"What do you mean by being self-sufficient?" Izark asked, raising an eyebrow as he settled deeper into his plush chair, the afternoon light casting a golden hue across his stern features.

  "That's precisely what I mean." Zain replied, his voice firm yet filled with youthful enthusiasm. "We will gain enough supply of food, weapons, and other resources so that we won't have to depend on others."

  Izark's brow furrowed further, a mixture of skepticism and curiosity playing across his face. "And how are we going to do that?" he interrupted, his tone sharper than he intended.

  "Just let me finish." Zain said, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice. He straightened his back, his eyes gleaming with determination.

  Zain had spent countless hours devising a comprehensive plan. He knew that the survival and growth of their Dukedom hinged on two key elements: wealth and talent. These were the pillars of his strategy, the foundation upon which he intended to build a brighter future. The plan encompassed several phases, each meticulously thought out to ensure their independence from external powers. This included gaining control over independent markets and organizations within their territory, allowing them to master their economy completely.

  As Izark listened, he became more engrossed in his thoughts, his mind racing through the numerous possible outcomes of Zain's proposal. He weighed the potential risks and rewards, the benefits and drawbacks. Finally, after a long pause, he asked, "What do you need?"

  A triumphant smile spread across Zain's face. He hadn't expected it to go this smoothly. After all, he was still just a child in the eyes of many, and convincing anyone to take him seriously in matters of such magnitude was no small feat. Yet, there was a glimmer of hope in Izark's eye, a belief that there was something truly extraordinary about his son.

  "I need full authority to make major decisions." Zain stated confidently. "Of course, it will be in your name, but I also need five million gold coins. Though more would be ideal, this will suffice for now."

  Zain looked at Izark with wide, pleading eyes, reminiscent of a child asking for a toy. But Izark knew that the amount he was requesting was no small sum; it was a fortune comparable to a baron's lifetime of amassed wealth. Granting Zain the authority to make decisions was a minor concern—he could always rein him in if necessary. However, the substantial financial request was a different matter entirely. Izark rubbed his temple, deep in thought, contemplating the best course of action.

  "Zain, look, I'm giving you a chance." Izark said finally, his voice filled with a mixture of caution and trust. "It depends on you how you will use it. I don't know why I am doing this, but you give me a feeling that you will surprise me."

  "Don't worry, I won't let you down." Zain assured him, his voice brimming with confidence. "I need an assistant as well as a guard who can help me."

  "Young master, if you're looking for an assistant, then my son Chris can help you with it." Morris interjected, his voice hopeful as he tried to gain favor for his son. He believed that his young master had a bright future ahead of him and wanted Chris to be a part of it.

  Izark nodded thoughtfully and then summoned one of his personal knights. Shortly thereafter, a beautiful lady entered the room. She was elegantly dressed, her attire accentuating her well-developed figure. Her beauty was such that she could easily outshine many ladies of noble households. She bowed gracefully to Izark and then turned to Zain, offering him her most innocent smile. But Zain merely nodded in acknowledgment, his mind already racing with plans.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  This behavior stung the lady's pride. Many noble lords would have been captivated by her presence, their eyes lingering on her form. She didn't particularly enjoy their lecherous behavior, but Zain's lack of interest was a new and surprising slight. Normally, when people saw her for the first time, they couldn't take their eyes off her.

  Even Izark and Morris were slightly taken aback. They knew how the younger generation typically behaved in matters of the heart and beauty. Despite Zain being twelve years old, his physical development was akin to that of an eighteen-year-old. He had read enough poems and tales to understand these 'things' but he showed no interest.

  "What happened?" Zain asked, noticing the unusual dynamic.

  "Huh... no, nothing." Izark replied, his focus unbroken. "Meet Raina. She is a mage under me. She will be your protector from today on. Do either of you have any objections?"

  "No, father." Zain responded, his tone respectful but firm.

  "No, my lord." Raina echoed, her voice steady.

  "Then that's settled. You have ten months to show me good results." Izark declared, his tone carrying a mix of challenge and encouragement.

  "Got it. Miss Raina, please meet me in my room an hour from now and bring along Chris with you as well. And yes, I need to know about good empty plots of land for setting up a winery. I will be there; you can go first. I still have some things to discuss with my father."

  Raina first looked at Izark, seeking his approval. When he nodded, she bowed and left the room, her steps light and graceful.

  "My beloved father." Zain began, his tone unusually polite and almost syrupy.

  "Spit it out! What do you need?" Izark demanded, recognizing his son's ploy immediately. This polite gesture was clearly a facade for another request.

  "We have still not discussed how to divide the profit." Zain said, his voice tinged with cunning.

  "Are you actually kidding me? I have already given you five million gold coins. What more can I ask for?" Izark retorted, exasperated.

  "Please let me correct that statement." Zain said, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You have invested, not given. And so I will return what you invested, and after that, we will share the profit at a ninety-ten ratio."

  Izark couldn't help but laugh at his son's audacity. "Hahaha... what a beloved child. No, I will only keep eighty, and you can have twenty percent." he said, feeling slightly touched by Zain's attempt to give him more profit. As he took another sip of wine, he noticed a strange expression on Zain's face.

  "Hey, I am taking ninety percent, you ten percent profit."

  Izark spat out the wine and coughed loudly, choking on the audacity of the suggestion. "What crap are you spouting? I paid for the investment first-hand. This is daylight robbery."

  Tears started flowing from Zain's eyes like a cascading waterfall, his voice breaking as he spoke. "You... you don't love... sob... sniff... even though I did all that research for the family. But... you... sniff... are mad at... me."

  Seeing his son cry like this, Izark's resolve softened. He thought to let go of the profit, realizing that perhaps he had been too harsh. 'I shouldn't be so hard. He is just a kid. And the money will also remain in our family, so no loss.'

  "Okay, okay, I will give you forty percent at most." Izark conceded, his voice gentle.

  "Sob... really?" Zain asked, his eyes wide with hope.

  "Yes, I give you my word." Izark affirmed.

  "Haha... fantastic!" Zain's attitude changed instantly, his tears vanishing as quickly as they had appeared. Both Izark and Morris were left baffled by his sudden shift in demeanor. It was the first time they had seen this side of him.

  "Zain!!" Izark exclaimed, a mix of frustration and amusement in his voice.

  "Calm down, father. You already gave your word. But I will cut you some slack. For the coming years' development, I will pay. Happy now?" Zain said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

  Izark didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Here he was, a Duke and a terrifying one at that, being outwitted by a twelve-year-old. But when he thought deeply, he realized that if Zain's plan even partially succeeded, the profit would be immense. So, he swallowed his anger and started discussing other details about sales and logistics.

  After the intense discussion, Zain left for his room, eager to meet his new guardian and assistant to finalize and execute his ambitious plans.