Chapter 146: The Heir to the King of Schemes

"Lord Li De, about the points system you mentioned to me before—perhaps we can implement it in the Mysterious Shop." On the third floor of the Crimson Mage Tower, Li De was flipping through a magic book while Isha meditated nearby. Vina, clad in her blue mage robe, stood before the rectangular desk made of blue-heart maple wood, her radiant smile lighting up the room. This was already the second day since Vina had successfully negotiated partnerships with five major merchant guilds in Green City. Intrigued, Li De closed the leather-bound Secrets of Magic and fixed his gaze on Vina with burning interest. "What do you mean? Do you have any ideas?" After the recent successful negotiations with other merchant guilds, Li De was extremely satisfied with his little maid. Vina smiled lightly. "Lord Li De, the Mysterious Shop has already drawn significant attention from adventurers over the past few days. During this time, many people have approached us with magical materials hoping to exchange them for magic scrolls. However, due to the unequal value, we declined those trades." Li De nodded, placing the gray-covered book on the desk, signaling for the girl to continue. "The Mysterious Shop should position itself as a comprehensive, high-tier establishment—a shop that can rival even the largest merchant guilds. Selling only magic scrolls would be an incredible waste of resources. As you’ve taught me, resources are scarce, and every resource must be utilized to its fullest potential. Now that the Mysterious Shop has the means, and magic scrolls bring in a steady flow of customers, we cannot afford to waste these resources." A flicker of confidence gleamed in Vina’s eyes. "We have a vast supply of magic scrolls, ensuring our dominance in Green City. Affordable magic scrolls will secure a steady stream of customers, and with just a bit of effort, we can generate even greater profits." "For example?" Li De was intrigued by this glowing girl. He wanted to hear how much her thinking had evolved under his long-term guidance. "First, we can create a special section dedicated to purchasing magical materials. We can also post our material needs as quests. Second, we can sell high-value weapons or armor alongside the scrolls. Third, we can offer..." Vina spoke nonstop for half a sun-hour, presenting a complete operational model filled with innovative ideas that left Li De deeply impressed. "But how can you ensure mercenaries will keep coming to the Crimson Mage Tower to make purchases? And how can we guarantee they’ll sell the magical items they hunt back to us?" Li De asked the most critical question after Vina finished speaking. Though the Crimson Mage Tower’s magic scrolls were affordable, Green City wasn’t without competition—they weren’t the only option. "Of course, it’s the point system you mentioned!" Vina’s eyes sparkled like stars. "Points?" Li De feigned ignorance. "Absolutely. We can set up a system where customers earn points for every transaction above a certain amount in Gold Pucks. These points can grant various privileges. For instance, design two exceptionally powerful products at slightly lower prices that are exclusive to customers with points and not available for public sale. For instance, offer discounts on limited quantities of magic scrolls for customers who reach a certain point threshold. For instance, allow customers to exchange points for rare items like Mana-Infused Blood. For instance, open up a limited number of apprentice slots; anyone who reaches a certain point threshold can send their children to study magic in the mage tower. For instance, allow customers with sufficient points to hire mages from the tower for non-dangerous tasks. For instance, enchant magical equipment exclusively for customers with a certain number of points. For instance..." Vina’s torrent of ideas left Li De dumbfounded. He now felt that the title "King of Schemes" might need to be passed on. Her business acumen was extraordinary, and she had thought of things he hadn’t considered, such as allowing customers with points to hire mages from the Crimson Mage Tower or enchanting equipment. These strategies were brilliant, and each one was highly feasible. Without exaggeration, if Vina’s plans were implemented step by step, the Mysterious Shop would quickly become the most popular magic shop in Green City—no contest. "Vina, arrange all this yourself. Go ahead and take charge—I trust you." Li De smiled in satisfaction. Since Vina had her own ideas, he would simply delegate authority to her. Receiving Li De’s approval, Vina’s face lit up with a broad smile. Over this period, managing the Crimson Mage Tower had honed her into a capable and efficient individual. Combined with her exquisite features, she had grown increasingly striking and captivating. "Yes, Lord Li De. Vina won’t disappoint you." After Vina left the study, little Isha, who had been meditating quietly, opened her eyes and whispered softly, "Teacher, Sister Vina is amazing." Li De chuckled, pinching the little girl’s cheek. "You always know so much." Isha stuck out her tongue and closed her eyes, returning to meditation. Looking at her delicate and exquisite face, Li De felt an inexplicable sense of accomplishment. No wonder raising someone could be so satisfying—it was irresistible. Glancing at the empty doorway of the study, he stroked his chin thoughtfully. Perhaps raising a business queen wasn’t so bad either. Ah, the life of the Vampire Progenitor was always so boring and monotonous. Recently, as the Crimson Mage Tower expanded its territory, a large surrounding area had come under its control. To better manage the growing magic factory and Mysterious Shop, Vina had repurposed a three-story building near the mage tower as an office. "Miss Vina." "Vina." Upon arriving on the third floor, more than ten young mage apprentices working diligently rose to greet the calm and composed Vina. "Cohen, Kelly, come with me." The two called immediately stood and followed the elegant Vina into the office. Her graceful figure, accentuated by her flowing blue mage robe, exuded an indescribable charm. Behind her, Kelly’s eyes brimmed with envy. Only a girl like Miss Vina could win Lord Li De’s favor. Vina’s office was a simple, clean room. Aside from the desk and chair by the window, there were no other decorations. Once seated, Vina’s gem-like blue eyes calmly surveyed the two. "How’s the task I assigned you last time progressing?" Only in front of Li De did Vina act like the soft and adorable maid. To everyone else in the Crimson Mage Tower, she was the cool and collected manager. Especially during this period when Li De was absent, and Vina was managing the entire Crimson Mage Tower. In the eyes of these mage apprentices, Vina was even more intimidating than Li De. At least Lord Li De rarely lost his temper with them. "Vina, I’ve contacted the dwarf craftsmen. However, they insist on charging an extra Gold Puck per weapon to prioritize our orders." Cohen quickly responded. Just months ago, their statuses seemed equal—he, Vina, and Karu were the three most talented mage apprentices in the Crimson Mage Tower. But over the past six months, the situation within the Crimson Mage Tower had changed drastically. Karu, bold enough to be the first to pledge a soul contract to Lord Li De, had risen rapidly and was now the first factory manager of the magic workshop. And Vina, Lord Li De’s maid, had become even more extraordinary. Now, in Li De’s absence, she was fully responsible for running the Crimson Mage Tower. Only Cohen, who could have kept pace, had fallen behind everyone due to a single choice. Thus, to catch up with Karu, Cohen had been working tirelessly. This negotiation with the dwarven weapon shop was a great opportunity, but those stubborn dwarves were giving him a headache. "One Gold Puck it is. Let’s settle on that. We don’t need to worry about these minor details right now. Lord Li De has approved my ideas and entrusted me with full responsibility for the Mysterious Shop. So, the point system I discussed with you last time needs to be prioritized again. Karu, continue handling the dwarf weapon matter. Ensure the dwarves prioritize cooperation with the Crimson Mage Tower. Kelly, you’re in charge of the point cards. Each card must be duplicated, and ensure no two cards share the same serial number. Points will be crucial for the Mysterious Shop’s future—there must be no errors." Vina’s delicate face carried a serious expression, her gaze unwavering. The Mysterious Shop was entrusted to her by Lord Li De, and she was determined to manage it well. She didn’t want to see disappointment in Li De’s eyes. "Yes, Miss Vina." "Yes, Lady Vina." After the two left, Vina stood and walked to the glass window. From here, she could see the study window on the third floor of the Crimson Mage Tower. With no outsiders present, the girl’s eyes overflowed with deep admiration as she stared intently at the Crimson Mage Tower. Li De had occasionally mentioned the use and functions of the point system to her. Though not detailed, it had inspired her greatly. She keenly sensed that this system might be the key to the rapid development of the Crimson Mage Tower in the future. She was confident she could lead the Mysterious Shop to become the premier establishment in Green City. In fact, simply having a large supply of magic scrolls for sale already placed the Mysterious Shop in an unbeatable position. But Vina wasn’t content to stop there—the partnership with several major merchant guilds was part of her ambition. In her heart, Li De was her everything, and she wanted to do more for him.