Card Apprentice Daily Log

Date- 29 Mar 2321

Time- 15:07

Location- Sky Blossom City, Guild Association Mall, Warehouse no. 234.

"Are you for real? Keeping aside the mind-nubbing skill description of these cards, they have near-perfect durability and star rating. These stats are outrageous. And not to mention, is it even possible to create cards of this kind?" Diana asked in bafflement. The more she looked at the cards, the more disbelief she felt despite the cards being right in her hands. 

"It is possible. These cards are not created using the average method. They are created using runes. They are a lot more powerful and more reliable than the normal cards." I was enjoying the dumbfounded, speechless look on Diana. So I really enjoyed bombarding her with another piece of news. 

"What! Are these cards really forged using runes? Fock! No wonder their stats and skills are so overpowered. And why did you create these many cards? Are you planning on selling them? If yes, Fine Gold will buy them. Quote your price." Diana already knew about me using rule power from my fights in the tournament. But she did not realize that my mastery of rules and runes had reached the level of creating rare A-rank cards. Therefore when I disclosed that these cards were created using runes, she was caught off guard. But that did not stop her from thinking of gaining a bargain by buying the cards from me directly. 

"Considering the people with gold grimoire in your organization, I think those ten cards that I gave you should be enough, right?" Rare A-rank cards were powerful, but not all could utilize their power, especially those without a golden or higher grade grimoire. Therefore, I was surprised to see Diana trying to procure more A-rank cards when ten I gifted to her should be enough for her and her subordinates. 

"Don't underestimate Fine Gold. Ten of these cards are not enough for us. Also, if you realize such a large quantity of A-rank cards in the market, they cannot fetch the highest price. So I plan to buy them from you and slowly sell them one by one in different city auctions. That way, I can earn huge profits over the years despite giving a massive fortune to you to acquire these cards from you right now." Diana explained how she planned to make profits from the cards I made. Unfortunately for her, I did not plan on selling these cards as I had plans for them. 

"Nope, these cards are not for sale. You are already lucky to get those ten cards. I hope these cards will help you when you make your decision." I reminded Diana of the intended purpose behind the reason why I had gifted her ten rare A-rank Ogre Blood Totem cards. 

"..." Diana clearly understood what I meant with my statement. The shock from the Ogre blood totem cards had sobered her from the fact that I was asking for major shares in her company. Diana finally started to weigh what Fine Gold could bring to the table for her to retort my proposal. After deep contemplation, she realized that Fine Gold held no value for me whatsoever. What it could provide other companies could offer the same. Wealth? With the patent of the silver milk powder, I would not lack money as I would become the second richest person in the southern region after the Heatsend royal family. 

Apart from the fact that she was first to realize the game Heatsend Royal family was playing and that she could help Elliott in the battle secession right away, there was nothing else Fine Gold brought to the table. She started to question herself whether it was even necessary for someone with my wealth to covet her measly company. Then it became clear to her that if it were not her who dared to ask to invest, her company would not even have entered my eyes.

 "..." Seeing Diana in deep contemplation, I knew that the ten cards were doing their job perfectly. But it was clear that Diana's attachment with the company was greater if I wanted to get it than I would have to persuade her further. 

Why was I after Fine Gold? Well, this was the first step to subjugating Diana. To become a world power having enough strength was not enough. I needed to have a large force under me. To build this force, I had started laying the foundation with the TSR guild, Tiger squadron and next on the list had to be somebody, so I added Fine Gold to the list valuing Diana. 

Originally I planned to let Susan take over the TSR guild and other activities in sky blossom city. Since she was coming with me to the central academic city, I needed somebody more capable of handling things here in my absence. Leaving it to my Calamity daughter Core was not an option. Because no matter how strong and loyal they were, they were followers, not leaders. I wanted an ambitious leader who could grow even without my presence. And Diana fit the bill perfectly. 

With her in charge, supported by my resources, she could lead Fine Gold to take over the merchant market in the southern region within a year. Despite being constantly monitored by Circle and having her workforce shortened so that the circle would not think she was building an army, Diana was able to establish Fine Gold's main branches in twelve different cities and grow to the current state. So I cannot imagine what she can achieve when she is given free rein, adequate resources, and has my support. I bet fine gold would grow at a pace even I can't predict. 

"Diana, you do not have to give me an answer now. I will give you a week's worth of time. Think properly and make your choice. And during this period, keep your eye open for the news on Sun Blossom City. I bet it will help you in your decision-making." 

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