

Zora tilted her face up to his, catching the playful gleam in his eyes. Her cheeks warmed, but she was no simple woman to let herself be toyed with.

With a sudden motion, she pulled his head to her chest. While ruffling his hair against her bosom, she replied coolly,

"Welcome back."

***

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