Read Novel Full Chapter 940: Interview II
Chapter 940: Interview II
CH0940 Interview II
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“I checked over our finances, Haggleworth. You didn’t tell me we were currently tight on liquid funds across the company. I was under the impression that it was only the funds I gave you in my name that were tied up,” he said, almost admonishingly.
“The company is not in any major trouble, Young Master Alex. As you know, one of the advantages the Palace has going for it is that we gain liquid funds quickly, while our liquid operational costs are quite minimal in comparison.
“While the books look tight now, things will be quite different in a week or two,” Haggleworth explained.
“That might be the case at our current running costs, but I am currently putting plans in place to grow my domain here and preparing to return to my Plane. Since you didn’t inform me beforehand, I had planned to draw from the company—something which would have severely depleted the available liquidity,” Alex replied with furrowed eyebrows.
“Forgive me, Palace Master. This was narrow thinking on my part.” Haggleworth bowed.
“That doesn’t matter anymore.” Alex waved his hands dismissively. “Henceforth, you can only use my personal funds for my private projects. Let the Palace’s coffers recover.”
“But that would slow down many of your plans and projects,” Haggleworth argued.
“Don’t worry about that. I just said it, didn’t I? I have a plan.” Alex smiled mysteriously.
Haggleworth and Eleanore’s eyes lit up.
“Quickly, Palace Master, what is this brilliant plan of yours?” Haggleworth asked excitedly.
A notebook and a pen quickly appeared in his hands as he readied himself to take notes.
“Essentially, since we don’t have the funds, we will get others to pay for it for us while also generously giving us important assets,” Alex said.
“Why would anyone do that?” Haggleworth asked.
“Oh, because we will be giving them what they want—something that their greed won’t allow them to turn down,” Alex replied.
He went on to explain the plan to Eleanore and Haggleworth.
While the plan indeed sounded impressive, that was only if everything went according to plan.
“Are you sure you want to take this risk? You will be giving up the advantage that the Golden Palace has,” Eleanore said cautiously.
“No, I will only be giving up the illusion of that. In reality, control will remain firmly with the Golden Palace. They will just be unknowingly helping us spread our influence.
“Even if a few of them figure something out, they won’t be able to stop anything. On the surface, the plan is simply too good to refuse. We won’t lose much. We will simply be stepping back some steps so that we can see and swallow the entire mile,” Alex replied with a smile.
“I support this plan,” Haggleworth said. “If for nothing else, it is time the Palace Master had a clear identity of repute. It will actually do more harm if he doesn’t reveal anything on the surface.”
“He is right, Eleanore. There is no such thing as perfect concealment. There will always be traces, especially since there will be more eyes on me than before.
“It is best I cast out a light of my own accord—a light that would blind them and cast a shadow big enough to veil the hands that are truly important to me,” Alex agreed.
“Besides, this is not only about the Golden Palace. This is for Orion and my personal power as well.”
After hearing Alex say this, Eleanore relented.
“Once the interview ends, I will speak with Sis Zora and Udara. We’ll help in whatever way we can from our end,” she said. “But in the meantime, I need you for the interview.”
“Interview? Why? I thought you called me in to observe?” Alex asked.
“Yes, to observe who is suitable and faithful enough for our domain. You are the domain lord, after all.” Eleanore replied with a wink.
Alex soon understood what she actually needed from him, causing him to smile wryly.
Alex, Eleanore and Haggleworth returned to the main room where the interviews were taking place.
Eleanore and Haggleworth quietly joined the interview panel while Alex took an observer’s seat to the side.
After every interview with a prospect, Eleanore would turn to Alex as if seeking his approval, much to the chagrin of Grand Mage Taman’s subordinates.
They could no longer hide their displeasure when Alex unilaterally turned down a prospect whom the entire panel, including Grand Mage Taman, had approved.
In fact, based on background, ability and performance during the interview, this candidate would have been the best recruit so far. However, Alex had turned them down.
Grand Mage Taman’s subordinates felt undervalued by Alex’s antics.
Each of them was a reputable Tier IV Master Alchemist. Appearing for this kind of interview was them giving face to Grand Mage Taman and Imperial Princess Eleanore. They didn’t expect their decision to be overturned by a mere Earl’s son simply because he was the Princess’s consort.
“What are you fuming about?” Grand Mage Taman banged the table when he saw their antics after the prospect left.
“This is an interview held by Lady Eleanore and her husband. They are the ones who will employ and pay the recruits, so of course they have the final say on who is accepted or not.
“Have you forgotten that your role as interviewers is only to make recommendations?”
The Grand Mage looked genuinely pissed.
“Forgive them on my account, Young Master Alex. They’ve sat high for so long that they have forgotten their place!” Grand Mage Taman apologised.
He threw the two interviewers warning glares, causing them to bow their heads in embarrassment.
“I don’t mind, Sir Taman. I can understand how they feel. It’s just that I don’t have a choice. I have to pick who I feel would be a good match for our House and domain, regardless of their qualifications.
“No matter how qualified a person is, if their personality, character and allegiance aren’t a match for our domain, then there’s no point in keeping them. I am only making sure neither side wastes their time,” Alex explained.
“Young Master Alex is wise.” Grand Mage Taman gave a courteous bow.
“Sir Taman is too kind. You flatter me,” Alex replied, responding in kind.
What Grand Mage Taman didn’t know was that Alex was using his Truth-Seeker’s Spirit Sights Lv. 2 ability to detect each interviewee’s negative emotions towards him and his House.
While it wasn’t a surefire method of proving their allegiance, it significantly reduced the risk of moles being planted around him and/or his wives—or within his domain.
Once the interviews finished closer to evening, Alex didn’t return to his residence in the Enclave’s main tower. Instead, he left Eleanore behind and headed out to meet with Grand Shaman Agrut and Grandmaster Sinla Ironhost.
He didn’t spend long with the Brownskin Orcs, mostly just enough to thank them for allowing Mordor to accompany his expedition and to speak a few words about Mordor’s growth along his chosen path.
On the other hand, he spent a long time at the Ironhost residence.
After revealing some stories about Sugud’s time on the expedition—many of them embarrassing—Alex had a lengthy conversation with the family of three about their future.
This was especially the case with Grandmaster Ironhost, as Sinla had an important role in the earlier plan he had shared with Haggleworth and Eleanore.
Alex left the residence feeling content, as at least his most important goals had been met.
And with this, his key dealings at the DragonHold Enclave had been concluded. Whatever was left was just a matter of time.
With time being the exact thing he was severely short on, Alex didn’t spend much longer than he needed to at the Enclave.
Since what needed to be done was already in motion, Alex left Enclave City with his wives—and unwilling Beast Companions—as he returned to the Fury Lands once more.
It was time to visit his territory and plot against old enemies.
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